Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey Events

Support local growers and artisans every first Saturday, May – November 2025 at Earth's Bounty—the open-air festival that turns downtown Meridian's MAX courtyard into a colorful marketplace of fresh produce, honey, eggs, baked treats, craft goods, live music, and free kids' activities. The market runs 8 a.m.–Noon, and your wristband also unlocks FREE admission to The MAX museum all day (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Mississippi Arts Experience (The MAX)

2025 Market Dates

May 3 Garden-craft class 10 a.m.-Noon
Jun 7 Story-time on the lawn 11 a.m.
Jul 5 Red-White-&-Bluegrass set 9 a.m.
Aug 2 Chef demo: “Gulf-to-Table” 10 a.m.
Sep 6 Art Farm kids' station all morning
Oct 4 Pumpkin-painting bar (while supplies last)
Nov 1 Holiday-pie throw-down 9:30 a.m.(Schedule courtesy of The MAX; activities subject to change—check Earth's Bounty socials before you go.)

What You'll Find

• Hand-picked produce, grass-fed beef, local honey, farm-fresh eggs, and baked goods straight from Meridian kitchens
  
• Dozens of artisan booths featuring soaps, candles, leatherwork, and seasonal plants
  
• Live Mississippi roots music on the courtyard stage
  
• Free family workshops—from seed-starting to folk-art print-making
  

Why Campers Love Making Our KOA Their Market HQ

• 12-minute drive via I-20/I-59—easy out, easy back.
  
• Shady RV & cabin sites to keep that cooler bag (and you) out of the heat.
  
• Fiber-fast Wi-Fi to brag about your market haul.
  
• Sparkling bathrooms and noon check-out, so you can browse the booths without racing the clock.
  
• Pool & pavilion ready for a post-market chill-down or picnic with your fresh finds.
  

Come hungry, leave happy—and rest easy beneath our Mississippi pines! ??

Unleash your family's inner artist every week at the hands-on Artful Friday Pop-Up Program!

• Cost: $10 per person (children under 1 year free) – included with general museum admission
  
• Ages: Recommended for children 3–12 (younger siblings welcome with caregiver assistance)
  
• Sponsored by: Sissie & Fred Wile
  

What to Expect:

• Guided weekly art projects exploring painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, and more
  
• All materials provided—just bring your imagination!
  
• A rotating theme each month (spring florals, animal masks, recycled-art sculptures, and beyond)
  
• Drop-in format: arrive any time after 3:30 PM, no pre-registration required
  

Plan Your Visit:

• Museum Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday 1 PM–6 PM
  
• Artful Fridays run year-round—perfect for after-school fun or weekend adventures!
  
• Learn more and view MCM's full calendar at mschildrensmuseum.org/meridian
  

Gather the family, get inspired, and make memories together!

America's longest-running music festival is back May 12 – 18, 2025 in downtown Meridian, celebrating the “Father of Country Music” with seven straight days of concerts, film, food, and family fun. 

2025 Main-Stage Highlights

Mon 12, 6pm @ The MAX, “A Man Called Hurt” film + Jimmie “Duck” Holmes blues set
Tue 13, 6pm @ The MAX, East Nash Grass & Sister Sadie (bluegrass)
Wed 14, 6pm @ The MAX, Annual Talent Competition
Thu 15, 7pm @ Ellis Theater (Philadelphia) Jake Worthington w/ Daniel Houze & The Honest Thieves
Fri 16, 5pm @ The MAX St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Vasti Jackson, Cuffing Season
Sat 17, 5pm @ The MAX, Ole 60, Preston Cooper, American Blonde, Britt Gully & The Water Moccasins
Sun 18, 1pm @ The MAX, NOLA Gospel Brunch feat. Joyful & The Spirit of New Orleans

Full schedule & tickets at jimmierodgers.com. 4-day VIP passes ($175) include private lounge, seating, and refreshments; single-day concerts start at $35.

Why Make Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey Your Festival Basecamp?

• Easy drive – just 11 minutes from the main stage at The MAX, with quick I-20/I-59 access.
  
• Shaded RV, tent, and kabin sites nestled in Mississippi pines.
  
• Fiber-fast Wi-Fi (thanks, EMEPA!) to upload those concert pics.
  
