Guide to MIssissippi Makers Fest
Get ready to immerse yourself in one of Jackson’s most highly-anticipated cultural festivals.
The Band Perry will headline the 2026 Mississippi Makers Fest – a free music, food, and arts festival sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The annual event will take place at the Two Mississippi Museums on the Entergy Plaza in downtown Jackson on Saturday, May 9.
LINEUP:
- John Clayton White — 1:00 PM
- Sam Donald — 2:15 PM
- Vasti Jackson — 3:30 PM
- KIRBY — 5:00 PM
- The Band Perry — 6:45 PM
What activities can I expect?
More than 40 vendors and food trucks will gather to celebrate Mississippi’s creativity in its finest form. Look for handcrafted pottery, paintings, charcuterie boards, jewelry, and more from local vendors. Mini Makers also returns, full of make-and-take crafts and activities for children, including face painting.
Where is the Festival Entrance? When do gates open?
Mississippi Makers Fest will have an entrance on the corner of Mississippi Street and Jefferson Street and on the corner of Mississippi Street and North Street. Parking is available at the Fairgrounds. The parking entrance will be at Gate 3 at the corner of Jefferson Street and the access road by Pearl Street. Gates open at 10 a.m., and performances will end around 8 p.m.
What can/should I bring?
- One collapsible lawn chair per person
- Blankets
- Clear bags only – including purses, fanny packs, and other bags
- Sunglasses & hats
- Earplugs
- Sunscreen lotion – non-aerosol containers only
- Non-professional flash/still cameras
- Collapsible strollers
- Pets
What are some of the items I cannot bring?
- Illegal substances
- Firearms, explosives, and weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, pepper spray, mace, fireworks, etc.)
- Aerosol containers (including sunscreen & personal beauty products)
- Selfie sticks or drones
- Outside food or drink
- Cameras with detachable lenses or recording equipment
- Professional radios/walkie-talkies
- Cans, containers, glass bottles, and coolers
- Laser pointers (or similar devices)
- Yard games, marker pens, and inflatables
- Full or oversized umbrellas (small, collapsible umbrellas are permitted)
- Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind
- Totems, flags, banners, or signs
- Water guns
- Thrown objects (baseballs, footballs, Frisbees, etc.)
- Bikes, rollerblades, hover boards, skates, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Musical instruments
- Any bag that is not clear
These items are subject to change. Please recheck this section before attending the event to have the most up-to-date listing.
What safety measures are being taken?
Capitol Police will be on-site throughout the entire event to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all attendees will go through security screening, including bag checks and wanding. Photo IDs are required for alcohol purchases. MDAH may limit entry if the festival reaches capacity.
Is Accessible Parking available? Shuttle service?
Yes, the Two Mississippi Museums visitor’s parking garage will be available for accessible parking. There will also be spaces open at the Fairgrounds, and a shuttle will run from the Fairgrounds parking lot to the entrance gate.
Do I need cash?
Most purchases can be made with cash or a credit card. An ATM will be available at the festival for your convenience.
Will the Two Museums be open for visits?
Yes, the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free!
What happens if it rains?
Mississippi Makers Fest will be presented rain or shine.
For more information on Mississippi Makers Fest, visit their website.
