At the end of 2026, Mississippi is marking two anniversaries that say a great deal about its musical history. The Mississippi Blues Trail turns 20, while the legendary Highway 61, also known as the Blues Highway, celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Created in 2006, the Blues Trail invites travelers to cross the state in the footsteps of the artists who shaped the blues. In the Delta, the route leads through Indianola, Cleveland and Clarksdale, one of the genre’s most important landmarks. On December 11 and 12, the B.B. King Museum in Indianola will host celebrations for the Trail’s 20th anniversary, including a jam at the Historic Club Ebony bringing together several musicians connected to its history.
Highway 61 provides another thread through the journey, linking key Mississippi stops from Natchez to Clarksdale, via Vicksburg and Cleveland. A century old in 2026, the road remains inseparable from the history of the blues.
Beyond the anniversaries, these celebrations shine a new light on a musical heritage that will remain just as rewarding to explore in 2027, from Delta museums and clubs to the small towns where the blues is still very much alive.
Contact: Unique Consulting, Visit Mississippi representative in France, Charlotte Bonis, Email: charlotte@uniqueconsulting.fr
