JACKSON ARTS & CULTURE
Jackson’s creative identity is one of its greatest strengths. The city is committed to supporting local artists, musicians, cultural institutions, and historic venues while lifting up the stories and creativity that make Jackson unique.
NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
Experience the National Folk Festival in Jackson! From November 7–9, 2025, downtown will come alive with music, dance, crafts, food, and culture in a three-day, free-to-the-public celebration.
Cultural CENTERS
Jackson Convention Complex
A modern, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue in Downtown Jackson hosting conventions, trade shows, concerts, and community events.
Mississippi Museum of Art
Located in the heart of downtown Jackson, The Mississippi Museum of Art is the state’s largest art museum, featuring national and local artists featuring a public art garden.
Thalia Mara Hall*
A premier performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Jackson, hosting concerts, festivals, and cultural events.
Arts Center of Mississippi
A hub for exhibitions, performances, and arts programming that brings the community together through creative expression.
The Bean Path
A nonprofit innovation hub offering mentorship, tech support, and resources to help Jackson residents and entrepreneurs grow in the digital age.
Briarwood Arts Center
The Briarwood Arts Center is a creative hub offering arts education, workshops, and community programming for all ages to connect through the arts.
Municipal Art Gallery
Showcases works by local and regional artists, promoting cultural enrichment and public appreciation of the arts.
Smith Robertson Museum
Celebrates African American history, culture, and art through exhibitions, education, and community programming.
*Thalia Mara Hall has been closed for an extended period due to facility issues; however, our administration is working diligently to ensure that these challenges are fully addressed before reopening. We are committed to a transparent process and to restoring this important cultural landmark so that it can safely serve our community for generations to come.
JACKSON-BASED ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
Ballet Mississippi – The state’s oldest professional ballet company, presenting classical and contemporary performances and training young dancers.
Opera Mississippi – The nation’s ninth-oldest opera company, producing performances and educational outreach programs.
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra – The state’s largest professional performing arts organization, offering concerts and statewide music education.
New Stage Theatre – Mississippi’s only professional theatre, producing classic and contemporary plays and musicals since 1965.
Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South – World-renowned marching band and cultural icon, performing at athletic and community events.
International Ballet Competition (USA IBC) – A globally recognized competition held in Jackson every four years, showcasing the world’s top dancers.