Southaven Springfest: Celebrating 45 years

April 22, 2025 – Southaven begins celebrating its 45 years as a city on Tuesday with its annual Springfest at Snowden Grove Park. Over the next few days, the park will be the center of entertainment, food, a BBQ cooking contest, and activities for all ages.  

Starting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, carnival rides will begin on the park grounds and be available until 9 p.m. through Thursday evening. On Friday and Saturday, the carnival starts at 12 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. on Friday and until 7 p.m. Saturday evening.  The carnival features a variety of rides for all thrill levels, from kiddie rides to major attractions.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-9 p.m. are Wristband Nights, which offers unlimited ride wristbands that can be purchased for $30 inside the carnival area.  

On Friday, there’s free gate admission until noon. Carnival tickets are $1 each or 24 for $20. After noon, gate admission is $10 for ages 11 and up; free for children 10 and under.

Saturday, the gates open at 9 a.m. with free gate admission until 12 noon.  Carnival tickets again are $1 each or 24 for $20. After noon, gate admission is $10 for ages 11 and up; free for children 10 and under. Closing time is 7 p.m. 

Springfest this year again hosts the Mississippi State Barbecue Championship, a dual-sanctioned event with Memphis Barbecue Network and the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Over 80 teams are expected to take part.  

Music for Springfest will be at the BankPlus Amphitheater on Thursday night, featuring rising country stars Ian Munsick and Mackenzie Carpenter. Show time is at 7 p.m. 

Another event for Springfest this year is the fifth annual Springfest Cup soccer tournament at the Snowden Grove Soccer Complex adjacent to the park. 

Expect enhanced security measures this year, with a larger police presence, gates at access points and fencing set up around certain attractions, including the carnival area. 

The festival celebrates the beginnings of Southaven as a city on April 15, 1980.