Jackson, Mississippi, is set to host the second annual JXN Food & Wine Festival (JXNFW) on March 14 – 15, 2025. Building on the success of its first year, the festival is extending to two days to offer a broader array of culinary experiences. This event is organized in partnership with The Local Palate and Visit Jackson, highlighting the diverse and rich food culture of Mississippi's capital.

The upcoming festival will feature an expanded roster of chefs, including Jackson's own Chef Nick Wallace and notable names such as Gabriel Pascuzzi and Michelle Wallace from Bravo's Top Chef. The event kicks off with intimate dinners hosted by Chef Nick Wallace and guest chefs on Friday, followed by the main event on Saturday, which includes tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music. Chef Kelsey Barnard of Dothan, AL will serve as Wallace's co-host.

"We are incredibly excited to announce the festival's launch for the 2025 JXN Food & Wine Festival," said Wallace, who will serve as chef chair of the festival. "This year promises to be even more exceptional, with a fantastic selection of chefs and a diverse range of culinary experiences. We can't wait to welcome food lovers from near and far to celebrate the vibrant food scene of Jackson and Mississippi."

The festival will showcase a variety of chefs from Jackson and the wider Mississippi region, as well as from neighboring states.

Jackson Chefs:

• Hunter Evans - Elvie's, Mayflower Cafe
• Chaz Lindsay - Pulito Osteria, Rowan's
• Eddie Wright - Eddie Wright BBQ
• Hunter Ray - The Pig & Pint
• Geno Lee - Big Apple Inn
• Damien Cavicchi - Hal & Mal's, The Walk-In
• Brian Myrick - Johnny T's
• Joseph Sambou - Sambou's African Kitchen
• La Brioche + Spark Confectionary Team
• Cristian Rodriguez - Aplos
• Pierre Pryer, Sr. - Iron Horse Grill
• Shawn Knight - Eudora's
• Thomas Hines - Estell Southern Table
• Phillip Brown -Chef Phillip's Creative Foods
• Enrika Williams - Fauna Foodworks

Chefs from Mississippi and Beyond:

• Evelyn Aviles, Ridgeland, MS
• Vishwesh Bhatt, Oxford, MS (Friday dinner only)
• Vanessa Bordoy, Nashville, TN
• Desi Bourgeois, Ruston, LA
• Brittany Cochran, Charlotte, NC
• Jon Davis, Oxford, MS
• Katie Dixon, Hattiesburg, MS
• Sam Fore, Lexington, KY
• Jeff Hansel, Coastal MS
• Luke Joseph, Birmingham, AL
• Austin Sumrall, Biloxi, MS
• Ty Thames, Starkville, MS

The JXN Food & Wine Festival is a key event for Jackson, designed to attract visitors and showcase the local food scene.

"The JXN Food & Wine Festival is a cornerstone event for our city, attracting visitors from across the country and showcasing Jackson's distinct culinary community," said Jonathan Pettus, Visit Jackson's Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer. "We are proud to support this festival and to highlight the talented chefs and restaurants in our community."

Updates and additional information about the festival, including new chef additions to the lineup, can be found on the festival's website and Instagram page. The festival doors will open at 5 PM for VIP ticket holders and 6 PM for general admission, concluding at 9 PM.

The JXN Food & Wine Festival 2025 offers a chance to experience the culinary delights of Jackson, Mississippi, through a well-curated selection of chefs and food experiences. It's an invitation to explore the tastes and flavors that define the region, making it a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in food and culture.