Guide to the Mississippi Makers Fest

Get ready to immerse yourself in one of Jackson’s most highly-anticipated cultural festivals.

Kingfish

MDAH’s Mississippi Makers Fest is a day-long celebration of the state’s rich and diverse music and arts heritage, held each May, at the Entergy Plaza green in front of the Two Mississippi Museums. Bigger every year, the festival features local and regional artisans, live music, make-and-take activities, food trucks, and more. One of the best parts? It’s free!

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.

Who is performing?

Mississippi blues and Grammy award-winning artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram will headline the day. Additional musical performers include Hud & The Hurricane and American Blonde.

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 6 p.m.

Makers Fest customer with maker
Credit: Tom Beck/MDAH

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

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)
  • Outside food or drink
  • Cameras with detachable lenses
  • Thrown objects (baseballs, footballs, Frisbees, etc.)
  • Any bag that is not clear

*Additional items are listed on the Makers Fest website. These items are subject to change. Please recheck this section before attending the event to have the most up-to-date listing.

Makers Fest Main Stage aerial
Credit: Tom Beck/MDAH

What safety measures are being taken?

Capitol Police will be on-site throughout the entire event to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. All visitors have to go through a security check. Visitors and bags (they must be clear) will be wanded and subject to inspection, and photo IDs are required for all alcohol purchases.

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.

Makers Fest Chapel Hart inside Civil Rights museum
Country band Chapel Hart inside the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Credit: Tom Beck/MDAH

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.

Anne Marie Hanna

Author

Anne Marie Hanna