Local area events for this year
WAYS TO ENJOY SUMTER COUNTY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:
Americus
- Stop by the Visitor Center for a copy of the Historic Homes Driving Tour
- Order take-out from any of our local restaurants and have a picnic at Rees Park
- Explore two historic cemeteries
- Visit the place where Charles Lindbergh took his first solo flight
- Play disc or footgolf at Americus KOA
- Take a self-guided walking tour of the Historic Windsor Hotel or Rylander Theatre
- Shop Saturday morning at Lenny’s Market (Farmers Market)
Plains
- Pick up a homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream cone from Bobby Salter’s Plain Peanuts
- Shop in the beautiful antique & boutique shops on Main Street
- Pick up take-out and have a picnic at the Plains Visitor Center
- Explore Jimmy Carter National Historical Park grounds
- Walk the streets where a former president lives!
Andersonville
- Explore Pioneer Farm and Drummer Boy Civil War Museum
- Grab take-out and head to Andersonville National Historic Site for a picnic
- Shop the local antique shops and grab some ice cream
- Visit the national cemetery and grounds of the former POW camp
Leslie/DeSoto/Cobb
- Explore the towns and stop by the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum
- Take the boat out to Lake Blackshear and relax on the water
- Take a drive down the winding roads through beautiful pecan orchards
- Head to SAM Shortline at Lake Blackshear and take a ride on the train!
2026
JUNE 2026
1-30
Carter grave site tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in summertime, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service, and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.
6, 13, 20, 27
Lenny’s Market – Americus
8 AM-NOON
Visit Lenny’s Farmers Market at 115 Hampton St. in Americus for the best in local produce. Your favorites will be there! Applications for the season are still open.
For information, call Nigel at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
6, 13, 20
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for a fun-filled trip to Plains on this “Presidential Flyer.” Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will arrive back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
6
1st Saturday Sweet Corn Ride – Americus
8 AM
At Rudy’s Happy Patch on Elm Avenue in Americus, you can join Sumter Cycling for a First Saturday Sweet Corn Ride. Guests can choose from an 8 a.m. 46-mile route to Chase Farms in Oglethorpe and back or a 10:30 a.m. start for a 23-mile or 11-mile Dairy Loop route. After the ride, receive a dozen ears of sweet corn at Rudy’s, courtesy of Chase Farm Market, or stop by Sweet Spot Baking Co. to enjoy a sweet treat, courtesy of Sumter Cycling.
For more information, call John at 706-256-2910 or 478-244-9080.
6
‘Let’s Catch A Fish’ Kid’s Fishing Day – Plains
8 AM-11 AM
Get up early on the first Saturday of the month and take the kids to Plains Welcome Center for the annual fishing day. The event begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 11 a.m. Be sure to bring your own bait and tackle. No license is required. Participants must be age 15 and under and must be accompanied by an adult. The event is sponsored by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, and Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. It is held in memory of the late Leroy Young, who was killed in a crash on April 26, 2001 at age 10. For more information, call the Plains Welcome Center, at 1763 Highway 280 W., at 229-824-7477.
8-13
Missoula Children’s Theatre – Americus
TBD
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre on Lamar Street in Americus for Missoula Children’s Theatre and “The Little Mermaid” from Monday through Saturday. All kids ages 6-18 are invited to register. Registration is open at www.rylander.org.
For complete information on hours and other details, contact Heather or Shatora at 229-931-0001.
13
Downtown Beach Party – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Downtown Americus will transform into a beach for the day! Join friends for the party, complete with real sand and summertime fun! While visiting, stop into downtown businesses to fill your beach bags with swimsuits, sunglasses , footwear, towels and more. Everything you need for the beach can be found downtown.
For more information, call Nigel Poole at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.
13
SGTC Car Show – Americus
10 AM
If you love automobiles, then South Georgia Technical College is the place to be on the second Saturday of the month! Trucks, cars, and motorcycles will be on display at 900 South Georgia Tech Parkway beginning at 10 a.m. Free food and prizes will be a highlight of the day.
For more information, call 229-931-4739 or 229-931-2394 or email pat.peacock@southgatech.edu.
14
Flag Day
20
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom – Americus
10 AM
Americus’ official eighth annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Music, food, fun and games will be highlights of the event at Rees Park on Elm Avenue. To be a vendor or for more information, call 229-410-1358.
22-26
Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy – Americus
TBD
She’s back! Visit the Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus for the return of award-winning science educator Janet Ivey and her Astronaut Academy. The immersive, multi-day STEAM and space exploration camp is for children ages 8-14. Registration is open at www.rylander.org. The camp runs Monday through Friday.
For complete information, call the theater at 229-931-0001.
27-28
Revolutionary War & The War of 1812 – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The second of Andersonville National Historic Site’s Freedom 250 commemorative events will highlight the experiences of prisoners of war during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. The event will feature living historians, black powder demonstrations, and a special Freedom 250 activity for families to enjoy as Andersonville celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
For more information, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898.
