Plan your ultimate Jackson experience with our guide to everything happening in the city. Find details on upcoming events—from concerts and parties to sports and family-friendly activities—plus top restaurants & eateries, local tours, historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant social hubs. We also feature premium 4 and 5-star accommodations, including hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals. All this essential information is provided below to help you plan the perfect adventure when visiting Jackson, Mississippi.
Jackson, Mississippi, is a historic Southern city known for its deep-rooted blues music culture, Civil Rights history, and soulful cuisine. As the state capital, Jackson blends historic landmarks, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the city’s museums, attending cultural festivals, or enjoying local comfort food, this page highlights the best things to do in Jackson.
Jackson’s food scene is known for Southern comfort food, barbecue, and soul food. The city’s Fondren District features trendy restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and gastropubs. Local spots serve up Mississippi-style hot tamales, fried catfish, and shrimp and grits, while downtown cafes offer classic Southern breakfast and brunch favorites. Visitors can also explore Jackson’s growing craft beer scene and whiskey distilleries.
Jackson provides a variety of modern hotels, boutique stays, and historic inns. Downtown Jackson offers stylish hotels within walking distance of museums, nightlife, and live entertainment. The Belhaven and Fondren neighborhoods feature charming bed-and-breakfasts and Airbnb rentals with a local feel. Visitors looking for a unique stay can book a historic plantation inn or a riverfront lodge just outside the city.
Jackson has a thriving arts, music, and nightlife scene, with several key districts offering live blues, jazz, and country music. The Fondren District is a creative hub, featuring art galleries, live music venues, and rooftop bars. Farish Street Historic District, once a center for blues and jazz, continues to showcase live performances and cultural events. The Mississippi Coliseum and Thalia Mara Hall host major concerts, Broadway performances, and sports events year-round.
Jackson is deeply connected to American history, from the Civil Rights Movement to its rich musical heritage. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum provides a powerful look at the state’s role in the movement. The Mississippi Museum of Art showcases local and national artists. The Old Capitol Museum, a National Historic Landmark, offers insights into Mississippi’s political history. For music lovers, the Mississippi Blues Trail markers around the city highlight legendary artists who shaped blues music.
Jackson offers outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and major festivals throughout the year. Visitors can explore LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, visit the Jackson Zoo, or walk along the Pearl River. The city hosts annual events such as the Mississippi State Fair, Jackson Indie Music Week, and the Capital City Blues Festival. Sports fans can catch Jackson State University football games and experience the city’s passionate college sports culture. Whether you’re here for history, music, or food, this page provides everything you need to enjoy Jackson.
