LeFleur Museum District to Host 8th Annual Science Festival

The Mississippi Science Festival (MSF) is the LeFleur Museum District’s (LMD) signature event presented by C Spire, which will take place on September 14-16, 2023.

MSF brings the community together to celebrate careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and has introduced children of all ages to the wide variety of STEAM concepts and industries that are available in Mississippi. Guests can purchase one ticket for Saturday’s festival and explore all 4 museums for one low ticket price of $10. On Saturday, September 16, exhibitors and activities will be at all four LMD museums – the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Events include:

C Spire C3 Jr. Coding Challenge
Thursday, September 14

Twenty schools from across the state have been invited to the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson and Meridian to participate in C3 Jr, a coding challenge uniquely designed for elementary age students. Teams comprised of four fourth grade students will be guided through coding challenges by a C Spire Mentor, treated to lunch compliments of C Spire, and participate in an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the challenge.

Science After Hours
Thursday, September 14
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Belhaven Town Center

The community is invited to help kick off the 8th Annual MS Science Fest at one of Jackson’s newest spots, Belhaven Town Center. Enjoy live music from Lonely Hearts and traveling exhibits and programs from LMD museums. A ticket is not required for this event; food and beverage will be available for purchase.

Field Trip Friday
Friday, September 15
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

In partnership with MSF, the four LMD museums are inviting students to attend a special STEM-themed Field Trip Friday. The museums will host a day dedicated to promoting STEM subjects and increasing science literacy for field trip guests. Students attending Field Trip Friday will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and see classroom science lessons come to life. Book your field trip by contacting any one of the museums.

Pawns N’ Pajamas
Friday, September 15
5:00 - 7:30 pm

Held at the Mississippi Children’s Museum – Jackson, children are invited to wear their coziest pajamas and practice their chess skills at Pawns N’ Pajamas. Chess tournaments are an important opportunity for children in Mississippi to not only exercise their skills, but self-confidence. A growing body of research indicates that playing chess improves students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills, which directly translates to their math, science and reading scores. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Mississippi Science Fest
Saturday, September 16
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

All four LMD museums will host a day dedicated to promoting STEM subjects and increasing science literacy. Children and families will have the opportunity to interact with nationally renowned STEM professionals, engage in hands-on activities, and explore exciting experiments and exhibits. On this special day, visitors can purchase a $10 ticket allowing them to visit and participate in MSF festivities at all four LMD museums. A free shuttle will be provided between museums and food vendors will be onsite throughout the day at all museums.

This year's theme is "The Fun of Science!" MSF will host four exciting special guests at each museum to provide a FUN perspective on STEAM! Special guests include: ​

Science of Skating: JXN Roller Derby, featuring neuroscientist and skater, Dr. Liz-Engler Chiurazzi, at MCM
Science in Your Own Backyard: Magician Tommy John at the MS Museum of Natural Science
Science of Flight: Ag Aviation Exhibit in the MS Ag Museum
Science of Play: Magician Dorian LaChance at the MS Sports Museum

Events for the Mississippi Science Fest will take place on September 14-16, 2023. A full schedule of activities for the festival and event tickets can be found at mssciencefest.org. Event tickets will admit you to all four LMD museums on Saturday, September 16.

About the LeFleur Museum District
The LeFleur Museum District (LMD) promotes four uniquely different museums and is located at a one-quarter mile stretch, just off I-55 and Lakeland Drive in Jackson, MS. Featuring the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the LMD’s mission is to inspire visitors from around the region and nation with a sense of wonder. LMD creates opportunities for growth for all museums involved through joint events and cross-promotion of individual activities. Associations like the LeFleur Museum District are important developments to this region’s creative economy. The district partners with nearby restaurants and hotels to build the area as a premier destination for visitors. For more information, visit LeFleurMuseumDistrict.com.

About C Spire and the C Spire Foundation
C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class customer- inspired service and a superior comprehensive suite of wireless communications, high-speed Internet access and a range of other telecommunications products and services to consumers and businesses. The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and its mission is to support STEM education that strengthens digital literacy, technology and professional skills development for students in grades K-12 and at institutions of higher learning in Mississippi. For more information about C Spire or the C Spire Foundation, visit www.cspire.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.