Jackson, MS Events Spring 2026: Festivals, Concerts & More
Spring is the best time to visit Jackson, Mississippi. The weather is perfect, the city is buzzing with events, and there's something happening nearly every weekend. Here's your guide to Jackson's spring 2026 event season.
March 2026
Mal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival: Jackson's biggest annual party takes over downtown every March. What started as a small pub crawl has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the Southeast, drawing tens of thousands of people for live music across multiple stages, food vendors, and a massive parade through downtown.
Belhaven Arts & Music Festival: This neighborhood festival showcases local artists, musicians, and food vendors throughout one of Jackson's most charming historic neighborhoods. It's a family-friendly event with activities for all ages.
JSU Spring Sports: Jackson State University's spring sports season brings baseball, softball, and track events to campus. Game days are always a vibrant experience.
April 2026
Jackson International Food & Art Festival: A celebration of Jackson's growing diversity, this festival brings together cuisines from around the world alongside local and international art exhibitions.
Fondren After 5: This monthly Friday evening event in the Fondren District features live music, art gallery openings, and special restaurant promotions. April's edition is typically one of the year's best thanks to the perfect spring weather.
Mississippi Book Festival Preview Events: Leading up to the main festival, local bookstores and venues host author readings, signings, and literary discussions throughout the spring.
May 2026
Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival: This multi-day music festival celebrates Mississippi's deep musical heritage with national and local acts performing blues, soul, R&B, and gospel across multiple stages.
Tougaloo Art Colony: Tougaloo College hosts this annual art event bringing together artists, students, and the community for workshops, exhibitions, and performances on one of Mississippi's most beautiful campuses.
Memorial Day Weekend: The unofficial start of summer brings special events at the Ross Barnett Reservoir, including boat parades, cookouts, and lakeside festivities.
Planning Your Visit
Spring is peak season for Jackson, which means accommodations fill up fast — especially during major events like Mal's St. Paddy's Parade. Book your stay early to lock in the best rates and locations.
Our properties are ideally located for accessing all of Jackson's spring events. The Eastover House and The Modern Retreat both offer easy access to downtown, Fondren, and major event venues. Book directly at gcpremierproperties.com for the best rates — you'll save up to 40% compared to Airbnb.