JXN Food & Wine Returns, March 11-13, 2027
JXN Food & Wine Festival (JXNFW), the premier culinary festival celebrating the vibrant food scene in Mississippi's capital city, chaired in 2027 by Chef Hunter Evans.
The fourth annual JXN Food & Wine Festival returns to Jackson March 11–13, 2027. The three-day celebration is led by Chef Chair Hunter Evans and co-hosted by acclaimed chef and television personality Aarón Sánchez, with local, regional and national culinary talent featured at a Chef Chair Dinner and two Grand Tastings.
Meet the 2027 Co-Host: Aarón Sánchez
Aarón Sánchez is an award-winning chef, restaurateur and longtime judge on FOX’s MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. He is the chef and owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans. Sánchez will take part in Thursday’s Chef Chair Dinner and co-host the festival’s cooking demonstration stage on Friday and Saturday.
Chef Chair Dinner: Thursday, March 11
The festival begins at the Capital Club with the Chef Chair Dinner, hosted by Hunter Evans, chef and owner of Elvie’s and Mayflower Cafe in Jackson. Co-host Aarón Sánchez and guest chef Meg Bickford of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans join him.
6 p.m. Rooftop cocktail reception
7 p.m. Dinner
More participating chefs will be announced later.
Grand Tastings: Friday, March 12 & Saturday, March 13
The festival’s signature Grand Tastings return to the Mississippi Museum of Art.
5 p.m. VIP admission
6 p.m. General admission
New in 2027: A Second VIP Location
The 2027 festival adds a second VIP location at the Jackson Convention Complex. It offers additional chefs, all-inclusive bars, indoor restrooms and a dedicated lounge and gathering area.
Participating Chefs
The first group of confirmed chefs includes:
- Aarón Sánchez, Johnny Sánchez – New Orleans, LA
- Austin Sumrall, White Pillars Restaurant and Lounge – Biloxi, MS
- Chaz Lindsay, Pulito Osteria; Rowan’s – Jackson, MS
- Eddie Wright, Eddie Wright BBQ – Jackson, MS
- Enrika Williams, Fauna Foodworks – Jackson, MS
- Geno Lee, Big Apple Inn – Jackson, MS
- Guillermo Salinas, Just Vanilla Bake Shop – Jackson, MS
- Hunter Evans, Elvie’s; Mayflower Cafe – Jackson, MS
- Jason Brumm, Oxbow American Grill – Ridgeland, MS
- Jon Davis, City Grocery – Oxford, MS
- Meg Bickford, Commander’s Palace – New Orleans, LA
- Nick Wallace, Hen and Egg – Jackson, MS
- Pierre Pryer Sr., Iron Horse Grill – Jackson, MS
Additional chefs and programming will be announced in the months leading up to the festival.
Giving Back
New this year, the Chef Chair selects a charity to receive a portion of Chef Chair Dinner ticket revenue. Hunter Evans has chosen Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only children’s hospital. $10 from every $185 Chef Chair Dinner ticket goes to the hospital.
A portion of festival proceeds also benefits the Mississippi Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary degrees in restaurant management or culinary arts.
Where to Stay
The Westin Jackson is the festival’s host hotel, with a special festival rate of $179 per night. Hotel booking opens Oct. 21, so you can reserve your room when you buy tickets.
2027 Sponsors
City With Soul, The Local Palate, MWB, The Westin, Brown-Forman, Brown Bottling, Cathead Distilling, Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur, Renegade Lemonade, North Shore Specialty Coffee, Stella Artois, PartySmart, Wölfe Cutlery, Visit Mississippi, Visit Oxford, Explore Ridgeland and Coastal Mississippi.
Our thanks to photographer Lindsay McMurtray!
