World Catfish Festival

View on map
Food & DrinkBelzoni
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forRegional food & drinkBelzoni sits at the center of the country's
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

World Catfish Festival in Belzoni

World Catfish Festival has run in Belzoni, Mississippi, since April 1976, when the town was officially named the Catfish Capital of the World by then-Governor Cliff Finch. Organized by the Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation, the festival celebrates the region's farm-raised catfish industry with food, arts and crafts, and community events.

Humphreys County, Mississippi, and its county seat of Belzoni became the center of the country's farm-raised catfish industry over the twentieth century, as Delta farmers converted land to catfish ponds and built a regional economy around aquaculture that reshaped the area's agricultural identity.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Belzoni sits at the center of the country's farm-raised catfish industry, and the festival's founding is tied to an actual gubernatorial proclamation naming Humphreys County the Catfish Capitol of the World, giving the event a specific civic and economic origin story rather than a generic food-festival theme

02

The mystery stays covered

Having run for nearly fifty years by its own count, the festival has become an institution recognized regionally as one of Mississippi's notable food festivals, reflecting the outsized role aquaculture has played in the local economy of the Mississippi Delta

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's founding tradition traces to April 8

Water and renewal

Living ritual

when Mississippi Governor Cliff Finch officially named Humphreys County the Catfish Capitol of the World

The sacred route

Living ritual

an event the Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation has commemorated annually since with a festival built specifically around the region's catfish farming industry

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

For World Catfish Festival, plan transport around the exact Belzoni venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing suited to a Mississippi Delta spring day, with comfortable shoes for walking festival grounds; sun protection is recommended given the event's typical April timing...

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For World Catfish Festival, stay near the part of Belzoni you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.18 N, 90.49 WOpen in Google Maps

Belzoni, MS

Nearest airportGWO — Greenwood–Leflore
TransportFor World Catfish Festival, plan transport around the exact Belzoni venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor World Catfish Festival, stay near the part of Belzoni you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Belzoni via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Belzoni, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing suited to a Mississippi Delta spring day, with comfortable shoes for walking festival grounds; sun protection is recommended given the event's typical April timing and outdoor setting.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is World Catfish Festival?

World Catfish Festival is listed for April · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does World Catfish Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Belzoni, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Belzoni, MS

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcatfishcapitol.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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