Jackson's Signature Events

MLK Weekend at the Two Mississippi Museums
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, free admission is offered to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Visitors can explore exhibits and programming highlighting the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King's legacy.

MLK Convocation
Guest speakers and panelists descend upon the campus of Jackson State University for thought-provoking celebrations of the Civil Rights leaders’ life and work.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration & Parade
A slate of activities culminates in a parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring gospel singing, a talent show, and live entertainment. The community comes together to honor Dr. King's message of equality and justice through uplifting events and celebrations.

Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo
Hosted at the Mississippi Coliseum, this event includes horse shows, livestock shows, a Western Festival, trade shows, and a rodeo over three weeks. Attendees can experience the rich agricultural heritage of Mississippi through exciting competitions and exhibitions.

Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show
Featuring dealers from across the country, educational exhibits, and displays of collections by local enthusiasts. Attendees can browse various gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry while learning about earth sciences through engaging activities and demonstrations.

Mississippi Blues Marathon
A marathon, half marathon, and other races with live music along the course through downtown Jackson. Runners from across the country converge to experience the rhythm and soul of Mississippi's blues heritage while participating in a challenging course.

Spring Farm Days
A three-day event at the Ag Museum with cooking demonstrations, farmstead exhibits, and animal displays. Visitors can step back in time to experience rural life and learn about agriculture through hands-on activities and educational programs.

Mississippi Anime Fest
Mississippi Anime Fest is a two-day event that brings together a diverse list of guests, vendors, artists, and fan groups, in an affordable, family-friendly environment.

Fossil Road Show
Fossil enthusiasts are invited to pack up their rock and fossil discoveries and visit with experts who can help identify their finds. Explore the museum’s collection and find family fun for all ages.

Run the Rainbow
10K, half marathon, and full marathon routes through downtown Jackson, Belhaven, Eastover, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus, all to raise money for Childrens of Mississippi.

JXN Food & Wine
A celebration of culinary excellence showcasing the best local, regional and national chefs and spirits purveyors. Live music, cooking demonstrations, and tasting sessions create a vibrant atmosphere where food enthusiasts can savor the region's flavors and discover new favorites.

Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival
Jackson’s “rites of spring” party, Hal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival, is more than just a celebration; it's a 41-year tradition that brings the community together and honors our rich heritage in Jackson.

JXN Indie Music Week
The fastest-growing music festival in the South, featuring a week of concerts, panels and industry showcases for a variety of genres, moves to spring this year.

Taste of Mississippi
A culinary event showcasing Mississippi’s restaurants, accompanied by live music and silent auctions. Attendees can savor the flavors of the city while supporting local businesses and enjoying entertainment.

NatureFest!
Featuring live animals, demonstrations, and activities at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Nature enthusiasts of all ages can immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world through hands-on experiences and educational exhibits.

Welty Birthday Celebration
The annual celebration of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty, a weekend of tours, lectures and birthday cake.

MS Ag Easter Egg Hunt
Follow the tracks through the Ag Museum’s bunny trail to collect candy and toy-filled eggs, explore Small town, take selfies with the Easter Bunny, visit the new Children’s Barnyard, Antique Car Show, dye eggs, play games and more.

Metro Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Featuring propagated varieties of native and naturalized heirloom plants, perennials, shrubs and trees that are perfectly suited to our southern soils and climate. Many of these heirloom plants have come from project and demonstration gardens throughout the metro Jackson area.

Mississippi Makers Festival
An outdoor event celebrating Mississippi artisans with live music, activities, and local food. Attendees can discover unique handmade goods and meet the talented craftsmen behind them.

C Spire Ferriss Trophy Presentation
A luncheon recognizing the top collegiate baseball player in the state. Baseball enthusiasts gather to honor outstanding athletes and celebrate their contributions to the sport.

Cathead Jam
Bringing Jackson, MS, a weekend filled with incredible music and the kind of energy you can only find at a festival like this.

Mississippi Pickle Fest
A refreshing taste of all things fermented. This fun-filled festival is a day of music, games, contests, vendors, and so much more.

Comic Con Mississippi
Comic Con brings together a diverse list of guests, vendors, artists, and fan groups in an affordable, family-friendly environment. Featuring guests from movies, television, anime, video games, cartoons, wrestling, comics, and cosplay.

Juneteenth
Honoring the legacy of Black history and Black excellence in Jackson, Juneteenth celebrations abound citywide with music, food, demonstrations of African culture and more.

