From hot glass to peanuts to a president, a visit to Americus deserves a spot on your calendar
AMERICUS, GEORGIA—JULY 2025—Located in west central Georgia, Americus and Sumter County offer a charming blend of history, hospitality and happenings. Conveniently situated near I-75—just three hours south of Atlanta and two hours north of I-10—this hidden gem is a perfect stopover for travelers heading to Florida or those looking for a destination to explore for a long weekend getaway. Steeped in presidential history and filled with distinctive shopping and dining, Americus and the surrounding area delight visitors with a vibrant calendar of annual events. From the one-of-a-kind Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival to interactive murder mystery dinner theater, there’s always something unexpected—and unforgettable—happening in Americus. Here’s a look at some of the area’s favorite signature events.
First Friday Americus
Happening first Fridays throughout the year, First Friday Americus gives visitors and locals an opportunity to stroll through beautiful downtown Americus and shop and dine at local businesses. Some months feature themes like Artsapalooza, Flashback Friday and Downtown Tailgate which are always a big hit. Businesses remain open a little later giving patrons the chance to linger longer and enjoy everything downtown has to offer. For more information on First Friday Americus, click here.
Plains Peanut Festival
Celebrate peanut harvest season in nearby Plains at the beloved Plains Peanut Festival! Happening September 27, 2025, this event is a must-do when visiting Sumter County. This year’s festival will also include a birthday concert honoring former President Jimmy Carter. Fun for all ages, the Plains Peanut Festival offers a plethora of activities from a parade, road race, fun run and kiddie rides to peanut exhibits, all day entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, SAM Shortline train rides and more! Visitors and locals alike love this annual event as it celebrates one the area’s most plentiful crops. Click here for more information.
Taste of Sumter
Mark your calendar for Taste of Sumter, one of Americus’s largest events. Festival-goers will enjoy live entertainment, local restaurants and food vendors along Jackson Street and lots of family friendly fun. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the area’s culinary offerings. Taste of Sumter is an annual event held on the last Thursday of September with this year’s event taking place 6-9 p.m. on September 25. Click here for more information.
President Jimmy Carter Day
Visit Plains on October 1, 2025, for the second annual President Jimmy Carter Day which marks what would have been the former president’s 101st birthday. Join the community as they celebrate the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter in his hometown of Plains. Click here for more information.
Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Fest
Looking ahead to April 2026, mark your calendar for the Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival. Touted as one of Americus’s favorite events, the Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Fest combines two of the area’s most beloved creations—glassblowing and craft beer. This event features over 20 regional breweries showcasing three to four different beers from each. The increasing demand for craft beer and the rich artisan history provides the perfect backdrop for establishing a truly unforgettable event. The uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind event draws beer enthusiasts, artists and the curious alike from all over the southwest Georgia region year after year. Click here for more information.
SAM Shortline Railroad Wine + Cheese Train
All aboard! Departing from Georgia Veterans State Park in nearby Cordele, Georgia, this hour and a half round trip train ride offers a unique experience to sip, savor and see. Passengers will board historic air-conditioned railroad cars for a wine tasting adventure with Paulk Vineyards. Wine and cheese trays will be served onboard the train as you relax and enjoy a scenic train ride through southwest Georgia. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sorry kids, this one is for adults only. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older. Click here for more information.
Christmas Open House
Celebrate the season in festive style at the annual downtown Christmas Open House in Americus, a beloved holiday tradition for Sumter County and neighboring communities. Local shops stay open late, offering holiday specials, seasonal treats and beautifully displayed merchandise perfect for holiday gift giving. Visitors can enjoy photos with Santa Claus, as well as savor roasted chestnuts, participate in charming carriage rides and shop exclusive in-store promotions. A highlight of the event is the lighting of the grand Christmas tree, surrounded by the enchanting Parade of Trees—each one uniquely decorated and carrying heartfelt messages of the season. Click here for more information.
Murder Mystery Train with SAM Shortline Railroad
Dying to figure out the mystery at hand? Here’s your first clue: Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Railroad and prepare to be entertained! Passengers depart from the Americus train station on Jackson Street for a 2.5-hour round-trip train ride to Plains, Georgia. Ride aboard historic air-conditioned cars for an exciting, interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Train and try to solve the murder. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. and the train departs at 6 p.m. sharp. The train returns to Americus at 8:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Click here for more information.
For these events and more, visit https://visitamericusga.com/welcome-to-americus/
If you go
Whether you are headed to the area for a long weekend or just passing through, Americus and the surrounding area is home to many great lodging options. Visitors love the presidential ties to Plains Historic Inn & Antiques. Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter led the charge along with their hometown in developing a historic inn and antiques mall, located on Main Street in Plains, Georgia. Guests are invited to step back in time and enjoy the accommodations of one of seven period suites, authentically furnished from the 1920s to 1980s. Every room has a history lesson! Plains Historic Inn & Antiques, 106 Main Street, Plains, Georgia, 31780; 229-824-4517.
Located in the heart of downtown Americus, the Historic Windsor Hotel was built in 1892, to attract winter visitors from the north. The Windsor was a 100 room, five story Victorian masterpiece architecturally designed with a tower and turret, balconies and a three-story, open atrium lobby. The hotel occupies nearly an entire city block and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations over many decades and after nearly 80 years in operation, the hotel closed its doors in 1972. In 1991, the hotel re-opened after a $6.5 million dollar renovation. Historic Windsor Hotel, 125 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-924-1555.
History buffs will love the Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast. This historic bed and breakfast was built before the Civil War in 1847 and is situated on Rees Park within Americus’s beautiful residential historic district and among many fine homes of the Victorian era. The Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast offers seven spacious comfortable air-conditioned rooms, in-room private baths and several guest amenities. Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast, 504 Rees Park, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-931-0122
For more on Americus and Sumter County, visit https://visitamericusga.com/welcome-to-americus/.