Presented by
Click HERE to purchase tickets to The Congressional Sessions outdoor event.
The Congressional Sessions presented by Pearl River Resort will serve as an annual cornerstone fundraising event, with proceeds directly contributing to the construction and completion of the Congress of Country Music.
Ticketing
If you purchase an indoor concert ticket, it also includes access to The Congressional Sessions outdoor festival—double the fun! There’s a four-ticket limit for indoor concert tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com, ellistheater.org, or directly at The Ellis Theater Box Office—these are the only authorized places to buy them. Keep in mind, all tickets are non-transferable, and you’ll need to show a valid ID for entry. After purchasing, your tickets will appear in your Ticketmaster account, but the scannable barcode will be available 48 hours before the show. To ensure everything goes smoothly, the Ellis Theater is not responsible for any tickets purchased through third-party sellers—so stick to Ticketmaster for the most reliable experience.
*The Ellis Theater is not responsible for any fraudulent, lost, or invalid tickets purchased through third-party platforms. To ensure authenticity, please purchase tickets only through our official website or box office. Tickets obtained from unauthorized sources may be denied entry.*
The Congressional Sessions is an all-ages event. Children under 10 years old do not need a ticket for the outdoor portion. However, ANYONE attending the indoor concert must have a ticket, regardless of age.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your ticket purchase is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your donation acknowledgment letter will be sent to the email used to purchase tickets.
What does a ticket to The Congressional Sessions include?
A ticket to The Congressional Sessions includes all-day access to the outdoor event outside The Ellis Theater, where you can enjoy a variety of food, beverage, and art vendors. You’ll also be treated to live performances by Brittney Spencer, Grace Bowers, and Jax Moore, along with a LIVE simulcast of both Chris Stapleton indoor shows on a 22-foot high-definition video wall, so you won’t miss any of the action!
The gates will open at 12:00 PM with bands playing throughout the day. This will take place on Byrd Ave, directly in front of the Ellis Theater.
What items can I bring in?
Other than that, pack your usual festival gear: sunglasses, hat, blanket, empty water bottle, sunscreen, cellphone, disposable film camera, your friends, your TICKETS, and a smile! Thinking of bringing something not on the list? Make sure it’s not one of our prohibited items. See those items below.
Make sure to BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR!
What items should I NOT bring?
Weapons of any kind, illegal drugs, flares, fireworks, incendiary devices, outside food and beverages, professional or flash photography equipment, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, audio or video recording devices, signs, skateboards, hoverboards, rollerblades, scooters, bicycles, balloons, permanent markers, spray paint, silly string, noisemaking devices (such as air horns, drums, whistles, cowbells, tambourines, and cymbals), umbrellas, and animals (except service animals) are prohibited inside the venue or Congress of Country Music premises.
ALL BAGS WILL BE SEARCHED!
*The Ellis Theater and the Congress of Country Music reserve the right to prohibit any item, including items not listed above, from entering the premises based on any show request or requirement. Violators of this provision will be required to leave the venue and premises with no option for a refund.*
What is The Congressional Sessions Bag Policy?
Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6″ x 9″ or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket.
All other bags larger than 6″ x 9″ must be smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and clear.
Hydration packs are allowed and do not need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two pockets in addition to the one holding the water reservoir.
Photo Policy
Small point & shoot cameras (non-professional) are allowed in, but SLR cameras (professional w/removable lens) need to be accompanied by a photo pass. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. We do NOT allow iPads inside the venue. Please leave them at home or in your car. Same goes for selfie sticks! Do not bring them in!
Lodging and Transportation
The closest hotel to the Ellis Theater is the Pearl River Resort, which is located just 6.5 miles away. This resort offers several great options for accommodations, including the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, the Silver Star Hotel & Casino, and the Dancing Rabbit Inn, all providing comfortable stays for event attendees.
While Philadelphia, MS has very limited availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, it’s important to note that these services may not be reliable for transportation to and from the event. To make your experience more convenient, we are offering a shuttle system to help guests get around with ease. A shuttle map will be distributed soon, ensuring that attendees can easily navigate between the venue and nearby hotels.
What if it rains?
The Congressional Sessions is a rain-or-shine event. In case of severe weather, some activities may be delayed or canceled. Check signage and The Ellis Theater’s social media for updates. Please check the forecast in advance and bring a poncho or rain coat – NO UMBRELLAS ALLOWED.
Is re-entry allowed?
Re-entry is allowed to The Congressional Sessions, however you are REQUIRED to wear a wrist band to re-enter. All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a ticket-holder to re-enter.