Events in Jackson, MS

Weekly gatherings return to the Corner Pocket. The event begins with an instructional segment that aims to cover as much as possible.

This art-and-science exhibition spotlights real animal abilities such as shapeshifting, super strength, gravity-defying feats, and limb regeneration. Enormous and expressive sculptures by artist Sean Kenney, crafted from simple LEGO bricks, bring these natural wonders to life and encourage visitors of all ages to see the world in new ways.

Mississippi's Walk for Diabetes-Jackson brings the community together at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science to raise awareness and support for children and adults living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Mississippi. The event features lunch, kid-friendly activities, and opportunities to connect with others while contributing to an important cause. All donations stay in Mississippi and benefit DFM programs and services, including emergency patient assistance, community and professional education, and youth initiatives such as Camp Kandu. It is a welcoming, family-focused day that pairs activity and camaraderie with meaningful impact.

This event features barrel and pole classes with $300 added to the Open 5D barrels. The sequence begins with training poles, followed by Open poles and Youth poles. Training barrels take place after the Youth pole runs. Later, Beginner entries go first, Open follows immediately, and Senior and Youth divisions conclude the program. Fees are $5 for processing, $4 for training barrels, $5 for Beginners, $30 for Open, $25 for Senior, and $25 for Youth. The Adult sidepot is $20 with rollover and is not a point class. Pole entries are $4 for training, $25 for Open 3D poles, and $20 for Youth poles.

Now in its 42nd year, WellsFest returns to the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum for a full day of outdoor entertainment centered on continuous live music across two stages. Visitors can sample a range of food trucks, explore arts and crafts from makers around Mississippi, and browse a large plant sale featuring unique and pass-along plants. Families will find a dedicated children’s area with inflatables, easy-to-win games, and creative activities. An online auction features bargains donated by local merchants and restaurants, and the museum offers free admission during the festival. Entry to the festival is free, and all proceeds support a local nonprofit each year, with Shower Power as this year’s beneficiary. The event has been recognized among the Top 20 Events in the Southeast and honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and the GIVE Award. The lineup highlights many of the metro area’s favorite performers, and artists generously volunteer their time to keep the music going all day.

Kickin’ Roots Line Dancing hosts an all-day experience at The Back Porch Route 471 featuring Mark Paulino, the globally recognized choreographer known as Mr. Honky Tonk. The day includes line dance workshops for all levels, a Teach the Teacher session, a Choreography TedTalk brunch, and open dancing late into the night. Food and drinks will be available through the venue. Ticket options include a VIP All Access Pass for $125 and a Line Dance Workshop pass at $35 for early bird buyers or $45 at the door. VIP access is limited to 25 spots, and dancers from beginners to longtime enthusiasts can learn, practice, and connect with participants from many places.

The initial artist reveal names Kandy Janai for the main stage, bringing Southern Soul to Jackson, Mississippi with a full live band and energy that carries through the entire weekend. The festival features trail rides, live music, a welcoming crowd, and plenty of good vibes, shaping an experience that feels more like a lifestyle than a typical event. A promo code, KANDYJAI, is available.

The Wailers bring their 50 Years of Positive Vibrations world tour, marking the 50th anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1976 album Rastaman Vibration. Guided by bandleader Aston Barrett Jr., the group performs beloved reggae staples alongside selections from that pivotal record. Admission is free. Attendees may bring lawn chairs and friends. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Levitt Family Foundation, Huntington National Bank, Capital City Beverages, and Downtown Jackson Partners.

TLC teams up with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue for It's Iconic at Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, Mississippi. This collaborative concert brings all three acts together on the same stage.

TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue share the stage at Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, MS. This concert brings all three groups together for one show of live music.

The Iconic Tour brings TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue to Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, Mississippi for a concert featuring all three artists on one stage.

Damien Jurado performs at Duling Hall with special guest St. Yuma. Now 25 years into his recording career, Jurado continues a fertile creative run reflected in Reggae Film Star, his eighteenth full-length and the second on his own Maraqopa Records label. The record conjures dreamlike scenes that feel like a behind the scenes documentary on unnamed sets, where the cosmic meets the personal and time drifts from past to future to an always unfolding present. Characters wait for cues, camera crews seek the perfect frame and audiences lean in, while moments unfold in grocery aisles and sunbaked parking lots from the Pacific Northwest to the desert Southwest, searching for payphones and a sense of direction. St. Yuma appears as the special guest for this concert.

