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SUMMER
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GREEK FEST MAY 1 - 3 Jackson’s Greek influence shines at Greek Fest on the lawn of Holy Trinity—St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church. Venture into the land of Greece to sample and sip. You’ll find Greek folk dancing and music, but the food brings in the masses. A gyro drive-through on Friday is capped-off with a full menu Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, allowing you to savor Grecian fare the whole weekend. Kids can enjoy the bounce houses and face painting, while adults can enjoy Greek beer, Greek wine and Ouzo. Visit greekfestjackson.org for more information.
CATHEAD JAM MAY 29 – 30 Presented by Cathead Distillery and Ardenland, the Cathead Jam music festival is where Jacksonians gather to officially kick off summer. The 2020 Cathead Jam will commemorate ten years of Cathead Vodka at the distillery. Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs and a laid-back attitude. For full lineup, visit catheadjam.com. BRIGHT LIGHTS, BELHAVEN NIGHTS AUGUST 8 Every August, the streets of the historic Belhaven neighborhood get grooving at Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights. This arts and music street festival brings people to the beloved, unique neighborhood that’s chock-full of history and culture. Starting at the English Village shopping center and ending at New Stage Theatre, Belhaven’s Carlisle Street is illuminated with art, children’s events, street vendors, one-act plays, live music, food and libations. For more information, visit greaterbelhaven.com. MISSISSIPPI BOOK FESTIVAL AUGUST 15 Dive deep into the culture of literature that Jackson lives and breathes at the Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by literacy advocates. Head to the Mississippi State Capitol grounds for this literary lawn party and book lovers’ celebration. The historic setting transforms into a bookworm’s paradise with hundreds of visiting authors, panel discussions, book signings, booksellers, Capitol tours, food trucks and family activities. Even the youngest of readers have the opportunity to engage in a love of reading at the festival’s kids’ corner. For more information, visit msbookfestival.com.
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FALL
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FARISH STREET HERITAGE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 5 For 40 years, people have flocked to historic Farish Street for one of the most storied African-American community festivals in the state. Music by national, regional and local performers can be heard on three stages. Enjoy arts and crafts, a Kiddy Cottage for children and of course, hearty helpings of soul food and other cultural delicacies. Visit farishstreetheritagefestival.com for more information.
MISSISSIPPI SCIENCE FEST SEPTEMBER 19 Celebrate wonder at the the LeFleur Museum District’s Mississippi Science Fest, a showcase of the state’s innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematic industries and organizations. Featuring special guests, hands-on activities, special exhibitions, interactive activities and familyfriendly celebrations, this two-day festival aims to provide a glimpse into the future of STEM in Mississippi. For more on the festival, visit mssciencefest.org. WELLSFEST SEPTEMBER 26 What began as a small church-sponsored afternoon of music decades ago has now been Jackson’s longest-running festival. WellsFest is one of the city’s major fall festival events featuring top musical talent on two stages and a day filled to the brim with family fun at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park. This free festival draws some of the best musical talent around and includes fun and games for children. The silent auction always draws the best from local merchants, innkeepers and restaurants. Get your fill of hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue or fuel up on caffeine and dessert at the outdoor coffeehouse. Over 50 of the best craft vendors and artisans in Mississippi can be found at the WellsFest Vendors’ Village. For more information, visit wellschurch.org. WHERE FUN IS FESTIVE
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