Pride Block Party
Annual summer event celebrating PRIDE, typically in Fondren, featuring advocacy workshops, a dance and more.

Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic
A family-friendly 5k run/walk event where runners and walkers of all ages can enjoy a scenic route while supporting a worthy cause.

Neon Night
A summer fundraiser with live music and food trucks at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Young professionals can mingle and enjoy a lively atmosphere while supporting the museum's programs and initiatives.

Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo
A wildlife trade show featuring outdoor gear and activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the latest equipment and learn about conservation efforts in Mississippi.

Mississippi Book Festival
A literary event with authors, panel discussions, and family activities. Book lovers can engage with acclaimed writers and participate in thought-provoking discussions.

Belhaven Bright Lights
A celebration of the creative community that calls the Belhaven and Belhaven Heights neighborhood home, live music stages and artisans are featured at businesses, a sort of progressive neighborhood crawl.

MS Science Fest
A three-day celebration of all things STEM – Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – spread throughout the LeFluer Museum District.

Sanderson Farms PGA Championship
A PGA golf tournament featuring top players. Golf enthusiasts can watch world-class athletes compete on challenging courses.

PRIDE Weekend
Featuring a weekend of live DJs, concerts, drag shows, panels and brunch, a celebration of our city’s diversity and inclusiveness.

WellsFest (new date - October 4 at the MS Ag Museum)
A family festival benefiting non-profit organizations featuring races, games, music, and crafts. Attendees can enjoy a fun day while supporting charitable causes in the community.

Pumpkin Adventure
An event with hayrides and pumpkin picking at a local farm. Families can enjoy seasonal activities and create lasting memories.

Mississippi State Fair
One of the South’s largest fairs, with rides, entertainment, and competitions. Fairgoers can experience the excitement of carnival rides, indulge in delicious treats, and enjoy live entertainment.

Symphony at Sunset
An outdoor concert by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Music enthusiasts can relax under the stars and enjoy a captivating performance by talented musicians.

Park After Dark
At this spooktacular event, you can create creepy crawly crafts, go trick-or-treating through both museums, and enjoy the evening’s activities while wearing your costumes.

National Folk Fest
The National Folk Festival celebrates the artistic traditions of all Americans through music, dance, craft, storytelling, food, and more.

Harvest Fest
Live demonstrations throughout the museum grounds will give visitors a glimpse of Mississippi’s past and show agriculture's impact on our lives. Demonstrations will include the operation of the Cotton Gin, Saw Mill, Cane Mill, Print Shop, Blacksmith Shop, and more!

Mistletoe Marketplace
Mistletoe Marketplace is a holiday tradition presented by the Junior League of Jackson. Since the first Mistletoe Marketplace in 1981, the event has become the South's premier holiday shopping affair, featuring spectacular special events.

Handworks Holiday Market
Since 1981, Handworks has gathered the region’s finest artisans for Mississippi’s favorite arts and crafts shopping party, featuring 140 exhibitors at the Mississippi Trade Mart each year.

Journey to the North Pole
Drawing inspiration from navigation and geography lessons and traditional holiday literature, the event is a magical winter village of twinkling lights and train cars.

Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree
An outdoor choral performance of Christmas carols. Audiences can embrace the holiday spirit while listening to festive music in a charming outdoor setting.

Capital City Lights
A downtown street festival ushering in the holiday season centered on Capitol Street and featuring music, merchants, food and holiday revelry.

Deck the District
A two-day holiday family event at The District at Eastover featuring live performances, food and holiday décor.

Homestead for the Holidays
A Christmas event with activities, demonstrations, and historic crafts. Attendees can step back in time and experience the season's joy in a historical setting.

Carols by Candlelight
A musical event sharing the Christmas story. Audiences can enjoy traditional carols and performances that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Ballet Magnificat! Holiday Performance
A holiday performance by a liturgical touring company. Audiences can enjoy a captivating performance that celebrates the season's spirit through dance and music.

Ballet Mississippi: The Nutcracker
Ballet Mississippi presents The Nutcracker annually. Spectators can delight in the enchanting tale of Clara and her magical journey to the Land of Sweets.

Community Kwanzaa Celebration
The Jackson Community Kwanzaa Celebration is the official event of the city of Jackson, MS honoring the African American holiday of Kwanzaa.

Noon Year's Eve
A family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Children and parents can ring in the new year with festive activities and a joyful atmosphere.