Pass the Gavel Breakfast brings the Chamber community together for an annual update, a ceremonial handoff to the 2026-2027 Board of Directors, and recognition of the new Leadership Rankin Class. The program also highlights member achievements with the New Small Business of the Year Award and the Connector of the Year Award, celebrating the innovation and entrepreneurial success that strengthen the local community. Attendees can connect with fellow leaders, reflect on shared accomplishments, and look ahead to the future of Rankin County during a morning focused on recognition and networking. Tickets are $30, and a table of 8 is $300.

Part of the Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series, Grits & Greens brings a free outdoor concert to Smith Park, presented by Downtown Jackson Partners with support from Huntington Bank. The band delivers a y’alternative, psychedelic sound with songs centered on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, resonating with fans of Pink Floyd, Paramore, and Fleetwood Mac. Pack a lawn chair or blanket to relax on the grass, and plan to purchase food and beverages on site. Beverage service is supported by Capital City Beverages.

MMA offers complimentary entry to its exhibitions along with drop-in artmaking and a free guided tour. These activities are presented as part of Access for All and are made possible through support from the Art Bridges Foundation.

Ty Myers brings The Legal Tour to Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, MS, joined by Lanie Gardner and Benny G. This concert features live performances from all three artists on one stage at the amphitheater.

Weird Al Yankovic brings the Bigger And Weirder Tour to Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, MS for a live performance.

Weird Al Yankovic takes the stage for a live concert at Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, Mississippi.

Terry Vandeventer shares the trials and challenges of creating a book on Mississippi’s snakes, offering an inside look at the research and writing behind the project. The talk explores species identification, natural history, and the ways these reptiles figure into the culture of the Magnolia State. It presents a clear view of how years of observations can be shaped into a cohesive work.

A launch at Lemuria Bookstore celebrates STORM WARNING, a collection of interconnected short stories. This event marks the release of the collection.

JJ Grey & Mofro bring the Top of The World Tour to Duling Hall, showcasing funkified rock and front porch Southern soul shaped by JJ Grey’s life stories. From early days playing covers behind chicken wire at a west side Jacksonville juke joint while working at a lumberyard to appearances at major venues and festivals, Grey has built a reputation for soul-honest songwriting and powerful delivery. His gritty baritone carries themes of redemption, rebirth, hard luck, inner peace, and good times with friends, often blending the carnal and the cerebral. The latest chapter centers on Olustee, his tenth album and first self-produced release in eight years, steeped in mythical Southern tales and people from his Florida roots. The songs come across with the eye of a poet and an unvarnished spirit, underscoring a message of respecting the natural world and living in the moment.

The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series welcomes The Ocho for a free concert at Smith Park. This five piece indie rock group from Athens, Georgia blends wide ranging influences into a modern sound, with early singles and EPs highlighting strong songwriting, tight instrumentation, and a distinct vocal presence that has drawn comparisons to The Backseat Lovers, Mt. Joy, Briston Maroney, and flipturn. Their latest EP, Float Across, released in early May, marks a new chapter for the band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music with friends. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own.

Centered on practical health education and community support, this fundraiser fair in Mississippi features We Believe Digital Podcast as the media, radio, and newsprint sponsor. The event highlights how to recognize and respond to urgent health concerns such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer, offering knowledge that can help protect you and those close to you. Attendance supports initiatives that promote healthier living and stronger communities. The program aims to inspire meaningful, lasting changes in everyday wellness. Vendor, supporter, and donation details are available by texting the word FAIR along with your email address to 770.902.8236. A percentage of the fair will benefit the America Heart Association. More information will be shared as plans are finalized, and spreading the word is encouraged.

Back for another year, this event brings plenty of fun to the Reservoir in Central Mississippi.

