This article first appeared in the April/May 2023 issue of eat. drink. MISSISSIPPI.
Three of Ridgeland’s signature events return for Art, Wine and Wheels weekend May 5-7. The Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, The MIND Center Santé South Food and Wine Festival, and the Natchez Trace Century Ride come together for a celebration of Ridgeland’s live music, outdoor, and dining offerings.
The weekend begins and ends at Renaissance at Colony Park, where Visit Ridgeland will host a Kickoff Party on Friday, May 5. The Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival first opens its booths at 3:00 and the evening concludes with a free concert at 6:30 p.m.
The Natchez Trace Century Ride rolls on Saturday, May 6 from Old Trace Park in Ridgeland. Mississippi’s premier cycling event welcomes riders off all ages and availabilities, offering various ride distances along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. Registration for the ride is open at bikesignup.com and includes complimentary entrance into a Friday evening VIP Social.
The Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival continues Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7. Todd Perkins has been announced as the featured artist for the annual event, a juried art festival that includes fiber, glass, painting, photography, wood, and more by some of America’s most talented artists. The pet-friendly festival footprint features live music performances, food trucks, a Children’s Corner and Artist in Action demonstration.
Mississippi’s largest wine and food event, The MIND Center Santé South Food and Wine Festival, returns the evening of Saturday, May 6. This culinary showcase for a good cause benefits Alzheimer’s disease research and clinical care.
At its new location of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, the event’s larger footprint will feature more vendors than ever. Attendees can sample wines from around the world paired with food from the state’s top restaurants. Santé South affords a rare opportunity for guests to speak directly with boutique winemakers and vote on a new Taste of the South competition.
The ticket price includes entrance to the festival where guests can sample more over 120 exceptional wines and fine food samplings from many of Mississippi’s top restaurants as well as take home a signature festival wine glass. Learn more about Santé South and purchase tickets at santesouth.org.