Special Events

Heatwave Classic Triathlon   Quickly becoming a favorite among tri-athletes in the Southeast, Ridgeland’s 24th annual Heatwave Classic will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2010.  Participants take to the water at 7:00 a.m. at Madison Landing and swim .5 miles.  After completing the swim, participants will ride 24.5 miles along the scenic and historic Natchez Trace Parkway. After the ride is complete, participants will embark on a 10K run on the heavily shaded Ridgeland Multi-Use Trail.  For more information, visit the Heatwave Classic website www.heatwavetri.racesonline.com.    2010 Heatwave Classic Photos

Celebrate America Balloon Glow

This family friendly Fourth of July celebration offers a wide variety of activities and experiences for all ages. Each year thousands gather near Northpark Mall and enjoy good food, wonderful music from regional and national acts, hot air balloons that paint the horizon at dusk as they light up the night sky, and a breath taking fireworks display that leaves everyone with a patriotic feeling unlike any other celebration. Food vendors serve up Southern favorites such as fried turkey legs, funnel cake, bar-b-q; and they wash it all down with homemade lemonade and sweet tea. Musical acts get the crowd in a fevered pitch as we lead up to the balloon glow and the fireworks. After the sun starts to go down, and when darkness sets in, the balloons inflate and glow to provide a beautiful skyline dotted by the varied colors of the balloons. When the balloons are packed away, the crowd is excited with anticipation of the night's main feature. The fireworks display is 20 minutes of the loudest and most colorful in the state. Everyone's eyes are fixed on the sky as they marvel over the fireworks.  2010 Balloon Glow   

Natchez Trace Century Ride The Ridgeland Natchez Trace Century Ride is a recreational bike ride on the beautiful and historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Riders will have a mass start at 7:30 a.m. from Ridgeland Recreational Center. Once riders access the parkway they will have a beautiful ride along the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Offering several distance options (25, 50, 62 or 100 miles), it is perfect for all ability levels.  This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 10.  Register until April 2, 2010 for $35.  A late fee will be added for registrants between April 3 and 10.  For information and to register, go to www.natchezcenturyride.racesonline.com.  You may also download the brochure.

Major League Soccer Game Ridgeland Recreation and Parks and the South Madison Soccer Organization (SMCSO) host professional soccer teams, Chicago Fire and a competing team, in an exhibition game every spring On Sunday, March 7, 2010, Chicago Fire will go up against FC Dallas in a pre-season contest at M & F Stadium in Freedom Ridge Park. Kick off is at 3:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in the Rec and Parks office in Ridgeland City Hall, the Soccer Center in Ridgeland, and at all M & F Bank locations in Ridgeland and Madison.  Ticket prices are $18 in advance and $20 at the game.  View flyer.

Senior Adult Valentine Banquet

Cupid will be aiming for your heart, and our program will be aiming for your funny bone at the Senior Adult Valentine Banquet. Delicious food, flowers and music, friends and fun await you. Our banquet is a big draw for seniors across the metro area. Ridgeland Recreation and Parks offers this special event every year on the Monday before Valentine’s Day. Call the office for details.

Easter Egg Hunt

Remember hunting Easter eggs as a child? Do you want to share the tradition with your child in a safe and fun atmosphere with other children? Ridgeland hosts an Easter Egg Hunt complete with Easter Bunny, face painting, refreshments and best of all, you don’t have to dye eggs or clean up after a party! We even hold it after 5:00 p.m., so you can come after work. Grab a basket, your child or children and come on down to Freedom Ridge Park. The Easter Bunny will hold photo sessions with children between hunt times, so bring your camera for this special opportunity. Ridgeland Recreation and Parks provides this event every year before Easter. Call the office for schedule information.

Mayor’s Wellness Walk

This annual event at Northpark Mall is designed to promote physical fitness and wellness. Mayor’s Wellness Walk includes health screenings, live entertainment, exercise, nutrition tips and flu shots in addition to the walk led by Ridgeland’s Mayor. Call the office for date and time information.

Trunk or Treat

This annual event is for the entire family, offering something for everyone, including carnival games, hayrides, face painting, and lots of treats! Volunteers decorate and fill the trunks of their vehicles with candy and prizes. Children go trick-or-treating from vehicle to vehicle, just like they were walking from house to house. City of Ridgeland departments, local church groups, businesses, civic organizations, and other volunteers offer games and fun activities. Trunk or Treat is held at Freedom Ridge Park in October.

Christmas Celebration

"Christmas In Our Town" in December in Freedom Ridge Park.  More details coming soon...

Floating Christmas Parade

This unique opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season is one you do not want to miss. Come out and see the lights dance across the water of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. You may view the parade from Old Trace Park on the Saturday following the Christmas Parade at 6:00 pm.

Cash prizes will be given to the boat with the best decorations. There is no cost to enter a boat in the parade and all size boats are welcome and encouraged to attend.  If you are interested in entering a boat in the Floating Christmas Parade, please contact Wendy Bourdin at the Ridgeland Recreation and Parks office, 601-853-2011.