NATCHEZ — Fall is finally here, and a wide variety of events, including a barbecue cook-off and a symphony orchestra, are looking to kick off the season.

Slight showers are expected from Saturday and Sunday with temperatures reaching the mid-80s throughout the weekend.

Jim Bowie Festival

More than 30 teams across the country will compete to see who has the best barbecue at the annual Jim Bowie Festival.

The BBQ Throwdown will take place Friday and Saturday at the Vidalia Riverfront near the RV Park.

Friday’s events begin at 4 p.m. and will include live music from Mojo Mudd and Easy Eddie & The Partyrockers.

Saturday’s events will begin at 10 a.m. and will include more live entertainment, food, a children’s petting zoo and a re-enactment of the Jim Bowie knife fight.

Tickets for the events Friday and Saturday are $5 for adults and 13 and up. Children ages 12 and under get in for free.

For more information on the BBQ Throwdown or the festival, contact the Concordia Chamber of Commerce at 318-336-8223.

USM Concert

The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will present “From the New World,” songs inspired by America, at 8 p.m. tonight at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center.

The concert will feature Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and Cello Concert,” as well as a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Doors for the event will open at 6:30 p.m. The Grape Escape Club Room will have a cash-only bar at that time.

Tickets to the event are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Student and military ID tickets are $10.

The concert begins at 8 p.m.

The performance is a Natchez Festival of Music presentation.

Natchez Garden Club Fall Bash

The NGC will host its annual fundraiser to help fund improvements to Magnolia Hall and the House on Ellicott Hill.

The Fall Bash will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Rip Rap, 411 S. Rankin St. Rip Rap is the home of Brenda and Richard Edgin.

Every year, the NGC raises money to maintain Magnolia Hall.

Funds raised by the Fall Bash this year will go toward window repairs and painting Magnolia Hall.

In addition, the Fall Bash will feature a silent auction and have appetizers, wine, beer and music.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on arrival.

Natchez Little Theatre: The Grass Harp

The Natchez Little Theatre is gearing up for Fall Pilgrimage with “The Grass Harp.”

Performances will run at 7:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday during Pilgrimage, which is Sept. 26 to Oct. 13.

All tickets are $15 and can be reserved in advance by calling NLT at 601-442-2233.

Co-Director Don Vesterse says directing “The Grass Harp” has been a challenging experience.

“The worst part of a play is rehearsal time,” Vesterse said. “But it is fun to see everything bloom together as the first performance draws near.”

A benefit performance for the Natchez Lions Club will take place at 7 p.m. tonight with tickets at $12.

NLT is located at 319 Linton Ave. on Maple Street. The box office and auditorium open one hour before each performance.

Ferriday 5K Walk

Ferriday High School will host a unity 5K Walk/Run at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The count for the race will begin at 8:45 a.m., which will include prayer time.

The 5K Walk/Run is being hosted to raise awareness for heart disease, diabetes, stress, obesity and high blood pressure.

A $10 registration fee is required, which includes a T-Shirt.

For more information contact Beatrice Cummings at 818-757-3411.

Refreshments will be served.