NATCHEZ — History, beauty and culture are words normally associated with the historic house Longwood.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, you can add the words blues, country and Southern rock.

The largest octagonal house in the United States will be the backdrop for Longwood Afternoon, an afternoon of music, food, arts and crafts and other activities.

The music will start at 11:30 a.m. with Natchez’s own Ben Lewis to be followed by soul musician Gregory Robinson Jr.

Baton Rouge band The Anteeks will then bring a mix of rock, country, blues and pop to the stage. The afternoon will be headlined by Natchez band Bishop Gunn.

“It will be breathtaking,” Pilgrimage Garden Club member and event organizer Lou Ellen Stout said. “The history, the beauty of the grounds and a great lineup of music will be brought together as one.”

This year’s event will be bigger than last year, Stout said.

Not only have three more bands been added to the lineup, but a wide variety of food, drink and activities will be offered, as well.

Chef Bingo Starr will be making barbecue burgers with pimento and bread and butter pickles and grilled Cajun sausages with roasted peppers and onions. Steampunk Coffee will have its food truck parked on the grounds to offer food and coffee. Jim Anderson will be firing up the grill to make Mexican-style roasted corn and curley-Q potatoes, Stout said.

For those who want something on the sweet side, a cotton candy machine will be spinning out clouds of pastel-colored confections.

Margaritas from Fat Mama’s Tamales and beer from Stokes Distributors will be available as well as other drinks.

Games and art activities will be available for children of all ages, Stout said. Youngsters will be able to make flower headbands and Longwood Christmas ornaments. Classic toys like hula hoops and jump ropes will also be available.

“We want them to put their cellphones down and have some fun,” Stout said.

Jewelry makers, craftsmen and local artists will also be showing off their creative designs.

The price to get in to the music event is $25 per carload at the gate.

“Everything is priced for families to enjoy,” Stout said.

House tours will be available separately for $15 per person. If you buy a house ticket at the gate, you can get into the music venue for free.

People are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to spread out on the ground. Coolers and outside food and drink will not be allowed.