News, Articles & Awards

Visit Jackson, in collaboration with MDAH and Downtown Jackson Partners, is proud to announce the return of Capital City Lights.

Levitt Foundation’s multi-year grant will provide funds for outdoor concerts in Smith Park

Downtown Jackson Partners sponsors high-tech installation to support law enforcement

Mara M. Hartmann, APR, has been named Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Downtown Jackson Partners.

Downtown Jackson Partners has advanced to the public voting phase for a chance to win up to a $120,000 grant to go toward a free outdoor music series in Smith Park.

FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | Proven Community Leader to Lead the State’s Largest Business Improvement District  Downtown Jackson Partners has appointed Liz Brister as president of the organization, effective February 1, 2025. Brister brings fresh leadership and energy to the state’s largest commercial district and will focus on attracting more residential development—an approach that has fueled urban growth … Read More

Mississippi Distilled: Prohibition, Piety, and Politics special exhibit at the Two Mississippi Museums won the 2021 Award of Excellence by the American Association for State and Local History.

The International Museum of Muslim Cultures, the country’s first Muslim museum, was ranked 4th among the top 10 winners in the category of religious museums for USA Today’s 2020 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awardees. The top 10 winners were determined by popular vote on the USA Today 10Best.com website and social media platforms.

The towns on this list have stood out on the American landscape for decades, and continue to reinvent their artistic communities each year. These are places where old army bases are converted into galleries, abandoned strips malls into studios, and boarded-up homes into art residencies. In each place, inspiration is easily available, and a laid-back … Read More

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Production crews set the stage for the final shots on the film starring Bruce Willis on Friday. Downtown Jackson and many locations around the city were backdrops with explosion, car chases and locals working in and behind the scenes. It’s nearly a wrap for filming on the action thriller A Day to … Read More

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A popular Jackson chef and caterer, who also runs a non-profit promoting healthy food, made national news on the Food Network’s Cooking Channel. The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau shouted out Chef Nick Wallace for his ’Fire Masters’ win that he plans to use to fund his non-profit, Creativity Kitchen. Creativity Kitchen is … Read More

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Thousands of food boxes of fresh produce will be available for pick-up at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson on Wednesday. The food is being provided as part of a federal program to support families who have lost income during the coronavirus pandemic. “A lot of our citizens ….

JACKSON, Miss. — People in Mississippi’s capital city are being told to expect downtown street closures and explosions for the filming of an action movie that stars Bruce Willis. A bank heist movie called “A Day to Die” has been filming in Jackson this month, with Willis shooting scenes in …

JACKSON, MS – Cathead Distillery is excited to announce Cathead Sparkling, an all-new line of ready-to-drink sparkling vodka sodas in four light, fruity flavors:…

#JXNMS is in the news and we’ve got the good stuff! In case you missed it, here are a handful of positive, uplifting features from the past couple of weeks. Downtown Jackson Partners has launched a homelessness outreach program at Smith Park. DJP President John Gomez told the Jackson Free Press that …

Malcolm White, the founder and chief organizer of the annual Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival in Jackson, recently announced updates on a planned live virtual parade taking place this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Parade organizers—including the City of Jackson, Visit Jackson and Downtown Jackson Partners—first announced …

The Downtown Jackson Partners Homelessness Outreach Coordinator Tommie Brown has, since January, identified and helped 25 homeless Jacksonians get the services that they need, he told the Jackson Free Press at an event the organization held on March 11 at Smith Park. #“We have, in the over the two months that we’ve been on the … Read More

Cathead Distillery, who briefly pivoted operations to produce hand sanitizer last year in response to the pandemic, recently donated a large supply of sanitizer to the Mississippi State Department of Health to be utilized in aid of the state’s efforts to combat the virus and protect the community amongst the ongoing public health crisis….

