1. Dixie National Rodeo
Set to take place February 7-15, 2025, at the Fairgrounds in Downtown Jackson. Don’t miss musical performances, rodeo events, and livestock shows. Get the details and your tickets here: dixienational.org

2. Mississippi Blues Marathon
The Mississippi Blues Marathon will take place in downtown Jackson on February 22, 2025. With live music before, after, and throughout the course, the Mississippi Blues Marathon is one-of-a-kind. Register here: msbluesmarathon.events

3. Run the Rainbow Race
The 3rd Annual Run the Rainbow Race will take place on Saturday, March 15, and, as always, will benefit the Children’s of Mississippi Hospital. Full and Half Marathon and a 10K and 5K are available to all interested racers, and registration is now open. umc.edu

4. JXN Food & Wine Fest
Featuring over 20 local and regional chefs and some special guests, the Jackson Food & Wine Fest will take place on March 15 at the Mississippi Museum of Art. jxnfoodandwine.com

5. Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival
The 41st Annual Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival will be held on Saturday, March 22. 2025’s theme is ‘Hey Hey The Blues is All Green.’ and will feature celebrated blues musician Jesse Robinson as the grand marshal. While the parade is free, donations are accepted for Children’s Hospital of Mississippi. Learn more about the parade and buy tickets for the afterparty by visiting their website. halsstpaddysparade.com

6. Jackson Indie Music Week
This week-long event will begin March 30, 2025, and is a celebration of the local independent music scene. Immerse yourself in concerts, parties, panels, and showcases that shine a spotlight on central Mississippi creatives across all genres, from Rock and Hip Hop to EDM, Blues, and Singer-Songwriter. Stay tuned for announcements about specific events to be held throughout the city. jxnindiemusic.com

7. PickleFest
This annual event has grown drastically in the past few years and celebrates everything pickled. Set for June at the Mississippi Agriculture Museum on Lakeland Dr. Attendees can sample foods, shop local vendors, and hear live music. This is a family-friendly daytime event. msagmuseum.org/events/mississippi-pickle-fest

8. Football Season
Everyone loves cheering on their team, and with three schools to choose from, you’ve got no excuse to skip the tailgate. Jackson State University, Millsaps College, and Belhaven University start their season in August and will play through December.

9. Mississippi Book Fest
Mississippi’s ‘Literary Lawn Party’ is hosted annually on the State Capital grounds in Downtown Jackson this year on September 13. This one-day free event boasts vendors, authors, music, and more. Meet and greets, conversations with and readings by your favorite authors make this a magical day for the whole family. Stay tuned here: msbookfestival.com

10. Belhaven Bright Lights
Held annually in September, this all-day event celebrates the artists, creators, and businesses of the Greater Belhaven neighborhood on September 14. Visit the Greater Belhaven website to learn more about this neighborhood favorite. greaterbelhaven.com/brightlights

11. Mississippi Science Fest
Mississippi Science Fest showcases science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industries, organizations, and innovation across the state. MSF aims to engage students, families, adults, and educators in a fun, interactive learning environment promoting science education and workforce development. Held annually in September. Stay tuned for specific date announcements here: mssciencefest.org

12. It’s Pride Y’all
This annual full-day festival takes place in September on Capital St. and is focused on love, diversity, and support in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Featuring food, entertainment, vendors, and discussion panels, this festival also highlights mental health issues, legislation, and history. It’s Pride Y’all Festival is hosted by the MS Capital City Pride organization. A date has not yet been announced, but you can learn more here: mscapitalcitypride.org

13. Mississippi State Fair
The Mississippi State Fair lasts 11 days at the beginning of October and features food, music, games, rides, and livestock shows. Visit the link to learn more about performers, ticket specials, and scheduling. msstatefair.com

14. Sanderson Farms PGA Championship
Held annually at The Country Club of Jackson, the Sanderson Farms PGA Tournament takes place September 29 - October 5, 2025. For more information, visit: sandersonfarmschampionship.com

15. National Folk Fest
The National Folk Fest will begin its three-year Jackson residency in 2025 and feature artists from across the country and from our own backyard. This free, three-day festival will take place November 7 - 9 in Downtown Jackson. nationalfolkfestival.com/about

16. Mistletoe Marketplace
Hosted by the Junior League of Jackson, the 2025 Mistletoe Marketplace will take place November 5th - 8th at the Mississippi Trade Mart. Shop, sip, and savor while supporting the local work of the Junior League. Win-win. Tickets will be on sale in September, and special events will be announced closer to time. mistletoemarketplace.com

17. Capital City Lights
Held annually at the beginning of December, this free Holiday season kick-off takes place on Capital Street Downtown and features food, vendors, music, and performances. Welcome the season under the magical decorations of the Capital City Lights. visitjackson.com/capitalcitylights

18. Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree
Started in 1933, this family-friendly holiday spectacle takes place the first weekend of December annually on Friday and Saturday night at 7:30. Bring your blankets and hot cocoa and get into the holiday spirit with classic and new favorite Christmas carols. belhaven.edu

19. Two Mississippi Museums
Visit the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in 2025 and experience the intricacies of Mississippi history through both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museums are free to visit on Sundays and have a calendar of special events and speakers. Visit their website for specifics and ticket information.
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20. Mississippi Museum of Art
Not to be missed, and running through April 2025, is the Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South exhibit. View over 50 handmade and machine-stitched quilts now part of the permanent MMA collection and tell a story of Southern strength and perseverance. msmuseumart.org

21. JXN Planetarium
The planetarium in Downtown Jackson is currently undergoing massive renovations but is set to reopen in October 2025. Stay tuned for updates and unveiling events here: jacksonms.gov

22. Eudora Welty House and Garden
While the Eudora Welty House and Garden is wonderful to visit year-round, of special note is the heirloom plant sale in spring, where visitors can purchase a piece of history and own plants directly from the author’s famous garden. This much-anticipated annual event serves as a source of income for the house and museum while continuing the very southern tradition of pass-along and heirloom plants. eudorawelty.org

23. Pearl River Glass Conservatory classes
Sign up for a class at Pearl River Glass Conservatory in Midtown in 2025. Learn about the art of fused glass from the best and make your own creation to take home. Visit their site for upcoming class options, descriptions, and pricing. prgconserv.org

24. New Restaurants
Jackson’s ever-evolving food scene is set to get even better in 2025. Be sure to check out these new spots in the New Year: Rowan’s (Belhaven Town Center), Hen & Egg (Downtown - Sun & Sand), The Walk-In (Downtown), Mayflower (Downtown), Sambou’s African Kitchen (LeFleur East - Maywood Mart Shopping Center).

25. Fondren Block Party
This neighborhood block party typically takes place on the first Thursday of the month but changes occasionally due to weather. This is a fun, family-oriented event that highlights local businesses and vendors, as well as musicians—all in the walking district of Fondren. Visit their social media pages for the most up-to-date schedule and important announcements. instagram.com/fondrenblockparty