20 Best & Fun Things to do in Clarksdale (MS)

Clarksdale is a charming city located in the middle of the Mississippi Delta. The city boasts a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Known as the “Crossroads of the Blues,” this little town has gained worldwide notoriety for its important role in the development and evolution of blues music.

Clarksdale has an interesting history, reaching back to the early nineteenth century. However, it received international renown chiefly for its vital part in the evolution of the blues.

Legendary musicians such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker previously frequented its streets and juke joints, leaving a lasting influence on the city’s cultural scene.

Clarksdale attracts thousands of people from all over the world each year, eager to immerse themselves in the town’s blues tradition and experience its distinct Southern charm.

Clarksdale has a subtropical climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. The greatest time to visit is in the spring and fall when the weather is favorable and conducive to outdoor activities and events. Summers can be rather hot, so be prepared for high temperatures if you decide to visit during this time.

Clarksdale has something for everyone, whether you’re a blues fan, a history buff, or just searching for a one-of-a-kind Southern experience. Here are the top 20 fun things to do in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Things To Do in Clarksdale, MS

1. Crossroads: Where Legends Were Born

The Crossroads is rich in history and blues culture. The crossroads of Highway 49 and Highway 61 is known as the “Crossroads of the Blues.”

According to mythology, this is where bluesman Robert Johnson struck his famous deal with the devil in exchange for his incredible guitar talents.

This intersection has enormous significance in the realm of blues music. Robert Johnson’s song “Cross Road Blues” alludes to this location, and it has become a pilgrimage site for blues fans from all over the world, providing them with some unique Clarksdale experiences.

While the wicked deal is more myth than reality, the Crossroads is nevertheless a renowned and must-see destination for blues enthusiasts.

Address: 599 N State St (Intersection of Highways 61 and 49) Clarksdale, MS 38614

2. Delta Blues Museum

The Delta Blues Museum is a well-known destination with a long history. It was created in 1979 and is dedicated to maintaining the blues music tradition. The museum is housed in Clarksdale’s old freight depot, which is an important aspect of the city’s history.

Visitors can discover intriguing displays about the history of blues and its influence on musicians, including giants such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King. The museum houses a collection of blues-era guitars, harmonicas, recordings, and memorabilia.

One of its distinguishing features is the Muddy Waters Cabin, which belonged to the legendary blues musician himself. It has been maintained and rebuilt inside the museum, allowing visitors to journey back in time and witness the bluesman’s humble origins.

Address: 1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

3. Ground Zero Blues Club

Ground Zero Blues Club is a well-known blues venue with an interesting history. The club is co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman and others. This legendary club opened in 2001, making it a relatively new addition to the city’s blues scene.

It is built in a historic building that was previously a cotton grading warehouse, which contributes to the true blues feel. The Mississippi Delta Blues Club is dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s unique blues culture.

Ground Zero Blues Club hosts live concerts by talented blues musicians from both locally and nationally. It’s a site where visitors can find charming things to do in Clarksdale while also enjoying soulful music, wonderful Southern cuisine, and a lively ambiance that honors the city’s blues legacy.

Address: 387 Delta Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

4. Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival

The Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival is held annually. It is a significant cultural event that honors the rich history of blues and gospel music. This festival inaugurated in 1988, has a strong connection to the Mississippi Delta, often regarded as the cradle of the blues.

Every August, thousands of music fans gather to see live performances by local and national blues and gospel performers. The festival’s name honors the Sunflower River, which runs through the Delta region and has played an important role in the development of blues music.

The festival is noted for its inviting and family-friendly environment.

Address: 100 Blues Alley Ln, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

5. Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art

Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is a one-of-a-kind and colorful store committed to the preservation and promotion of blues music and folk art culture. It was founded in 2002 and has since been a popular destination for both locals and visitors interested in the Mississippi Delta’s rich history.

The business is known for its extensive collection of blues CDs, vinyl recordings, and memorabilia. It’s a place where you can hear true Delta blues and see artwork influenced by the region’s culture.

Cat Head hosts live music concerts and art exhibitions, giving a dynamic environment for artists and musicians to display their skills. It also serves as a resource for blues fans, providing information about Clarksdale’s music scene and historical sites.

Address: 252 Delta Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

6. Blues Alley

Blues Alley is a historically and culturally significant area of the city. This alleyway has a long history with the development of blues music in the region.

Blues Alley, formerly known as “Delmar Street,” was home to several African-American-owned businesses and played an important part in encouraging the evolution of blues music in Clarksdale during the early twentieth century.Â

Blues Alley is home to vibrant murals, informational plaques, and memorials to legendary blues musicians who have helped shape the genre. It has been renovated into an open-air blues museum, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and environment that gave birth to this legendary musical genre.

Today, Blues Alley is a living tribute to the continuing legacy of blues music in Clarksdale. This makes it a must-see location for anybody wishing to reconnect with the roots of this cherished genre or experience something new in Clarksdale.

Address: 352 Delta Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, USAÂ

7. Riverside Hotel

The Riverside Hotel has played an important role in blues music history. Frank “Rat” Ratliff created the motel in 1944. It was a well-known hotel during the segregation era, accommodating African American tourists and artists when many others did not.