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Everything eventually comes full circle. For the Heritage Building in downtown Jackson, that 360-degree turn has taken a little more than a century. Developers are completely remodeling the historic facility, in part, to help bring …

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – It’s a new year and we revisited downtown where businesses are opening their doors and developers are working to…

JXN’s Museum Trail, a 2.5-mile route that stretches from downtown through Belhaven and LeFleur East between some of the city’s most prominent museums, has officially opened. Cited as economic development, a tourism draw and promoter of physical health, construction began last fall on the trail that connects the Two Mississippi Museums with the Mississippi Museum of Natural … Read More

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Jackson is bringing on private consultants to help bring new business to the city. At its meeting Tuesday, the city council approved hiring NaviRetail LLC and The Retail Coach, to help recruit businesses to…

The City of Jackson has launched the ConnectJXN: Transit Plan, a study designed to improve JTRAN’s fixed-route bus and paratransit services. The study will create a blueprint for a modernized JTRAN network that adapts to changing community needs and technologies, creating better connections through direct and reliable routes, promoting fair and equal access to opportunities … Read More

From economic development and renovation upgrades to new restaurants and apartment complexes, murals, pilots, programs and more, Downtown Jackson Partners said there has been much accomplished this year in the core of Mississippi’s capital city. In an email sent to subscribers on Friday, the organization recounts an exhaustive list of updates, upgrades, improvements and additions that include: … Read More

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing uncertainties, the International Museum of Muslim Cultures (IMMC) in Jackson announces it is the recipient of a Kellogg Foundation grant of $475,000. Along with this recent award, …

The Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) is “talkin’ ’bout My City…” In ceremonies held in Biloxi today, the statewide organization for tourism professionals honored Visit Jackson’s My City campaign as Social Media Campaign of the Year. “Visit Jackson was at one time only a resource to our visitors, but, as we know, locals impact our tourism … Read More

Despite the setbacks that this year’s pandemic has wrought, the Jackson metro continues to persevere and move forward, making progress all the while. Check out these updates on some of what has been going on in these last few months….

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) is canceling this year’s Christmas by Candlelight Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but offering opportunities to enjoy the holiday decorations at several JXN sites. …

Safely explore JXN – and get a free tee to boot – with the new Metro Jackson Passport. The small, bound book – the size of a traveler’s passport – invites you to visit landmarks of the city, collecting stamps from participating attractions, restaurants and others. Information within the passport gives a glimpse…

Filing for building permits in JXN? The service has moved into the 21st century. “What previously required multiple trips to multiple floors, chasing signatures and stamps, can now be done from anywhere: a phone, a tablet or a computer,” said Jordan Hillman, Planning and Development Director for the City of Jackson. The City introduced a … Read More

The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (222 North St.) in Jackson will offer free admission to…

Downtown living is receiving a considerable boost in the form of two long-awaited residential developments. The former Edison Walthall Hotel is now The Walthall Lofts and the former James O. Eastland Federal Courthouse will become The Courthouse Lofts. The developments were promised to…

The City of Jackson has announced an effort now underway to gather citizens’ opinions from all walks of life to form a comprehensive community plan. The city of Jackson will engage with the community to develop a shared vision based on common values and desired and goals. The city’s planning team and…

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, a City of Jackson museum, will reopen October 19. The hours will be Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The museum has been shuttered since…

State and local officials on Thursday opened the new Mississippi Trade Mart that’s attached to the coliseum on the state fairgrounds in Jackson. The State-funded building cost $30 million. It is near the old Trade Mart that was built in 1975. The old one will be torn down to make way for parking spaces. The Trade … Read More

The Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown, an iconic historic hotel located in the heart of the city center, has completed renovations to its 7,321 square feet of meeting and event space, 186 guest rooms, full-service restaurant and bar, lobby and fitness center.

The City of Jackson has now installed 146 new parking meters on Capitol Street, as well as on Lamar, Pearl and President Streets. The current meter system is being replaced with a whole new system that will offer new ways to pay, including credit card. An app that will allow users to pay from their … Read More

“When I did more research about what was around me, I noticed that it was very corporate. I (thought), ‘These people probably need coffee when they wake up in the morning.’ That’s how I incorporated the coffee piece, but I was like, ‘If I am going to do coffee, I am going to do coffee … Read More

Opening a restaurant during a pandemic can seem impossible. After placing orders for a cold pressed juice machine and the perfect furniture for the sitting area, Kenya MomPremier had no idea it would take two months for delivery due to coronavirus. Even though this hurdle deemed difficult to jump, MomPremier handled the opening of her first cafe with grace … Read More