Experience a lively reptile expo from the Show Me Reptile Show that blends fun, learning, and adventure for all ages. Explore a wide variety of exotic animals and supplies, including reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small exotic mammals, and aquatics, along with plants, bioactive materials, and the gear needed for proper care such as feeders, enclosures, decor, and other essentials. Whether you are a longtime keeper, just getting started, or simply curious, you can enjoy the displays, snap photos, ask questions, and meet people involved in the hobby without any pressure to bring home a new animal. Breeders and vendors will be on hand throughout the show. General admission purchased in advance is $12 for adults and $5 for ages 7 to 12, with children 6 and under admitted free. At the door, adult tickets are $15 and tickets for ages 7 to 12 are $5, with children 6 and under admitted free. A VIP pass is available for $17 in advance or $20 at the door and includes early entry as well as free admission for the second day at any two-day show. All ages are welcome.

Barktoberfest brings an Oktoberfest-inspired celebration to The Gardens, organized with Downtown Jackson Partners. Families, kids and pups can enjoy seasonal activities and artmaking, live music, food trucks, beer and giveaways. Put your dog in a costume for a chance to win prizes. All dogs must stay on leash for the entire event. Admission is free and all are welcome. Plans may change based on weather.

Experience an evening at Stone Garden Estate & Chapel with a relaxed walk through the gardens, wine tastings, and hors d'oeuvres accompanied by live music. Take in the picturesque views while savoring flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.

Experience a memorable evening at Stone Garden Estate & Chapel, meandering through the gardens while sampling wines and savoring hors d'oeuvres. Live music sets the tone as you explore, with scenic vistas adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, MS hosts a live music event featuring MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons, and Sam Wesley. This multi-artist lineup brings these performers together on one stage for a concert at the amphitheater.

Houses Of The Holy brings its True Led Zeppelin Experience to Martin's Downtown, presented by Rybolt Productions. The musicians of H.O.T.H. share more than three decades of combined work in Zeppelin tribute performances, dedicating their show to accuracy in tone, feel, and delivery. High energy and precise playing drive a set that channels the iconic sound of Led Zeppelin with care and conviction.

Barrels and poles take center stage with $300 added to the Open 5D barrels. Activities start with training poles, then continue with Open poles and Youth poles, followed by training barrels. The Beginner class runs next, leading into the Open, with Senior and Youth divisions afterward. A $5 processing fee applies. Entry options are $4 for training barrels and $4 for training poles, $5 for Beginners, $30 for Open, $25 for Senior, and $25 for Youth. Poles entries are $25 for Open 3D and $20 for Youth. An Adult sidepot is available for $20 with rollover and it does not count for points.

The sixth annual It’s Pride Y’all Festival arrives at the Mississippi Museum of Art with the theme Rooted & Rising. General admission is free, and the tickets link offers registration for a raffle awarding two VIP All-Access Weekend Passes. Extra perks are available with a VIP All-Access Weekend Pass or by joining the Host Committee. The lineup features Mia Starr from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18, comedian Rita Brent, and DJ Citizen Jane, with live music headliners Venus & the Flytraps and Kicking. Programming includes panel discussions, a live podcast, and a family friendly drag story hour. Local vendors and food trucks will serve up eats and unique goods throughout the event, and the festivities wrap with a high-energy Neon Dance Party led by DJ Citizen Jane. VIP and Host Committee benefits also include access to a VIP Kickoff Party, and a Halloween Drag Brunch at Hal & Mal’s featuring Mia Starr offers a discount for VIP pass holders, with brunch included for the Host Committee. Recognized as the state’s largest Pride festival, it welcomes people from across Mississippi to celebrate community and pride.

Florida A&M visits Jackson State at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for a matchup shaped by contrasting approaches that emphasize quickness and physical play. Both programs bring long-standing traditions and passionate fan support, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the game. This contest provides a vivid look at the pageantry and culture of college football.

Thee Blueprint returns for JSU Homecoming with an alumni experience at the Union Station ballroom. Centered on graduates from the mid 1990s through the early 2000s, the celebration brings together HBCU and SWAC alumni for music from leading HBCU DJs, a cash bar, and hookahs with a focus on trendsetting style. Limited VIP lounge sections and high top cocktail tables are available, along with advance general admission options. The event is hosted by We Came 2 Play and friends.