The hotel has a rich history of hosting great blues artists such as Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, and Ike Turner. It was at the Riverside Hotel where Ike Turner and his band, the Kings of Rhythm, recorded the legendary song “Rocket 88,” widely regarded as one of the earliest rock ‘n’ roll albums.

The hotel’s Room 7 has been kept as a museum, displaying mementos from its illustrious past, including portraits, instruments, and records of the blues singers that stayed there. It offers tourists an insight of the Mississippi Delta’s vibrant blues scene during its peak.

The Riverside Hotel is still an important cultural relic, providing a living history lesson on the contributions of African American musicians to the world of blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

Address: 615 Sunflower Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

8. Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival

The Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival is an annual event held in Clarksdale, Mississippi, that honors the work of Tennessee Williams, a prominent American dramatist. This festival started in 1992, and honors Williams, who spent much of his boyhood in Clarksdale.

One of the festival’s most intriguing aspects is its emphasis on literature, theater, and the arts, featuring performances, readings, and conversations based on Williams’ plays and other literary works. It brings together artists, historians, and fans to investigate the influence of Williams’ writing on American society.

The festival is held in numerous historic locations throughout Clarksdale, creating a distinct atmosphere that enriches the experience for participants. These places frequently include theaters, museums, and other locations related to Tennessee Williams and his family.

The Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival is a cultural and educational platform that provides a greater knowledge of the life and works of one of America’s most recognized playwrights.

It’s a must-attend event for anyone looking for new things to do in Clarksdale or interested in literature, theater, and Tennessee Williams’ long legacy.

Address: 1150 Wildcat Drive. Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

9. Hambone Art Gallery

 

The Hambone Art Gallery is a cultural gem that celebrates local artists and the region’s rich history. It opened in 2002 and has become a destination for art fans and those interested in the Mississippi Delta’s cultural tapestry.

The gallery houses a broad collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts, which are frequently influenced by the Delta’s history, music, and traditions. It provides a forum for both young and experienced artists to showcase their talents.

The Hambone Art Gallery routinely sponsors exhibitions and events, which help to develop Clarksdale’s vibrant and creative community. Visitors can interact with artists, take seminars, and learn about the artistic process.

The gallery’s dedication to conserving and promoting the Delta’s artistic legacy makes it a must-see site for those seeking to immerse themselves in the cultural essence of Clarksdale. It demonstrates the Mississippi Delta’s long-term influence on the arts and innovation.

Address: 111 East 2nd St. Clarksdale, MS 38614, USA.

10. Hopson Plantation

Hopson Plantation has a long connection with the Delta’s cotton industry. Founded in the early twentieth century, it was formerly a thriving cotton farm that contributed significantly to the region’s agricultural history.

Hopson Plantation was the first commercial application of the automated cotton picker, which revolutionized cotton cultivation. This innovation had a significant impact on both the agricultural environment and labor habits.

Visitors can take guided tours to see the old sharecropper shacks, vintage farming equipment, and cotton-picking techniques. A group visit to this location may be beneficial in terms of trying out new Clarksdale activities.

Hopson Plantation offers a glimpse into the life of the numerous laborers and families who labored on cotton plantations during this period.

Hopson Plantation is now a historical site, allowing visitors to journey back in time and obtain a better appreciation of the Delta’s agricultural history. It’s an important stop for anyone interested in the history of cotton growing and its role in developing the Mississippi Delta.

Address: 10 Commissary Cir, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

Also Read: things to do in Chagrin Falls and things to do in Ashland

11. Levon’s Bar & Grill

Levon’s Bar & Grill, located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is a well-known business with an unusual past. It was named after Levon Helm, the legendary musician and drummer for The Band.

Levon Helm had a strong connection to the Delta and frequently performed at local juke joints, adding to Clarksdale’s thriving music scene. The pub and grill opened in the early 2000s as a tribute to his legacy.

One intriguing fact is that Levon’s Bar & Grill has featured numerous live music concerts, featuring both local and national acts. Clarksdale’s warm attitude and dedication to maintaining the town’s blues tradition make it a favorite destination for musicians.

The facility also serves superb Southern cuisine, giving tourists a full experience of great food and live music in an authentic Delta environment.

Levon’s Bar & Grill is a tribute to blues music’s ongoing legacy, as well as the significant impact of musicians like Levon Helm on the Mississippi Delta’s culture. It’s a must-see for everyone looking for a genuine and unforgettable musical experience in Clarksdale.

Address: 232 Sunflower Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

12. Yazoo Pass

 

This is a popular Clarksdale, Mississippi restaurant with outdoor dining and wonderful food. It’s one of the best places to eat in the neighborhood, with a broad menu featuring barbecue, Italian, American, and Lebanese cuisine.

The eatery has received great feedback from both residents and guests. Yazoo Pass, with its inviting ambiance and diverse cuisine, is a must-see dining spot when visiting Clarksdale.

