NATCHEZ — The groundhog may have been right in his prediction, but off on the timing a bit. The weekend to come looks more like spring than February.

Temperatures are expected to be in the high 60s, with clear, sunny skies Friday and Saturday and showers moving in Sunday.

Mardi Gras fun will continue in Natchez, with a parade and grand ball in the lineup.

Krewe of Phoenix parade

The largest of the Natchez Mardi Gras parades will roll at 5 p.m. Friday in downtown Natchez.

The theme is Carnivale, and floats will line up along Broadway Street. The floats will turn onto Canal Street at Rosalie, take a right onto Main Street and head across Rankin Street. The parade will finish coming down Franklin, back to the bluff.

More than 30 floats, vehicles and bands will participate, including the Natchez High School, Morgantown Middle School and Bailey Middle School marching bands.

Some downtown offices and businesses will close early Friday to accommodate parade setup.

Krewe of Phoenix Grand Ball

The krewe will celebrate with the public again Saturday night with its annual grand ball.

Tickets are $50. The ball will be at the Natchez Convention Center.

Second Saturday — Art on the Bluff

Second Saturday festivities will include Art on the Bluff this month.

Local artists will set up booths on the bluff from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Downtown shops will be offering specials and will extend their hours until 8 p.m.

Civil War film series

The final in a series of Civil War films with Natchez ties will be shown beginning at 4 p.m., with a discussion beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.

This month’s film is “Glory.” It is based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry led by Col. Robert Gould Shaw, known as the first all-black regiment in the Civil War.

The movie will be shown at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center theater. Admission is free.

Explore! Five senses

Historic Jefferson College will host an educational program for children from ages 6 to 10 focused on the five senses.

The program will begin at 10 and end at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Cost is $10, and pre-registration is required. Call 601-442-2901.

Natchez Garden Club flower show

The garden club will have its annual flower show from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Magnolia Hall.

The theme is Magnolia Memories. The public is invited to view the floral arrangements.

Downtown walking tour

The Natchez National Historical Park will offer a free walking tour at 2 p.m. Saturday and again Sunday focused on William Johnson’s Natchez.

Meet at 210 State St.

Big River Jamboree

The gospel and country music show will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Shrine Hall on Morgantown Road.

Admission is $4 and $6.

Gospel music will be performed first, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Surefire Band will take the stage from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Tennis tournament

The LaMiss Tennis Association will have at mixed doubles, ladies doubles and men’s doubles round robin from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the tennis complex on U.S. 84 in Vidalia.

The rounds are just for fun, and any player of any skill level is invited to attend.

Mardi Gras gala

For those looking to extend their weekend fun into next week, the Natchez Downtown Development Association will have a masked Mardi Gras Gala from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Prentiss Club.

The event is a fundraiser for NDDA, and tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased at many downtown stores or reserved by calling 601-238-8325.

The Court Jesters will provide musical entertainment from 7 to 9 p.m.

A cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available.

Dress is semi-formal, and those who attend are encouraged to wear a Mardi Gras mask.