The annual Mississippi Makers Fest returns to downtown Jackson this Saturday, promising art, music, and plenty of good food.
The free, outdoor get-together is put on by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. It will once again be held outside the Two Mississippi Museums, and after welcoming former “American Idol” finalist Colin Stough last year, this year’s talented lineup will be topped by another act with strong Mississippi ties.
The Band Perry is the headliner, taking the stage as the final act. Known for hits like “If I Die Young” and “You Lie,” siblings Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry were born in Jackson before their family relocated to Alabama during their childhood and later to Tennessee. The Perrys have publicly acknowledged Mississippi as their home state, even being honored by the state Senate for their local roots in 2012.
The Band Perry has been nominated for several Grammys, won one, and has been honored on multiple occasions by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Association.
While Reid and Neil have since departed, Johnny Costello has stepped in to join Kimberly and keep the group going.
Taking the stage before The Band Perry will be Tupelo-born teenage blues prodigy John Clayton White, grunge country artist Sam Donald, Grammy-nominated blues musician Vasti Jackson, and soul singer-songwriter KIRBY.
2026 Mississippi Makers Fest music schedule
- 1:00 p.m.: John Clayton White
- 2:15 p.m.: Sam Donald
- 3:30 p.m.: Vasti Jackson
- 5:00 p.m.: KIRBY
- 6:45 p.m.: The Band Perry
Beyond the music, the Mississippi Makers Fest will include dozens of vendors and food trucks showcasing Mississippi-made art and tastes. There will be children’s activities, as well.
“Makers Fest is more than a concert; it’s a showcase of Mississippi’s creativity,” a release from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History said. “Alongside the music, visitors can browse over 60 artisan booths and enjoy fresh, made-to-order dishes from local food trucks, all while basking in the vibrant atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind atmosphere.”
The 2026 Mississippi Makers Fest will take place in the Entergy Mississippi Plaza in front of the Two Mississippi Museums. Gates open at 10 a.m. Blankets and one collapsible lawn chair per person are allowed. More information can be found here.
