A Legacy of Celebration
Two hundred years of the City With Soul is something to celebrate, and with a calendar chock-full of exciting events throughout the city, we’re looking forward to a full year of fun!
Festivals, parades and exciting events throughout the year are nothing new around here; we’ve been home to some of the most remarkable events in the region for years. You’re invited to get into the spirit of Jackson, Mississippi by joining us as we celebrate 200 years of the City With Soul at one of these tried-and-true events, where a good time is guaranteed.
![A group of colorful parade revelers and participants](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ad5c88b6985b362113f8c764e4c7f57b 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=36228e2398bbf09888cf9e2e615c9c85 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a2032d4a44056bf7d3083fda0108de44 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=e78e19bfec37f85fb63e76f34ce9d805 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=0cc77661e9affcf5e7cfa7de24e02d0e 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=587e3af9d80383ead1d149f444712ced 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Hals-Parade.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ae307b7abb146ccc48b5649f2af0e961 1920w)
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade - MARCH
When Malcolm White started the St. Paddy’s Parade in the 1980s, he had no idea it would become Jackson’s premier springtime event.
From a group of friends strolling down Capitol Street dressed like characters from their favorite Tennessee Williams plays to thousands of attendees flocking to party in downtown Jackson, St. Paddy’s has taken on a life of its own in our city.
Every year, participants don colorful outfits and decorate magnificent floats and march through the streets of Jackson in a jubilant celebration that is part Mardi Gras, part St. Patrick’s Day, part tailgate and block party, and wholly Jackson, Mississippi. After the parade, everybody is invited to Hal & Mal’s - where it all began - for a festival and party featuring live music.
“When I moved here in 1983, Jackson felt like an empty canvas, so I started throwing stuff at the wall,” explains White, who had the wild idea to start a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “Word spread, and we started at CS’s downtown. It was on a Thursday during rush hour, and people going home from work were not happy.”
That year, White’s friend, Jill Conner Browne, decided she would be a “Sweet Potato Queen.”
“She completely made it up,” he says. “She and her friends bought old prom dresses and tiaras and started handing out sweet potatoes.”
Now, the Sweet Potato Queens® are a longstanding Jackson tradition, with people coming from all over the country - and world - decked out in full costumes for the parade.
The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade has become more than just a wild hair, but a Jackson mainstay.
![A man in sunglasses and straw hat plays a keyboard](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=de7fcfc3999bf419f5cbb4a7d3754ea8 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ff90fae7ce344e542f34f1b553686c0c 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=9e218885c19bb78a0c1fff33c54fe1dc 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=aff117c7f2c3b9406ec82f082286fc58 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=26f97cd33f01891dc996aa3cae28ba3c 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8f35c3818aab5543b8de977018acc870 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Wellsfest-credit-Greg-Campbell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=6bc149eca06ae3a26c285e3d7da96567 1920w)
WellsFest - SEPTEMBER
The city’s longest-running festival started as a small afternoon of music drummed up by, once again, Malcolm White.
“I had gotten married at Wells Church and the pastor, Keith Tonkel, refused to let me pay him for officiating,” says White. “At the time, the church was raising money to renovate the sanctuary. The only thing I knew how to do was run bars and restaurants and put on events.”
So, to thank Tonkel, White decided to host a festival – WellsFest.
Today, WellsFest is one of the city’s premier fall events featuring live music and family fun at Jackson’s Jamie Fowler Boyll Park in LeFleur East. The alcohol-free event features world-class musicians - many from Jackson - fun and games for children, a delicious offering of food options, and over 50 of the best craft and art vendors in Mississippi at the WellsFest Vendors Village. Don’t miss out on the popular silent auction that features fantastic prizes from local merchants, restaurants, and hotels.
This year, Operation Shoestring is the beneficiary. And, it’s free to attend.
![A group of revelers sit at blue tables with tall buildings in the background](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Farish-Street-credit-Drew-Dempsey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=00040117e12d80e029f8007d575523db 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Farish-Street-credit-Drew-Dempsey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=437c45dca81fb84cea65c625a8becdea 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Farish-Street-credit-Drew-Dempsey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6f71f34069682a077f6fdd29b4660b23 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Farish-Street-credit-Drew-Dempsey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=46c9142bfd8548a098ae2266f845d1e3 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Farish-Street-credit-Drew-Dempsey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d27a772f47a431ba8cdfd205ce493c17 1190w)
Farish Street Heritage Festival - SEPTEMBER
For over 40 years, the Farish Street Heritage Festival has welcomed visitors to historic Farish Street. This African American community festival celebrates the Jackson community and the past, present and future of the Farish Street Historic District.
