Celebrations, performances, and other community events throughout the year commemorate Historic Nauvoo’s lasting Latter-day Saint legacy. Descriptions below follow an annual calendar.
Check the Historic Nauvoo Facebook page as the dates approach for more information about many of these events.
Commemorative Events
Nauvoo Exodus
Every year on the first Saturday of February, Historic Nauvoo honors the Latter-day Saints who were forced to leave in 1846. While the exodus began in February, it lasted for months. The annual celebration of the Saints’ sacrifice, courage, and achievements includes a two-day symposium, culminating in a parade of wagons and marchers from Main Street along Parley Street to the Mississippi River.
Relief Society Celebration
March 17 marks the founding of the Nauvoo Female Relief Society in 1842. Missionaries from Historic Nauvoo partner with Community of Christ to stage a reader’s theater commemorating the society’s first meeting in Joseph Smith’s Red Brick Store.
Humanitarian outreach is another important part of the celebration. Visit JustServe.org to find projects that could use your help.
Martyrdom Commemoration
June 27 marks the date when an armed mob stormed the county jail in Carthage, Illinois, and attacked the prisoners held there. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed, and John Taylor was wounded in the attack. Each year, through music and spoken remarks, missionaries and community leaders gather to remember this tragedy, celebrate the faithfulness of those who died for their religious beliefs, and discuss the relevance of this violent act in today’s world. No tickets are required.
Performances
Musical Encounters
Beginning in May and continuing into October, performing missionaries share hymns and folk songs from the 1840s. These spontaneous, small-scale concerts last 15 to 20 minutes. They include well-known musical selections, such as “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Amazing Grace,” as well as musical settings of poetry written by residents of Nauvoo, such as Eliza R. Snow, Parley P. Pratt, William Clayton, and John Taylor.
Concerts
From Memorial Day until Labor Day, you will find concerts in venues throughout Nauvoo. From the Nauvoo Brass Band filling the streets with music to an extended indoor concert focused on Jesus Christ, there is something for everyone. Some of the concerts require tickets, which are available starting at 7:00 a.m. central time the day you’d like to attend. Click here to view the ticketing page. If you have questions about ticketing, please visit the Ticketing FAQ page.
Dance and Theatrical Vignettes
Beginning in May and continuing into October, missionaries and members of the pageant casts share the stories of Historic Nauvoo’s residents in their own words. These lively, spontaneous performances take place at various locations throughout the day and last between 5 and 25 minutes. Speak with missionaries on-site to discover each day’s schedule.
Sunset on the Mississippi
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, performing missionaries share their talents in a lively musical show. During the summer, nightly performances of dancing accompanied by a live brass band take place on an outdoor stage adjacent to the Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center. No tickets are required for the outdoor performance. After Labor Day, the performances are held in the visitors’ center theater and require tickets. These tickets can be reserved starting at 7:00 a.m. central time the day you’d like to attend. Click here to view the ticketing page.
If you have questions about ticketing, please visit the Ticketing FAQ page.
Trail of Hope
On select nights between May and October, performers share the words and music of Latter-day Saints who left Nauvoo in 1846 and established the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. The event lasts approximately 45 minutes. No tickets are required.
Pageants
Two large-scale musical performances are held for four weeks every summer, beginning the first Tuesday after Independence Day. From inspirational performances to pioneer games during pre-show activities, the pageants are a favorite for visitors of all ages! The 2024 season will run from July 9 to August 3.
If you are interested in participating in Nauvoo’s pageants, there are a variety of opportunities to serve. Please visit the pageant volunteer page for more information and to apply.
Holiday Celebrations
Christmas in Historic Nauvoo
British converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought their Christmas traditions with them when they settled in Nauvoo in the 1840s. Holiday decorations, carols, and general Christmas cheer pervade Historic Nauvoo from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.
Weather permitting, an old-fashioned ride in a horse-drawn sleigh may also be available. Check the Rides and Animal Encounters page to learn more.
City Events
In addition to the events sponsored by Historic Nauvoo, the city of Nauvoo offers activities and events year-round. Check their website before visiting to discover other things to do while in town.