Taste of Mississippi is a food festival in Jackson.
Editorially verified June 26, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Must order: Multiple restaurant samples to vote for your favourites across all categories
Tip: A Stewpot Community Services fundraiser; buy tickets in advance as the event typically sells out.
Address: 1207 Mississippi St, Jackson, MS 39202
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.
Order: Sweet potatoes, Gulf shrimp from local dealers, and a loaf from the resident baker
Tip: Summer Thursdays from 09:00-13:00 are less crowded than Saturday mornings; ideal for relaxed shopping.
The JXN Food and Wine Festival is Jackson's premier annual culinary event, with 40+ chefs, ticketed dinners, tastings, cooking demonstrations every March.
Order: Saturday festival ticket for the widest access to participating chefs and tastings
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.
Order: A pint at Hal and Mal's after the parade, with red beans and rice from the kitchen
Tip: The parade is free; the festival afterparty at Hal and Mal's requires a ticket, available at the door.
