JARC Ball 2012: Sweet Charity
March 24 | Brandon
The Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County hosts its annual ball, this year honoring community volunteer of the year Waymon Tigrett. Live music by Point Blank Band will make for a festive evening. Visit www.rankinja.org.

Brentwood Centennial
March 24 | McComb
Experience this wonderful celebration as Brentwood, the home originally built by the Hib Holmes family, celebrates 100 years. The Neoclassical Revival-style home located on Delaware Avenue will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 228.872.0861.

26th annual Performing Arts Festival for Children
March 29-30 | Jackson
The Mississippi Puppetry Guild will present shows performed by award-winning puppeteers and professional actors. Visit www.mspuppetry.com.

New Albany Home and Garden Show
March 30-31 | New Albany
This two-day symposium will share the talents of master gardeners and home entertaining experts. Come and enjoy talks on everything from old garden roses to Southern entertaining at this annual event. Visit www.newalbanygardening.com.

First annual Viking Half Marathon and 5K
March 31 | Greenwood
This flat and fast Delta course will entice runners of all ages to enjoy the Delta landscape and experience Greenwood’s delightful hospitality. Visit www.vikinghalfmarathon.com or call 662.453.4152.

6th annual Fight Against Obesity 5K
March 31 | Jackson
Join runners on the campus of Jackson State University for this annual 5K and 1-mile fun run hosted by the Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center. Proceeds benefit the Live Well Fund, which provides annual scholarships to children to attend JSU’s Camp Tiger Tails Summer Program.

8th annual Bluegrass Festival
March 31 | Kosciusko
Festivalgoers will be thrilled as The Rodney Dillard Band, Nash Street, and The Larry Wallace Band take the stage at this annual event held at the Kosciusko Junior High School Auditorium. Call 662.289.2981.

Art on the Tracks
March 31 | McComb
Hit the streets of historic downtown McComb for the works of juried artists, delicious foods from local chefs, and the music of regional musicians. Visit www.artonthetracks.com or call 800.993.0757.

4th annual Renaissance Fine Arts Festival
March 31-April 1 | Ridgeland
This annual juried art show and sale is for the curious and the collectors of art. Local and international artists will be on hand with their works, and local restaurants will provide delectable samplings for hungry visitors. Visit www.renaissanceartsfest.com or call 800.468.6078.

Art in the Pass
March 31-April 1 | Pass Christian
This year’s event will feature the musical entertainment of Bobby Allison, as well as silent auction featuring original works. This is a favorite coastal event for visitors and locals alike. Visit www.artinthepass.com.

5th annual Crossroads Chili Cook-off
April 7 | Corinth
It’s time to light the fires at the official 2012 Mississippi ICS-sanctioned cook-off. Bring your appetite or your best recipe and enjoy the festivities. Visit www.crossroadsfestival.corinth.net.

Alabama and Mississippi Society of Landscape Architects Twin States Conference
April 12-14 | Natchez
Get a hands-on look at new products, enjoy tours of Natchez, experience a low country crawfish boil, and listen to lectures on historical landscape designs in the Southeast. Visit www.twinstatesconference.com or call 205.601.2345.

34th annual Amory Railroad Festival
April 12-15 | Amory
Live entertainment, the Frisco Market, a car and truck show, and the crowning of Miss Amory Railroad are just a few reasons to stop by this annual event. Visit www.amoryrailroadfestival.com.

Grilling on the River
April 13-14 | Columbus
Barbecue aficionados converge to enjoy this annual state championship event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, along the riverwalk. Come and enjoy a bevy of activities as well as delicious barbecue! Visit www.grillingontheriver.com.

13th annual Crossroads Film Festival
April 13-15 | Jackson
Come and enjoy international film submissions as well as music, art, workshops, and more! Visit www.crossroadsfilmfestival.com.

Spring Market
April 13-15 | Jackson
Offering more than 100 merchants, this is boutique shopping at its finest. Come for the hippest and hottest spring fashions, accessories, jewelry, shoes, handbags, children’s clothes, home décor, foods, and much more! Visit www.themarketshows.com.

37th annual Catfish Festival
April 14 | Belzoni
Visit downtown Belzoni to enjoy more than 150 arts and crafts vendor booths, live entertainment, a catfish-eating contest, carnival, and the crowning of Miss Catfish. Call 662.247.5134.

WAMA 22nd annual Gala
April 14 | Biloxi
The annual gala benefitting the Walter Anderson Museum of Art will showcase delicious foods, fabulous artwork, and entertainment. “Horn Island: A Love Affair” will recognize a special area of Anderson’s works. Visit www.walterandersonmuseum.org.

Juke Joint Festival
April 14 | Clarksdale
Come celebrate the blues and enjoy historical tours, fabulous kids’ activities, a 5K run and walk, and, of course, delectable Delta foods. Visit www.jukejointfestival.com.

8th annual Mudbug Bash
April 14 | Hernando
It’s spring, and that means crawfish! Come enjoy this Southern delicacy at the annual bash to benefit the Palmer Home for Children. Call 901.870.1450.

Headstone Stories: Raising the Dead at the Indianola City Cemetery
April 14 | Indianola
The 6th-grade students of Indianola Academy bring to life the personal stories and anecdotes of those buried in the city’s cemetery. Call 662.887.2153.

Whistle Stop Festival Arts & Crafts Festival
April 14 | Waynesboro
Enjoy a day of arts and crafts, live entertainment, pony rides, a 5K run and walk, and the Choo Choo Revue dog show. Call 866.735.2268.

Pascagoula River Nature Festival
April 14-21 | Pascagoula
Discover the wonders of the beauty and nature surrounding the nations last free-flowing river. There will be hands-on activities, tours, workshops, and more! Visit www.pascagoularivernaturefestival.com.

11th annual Ham Jam Arts Festival
April 20-21 | Philadelphia
Come and enjoy the Friday-night concert downtown followed by the Saturday-morning Hog Wild Run/Walk sponsored by Philadelphia Athletic Club. There will be plenty of food and art vendors, a talent show, and a barbecue contest at this annual event. Call 877.752.2643 or visit www.hamjamartsfestival.com.

25th annual RiverFest
April 20-21 | Vicksburg
This annual event offers handmade arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment, street performers, a GospelFest, and much more. Don’t miss this weekend of fun in the River City. Visit www.riverfestms.com.

Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival
April 21 | Cleveland
A Delta tradition continues under the oaks of the Bolivar County courthouse. Come and enjoy the juried fine arts show and exhibitors offering everything from handmade furniture to pottery and jewelry. There will be live entertainment, fabulous food, and fun for the whole family. Visit www.crosstie-arts.org.