Natchez in the Fall

Don’t miss your chance to experience two anticipated events in beautiful Natchez, Mississippi

Words by Paige Townley

Nestled into the southwest corner of Mississippi, Natchez is known for its history and culture. The city—one of the oldest continuous settlements on the Mississippi River—is home to more historic structures than any other location in the country, and it continues to shares its one-of-a-kind story with two annual events coming up this fall that allow visitors to experience its historical attractions in the most unique of ways: Angels on the Bluff and Allumer Natchez.

Angels on the Bluff

The Natchez City Cemetery is one of the oldest burial grounds in the United States, and it’s put on full display each year with Angels on the Bluff. Angels on the Bluff is a unique and elaborate production hosted at the Cemetery and features iconic Natchez personalities buried within the cemetery. Portraying those special personalities are local citizens—and even sometimes their descendants—in complete period attire during candlelight tours. The enchanting storytelling and musical tributes entertain and inform guests about the lives—and, of course, the deaths—of some of Natchez’s oldest residents, with each story sharing the history, romance, tragedy, and even mystery surrounding them.

Allumer Natchez

Allumer Natchez is one Mississippi’s only light-based exhibitions and festivals, and it draws visitors from around the country to the grounds of Dunleigh Historic Inn for a free, once a year event centered around lights. The contemporary art exhibition features nine illuminated installations using projectors and various light mediums to transform the way guests view the National Historic Landmark. Local and national artists produce show-stopping exhibits, including Miami native and New Orleans based artist Cristina Molina and Baton Rouge-based artist John E. Gray, who returns the event again this year with a spectacular 3D mapped projection on the main house at Dunleith. A heavily anticipated highlight of Allumer Natchez this year is the interactive “Wishing Tree” community project that will take place under the boughs of the landmark’s 300-year-old magnolia and include a flash mob of illuminated dancing butterflies from the Natchez Ballet Academy.

In addition to the light-based exhibitions and ballet dancers, the event will include a Maker’s Market featuring regional arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, bars, and even a light up cotton candy booth.

Angels on the Bluff will be held November 3-5 and 10-12. Allumer Natchez will be held November 11-12. To purchase tickets for Angels on the Bluff, visit https://bit.ly/3zxtWdI. For more information on Allumer Natchez and to purchase VIP tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3qL70Ui.