Celebrate the spooky season at a Halloween drag brunch with Capital City Pride at Hal and Mal's in Jackson, MS. Enjoy tasty food and a lively show in a safe, inclusive setting that welcomes attendees of every age. To ensure availability, early ticket purchase is encouraged.

The 32nd Annual FCA Jake Mills Golf Tournament takes place at the Country Club of Jackson. This long-running event benefits the Fellowship of Christian Athletes across Mississippi, supporting efforts to reach coaches and athletes with the Gospel. It welcomes both first-time and returning participants, with opportunities available for players, teams, and sponsors.

Hal & Mal's hosts Dent May in The Red Room for an all-ages concert. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis, and attendees younger than 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.

Celebrating 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog, this new live concert experience brings the series’ music and unforgettable in game moments to the stage. A live ensemble joined by rock musicians, electronics, and vocalists performs signature themes and fresh instrumental versions of fan favorites spanning from the Genesis era to today, all set to highlights from across the games. From Green Hill Zone to “Undefeatable,” expect playful musical Easter eggs woven into vibrant arrangements, with an energized production that brings Sonic’s world to life. The program also shines a spotlight on the creative legacy of composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani.

Enjoy an evening of seasonal discovery as the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science teams up with the Mississippi Children’s Museum for Park After Dark. Families can make bug inspired crafts, go trick or treating through both museums, and take part in hands on activities while wearing costumes. A single ticket provides access to both venues for this one night only experience. The focus is on autumn fun in a welcoming and secure setting. Additional details and ticket presales will be available in early October.

Hal & Mal's hosts a karaoke night in The Red Room with an emo theme. This is an all ages event, and attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 on the day of the show.

An evening that shines a light on individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations whose steady compassion and dependable service uplift people throughout our communities. It offers sincere recognition to those who work quietly, without seeking praise, and whose ongoing commitment creates real, positive change.

At Thalia Mara Hall, this stage play follows six Black girls who enter a group therapy session as strangers. Guided by a therapist, each chooses a number that shapes her identity, and the session leaves them transformed. The production explores how labels and choices intersect with self-discovery, encouraging the audience to consider which number might speak to them.

Elmo's Got the Moves brings a new Sesame Street Live stage show to City Hall Live, featuring Elmo and his friends singing and dancing to favorites like Sunny Days, Elmo's Got the Moves, and Letter of the Day. Families can laugh, learn, and play together during this warm celebration, creating memories that last well beyond the last song.

Hayes Carll appears with Joelton Mayfield at Duling Hall. A VIP experience option is available. Tickets roll out through an artist presale and a venue presale, followed by a general public sale.

Los Angeles based Grateful Shred rose quickly from obscurity to become a national touring act. The lineup features Dan Horne and Austin McCutchen alongside keyboardist Adam Mac Dougall, guitarist John Lee Shannon, and vocalist Mikaela Davis. With a relaxed, harmony-centered sound that stirs the Grateful Dead cosmos, the band went from playing the Shakedown Street vendor area before Dead and Company shows to touring the United States.

Jackson hosts the 83rd National Folk Festival as part of the Smithsonian's Festival of Festivals honoring the nation's 250th year. This free, nationally recognized celebration gathers leading traditional artists from across the country while placing a special focus on Mississippi's deep cultural heritage and its influence on American history. Set in Downtown Jackson, it highlights the city as a cultural capital renowned for its soulful culture. The festival centers on music, art, and traditions that bring people together and share local stories on a national stage.

