Got time to unwind with family and friends? Try these weekend events

Kiara Fleming, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·3 min read

Summer break is almost over and with only a short few weeks left before the little ones head back off to school but until then, you need ways to keep them occupied.

Never fear, lots of events are going on this weekend in Jackson and surrounding areas for you and your family to take part in.

One option is an outing to the Mississippi Farmers Market to shop for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to use for healthy family meals.

Jackson's annual Ice cream safari is this weekend at the Jackson zoo where you can enjoy different ice cream flavors of the summer. The event also will feature different vendors offering a variety of products.

Come dressed as your favorite character and ease yourself on down the yellow brick, oops! I mean the black brick road, to the Jackson Convention Complex where you can enjoy a free movie screening of the classic and historic film, "The Wiz" this Sunday.

Below you’ll find details of those and other fun events going on this weekend in and around Jackson. Enjoy!

More: The inaugural Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo coming to Mississippi Coliseum. Details here

Ice cream Safari

Sponsored by Blue Bell ice cream and Visit Jackson, the Jackson Zoo will be hosting its annual ice cream safari where anyone can come out and enjoy a full day of tasting ice cream while visiting the animals at the Jackson Zoo. A kids zone, splash pad, carousel rides, games, face painting, bounce houses, animal encounters with JZ Keepers and live entertainment is also part of the event.

  • When: Saturday, July 22

  • Where: Jackson Zoo, 2918 West Capitol St., Jackson

  • Admission: $13 (ages 13 years old and up); $10 (Ages 3-12 years old) and free for ages 2 and under. Purchase tickets online in advance at jacksonzoo.org

  • Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

JXN Flim Festival

Jackson Flim festival
Jackson Flim festival

The annual JXN Film Festival opens Sunday with a free screening of the classic film "The Wiz" and a themed costume competition for kids and and kids at heart ... adults.

  • When: Sunday, July 23

  • Where: Jackson Convention Complex, 105 East Pascagoula St., Jackson

  • Admission: Free

  • Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Open Mic Mississippi 

Screenshot of Fenian's Pub logo from Facebook.
Screenshot of Fenian's Pub logo from Facebook.

Take the stage and showcase your talent at open mic night in Jackson at Fenians Pub. Anyone can perform poetry, music, art and more.

Mississippi Farmers Market

Mississippi Farmers Market
Mississippi Farmers Market

Shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, handmade crafts and more at the Mississippi farmers market in Jackson. Different vendors also will be set up and selling their wares. Free parking is available.

  • When: Saturday, July 22

  • Where: Mississippi Farmers Market, 929 High St., Jackson

  • Admission: Free to browse

  • Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Neon Night 

The Mississippi Children’s Museum will host its 9th Annual Neon Night Fundraiser. Come out in your best-dressed neon colors.

  • When: Saturday, July 22

  • Where: Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Boulevard, Jackson

  • Admission: $60

  • Time: 8 p.m.

Rhythm and Brunch

The Village Kitchen in Jackson will host live music vibes of local performers and serving brunch.

  • When: Sunday, July 23

  • Where: The Village Kitchen, 219 W. County Line Rd., Jackson

  • Admission: Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com/rhythmbrunch

  • Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS Weekend events