Jackson Icons: that’s the name of a mural unveiled on the North Street side of the Old Capitol Inn. The larger-than-life painting showcases…

 A chance to keep healthy and see the sights in downtown Jackson is on its way to the Capital City. A ground breaking was held Tuesday for the Museum Trail. The project is designed to offer…

“The ears give you lots of juiciness and tasty pork flavours all at the same time,” said cook Lavette Mack as she stirred a simmering pot on the stovetop. “Add a little crunch with some slaw, give it a kick with some homemade hot sauce, put it all together in a bun and you’ve got … Read More

A downtown building that has been boarded-up for a decade is just about ready for its grand reopening. The Walthall opened as a hotel in 1929 and served travelers under various names until it shut down ten years ago because of water damage. New owners revealed plans to turn it into…

Throughout Jackson, public art has become both more common and more widely celebrated. Our city has long been vibrant, but now, our streets, walls, and common spaces match our soul. Public art gives a human element to the cityscape, connecting those that walk its streets. When you head downtown, you’re sure to see the “Welcome … Read More

The City of JXN announced that Fertile Ground, a documentary examining the extensive impact the industrial food system has on Jacksonians, will air on June 10 at 7pm on Mississippi Public Broadcasting TV. MPB will re-air the documentary on June 21 at 5p.m.

Visit Jackson and the agency’s Creative Design Manager, Reshonda Perryman, have completed a new downtown mural, “Jxn Icons.” The boldly colored painting, located on the back wall of the Old Capital Inn on North Street, showcases a diverse representation that spans age, ethnicity, and notoriety while focusing on a few of the many things Jackson … Read More

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, Cathead Distillery has temporarily switched gears, from making vodka to producing hand sanitizer by the ton. On Tuesday, Cathead, in partnership with the City of Jackson, made access to four 55-gallon drums of the sanitizer available, at no charge. People, needing the sanitizer to help fight the virus, … Read More

A historic hotel building in Downtown Jackson is set to reopen as lofts in April. The Edison Wathall Hotel, originally opened in 1928, closed in 2010 due to water pressure issues. The Capitol Street building reopen date is set for April 4.

Nearly 4,000 people will fill Downtown Jackson Saturday for the 13th annual Mississippi Blues Marathon. Athletes from all 50 states and across Mississippi will lace up for the Mississippi Blues Marathon, starting and finishing at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

In a state where one in four children go to bed hungry at night, solutions to the food insecurity that plagues Jackson and other southern cities are the goal of a series of public art installations and workshops. The Fertile Ground Expo, scheduled for April 9-11, aims to address the history and future of food access … Read More

The Governor’s Arts Awards, presented by the Mississippi Arts Commission, is an annual event recognizing Mississippi’s top artists, organizations and individuals who have made noteworthy contributions of achieved artistic excellence in…

Here is who was voted as the best local people, places, food and more of Jackson, Mississippi for 2020!

Visit Jackson has officially opened the first full-service welcome center in the Capital City, located on Pearl Street in the heart of Downtown Jackson. Tourists who visit the city now have a center dedicated to everything Jackson, Mississippi – from welcoming staff, to city information, and even Jackson merchandise!

There’s now free Wi-Fi in parts of Downtown Jackson. It’s phase one of transition to a tech city. Robert Blaine, the city’s chief administrative officer, said the Wi-Fi pilot program is just the beginning.

If you have not strolled through downtown Jackson lately, then you may be missing out on the steady transformation of historic area. The streets beam with pride as the lights from bustling and revitalized buildings illuminate the streets, many paved anew. The Mississippi Museum of Art complements the grandeur of the Capital City with a … Read More

Gumbo Festival in downtown Jackson: Good eatin’ and music

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A civil suit is now out of the way and that is smoothing the path for possible development on Farish Street, and the numbers are in on occupancy in downtown Jackson.

The Blue Man Group will make a stop in the capital city as they travel across the U.S. on their SPEECHLESS TOUR.

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)- The Mississippi Museum of Art’s Inktober is making its way back for families to enjoy the annual showcase of sketchbooks and drawings by artists across the state.

