The Loblolly Festival returns to downtown Laurel on Saturday, October 3, 2026 — the first Saturday in October, as always — running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission. It's the biggest single day of the year in Laurel, and downtown lodging books out weeks ahead. If you're planning to come, reserve your stay first and plan the rest later.
What is the Loblolly Festival?
Laurel's signature festival celebrates the town's heritage as a sawmill town — the loblolly pine built this place long before HGTV found it. Vendors from several states fill the streets of downtown with art, crafts, and food, alongside live music all day. It has grown into the biggest annual event in downtown Laurel, drawing thousands to the same brick-storefront blocks you've seen on Home Town.
Why stay downtown for it
The festival takes over the heart of downtown, which means parking gets scarce and the best experience is simply walking out your front door. Stay'ca manages more than 15 rentals in Laurel — historic suites, lofts, and whole homes, most within a few blocks of the festival streets, Laurel Mercantile Co., and the Scotsman General Store. A festival Saturday flows straight into a Home Town weekend: the walking tour of the Historic District, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art (free, Mississippi's first art museum), and dinner at The Loft on Central or Mimmo's.
Book it before it's gone
Festival weekend sells out — and October is also prime Home Town tourism season, with season 10 airing this year. Browse every Laurel rental with live availability on our Laurel, MS page, and book direct at stayca.life for the lowest rate with no platform service fees.
Planning tip: many Laurel restaurants close Sunday and Monday, so plan festival-weekend dinners for Friday and Saturday — and note the Napier stores stay open seven days a week.