NATCHEZ — Battle the mighty Mississippi River or visit with a “Duck Dynasty” cast member this week in the Miss-Lou.

Sunny skies are forecasted for a majority of the weekend, making the plethora of outdoor events available even more enjoyable.

Phatwater Kayak Challenge

The 12th annual Phatwater Kayak Challenge is Saturday with a 42-mile downriver race from Port Gibson to Natchez Under-the-Hill as well as a 19-mile race and a 1-mile river crossing race.

The 19-mile race will begin at the Waterproof grain elevator, and participants will launch their craft there when the pack leaders from the Port Gibson race reach that point in the river.

The 1-mile river crossing race will take participants upriver from south of the Mississippi River starting at the boat ramp in Vidalia to Under-the-Hill spanning through the center portion of the bridge.

The event is open to all humane-powered craft including surfski, sea kayak, recreational canoe, racing canoe, outrigger canoe, touring kayak, sit-on-top, stand up paddleboard or other unspecified paddle craft.

The challenge starts at approximately 8 a.m. and will close at approximately 4 p.m., and a shuttle service is provided to all participants.

For more information about the race, visit kayakmississippi.com — where registration for the race can be completed — or call 601-431-1731.

Vidalia Landing Flea Market

The annual Vidalia Landing Flea Market will be Friday through Sunday at the Vidalia Riverfront.

More than 100 vendors will be on site selling various items including antiques, crafts, glass, tools and hardware, among others.

Jumpers and other activities for the whole family will also be available.

Vendors will be on site from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The event is free and open to the public.

Woodville Deer and Wildlife Festival

The sixth annual Woodville Deer and Wildlife Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Woodville.

The event will include such events as a wild game cook off, a juried art show, artist demonstrations, live music, arts and craft vendors and a wildlife photography contest.

A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” star John Godwin will be present for a meet-and-greet session. Godwin will appear from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the festival.

At least 15 hunting-related trade booths will be at the show.

The festival will also have a children’s village, in which Lawton’s Fish Farm will have a display. Other activities for children include face painting, inflatable jumpers, art activities and a mechanical bull ride. Entrance into the children’s village requires a $10 wristband.

Admission to the festival is $5.

For more information, visit deerandwildlifefestival.com or call 601-888-3998.

Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

A breast cancer awareness walk will be at 8 a.m. Saturday at Macedonia Baptist Church, which is located on Minor Street.

Cancer survivor Ardrell Wright will speak at the event.

Fall pilgrimage

Natchez Fall Pilgrimage continues through Oct. 14 with 16 historic houses on tour throughout the annual event.

Most tours feature three houses each — with a tour in the morning, 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and in the afternoon, 1:30 to 5 p.m. Two tours include two houses.

Six other historic mansions and properties will be on tour throughout Pilgrimage for an additional charge.

The tours are color-coded with signs leading visitors through the city and into the countryside from house to house.

Tickets are $30 per person for the three-house tour. A two-house tour is available for $20. Tickets for children ages 6 to 13 traveling with their families are $18 and $12, respectively. Tour tickets are available only at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, located at 640 S. Canal St. Individual full-price tickets for Longwood, Rosalie and Stanton Hall can also be purchased at the visitors’ center or at the houses.

Natchez Little Theatre

Mississippi’s oldest community theater will present for the Civil War Sesquicentennial and Natchez Fall Pilgrimage, Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, “Little Women.”

Two casts will perform the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday through Oct. 14, as well as one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, with $15 tickets.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call NLT at 601-442-2233.

Friday football

Cathedral High School will host Sacred Heart, Natchez High School will host South Jones, Trinity Episcopal Day School will host River Oaks and Ferriday High School will host Sterlington.

All games begin at 7 p.m. Friday.

Friday Forum

This week’s speakers include officials from the James Brown film “Get on Up,” who will be giving updates on the film’s progress.

The weekly forum begins at 8 a.m. at Natchez Coffee Company.

Second Saturday

Shopping, art events, music and refreshments will greet visitors and locals alike downtown Saturday.

The monthly Second Saturday event features a number of shops and galleries that will be open all day with extended hours.