JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Take some time to unwind with friends, family or yourself this weekend. Below you’ll find a list of some fun events going on this weekend (February 2-4) around Mississippi.

Central Mississippi:

STEM, Leaves, and Trees – Jackson – Friday

• The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science celebrates Mississippi Arbor Day through crafts, games, and displays focused on Mississippi trees. 

Mardi Gras Parade & Block Party – Brandon – Friday

• Enjoy a dazzling display of colorful floats, lively music, and a festive atmosphere that will set the stage for an unforgettable weekend.

Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade – Natchez – Friday

• Enjoy the Krewe of Phoenix Mardi Gras Parade!

Vicksburg Kiwanis Club Chili Feast – Vicksburg – Friday

• The fundraiser benefits local youth scholarships and community projects.

Pardi Gras – Natchez – Friday

• There will be music, dancing, drinks, food and fun. Live entertainment provided by Emerson Hill and the 102 Band and DJ Lit West.

Hearts of Gold Gala – Clinton – Friday

• It will be a night full of Greatest Showman-themed fun, delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, $3,000 drawdown, and live music.

Fleet Feet Coffee Run – Ridgeland – Friday

• The group usually makes a large loop around the area. After the run, the first round of coffee is free on Fleet Feet!

Paint Party “Black Love Edition” Ladies Night – Jackson – Friday and Saturday

• Enjoy a fun-filled evening of creativity and love at Geri’s Place! The Paint Party “Black Love Edition” is the perfect event for couples, friends, or anyone who wants to express their love through art.

Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• The 59th annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo will take place on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

The Secret Garden: Spring Version – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• This enchanting classic of children’s literature of hope and perseverance is re-imagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman.

Attack of the Bloodsuckers – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Through 13 icky exhibits, guests learn the what, why, who, and when of how parasites live, work, and play an important part in our ecosystems.

Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• The first museum exhibition to showcase Pablo Picasso’s landscapes and the first ever Picasso solo exhibition to visit Mississippi.

Black History Month Art Exhibit – Natchez – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• New Vision Media will hold a month-long exhibit featuring the works of African Americans in the lobby at 20 East Franklin Street.

The Enslaved Journey – Natchez – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Rev. Tracy Collins will provide cultural heritage tours that will focus on the history of slavery and periods up to the Civil Rights Movement in Natchez.

Legacy of the Rhythm Night Club – Natchez – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Tours will be given at the Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum that highlight the lives and legacy of African Americans.

Dixie National Rodeo Parade – Jackson – Saturday

• Every year, the Mississippi Dept. of Agriculture & Commerce hosts this beloved event to kick-off rodeo competitions during the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Gumbo Festival – Brandon – Saturday

• Indulge in the flavorful creations of our gumbo teams as they compete for the coveted title of Gumbo Champion.

Krewe of Rez Parade – Rankin County – Saturday

• Each year, the parade route begins in Waterwood and travels along Scenic Drive and some of the connected neighborhood streets in Sunrise Point, Paradise Point, and Audubon Point.

Mardi Gras 2024 at Key City – Vicksburg – Saturday

• Kick off the parade in style with a rooftop party. Sip on signature cocktails, enjoy some pours of beer, and indulge in delicious food specials while enjoying the parade from one of the best vantage points in town.

Downtown Mardi Gras Parade – Vicksburg – Saturday

• All area clubs, churches, organizations, schools, drill teams, and businesses are invited to participate in the community parade.

Carnival de Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off – Vicksburg – Saturday

• This event is presented by the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation. Admission includes gumbo bowl.

Ignite the Night – Jackson – Saturday

• Every February, adults are given permission to play after hours at the Mississippi Children’s Museum during its signature fundraising event, Ignite the Night. Each gallery comes to life with festive food, mesmerizing music, and amusing activities.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Concert Heat Beats – Jackson – Saturday

• An evening devoted to love and the-music-you-love hits all the right romantic notes in a prelude to Valentine’s weekend.

