Mississippi Makers Fest Featured State's Music, Art & Vendors Outdoors at 2MM

More than 4,000 people gathered at the Two Mississippi Museums in downtown Jackson on Saturday, May 9, for the 2026 Mississippi Makers Fest. The highly anticipated, free annual event showcased the state's creative spirit, featuring dozens of local artisans, family-friendly interactive exhibits, and vibrant food trucks under clear spring skies. The site for the outdoor event was Entergy Plaza at the Two Mississippi Museums, extending along North Street in front. Gates opened at 10 a.m. and performances ran until about 8 p.m.

The daytime festivities spotlighted over 60 talented Mississippi makers and creators selling handmade crafts, ceramics, and custom goods to a wide audience. Organized by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the outdoors festival also offered visitors a chance to enjoy live performances from diverse musical acts, spanning genres from blues to grunge-country.

As the sun went down, Grammy-nominated headliner The Band Perry took the stage to close out the highly successful outdoor celebration. With the festival's attendance continuing to grow, organizers are already looking toward next year's gathering, which is officially scheduled for May 8, 2027.

Among the vendors was Jim Bankston of Bankston Glassworks, who was at work creating glass; artist Harold Miller of Brandon; and Jonathan and Josiah Scott of Magnolia, featuring their artwork.

Performers included Sam Donald, The Band Perry, who described their song "Buzzards" as a "spooky country song," and Grammy-nominated songwriter Kirby, who said performing at the event was a full-circle moment. Kirby also said Mississippi deserves more respect for its talent and beauty.