What to Do in Jackson, MS This Fall
Fall in Jackson, MS is packed with things to do — literary festivals, STEM celebrations, pumpkin patches, a state fair, and holiday markets that carry the season into winter.
Here's what's happening month by month.
SEPTEMBER
Mississippi Book Festival
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mississippi State Capitol, 400 High Street
This annual literary celebration transforms the State Capitol grounds into a book lover's playground, bringing together hundreds of contemporary authors from across the nation, region, and local communities – including this year Andrew McCarthy, Rick Ross and Kate McKinnon – for panel discussions and book signings. The day also includes Authors Alley for self-published writers, guided Capitol building tours, food trucks, and interactive family activities in the dedicated kids' tent. msbookfestival.com
MS Science Festival
Friday, September 18 (Field Trip Friday) & Saturday, September 19, 2026
LeFleur Museum District
A three-day-turned-weekend celebration of STEM, hosted across all four museums in the LeFleur Museum District: the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, Mississippi Children's Museum, and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. Experts and guests from science-based industries across the state lead hands-on experiences for kids and families, with a $10 all-museum admission on the Saturday festival day. mssciencefest.org
Mississippi State Fair
September 26, 2026
MS Fairgrounds Complex
Drawing thousands of visitors from across the region, the Mississippi State Fair is a cherished annual tradition packed with classic family entertainment — mouth-watering fair food, thrilling carnival rides, exciting games, live music performances, competitive contests, and livestock shows. msstatefair.com
OCTOBER
WellsFest
Saturday, October 4, 2026
MS Agriculture Museum
Jackson's original and longest-running music festival, WellsFest has earned recognition as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast. This day-long celebration features non-stop live music on two stages, diverse food trucks, children's activities, arts and crafts vendors from across Mississippi, and a spectacular plant sale. Since its inception, WellsFest has raised more than $1.6 million for local nonprofit agencies. wellschurch.org/wellsfest
Pumpkin Adventure
October 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 2026
9 AM – Noon. Weekdays, 9 AM – 3 PM Saturday
MS Agriculture Museum
This family-friendly fall tradition transforms the museum grounds into a pumpkin wonderland filled with seasonal fun for all ages. Explore the scenic grounds and tour the Heritage Center Gallery to learn about Mississippi's agricultural heritage. Your adventure includes a hayride around the AG Museum grounds that drops you off for a yummy snack. With photo opportunities around every corner and the charm of Small Town Mississippi as your backdrop, Pumpkin Adventure offers the perfect blend of education and entertainment. On your way out, stop by the Pumpkin Patch and choose your very own pumpkin to take home, and visit the General Store for seasonal treats and souvenirs. msagmuseum.org/events
Park After Dark
Friday, October 23, 2026 · 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science & Mississippi Children's Museum, LeFleur Museum District
This spook-tacular joint event lets visitors create creepy-crawly crafts, trick-or-treat through both museums, and travel safely between them via Spotter's Adventure Trail — all while wearing costumes. Tickets are available at the door of both museums. mschildrensmuseum.org
NOVEMBER
Harvest Festival at MS Agriculture Museum
November 10-14, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MS Agriculture Museum
Step back in time as Small Town Mississippi comes alive during this authentic historical experience. Enjoy live agricultural demonstrations — including the historic Cotton Gin, traditional Saw Mill, and working Blacksmith Shop — plus affordable $1 wagon rides, train excursions, and carousel adventures. Snacks and souvenirs are available at the authentic General Store. Group reservations are recommended but not required. Admission: $10 (ages 3 and up). For more information: 601.432.4500. msagmuseum.org/events/harvest-fest
Mistletoe Marketplace Holiday Shopping
November 4-7, 2026
MS Trade Mart
A treasured holiday shopping tradition proudly presented by the Junior League of Jackson. Since 1981, this event has evolved into the South's premier holiday shopping destination, bringing together over 100 carefully selected merchants from across the country for a festive, one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Enjoy exclusive special events, unique gift options, and seasonal décor, all while supporting the Junior League's mission to improve the lives of children and families in the community. mistletoemarketplace.com
National Folk Festival Jackson
November 13-15, 2026
Downtown Jackson
Celebrate the rich tapestry of American culture through traditional music, authentic dance performances, handmade craft demonstrations, diverse food offerings, and cultural exhibitions. This free three-day event showcases over 300 talented performers across seven dynamic stages, hands-on educational demonstrations, engaging family activities, and diverse cuisine — all highlighting the richness of our shared cultural traditions. "Jackson Has Good Folk!" This marks the second year of the festival's three-year residency in Jackson. nationalfolkfestival.com