BTC Market – Jackson – Saturday

• You’ll find local vendors, live music, and small business pop ups!

Second Saturday – Vicksburg – Saturday

• Second Saturday is an opportunity for the community to shop downtown, listen to live music, learn from featured artists and artisans, and much more.

A Dorothy Moore Valentine Celebration – Jackson – Saturday

• A Dorothy Moore Valentine Celebration for the Central Mississippi Blues Society.

Galentine’s High Tea – Natchez – Saturday

• Grab your gals and join Fête Natchez for a Galentine’s High Tea with macarons!

Laces for Love – Vicksburg – Saturday

• The Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg Presents this 5k run and walk and 10k run.

Hezekiah Watkins’ Gallery Talk – Jackson – Saturday

• Museum staff member Hezekiah Watkins will tell his story of being arrested at age thirteen as the youngest Freedom Rider in Jackson, Mississippi.

Mississippi Farmers Market – Jackson – Saturday

• From persimmons to peaches, from bok choy to butter beans, the Mississippi Farmers Market is the one place to go for the freshest fruits and vegetables that are grown in the state.

Natchez Farmers Market – Natchez – Saturday

• Every week there will be live fresh produce, baked goods, fresh dairy, and arts and crafts all from local growers and artists.

Butterfly in the Sky Screening – Jackson – Sunday

• This film follows the journey of the popular PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” and the challenges its memorable host, LeVar Burton, and creators faced while inspiring children to read.

Magnolia Festival Junior Cotillion – Natchez – Sunday

• Junior Cotillion gives middle school boys and girls training and practice in social skills that will build connections, social confidence and self-assurance.

Zion Chapel’s Founder’s Day – Natchez – Sunday

• The public is invited to attend the annual Founder’s Day program held by Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Holy Family Catholic Church Black History Celebration – Natchez – Sunday

• Toward the end of the mass, presentations will be given on important people in Black History, including Dr. John Bowman Banks, Dr. Albert W. Dumas Sr., Henry Dumas, Senator Hiram R. Revels, Senator John R. Lynch, William Johnson, Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hammer, and other people who have had an impact on the African American community.

Pine Belt:

New Exhibit at Hattiesburg Pocket Museum – Hattiesburg – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum has a new exhibit every month, so be sure to head downtown for a small surprise!

CANDYPALOOZA – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• CANDYPALOOZA is a celebration of candies and sweet treats from around the world.

Performing Arts Showcase – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Youth from the greater Hattiesburg area and across the state of Mississippi will showcase artistry through dance, drama and spoken word.

Moon Pie Fest – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Moon Pie Fest starts before the Mardi Gras Parade right across the street. There will be free corn dogs for kids, games and music.

Hattiesburg Caerus Mardi Gras Parade – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Keith’s Superstore, Mississippi Made and more present the 13th Annual Caerus Mardi Gras Parade.

Starry Nights – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• The Hattiesburg Zoo is partnering with USM’s School of Mathematics & Natural Sciences for Starry Nights 2024.

Forrest County Farmers Market – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• You’ll be able to find Fresh fruit and vegetables, jellies, baked goods, casseroles,
  soaps, flowers and more!

Saturday Farmers Market – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• People can come out and purchase from their local vendors, experience good music, games, yoga, and more.

Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook-off – Laurel – Saturday

• Teams from all over the region will be competing for best traditional or homestyle chili, and the top team will take home the giant chili pepper!

Valentines for Veterans Art – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Children of all ages are invited to come to the African American Military History Museum and create a valentine card or piece of art for our Valentines for Veterans Children Art Showcase.

Pottery Date Night – Hattiesburg – Saturday

• Hand building is more fun in pairs and even more fun when it’s Valentines Day. If you want to learn more about hand building, grab your best friend, a date, your mom and join us for a night of hand building.

Super Bowl Party – Hattiesburg – Sunday

• Enjoy good music, good vibes, good fans and good fun!

Potluck Super Bowl Party – Hattiesburg – Sunday

• There will be games, cool door prizes and great drink specials.