Once the economic hub for Jackson’s African American community in its heyday, Farish Street was lined with five and dime stores, dress shops, florists, doctors’ offices, restaurants, a movie theater, churches, and more.
Now, the Farish Street legacy not only lives on but is celebrated at the Farish Street Heritage Festival each fall. Attendees can hear music by national, regional and local performers on three stages. Enjoy arts and crafts, a Kiddy Cottage for children and, of course, hearty helpings of soul food and other cultural delicacies.
![A colorful retail display with reindeer, a shirt and books](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=4cfb81e620c591065a1dd1b775b3a139 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=be8564a119ed489fb0f07ecd3c8f3a5f 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ff7e1c81dbb942e51aa19ad724bd3007 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=41fd118135f40308db82097b32ba3cde 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f8a13bc01c84fba99f6cfdb7fb403171 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9408f233c52de743eb951411aac8e452 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Mistletoe.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=8a97d777e81b37a3081e30ee7230fbd1 1920w)
Mistletoe Marketplace - NOVEMBER
For 41 years, Mistletoe Marketplace has served as the Southeast’s premier holiday shopping event, often referred to as the official kick-off of the season.
Presented by the Junior League of Jackson, Mistletoe Marketplace brings nearly 30,000 shoppers to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and raises funds to support dozens of the league’s community projects.
Each year, league members tend to outdo themselves with breathtaking decorations and a wide array of unique merchants, but in 1980, it was just an idea coming to life. The power of women coming together to make something truly magical happen was on full display, with Mistletoe Marketplace Chairman Renda McGowan at the helm.
The first year, everything was do-it-yourself for the league’s ladies, with no corporate sponsors and a small decorating budget.
Today, Mistletoe Marketplace is a shopper’s delight with events and merchants galore and a long and growing list of corporate sponsors. Thanks to Mistletoe Marketplace, the Junior League of Jackson regularly returns over $1 million to their impactful community projects throughout the Jackson area.
“For the last 42 years, shoppers at Mistletoe Marketplace have helped the Junior League of Jackson raise over $21 million to support the mission of the League and fund community projects,” says Katie Lightsey Browning, 2021-2022 JLJ President. “Over 150 merchants from all across the country come together to showcase their unique and exclusive products to over 30,000 shoppers that attend each year. Mistletoe Marketplace draws a captive and loyal base of attendees who spend millions of dollars each year. In addition to shopping, Mistletoe Marketplace provides fun and exciting special events for all ages!”
![a young woman in a winged costume](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f021e71baa8394d17f2516057d385bbc 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6d6ef9b580e159047427646159fa3ef3 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d56d78dbe5ca68cc1fec6cf5a3800e64 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=4bfa423b78979dfe368fe5bfec011751 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ab85f5c7da9efddb56391084dedb6d3a 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=2700bab9adda1e7235ef4930b268eeb3 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/Belhaven-Singing-Christmas-Tree-credit-McMurtray-Photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=d12ba4c466957d0fec2aea4fa8e60312 1920w)
Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree - DECEMBER
The Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree is as historic as the neighborhood that serves as its backdrop.
What began in 1933 is now widely considered the world’s oldest outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition. Approaching 90 years of spreading cheer, the Belhaven Singing Christmas tree is one of the historic neighborhood and Belhaven University’s most beloved traditions. It all started as a small, informal gathering for students and faculty of Belhaven College.
They would gather to watch Belhaven music professor Mignonne Caldwell’s choir sing in the formation of a Christmas tree. Realizing the appeal, Caldwell moved the event outdoors and a wooden Christmas tree frame for the choir was constructed by engineer C.V. McLain.
Since its humble beginnings, the tree frame has grown taller, candles were swapped for LED lights, and the number of carolers multiplied.
Today, over 1,000 people bring blankets and chairs to witness one of the country’s oldest Christmas traditions on Friday and Saturday, the first weekend of December. Performances are free and open to the public in the Belhaven Bowl Stadium.
“This annual event has become a family tradition to kick off the Christmas season and we are honored to present this gift to our community,” says Tim Walker, Director of Choral Arts at Belhaven University. “Mississippians and those from surrounding states make the pilgrimage every year to see this special performance.”