Meridian, MS, comes alive this spring and summer with a lineup filled with food, music, art, and community celebrations. Favorites like the Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival honor the city’s legendary musical heritage, while Bud N’ Boilin’ offers friendly competition alongside delicious crawfish. You can also enjoy block parties, farmers’ markets, and family-friendly activities — all highlighting Meridian’s vibrant culture. Here’s what you can expect!
April 11, 2026: Sipp & Savor
As Meridian’s premier food and drink event, Sipp & Savor brings together more than 50 chefs, mixologists, and distillers for an evening of tastings, live entertainment, and culinary creativity in the heart of downtown. This year’s event is headlined by Alon Shaya of Saba (New Orleans, LA), which recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. The event begins at 6 p.m. at The MAX, with Premium Pass holders gaining early access at 5 p.m. General admission is $85, and Premium Pass tickets are $135. sippandsavor.com
Also taking place in downtown Meridian, the annual Threefoot Festival is a family-friendly celebration of art, music, and community. Browse a vibrant mix of artists, makers, nonprofits, and food vendors while enjoying live entertainment throughout the weekend. Festivities kick off Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with the Threefoot Mile Race, followed by a full day of shopping, dining, and entertainment on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. meridianartscouncil.org
April 18, 2026: Tab Benoit’s Swampland Jam & Samantha Fish
Grammy-nominated artists Tab Benoit and Samantha Fish bring their signature blend of Americana and blues music to the MSU Riley Center this April. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the co-headlining show features individual sets from each artist, followed by a high-energy encore, during which both artists share the stage. msurileycenter.com
April 25, 2026: Meridian Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven & Blue Jeans
Celebrate the Meridian Symphony’s 65th anniversary with this genre-blending concert that pairs the music of Beethoven and The Beatles. Led by guest conductor and pianist Christopher Ray, the performance combines classical masterpieces with orchestral takes on iconic pop hits. Be sure to arrive early for a pre-concert BBQ picnic featuring local youth musicians, then settle in for the official concert at 7 p.m. meridianso.org
April 30, 2026: Air Supply 50th Anniversary
Celebrating 50 years, Air Supply brings its signature romantic sound to the MSU Riley Center stage. Formed by musicians Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, the duo rose to global fame with a string of Billboard Top 5 hits, including “Lost in Love” and “All Out of Love.” The performance kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and tickets begin at $70. msurileycenter.com
May 1, 2026: Full Moon on 5th
This free downtown block party transforms Meridian’s streets with string lights, illuminated art, and a lively, laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy great food, live music, and a rotating showcase of local artists, with the May event featuring Dalton Bush Band. visitmeridian.com
May 2 & June 6, 2026: Earth’s Bounty + First Saturday at The Max
Celebrate local flavor at The MAX with Earth’s Bounty Fresh Farmers’ Market. Enjoy free museum admission from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., browse fresh produce, plants, and artisanal goods from local vendors, and soak up live music. Kids can join art activities upstairs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while seasonal demonstrations and entertainment make this a fun, family-friendly way to experience Meridian’s creativity and community. msarts.org
May 2, 2026: Bud N’ Boilin’
Spend a spring afternoon at Meridian’s Bud N Boilin’ Crawfish Competition. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Singing Brakeman Park, the lively event features teams competing for cash prizes and bragging rights. Sample crawfish from participating teams, enjoy live music throughout the day, and cast your vote for the best boil. Plenty of food, entertainment, and ice-cold drinks round out the celebration. For additional details, visit the event’s official Facebook page.
May 5, 2026: Alison Krauss & Union Station, Featuring Jerry Douglas
With nearly four decades of acclaim, this dynamic music group brings its signature blend of bluegrass, country, and folk to the MSU Riley Center. Led by Alison Krauss, the Grammy-winning group continues to captivate audiences with music from its latest album, Arcadia. Tickets range from $70 to $150, and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. msurileycenter.com
May 7 – 9, 2026: Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival
Celebrate the legacy of Meridian’s own Jimmie Rodgers at the 2026 Jimmie Rodgers Festival. The annual event honors the “Father of Country Music” with live performances, local food, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Meridian. This year’s headlining lineup includes artists like Maggie Antone, Marcus King Band, Jamestown Revival, Southern Legacy, and more. To see the full lineup and purchase tickets, visit jimmierodgers.com.
May 21, 2026: Downtown Art Crawl
Explore the creativity of Meridian at the 2026 Art Crawl, an evening showcasing local artists and unique exhibitions across downtown venues like the Meridian Museum of Art, The MAX, and The Alley. Pick up your trail card at the museum from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., then enjoy an after-party at Hallie Ward’s Interiors with live music, drinks, and door prizes. downtownmeridian.org
June 4, 2026: Atlanta Rhythm Section, FireFall, Orleans & Pure Prairie League
Relive the hits of the ’70s as Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, Orleans, and Pure Prairie League each perform full sets of their signature songs. From “So Into You” to “Amie,” this all-star lineup delivers an evening of timeless melodies, harmonies, and masterful musicianship. Tickets range from $45 to $125, and music begins at 7:30 p.m. msurileycenter.com
June 5, 2026: State Games of Mississippi
Kick off the 2026 State Games of Mississippi with an evening of food, fun, and celebration in downtown Meridian. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., leading into the opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m., featuring a parade of athletes, the lighting of the State Games torch, and a spectacular fireworks display to launch the weekend of competition. stategamesofms.org
June 19 – 21, 2026: Juneteenth Community Celebration
This annual festival features a variety of events for all ages, including a Black Business Expo, live music and concerts, family-friendly activities like KidZone and sports tournaments, theatrical performances, and gospel celebrations honoring local trailblazers. This vibrant event highlights Meridian’s history, heritage, and creativity, offering something for everyone to enjoy. visitmeridian.com
June 20, 2026 – March 27, 2027: John Jennings: Build Your World
Explore the visionary worlds of Mississippi native John Jennings in the brand-new Build Your World exhibit at The MAX. This exhibition highlights Jennings’s groundbreaking work in Afrofuturism, Southern Gothic, and comics, including Silver Surfer: Ghost Light, Kenny Dreadful and the Hainted Hoodie, and Blue Hand Mojo: Hard Times Road. msarts.org
July 4, 2026: Fourth of July Celebration
Celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial on Meridian’s City Hall lawn. An annual family-friendly celebration, the event includes everything from live music to food trucks. Be sure to stick around in the evening for a spectacular fireworks show, too!
Here’s to a fun-filled spring and summer!
This article is sponsored by Visit Meridian.
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