Address: 207 Yazoo Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

13. Auberge Clarksdale Hostel.

Auberge Clarksdale Hostel, housed in a 1930s brick structure on Delta Avenue, provides insight into Clarksdale’s rich history. Robert and Lucy created the hostel in the old location of Madidi Restaurant. It offers nice individual rooms and shared dorms with plush beds and impeccable hygiene.

The hostel’s proximity to downtown attractions such as the Ground Zero Blues Club makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the bustling music scene.

 Address: 164 Delta Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, USA

14. Hopson Commissary

Hopson Commissary is a legendary Clarksdale, Mississippi, venue noted for live blues and roots music. It is one of the iconic locations where you can see live acts practically every night.

The venue has a significant history because it was previously a plantation where Pinetop Perkins, who performed with Muddy Waters, worked as a tractor driver. Today, it is the Mississippi Delta’s premier party and music destination.

Address: Commissary Cir Rd, Clarksdale, MS 38614, United States

15. Rest Haven.

Rest Haven is a beloved Clarksdale restaurant known for its diverse menu featuring Italian, American, and Lebanese cuisine. A local institution, it has been serving hearty, home-cooked meals for decades, making it a must-visit for both residents and travelers looking for a taste of Clarksdale’s culinary heritage.

From zesty, family-style Italian dishes to classic American comfort food and flavorful Lebanese specialties, Rest Haven offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy everything from stuffed grape leaves and kibbeh to savory pasta dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch.

Located in the heart of Clarksdale, Rest Haven is more than just a place to eat—it’s a gathering spot where locals and visitors come together over great food in a welcoming, down-to-earth setting. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this restaurant delivers a warm dining experience that reflects the soulful charm of the Mississippi Delta.

Address: 419 S State St, Clarksdale, MS 38614, USA

16. Our Grandmother’s House of Pancakes

Our Grandma’s House of Pancakes is a quaint eatery in the middle of downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi. It provides quick and polite service, as well as reasonably priced and good meals.

The morning menu includes omelets, grits, eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, and, of course, exquisite pancakes. The inconspicuous place is well-known for its family-friendly vibe and is popular with both residents and visitors.

Address: 115 3rd St, Clarksdale, MS 38614, USAÂ

17. New Roxy

New Roxy is a unique cultural venue in Clarksdale, Mississippi, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Once a historic movie theater, it has been transformed into an open-air performance space that hosts live blues shows, art events, and community gatherings. With its partially open roof and rustic charm, New Roxy offers an unforgettable setting that blends Clarksdale’s past with its thriving music scene.

Beyond live entertainment, New Roxy serves as a gathering place for both locals and visitors, fostering a true sense of community. The venue’s intimate setup and eclectic decor create a laid-back yet energetic ambiance, making it an essential stop for blues enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Located in the heart of Clarksdale, New Roxy adds to the town’s reputation as a blues mecca. Whether you’re catching a live show or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this historic venue offers a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the soul of the Mississippi Delta.

Address: 363 Issaquena Ave, Clarksdale, MS 38614, USA

16. Shack Up Inn

The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi, offers a one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of the Delta Blues. Set on a former cotton plantation, it features rustic, renovated sharecropper shacks and grain bins, each filled with vintage charm and blues history. With tin roofs, front porch rocking chairs, and an authentic lived-in feel, this quirky inn immerses guests in Clarksdale’s rich musical heritage.

More than just lodging, the Shack Up Inn is a cultural experience. The on-site Juke Joint Chapel hosts live blues performances, creating a laid-back, soulful atmosphere. Whether you’re a blues fan or just seeking something different, a stay here offers an unforgettable taste of Mississippi Delta history.

Address: 001 Commissary Cir, Clarksdale, MS 38614

19. Crossroads Cultural Arts Center

The Crossroads Cultural Arts Center, located near the crossroads of highways 49 and 61, is a fabled location where blues musician Robert Johnson is supposed to have struck his notorious deal with the devil. The center exhibits authentic cultural artifacts and hosts live laid-back jazz music, making it a must-see for cultural tourists. It also serves as a venue for new and international bands near Ground Zero, adding to Clarksdale’s thriving blues scene.

Address: 332 Delta Ave #4215, Clarksdale, MS 38614, USAÂ

20. Juke Joint Festival

Clarksdale, Mississippi hosts the Juke Joint Festival, a popular blues festival that takes place every year. The event includes free blues concerts throughout the day, with artists performing on every street, as well as free evening locations. Headliners will perform on Saturday night at numerous historic juke joint venues throughout town, and wristbands may be purchased in advance.

Address: 243 Delta Avenue in Clarksdale, Mississippi, 38614

Also Read: things to do in Pearland and things to do in Aiken

Conclusion

Clarksdale, Mississippi, is a hidden gem for music lovers, history fans, and anyone looking for a true Southern experience. Clarksdale, with its profound blues culture, rich history, and kind hospitality, is a vacation that will leave you with long-lasting memories and a renewed respect for the blues.

So pack your bags and head to the Crossroads of the Blues for an amazing journey with these 20 fun things to do in Clarksdale, Mississippi.