Tab Benoit teams up with Jesse Dayton for the Soul of the Swamp Tour at Martin’s Downtown, presented by Rybolt Productions. Benoit first broke through with the 1992 album Nice and Warm on the Justice label, whose title track made waves at AAA radio and launched an intense touring run of roughly 250 shows a year for more than two decades. After four releases with Justice, he signed to Vanguard, took the producer’s chair, and issued These Blues Are All Mine in 1999. His move to Telarc/Concord in 2002 brought a lean three-piece format that opened new space for his guitar, while he focused his platform on Louisiana’s coastal erosion. Time spent in the wetlands shaped his writing and led to the album Wetlands, which wove Louisiana styles into his sound and even echoed accordion and washboard textures on guitar. He later founded the nonprofit Voice of the Wetlands and assembled an all-star band featuring Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Johnny Vidacovich, Johnny Sansone, and Waylon Thibodeaux, resulting in two albums and occasional national touring. He also launched Whiskey Bayou Records with Rueben Williams, releasing music by Eric McFadden, Damon Fowler, Eric Johanson, Jeff McCarty, and Dash Rip Rock, and hit the road in 2019 with the Whiskey Bayou Revue. Jesse Dayton brings a blend of Texas blues, outlaw country, and punk rock. The Beaumont native has collaborated with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, as well as contemporary artists such as Samantha Fish and Duff McKagan. His career spans fronting the Road Kings and composing for Rob Zombie’s films. The Hard Way Blues, produced by Grammy winner Shooter Jennings, debuted at number two on the Billboard Blues Albums chart, drawing attention for its raw storytelling and electrified guitar work. He also earned a Grammy nomination for Death Wish Blues with Samantha Fish. Dayton now begins a new phase with the Texas Headhunters, a band featuring Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and additional supporting players, with a debut album planned for 2025. This show highlights roots music steeped in Louisiana traditions and Texas grit from two artists with deep ties to the American musical landscape.

Ashley McBryde brings her country sound to Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, MS, delivering hard-hitting vocals, unguarded storytelling, and fan favorites that invite the crowd to sing along.

Friendsgiving returns to The Cedars for an evening centered on connection, conversation, and community. Guests gather around a shared table to honor the relationships and places that help Mississippi feel like home. The focus reaches beyond the meal, celebrating friends who feel like family, traditions built together, and the sense of belonging that grows through shared stories. The night offers a pause from busy routines, creating space to reflect with gratitude and enjoy the simple act of breaking bread. The program begins with a happy hour that includes an appetizer first course, then transitions to dinner, with thoughtful food, meaningful fellowship, and a celebration of community.

The Hometown Holiday Market returns to Brandon City Hall for two days of seasonal cheer with shopping, festive entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Browse local vendors to discover unique gifts, see Santa, say hello to the Grinch, watch children’s performances, and enjoy lunch from nearby food trucks. Vendor registration is open.

Desi Banks brings his Your Favorite Cousin Tour to Thalia Mara Hall, delivering the high-energy stand-up and vivid storytelling that made him a breakout headliner. An actor, comedian, podcaster, and entrepreneur, he leads Desi Banks Productions, a digital-first comedy hub built on original sketches, community, and culture. His path from daily online sketches to packed theaters has turned viral moments into must-see live sets. Banks has previously sold out a 50-city run with nearly 52,000 tickets and has appeared alongside Mike Epps, DeRay Davis, Kountry Wayne, Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford, and Martin Lawrence. His work has drawn praise from Kevin Hart and led to major brand collaborations, including a Hartbeat-produced Super Bowl spot for DraftKings and partnerships with Meta, Apple, Beats by Dre, PrizePicks, Casamigos, Red Bull, and DoorDash. On screen, he continues to expand his acting resume with roles in Boyz Trip, One of Them Days, Will Packer’s Little, Haunted Trail, Love by Chance, and La Vie Magnifique de Charlie. A prolific creator with more than 3,500 original videos and an audience of over 19 million across social platforms, he continues to develop original comedy and collaborate with emerging voices through Desi Banks Productions.

Families can enjoy a turkey-themed program at the museum that includes learning about turkey science, practicing turkey calls, playing games, making a craft, and meeting live turkeys. Admission is included with regular museum entry or covered by an MMNS Foundation membership.

An open mic at The Station JXN hosted by Ruth Etc. welcomes performers of all ages to share live music, comedy, poetry, dance, skits, and more. The gathering takes place outdoors and is friendly to families and dogs. Take the stage or relax as part of the audience. To sign up for a slot, message Ruth Etc.

Hands-on winter science activities invite participants to try instant snow experiments, craft paper snowflakes, and investigate the unique behaviors of dry ice. The program also features the story of Snowflake Bentley, the naturalist and photographer who was the first to successfully photograph snowflakes. Participation is covered by regular museum admission or by an MMNS Foundation membership.

Celebrate the winter holidays with Capital City Pride at a festive gathering that pairs tasty food with a lively show in a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone. All ages are welcome. Photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available. Purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged.