Events in Mississippi - Visit Mississippi https://visitmississippi.org/events/ The State for Wanderers Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:51:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://visitmississippi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-Favicon-01-32x32.png Events in Mississippi - Visit Mississippi https://visitmississippi.org/events/ 32 32 Elvis: Guided Food & Drink Tour https://visitmississippi.org/events/elvis-guided-food-drink-tour/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:31:12 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42543 OVERVIEW In partnership with the Elvis on the Coast exhibit, we are offering a limited-time walking food tour that brings the story of Elvis' infamous Summer of '56 to life through the flavors of today. Make your way through Downtown […]

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]]> OVERVIEW
In partnership with the Elvis on the Coast exhibit, we are offering a limited-time walking food tour that brings the story of Elvis' infamous Summer of '56 to life through the flavors of today. Make your way through Downtown Ocean Springs, stopping at four beloved local restaurants for Elvis-inspired tastings while your guide shares the real history of Elvis’s time here. It's food, history, and a little rock ‘n’ roll all in one afternoon.

SCHEDULE
June 17 – August 27, 2026
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1:30 – 4 PM

WHAT'S INCLUDED
– Guided walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide
– Four Elvis-inspired food tastings across four restaurants
– Historical storytelling tied to the MS Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s Summer of ’56: Elvis on the Coast exhibit
– Optional cocktail pairings—upgrade available at checkout

NOT INCLUDED
Guide gratuity. Optional, but appreciated.

ITINERARY

– Government Street Grocery (Meeting Point) — We kick off with meatloaf and mashed potatoes — fitting, since Priscilla Presley once revealed Elvis ate exactly this every single night for six straight months. Your guide will set the scene for Elvis’s summer on the Coast while you dig in. Cocktail pairing: TBD

– The Garage at Cash Alley — The dish that needs no introduction. Elvis’s all-time favorite was a peanut butter-banana-bacon sandwich, this version fried in bacon grease — rich, indulgent, and utterly Southern. Cocktail pairing: Screwdriver

– Mosaic Restaurant — A double-bacon cheeseburger is right in the King’s wheelhouse. Cheeseburgers were among Elvis’s well-documented favorites, alongside the Southern comfort foods he grew up craving. Cocktail pairing: Blue Suede Sidecar

– The Lady May (End Point) — A sweet, decadent finish, just as Elvis would have wanted. Beyond his savory obsessions, banana pudding, icebox cake, and rich Southern desserts were beloved staples at Graceland. Cocktail pairing: The Elvis Whiskey Cold Brew

QUICK FACTS
– Duration: 2.5 hours
– Walking distance: 1/4 mile
– Group size: 2 to 16
– Meeting point: Government Street Grocery
– End point: The Lady May
– Accessibility: stroller and wheelchair friendly
– Weather policy: rain or shine
– Cancellations: up to 24 hours
– Giving back: proceeds support The Lord is My Help food pantry

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]]> John Jennings: Build Your World Exhibition https://visitmississippi.org/events/john-jennings-build-your-world-exhibition/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:08:00 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=40186 The MAX opens a new exhibition exploring the extraordinary storytelling and world-building of John Jennings — Mississippi native, NYTimes bestselling graphic novelist, Harvard Fellow, and Hugo- and Eisner Award-winning artist. With work featured at The MET and appearances on CBS Sunday Morning and multiple Marvel documentaries, John Jennings returns home for an artist residency at […]

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]]> The MAX opens a new exhibition exploring the extraordinary storytelling and world-building of John Jennings — Mississippi native, NYTimes bestselling graphic novelist, Harvard Fellow, and Hugo- and Eisner Award-winning artist. With work featured at The MET and appearances on CBS Sunday Morning and multiple Marvel documentaries, John Jennings returns home for an artist residency at The MAX  to showcase his work. 

Join Jennings at the MAX for the opening of his exhibition June 20! As part of the City of Meridian’s Juneteenth Heritage Festival and Black Business Expo, the weekend will also feature talks with Jennings, live music and dance, and hands-on activities. There will also be a limited preview from 6-9 on June 19th.

About the Exhibition: In John Jennings: Build Your World, Jennings’s groundbreaking work in Afrofuturism, folklore, and comics is brought to life through multiple creative projects including Silver Surfer: Ghost Light (Marvel). 

The exhibition will run through March 27, 2027.

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]]> Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out Summer Exhibit https://visitmississippi.org/events/emotions-at-play-with-pixars-inside-out-summer-exhibit/ Thu, 14 May 2026 19:09:35 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42164 Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out is open this summer at the Mississippi Children’s Museum! This interactive exhibit invites visitors of all ages to explore the important roles that emotions, memory, and imagination play in our everyday lives. Experience […]

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]]> Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out is open this summer at the Mississippi Children’s Museum! This interactive exhibit invites visitors of all ages to explore the important roles that emotions, memory, and imagination play in our everyday lives. Experience the five core emotions—joy, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear—through hands-on activities inspired by the film, like the Control Panel, Dream Production Studio, and more!

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]]> A BIG GREEN SUMMER EXPERIENCE https://visitmississippi.org/events/a-big-green-summer-experience/ Thu, 14 May 2026 15:15:22 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42126 Embark on a whimsical adventure throughout the resort June 11-July 2 Get ready for an unforgettable experience with the beloved fairytale as Shrek the Musical takes the stage at Beau Rivage Theatre June 11-July 2. Produced and directed by Jeb […]

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]]> Embark on a whimsical adventure throughout the resort June 11-July 2

Get ready for an unforgettable experience with the beloved fairytale as Shrek the Musical takes the stage at Beau Rivage Theatre June 11-July 2. Produced and directed by Jeb K. Rand of Rand Productions, Inc., Shrek the Musical brings all the characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the fairytale than meets the ear. Join Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona on a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship, courage, and embracing what makes everyone unique.

“This summer’s production transforms the entire resort into the world of Shrek,” said Regional President of Operations & Beau Rivage President & COO Brandon Dardeau. “From themed dining experiences and interactive social media scavenger hunts to larger-than-life characters and photo opportunities, guests will find the magic of Shrek around every corner. It’s an immersive, family-friendly experience designed to entertain guests of all ages.”

Beyond the spectacular stage production, guests can enjoy character-inspired culinary creations with bold flavors and playful touches fit for an ogre. Come early and enjoy a meal at The Roasted Bean. Enjoy a Porky Cheese sandwich made with smoked Gouda and ham on sourdough, add Ogre onion rings, and a Makin’ Waffles Macha vanilla milkshake topped with waffle bites. For a sweet ending, try The Roasted Bean’s featured Far Away Parfait, a layered key lime dessert, or the PB&J cookie.
Guests can also purchase a souvenir refillable cup for complimentary all-day soda refills at The Roasted Bean and Snacks. On show days, the theatre concession stand will offer show-inspired snack packs, popcorn, and freeze-dried candy.

Guests won’t want to miss Once Upon a Swamp: The Lux Edition at LUX Lounge at Beau Rivage on Friday, June 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This whimsical, family-friendly-themed event will feature immersive HD Golf Bay scenes, elevated signature cocktails, curated music, and interactive activities inspired by modern fairytale storytelling, with a playful nod to Shrek the Musical.

LUX Lounge will transform its space with a striking swamp-inspired entrance, ambient green lighting, and three immersive golf bay environments, including The Bogey Bog, The Cinder Keep, and Far Far Away Fairway. In The Bogey Bog, guests can step into a misty swamp setting, snap themed photos, and enjoy the featured Ogre-Rita alongside swamp-inspired décor and glowing green accents. The Cinder Keep will captivate with fire-lit castle visuals, rich red and violet lighting, and candlelit ambiance while serving Fiona’s Fire Kiss and the Dragon’s Breath mocktail in a dramatic, story-driven environment. The Far Far Away Fairway golf bay will offer a warm, whimsical countryside escape accented with soft lighting and pastel details, paired with Donkey’s Waffle Old Fashioned and other crafted cocktails. Throughout the evening, guests can explore interactive photo moments, engage in Shrek-themed trivia, and enjoy a musical journey that evolves from relaxed fairytale instrumentals to upbeat, feel-good lounge energy.

Shrek the Musical is produced and directed by Jeb K. Rand of Rand Productions, Inc., a full-scale entertainment company specializing in creating original family-friendly shows, Broadway musicals, experimental theatrical productions, television specials, and branded corporate events for more than 30 years. MGM Resorts and Beau Rivage have partnered with Rand Productions for more than a decade, bringing successful summer and holiday productions to the Beau Rivage Theatre, including Christmas on Ice, Christmas in the Air, Finding Christmas, Grease, Footloose, Elf the Musical, and, most recently, A Christmas Story: The Musical.

Tickets for Shrek the Musical start at $25 plus tax and service charge. Family four-pack ticket packages are available for $60 (Code: ONIONS) and $80 (Code: SWAMP). Tickets and packages may be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre Box Office, by phone at 1.888.567.6667, or online at Shrek The Musical
A VIP experience is also available for an additional $30 per ticket and includes a post-show cast meet & greet, a digital cast photo on stage, an exclusive show laminate, and an autographed show poster. Call 1.888.567.6667 for details and reservations.

Shrek the Musical performs June 11 – July 2 (dark Mondays). Weekday performances are at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday performances are at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

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]]> Summer Blues Series (Bobby Rush) https://visitmississippi.org/events/summer-blues-series-bobby-rush/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:31:06 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=41020 The Summer Blues Series is designed to capture the feel of classic Mississippi blues culture, bringing together regional bands and touring acts for high-energy weekend shows. Guests can expect a mix of traditional blues, blues-rock, soul, and Southern rock, performed […]

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]]> The Summer Blues Series is designed to capture the feel of classic Mississippi blues culture, bringing together regional bands and touring acts for high-energy weekend shows. Guests can expect a mix of traditional blues, blues-rock, soul, and Southern rock, performed live in an up-close, club-style setting that emphasizes musicianship and atmosphere.
June 27
July 25
August 29
The Bottleneck Blues Bar itself adds to the experience with its distinctive décor—featuring eclectic “junk wall” art, vintage music elements, and a laid-back juke-joint vibe—creating what the casino promotes as “unforgettable nights” of live entertainment.

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]]> History Is Lunch: Brother Rogers, “Lafayette Visits Mississippi as the ‘Guest of the Nation'” https://visitmississippi.org/events/history-is-lunch-brother-rogers-lafayette-visits-mississippi-as-the-guest-of-the-nation/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 20:06:58 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42983 At noon on Wednesday, July 1, Brother Rogers, retired historian for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, will present his recent Journal of Mississippi History article, “Lafayette Visits Mississippi as the ‘Guest of the Nation,’” as part of the […]

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]]> At noon on Wednesday, July 1, Brother Rogers, retired historian for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, will present his recent Journal of Mississippi History article, “Lafayette Visits Mississippi as the ‘Guest of the Nation,’” as part of the History Is Lunch series. In connection with America250, Rogers examines the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 visit to Natchez during his farewell tour, highlighting his role as a Revolutionary War hero. This free event will take place in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums and will stream live on the MDAH Facebook page and YouTube channel.

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]]> Biloxi Shuckers Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza Weekend https://visitmississippi.org/events/biloxi-shuckers-independence-day-fireworks-extravaganza-weekend/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:37:25 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=41627 Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the Shuckers! After the game, the Shuckers will host part one of their annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza! Fireworks are on July 3rd and 4th after the game. […]

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]]> Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the Shuckers! After the game, the Shuckers will host part one of their annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza! Fireworks are on July 3rd and 4th after the game.

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]]> Stars, Stripes, and Symphony https://visitmississippi.org/events/stars-stripes-and-symphony/ Mon, 11 May 2026 15:24:24 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=41945 The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration! This free event takes place on the grounds of the Two Mississippi Museums (The location is not definite […]

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]]> The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration! This free event takes place on the grounds of the Two Mississippi Museums (The location is not definite yet so hold off on entering this one in any calendars until we confirm it is here. It may be on the grounds of the Old Capitol instead). It includes children’s activities, food and beverage vendors, and a fireworks finale following the symphony’s performance of patriotic songs.

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]]> Freedom Fest 2026, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi https://visitmississippi.org/events/freedom-fest-2026-columbus-air-force-base-mississippi/ Wed, 20 May 2026 15:16:44 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42408 The 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base will host Freedom Fest 2026, a free to the public celebration of America’s 250th independence anniversary, on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Gates will open at 2:00 PM for an afternoon and […]

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]]> The 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base will host Freedom Fest 2026, a free to the public celebration of America’s 250th independence anniversary, on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Gates will open at 2:00 PM for an afternoon and evening of live music, food trucks from across the region, vendors, and family activities. The celebration will culminate with the largest fireworks display in the Golden Triangle Region beginning at approximately 9:00 PM.
Further event details regarding parking, gate access, and entertainment will be released at ColumbusAFBLiving.com/Freedom-Fest and on official social media channels, @Columbus AFB Living and, @Columbus Air Force Base.
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Emily Krawiec at the 14th Force Support Marketing Office via email at Emily.Krawiec@us.af.mil.

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]]> SPARK! Places of Innovation at Soule Steam Museum https://visitmississippi.org/events/spark-places-of-innovation-at-soule-steam-museum/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:12:46 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42953 Come explore a Smithsonian exhibition! July 4 – August 15, 2026 Travel to innovative rural communities across the nation. Spark! Places of Innovation explores stories of towns that tapped into existing strengths to confront challenges and create opportunities. See how […]

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]]> Come explore a Smithsonian exhibition!
July 4 – August 15, 2026

Travel to innovative rural communities across the nation. Spark! Places of Innovation explores stories of towns that tapped into existing strengths to confront challenges and create opportunities. See how their unique combination of place, people, and creativity ignited change – socially, artistically, technologically, or culturally. Be inspired to spark innovation in your town town today!

Discover Meridian's SPARK!
Innovation, Creativity, Community. Heritage, Explore the People, places and ideas that helped shape Meridian, Mississippi – from steam-powered manufacturing and aviation pioneers to groundbreaking musicians, artists, educators, inventors and entrepreneurs.

Featured exhibits include: Soule' Steam Museum, Peavey Electronics, Jimmie Rodgers, Grand Operator House / MSU Riley Center, Meridian Arts Community, Maker Faire Meridian, Key Brothers Endurance Flight, Matty Hersee Hospital, Meridian Main Street, and The MAX. Big ideas can come from small towns!

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]]> Stars, Stripes & Symphony https://visitmississippi.org/events/stars-stripes-symphony/ Wed, 27 May 2026 19:39:04 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42454 The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration! This free event takes place on the grounds of the Two Mississippi Museums. It includes children's activities, food […]

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]]> The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration! This free event takes place on the grounds of the Two Mississippi Museums. It includes children's activities, food and beverage vendors, and a fireworks finale following the symphony's performance of patriotic songs.

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]]> Stars, Stripes, and Symphony https://visitmississippi.org/events/stars-stripes-and-symphony-2/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:25:33 +0000 https://visitmississippi.org/?post_type=events&p=42528 The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration! This free event takes place on the grounds of the Two Mississippi Museums. It includes children's activities, food […]

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]]> The Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and the Mississippi Humanities Council presents Stars, Stripes & Symphony, an America 250 Mississippi celebration! This free event takes place on the grounds of the Two Mississippi Museums. It includes children's activities, food and beverage vendors, and a fireworks finale following the symphony's performance of patriotic songs.

The post Stars, Stripes, and Symphony appeared first on Visit Mississippi.

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