Food festivals in Jackson worth planning a trip around, by month.
Food festivals in Jackson worth planning a trip around, by month.
The JXN Food and Wine Festival is Jackson's premier annual culinary event, with 40+ chefs, ticketed dinners, tastings, cooking demonstrations every March.
Focus: Southern and contemporary American cuisine
Tip: Advance tickets sell out; buy as soon as the lineup drops in January.
Hal's St. Paddy's Parade has been Jackson's signature street party for over 40 years, with a free parade from Court Street to Hal and Mal's restaurant, followed by a ticketed afterparty with live music and Southern food.
Focus: Southern food and drink at Hal and Mal's
Tip: The parade is free; the festival afterparty at Hal and Mal's requires a ticket, available at the door.
Taste of Mississippi brings Jackson's best restaurants together for a competitive tasting event at the Mississippi Trade Mart, with Best Appetizer, Entree, and Dessert categories voted by attendees.
Focus: Mississippi restaurant tasting event
Tip: A Stewpot Community Services fundraiser; buy tickets in advance as the event typically sells out.
The Mississippi Farmers Market runs year-round on Saturdays with 32 stalls of local produce, baked goods, and crafts, adding Thursday markets in summer to handle the peak season harvest from Mississippi farms.
Focus: Mississippi-grown produce and artisan food
Tip: Summer Thursdays from 09:00-13:00 are less crowded than Saturday mornings; ideal for relaxed shopping.