EVENT: CARROLLTON’S PILGRIMAGE & PIONEER DAY FESTIVAL 2026

History, heritage, and hometown hospitality will take center stage during the Pilgrimage & Pioneer Day Festival, set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2–3, 2026, in historic Carrollton. The annual event combines guided tours of some of Carrollton’s most treasured churches.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students in grades 1–12. Self-guided tours of other historic buildings and a full day of Pioneer Day festivities on Saturday are also free for all ages.

The celebration begins with a special pre-Pilgrimage program on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Cotesworth Culture & Heritage Center. Dr. Timothy Smith, professor of history at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will present “U.S. Senator J. Z. George’s Impact on Washington, D.C.,” exploring the influence of one of Carrollton’s most distinguished political leaders.

The Pilgrimage, held on Friday and Saturday, features guided tours of Carrollton’s historic churches. At each stop, knowledgeable guides will share the history, architecture, and musical heritage that have made these churches an important part of Carrollton’s story.

Featured churches include:

  • Carrollton Baptist Church
  • Carrollton Methodist Church
  • Bear Marsh M.B. Church
  • Admission to the guided church tour is $25 for adults and $10 for students in grades 1–12. Pilgrimage tickets are available at Carrollton Town Hall.
  • Visitors may also enjoy free, self-guided tours of several historic buildings on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These locations allow guests to explore Carrollton’s rich history at their own pace.
    Historic buildings open for self-guided tours include:
    Merrill Museum
    Gee’s Store
    Masonic Lodge
    Carroll County Courthouse
    The Pioneer Day Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, beginning with Breakfast with the Masons at Carrollton Lodge No. 36 from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Pancakes will be served for $5 per person, and visitors will have the opportunity to tour the upstairs lodge and learn more about one of Carrollton’s oldest organizations.
    Festival activities continue throughout the day on the courthouse square. Live music begins at 9 a.m., followed by opening remarks at 9:45 a.m. A variety of musical artists will perform from 10 a.m. until noon, and the community will honor those who have served our country during a Salute to Our Veterans at 1 p.m.
    “Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, music or simply spending a weekend in one of Mississippi’s most charming small towns, the Pilgrimage & Pioneer Day Festival offers something for everyone,” said Carrollton Mayor Pam Lee. “We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate Carrollton’s rich heritage, visit our historic churches and landmarks, and enjoy a day of family-friendly entertainment.”
    Additional Pioneer Day Festival activities and entertainment will be announced as the event approaches.

For more information or to purchase Pilgrimage tickets, visit Carrollton Town Hall.

FRI., OCT. 2 & SAT. OCT. 3, 2026

Carrollton’s Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival Promises Live Music, Family Fun, Historic Interest, and More!

  • Tour Historic Churches
  • Enjoy Live Music
  • Shop Arts & Crafts
  • Visit Merrill Museum
  • Unique Exhibitions
  • Games for All Ages
  • Fabulous Food

Experience history, music, and Southern tradition at the annual Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival, happening October 2-3, 2026, in historic downtown Carrollton, Mississippi in Carroll County.

PILGRIMAGE

Friday and Saturday, October 2-3, 2 PM

This year’s Pilgrimage will feature guided tours of three historic churches

  • Carrollton Baptist Church
  • Carrollton Methodist Church
  • Bear Marsh M.B. Church

Pilgrimage sites also include the Masonic Lodge, Merrill Museum, J.J. Gee & Sons Mercantile, and Carrollton Town Hall (Pilgrimage Headquarters).

Tickets: $25 adults | $10 students (good for both days), available at Town Hall.

Tour Carrollton with Walt Grayson on the FREE “Walking Tour of Carrollton” App! Get an enhanced Pilgrimage experience and more information about sites not open for Pilgrimage tours this year! CLICK HERE

 

 

PIONEER DAY FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 3rd,  9 AM–3 PM

On Saturday, enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun on the square during the Pioneer Day Festival, featuring:
• Live music throughout the day

 • Food vendors

• Arts & Crafts

• Educational exhibits

Admission is free, but donations are encouraged and appreciated!

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or tents for shade.

While you’re downtown, stop by the Merrill Museum to experience the Carroll County Musicians Exhibit, featuring Mississippi John Hurt and Mack Allen Smith & The Flames.

 

 

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 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Any event like our Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival requires sponsors to make the event bigger and better for everyone. Thank these sponsors for their support.

  • Carroll County Board of Supervisors
  • Town of Carrollton
  • Mississippi America250
  • Spirit Transmissions
  • Entergy
  • DE Lightspeed
  • Frankie Box Charitable Trust
  • Mississippi Arts Commission
  • Mississippi Development Authority – Visit Mississippi
  • The Carroll County Conservative
  • Carroll County Development Association
  • Keep Mississippi Beautiful 
  • Greenwood Leflore Carroll Economic Development Foundation

GALLERY