27
SAM Shortline train ride — Plains, Trains & Fireworks
6 PM
Travel aboard the SAM Shortline train from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear to President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains for Sumter County’s pre-eminent fireworks show, the weekend before the Fourth of July. Enjoy a southern-style Fourth of July celebration with kids’ activities, retail shopping, food vendors and the fireworks show at dusk. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m., and the train departs at 6 p.m. There will be a flag stop in Americus at the Americus Depot at 7:15 p.m. The train arrives in Plains at 7:45 p.m. for a two-hour layover, and departs Plains at 9:45 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
JULY 2026
1-31
Carter grave site tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in summertime, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.
4
Independence Day
Happy Independence Day!
City of Americus offices closed
4-5
Revolutionary War Soldiers – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Join Andersonville National Historic Site for an interactive day honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as park staff explores the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers and their experiences as prisoners of war.
For complete schedule information on the Saturday and Sunday events, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898 or email ande_information@nps.gov.
7
Carters’ 80th anniversary, Apt. 9-A Tour – Plains
11 AM, 1 PM
The Plains Historical Preservation Trust will offer free tours of Apt. 9-A on Pascal Street in Plains to commemorate the 80th wedding anniversary of President and Mrs. Carter. The Carters are the only couple in presidential history to reside in public housing, in the 1950s. Tours will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. only. Attendees will receive a print of downtown Plains by artist Donna Wills Mosteller, and an opportunity for free membership in the PHPT. To make reservations for a tour, call Annette at 229-824-4567.
11
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for a fun-filled trip to Plains on this “Presidential Flyer.” Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will arrive back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:30 p.m.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
18
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
Take the “Presidential Flyer” trip to Plains aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. The train departs from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for all the fun. Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will arrive back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
AUGUST 2026
1-31
Carter grave site tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in summertime, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.
18
Rosalynn Carter’s birth date anniversary – Plains
TBD
Visit Plains and learn more about the first lady and her impact around her hometown and the world on the 99th anniversary of her birth. Stroll the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail gardens and see the enormous butterfly sculpture dedicated to her on her 95th birthday in 2022.
For more information on weeklong events, call 229-928-6059 or 229-942-1711.
SEPTEMBER 2026
1-30
Carter Grave Site Tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in summertime, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.
7
Labor Day
12
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for a fun-filled trip to Plains on this “Presidential Flyer.” Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will arrive back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:30 p.m. For complete information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
18
National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Prisoners of war share common experiences. Throughout the day, park rangers at Andersonville National Historic Site will give special programs in the National Prisoner of War Museum discussing the challenges faced by POWs throughout our history, from the moment of capture, the journey to camp, living conditions, communication, privation and morale, to long-awaited freedom and homecoming. Other programs will include remembering those who wait and those who did not make it back home.
For more information on this moving Friday experience, call the main office at 229-924-0343 or Gia Wagner at 229-322-6898 or email ande_information@nps.gov.
19-20
The Korean War & Vietnam War – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The third in Andersonville National Historic Site’s Freedom 250 commemorative events will highlight the experiences of prisoners of war during the Koreana and Vietnam Wars. The event will feature living historians and a special Freedom 250 activity for visitors of all ages.
For more information on schedules, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898 or email ande_information@nps.gov.
19
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train starts at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for a fun-filled trip to Plains on this “Presidential Flyer.” Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will return to its starting point at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.
26
Plains Peanut Festival – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit Plains on the last Saturday of the month for one of Sumter County’s largest and most memorable festivals, celebrating Plains, Peanuts and a President! The day begins with a road race. The highlight is at 11 a.m. Plains Peanut Festival. Visit the presidential hometown for food, shopping, arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, and fun of all sorts.
For full details, contact Ellen Harris at 229-942-1711 or Cathy Williams at 229-938-3682.
OCTOBER 2026
1
Jimmy Carter birth date anniversary – Plains
TBA
Visit Georgia’s most famous small town of Plains to help commemorate the 102nd anniversary of former President Jimmy Carter’s birth. Special activities will be planned throughout the town. For complete details on upcoming events, contact Ellen Harris at Friends of Jimmy Carter, Inc. at 229-942-1711 or visit www.jimmycarterfriends.org, or write Friends of Jimmy Carter, Inc., P.O. Box 315, Plains, GA 31780.
1-31
Carter Grave Site Tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in fall color, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited. For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.
12
Columbus Day
17-18
Andersonville Encampment – Andersonville
10 AM-5 PM
Mark the 50th anniversary in 2026 of the famous Andersonville Encampment, formerly known as the Andersonville Fair, on the third Saturday and Sunday of the month. Two mock Civil War battles, living history with troop encampments, blacksmithing, chair caning, basket weaving and more will highlight the weekend. The event was started in 1976 by the late Peggy Sheppard, an inductee into the Americus and Sumter County Walk of Fame. To become a vendor or for full details, call Cynthia at 229-924-2558.
NOVEMBER 2026
1-30
Carter Grave Site Tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully colored in the fall, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.
7-8
World War I & World War II – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The fourth of Andersonville National Historic Site’s Freedom 250 commemorative events will highlight the experiences of prisoners of war during both World Wars. The event will feature living historians and a special Freedom 250 activity for people of all ages. Joining in will be partners from the World War II Heritage Trail in Georgia and other NPS sites.
For complete schedule details, call Superintendent Gia Wagner at 229-322-6898 or 229-924-0343.
11
Veterans Day
26
Thanksgiving Day
DECEMBER 2026
25
Christmas Day
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