• Late-night game room and fire pits for post-show jam sessions...just don't get too rowdy!
  
• Pool refresh (opening Memorial Day) to cool off between sets.
  
• Quiet Hours enforced so you'll actually sleep before the next day's music marathon.
  

Pack your boots, grab your guitar (or air-guitar), and we'll see you under the pine trees—then downtown for some Mississippi-made music magic!

Unlock your STEAM curiosity every week with hands-on coding, robotics, and engineering challenges!

What to Expect

• Inquiry-based STEAM activities designed to spark creativity in coders, builders, and tinkerers of all ages
  
• Guided instruction by museum educators using real robots, programmable kits, and interactive challenges
  
• A supportive, hands-on environment perfect for curious campers looking to explore technology
  

Cost & Admission

• Included with general museum admission: $10 per person (children under 1 year free)
  
• Museum hours on Tuesdays: 9 AM–5 PM—arrive by 3:15 PM to check in
  

Getting There

• A scenic 20-mile drive (about 25 minutes) west on I-20/59 from the KOA—just follow signs to downtown Meridian
  
• Street parking available adjacent to the museum
  

Plan Your Visit
Gather your fellow campers, pack your sense of wonder, and head out for an afternoon of tech discovery. Questions? Stop by the office or call the museum at (601) 512-0270!

Gear up for an afternoon of hands-on STEAM exploration on Wonder Wednesday!

What to Expect

• Interactive, weekly experiments exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math
  
• Guided demos and open-ended activities designed to spark curiosity in all ages
  
• A playful, drop-in format—stay as long as you like!
  

Admission & Details

• General Admission: $10 per person – children under 1 year free
  
• Museum hours on Wednesdays: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (arrive by 3:15 PM to check in)
  
• No pre-registration required; just show up and join the fun!
  

Getting There

• A scenic 25-minute drive west on I-20/59 from Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey—follow signs to downtown Meridian
  
• Street parking available adjacent to the museum
  

Pack up your campers, hop in the car, and dive into a midweek STEAM adventure at the Mississippi Children's Museum!

Get ready for an evening of soaring harmonies and lightning-fast picking as bluegrass super-duo Dailey & Vincent roll into downtown Meridian!

Quick-Glance Details

• Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
  
• Showtime: 7:30 PM (arrive early to snag your seat)
  
• Tickets: $20 – $60 — on sale now via the Riley Center box office or online MSU Riley Center
  

Why You'll Love This Show. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent fuse country, bluegrass, and gospel into a feel-good sound that's earned them Grand Ole Opry membership, multiple GRAMMY® nominations, and 35 IBMA awards. Expect signature showstoppers, jaw-dropping musicianship, and plenty of down-home storytelling that'll have you clapping along from the first note.

Perfect Night Out for KOA Guests. Our campground is about 15 minutes from the Riley Center—close enough for a quick drive but far enough to retreat to the pines afterward. Spend the afternoon by the pool, head downtown for the concert, then unwind around your own campfire under Mississippi stars.

Venue & Ticket Info
MSU Riley Center
2200 5th Street, Meridian, MS 39301
Box Office: 601-696-2200 • [email protected]

Bluegrass bliss, historic theater vibes, and a cozy night back at the KOA—sounds like the perfect May evening. See you there!

Step into the creative world of Jim Phillips, the newly named Artist-in-Residence at the Meridian Railroad Museum, as he unveils a vibrant visual art exhibition. Explore Jim's dynamic pieces inside the historic museum and stroll through the outdoor garden gallery where his work will be on full display. It's the perfect way to celebrate spring in The Queen City—chat with the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and immerse yourself in both art and railroad heritage!
Highlights:

• Meet the Artist: Jim Phillips will be on hand to discuss his inspiration and process.
  
• Indoor Gallery: View a curated selection of Jim's latest paintings and mixed-media works.
  
• Garden Exhibition: Experience art among the pines as works are showcased in our landscaped grounds.
  
• Free Admission: All ages welcome—bring the family and friends!
  

Plan Your Visit:

• Learn more at meridianrails.org
  
• Contact Anne McKee at [email protected] or (601) 479-2483
  

Don't miss this unique blend of art and history—see you at the museum!

