Mississippi blues and Grammy award-winning artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram will headline the free 2024 Mississippi Makers Fest—a music, food, and arts festival sponsored by Nissan—at the Two Mississippi Museums from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. Additional musical performers include Hud & The Hurricane and American Blonde.
The free event will kick off the 2024 summer season with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s third annual Mississippi Makers Fest. More than 40 vendors and food trucks will gather to celebrate Mississippi’s creativity in its finest form. Visitors can look forward to handcrafted pottery, paintings, charcuterie boards, jewelry, and more from local vendors. Mini Makers also returns, full of make-and-take crafts and activities for children, including face painting. Mississippi Animal Rescue League will have furry friends ready to be adopted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m and will be accepting donations
“Nissan is a proud supporter of Mississippi Makers Fest, bringing friends and neighbors together to celebrate the immense creativity of the Magnolia state,” said Chandra Vassar, chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer for Nissan Americas and president of the Nissan Foundation. “Supporting artists and creators helps foster community, bolster innovation and encourage empathy, creating a world where everyone feels they belong. In collaboration with a partner that shares our values of courage, equity and inclusivity like the Two Mississippi Museums, we’re honored to give back to Mississippians who have given us so much over the 20 years we’ve been manufacturing in the state.”
Other sponsors include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, the City of Jackson, Nancy and Ray Neilsen, StateStreet Group, Visit Mississippi, Capital City Beverages, the Foundation for Mississippi History, Cathead Distillery, Lucid Ink, Mississippi Tent and Party Rental, Visit Jackson, and radio stations Y101, 102.1 The Box, Blues 93.1, Your Hometown Country US96, Mix 98.7, and 93.5 The Legend.
“The Two Mississippi Museums are grateful to have Nissan as the title sponsor of the 2024 Mississippi Makers Fest—making it possible to have such an inspirational and talented musical lineup for this year's event,” said Michael Morris, director of the Two Mississippi Museums. “We'll also offer free admission that day, creating a wonderful opportunity for visitors, especially young people, to explore the state's rich history in the museums.”
Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) will hold on-site pet adoptions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be accepting monetary and pet supply donations. Pet supply donations can also be dropped off prior to the event in the lobby of the Two Mississippi Museums.
Blankets and one collapsible lawn chair per person are allowed. Only clear bags will be allowed through security—including purses, fanny packs, diaper bags, and all other bags.
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History are in downtown Jackson at 222 North Street.
For more information on Mississippi Makers Fest, join the event at @MSMakersFest, visit msmakersfest.mdah.ms.gov, or email info@mississippimakersfest.com.