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Jackson State University will go head-to-head against Alabama State University during its Homecoming football game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The City of Jackson will host PARK(ing) Day on Friday, Sept. 20. PARK(ing) Day is a national event held the third Friday of September each year. The goal is to bring together businesses and residents to transform metered parking spaces into temporary park installations or community spaces for one day.

While Eli Childers has been busy around Jackson painting murals for places like Coffee Prose, he has also been using another medium: chalk.

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – More from our 3 On Your Side’s Exclusive One on One with Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

A down-home journey to the hardscrabble home of the Mississippi blues.

Michael Roy, an artist and Moss Point, Miss., native, has been drawing for as long as he can remember, but it was attending the Mississippi School of Arts in Brookhaven that solidified art, and murals, as a serious profession for him.

Known as the Magnolia state’s “Literary Lawn Party,” the 2019 Mississippi Book Festival will celebrate its 5th anniversary Saturday on the grounds of the State Capitol.

On the ground floor of Capital Towers downtown, a recently opened Jackson restaurant is offering something new (and healthy) to the city’s cuisine.

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The money for the AARP Community Challenge Grant is meant to help communities become better places to live for residents of all ages.

So that new mural in downtown Jackson across from Thalia Mara Hall. What’s the story?

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Buildings that sat vacant for decades on Capitol Street in downtown Jackson now occupy businesses and more.

The second episode of Capital Cuisine takes place at a new, Ethiopian restaurant in downtown Jackson.

The Faulkner, at 518 E. Capitol St. in downtown Jackson, opened its doors for office space lease and events this month. A preview was held on Tuesday, June 25.

As you might imagine, a great-nephew of William Faulkner has a story or two. Thomas W. “Buddy” Faulkner bought the five-story building at 518 Capitol St. in 1993 out of foreclosure.

Capitol Street in downtown Jackson is an integral part of the city’s long history. Once a bustling two-way street lined with department stores, small businesses and restaurants of every description, the street has undergone numerous changes.

On the first and fourth Friday of each month, the area around Smith Park is abuzz with activity. Downtown workers gather from the different offices, and some people outside of the downtown area gather at the park for one thing: Downtown Foodie Friday Festival.

Located in the old Jaco’s Tacos location on State Street, El Centro, is serving up traditional Mexican dishes, house specialties, craft cocktails, and cold beer in their spacious dining room and covered patio.

Stepping into Hal & Mal’s is like slipping on a cool pair of old shoes that’re still comfy, still stylish and still perfectly capable of skipping out on a dance floor at a moment’s notice.

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – Students at St. Andrews Episcopal School are creating art in downtown Jackson. The students created an huge mural near Thalia Mara Hall.

The longevity of some restaurants is measured in a few years or a decade or two at most. This Jackson landmark restaurant continues to create memories of delicious meals while passing through generations of families like a treasured keepsake.

4th Avenue Lounge distills an urban spirit into a corner of downtown Jackson. It has the physical address of the long-ago diner the Lamar Restaurant — 209 S. Lamar St. — but the slate has been scrubbed clean in the service of a sleek, upscale after-hours gathering spot.

Located downtown on Capitol Street, Lounge 114 is one of Jackson’s newest upscale lounge and restaurant in the heart of downtown. Though they are only open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, Lounge 114 is serving up delicious southern cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails in a fun and inviting environment.

JACKSON — Martin’s Downtown, previously known as Martin’s Restaurant & Bar, has long been a staple of downtown Jackson, showcasing both local and touring bands, as well as giving Jacksonians a place to hang out.

When you’re in the mood for an authentic Southern comfort meal, nothing beats a blue plate. Usually consisting of a meat and two or three sides with a drink, blue plates are filling, tasty, fresh, and always a go-to when it comes to getting a quick lunch.

Jackson has some pretty amazing local delis, each with their own signature offerings, but few push the culinary envelope like Steve’s Downtown. Whether it is their plate lunches, sandwich specials, quiches, pizza, or signature soups, Steve’s sets the bar for this foodie.

It was a busy day as usual at Keifer’s Downtown. The smell of freshly baked pita bread filled the two-story space in the beginning of December while chicken sizzled on the grill for a gyro order. That’s when a customer…