Get ready to spark your child's creativity at the Meridian Railroad Museum's “How to Draw a Train” workshop!When & Where

• Dates: June 3–6, 2025
  
• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
  
• Ages: 5–8 years
  

What to Expect

• Learn to sketch “Miss Alva,” the historic movie train from This Property Is Condemned with Robert Redford and Natalie Wood.
  
• Draw outdoors on the museum's covered porch as real trains rumble by!
  
• Guided instruction by resident artist Jim Phillips, plus daily rides on the miniature train and exploration of model layouts.
  
• A fun, hands-on dive into Mississippi railroad history for young artists.
  

Cost & Registration

• Fee: $25 per student (includes art supplies, snacks, and mini-train ride).
  
• Reserve: Space is limited—sign up at meridianrails.org
  

Don't miss this memorable summer workshop—see you at the museum!

Get ready to kick off summer with a bang! Meridian's City Hall Lawn transforms into the festive heart of the 2025 State Games Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 6! Here's what's in store for guests of all ages:

• Festivities Kick Off at 5:30 PM with food and fun aplenty—think sizzling vendor booths, local eats, and a family-friendly atmosphere under the pines
  
• Parade of Athletes at 7:30 PM – cheer as teams from across Mississippi march with hometown pride, led by real Olympians from our state
  
• Torch Lighting Ceremony – experience the thrill as the State Games torch streaks across the sky, symbolizing the spirit of competition and camaraderie
  
• Spectacular Fireworks Finale – cap off the evening with a dazzling display that lights up Downtown Meridian
  

When & Where
Friday, June 6, 2025 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
City Hall Lawn, 5201 14th Street, Downtown Meridian
Whether you're staying at the Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey or just rolling into town for the weekend, don't miss this unbeatable free event—bring your crew, grab a blanket, and join us “Deep in the Mississippi Pines” for an unforgettable night of community spirit!

Join the City of Meridian for a free, three-day celebration honoring Black history, culture, and entrepreneurship. This year's Juneteenth Heritage Festival features live music, a business expo, fireworks, family activities, and community awards—all designed to bring friends and families together in downtown Meridian!
What to Expect

• Black Business Expo at The MAX
  Discover locally owned businesses and artisans showcasing their products and services. Live music and light refreshments will accompany the expo, running each evening of the festival weekend.
  
• Pickleball Tournament at Sammie Davison Complex
  Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game, join the friendly competition for fun and cash prizes. Play begins at 7:00 AM each morning.
  
• Juneteenth KidZone at the Mississippi Children's Museum of Meridian
  From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, families can enjoy arts & crafts, face painting, interactive history activities, and special storytimes—free during KidZone hours.
  
• Celebration Concert & Fireworks on the City Hall Lawn
  Dance under the stars to live performances by regional artists and DJs. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display just after dusk.
  
• Freedom Day Gospel Play at the Temple Theatre
  Experience a moving theatrical performance that brings Juneteenth's spirit to life through music and drama, with showtimes each afternoon.
  
• Trailblazer Awards & Gospel Celebration
  Join the community in honoring local leaders whose work has made a lasting impact, followed by a joyful gospel celebration at the Temple Theatre.
  

All events are free and open to the public.
For a full schedule, detailed locations, or to get involved, contact Cultural Affairs Coordinator Terrance Davis at (601) 485-1905.

Make Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey your home base for the weekend. We're just a short drive from downtown's festival grounds—enjoy the convenience of cozy cabins, spacious RV sites, and all KOA amenities.

Meridian's tracks come alive on Saturday, November 1, 2025 (9 AM – 3 PM) when the Meridian Railroad Museum throws its biggest party of the year—RailFest! Expect a whistle-stopping good time with:

• “Celebrate Everything TRAIN” exhibits that trace Meridian's rail roots back to 1854.
  
• Railfan & model-train displays plus living-history demos for every age.
  
• Swap-meet vendors trading railroad memorabilia, music in the depot, and tasty food trucks on site.
  
• FREE miniature-train rides for kids running the whole day—grandma can ride, too!
  

Venue: Meridian Railroad Museum, 1805 Front St., Meridian, MS
Full details: meridianrails.org