ABOUT THE EVENT

Taste of Mississippi is one of Jackson’s most beloved culinary events, bringing together the very best of Mississippi food, community, and culture for an unforgettable evening. Guests will enjoy tastings from outstanding local restaurants, live music, and a lively atmosphere—all while voting for their favorites as participating restaurants compete for Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert, Best Presentation, and People’s Choice awards.

Now in its 37th year, Taste of Mississippi continues to grow thanks to the generous support of restaurants, sponsors, and attendees who believe in giving back. The event will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Mississippi Trade Mart, offering an expanded indoor and outdoor experience designed to ensure a great night—rain or shine.

All proceeds from Taste of Mississippi benefit Stewpot Community Services, whose mission is to provide compassionate assistance, at no charge, to people in our community in need of food, clothing, and shelter. Funds raised support Stewpot’s various ministries, including our shelters, food pantry, street outreach, after-school programs for children and teens, and the daily noon meal served at no cost to those in need.

Join us for a night of incredible food, friendly competition, and meaningful impact as we celebrate Mississippi’s culinary community and support our neighbors in need.

Contestant Information

Sponsor Information

NOMINATE A JUDGE

We welcome members of our community to nominate someone to be a Judge at Taste of Mississippi! Judges are chosen based on their involvement in the community, appreciation for good food and drink, and a love for Stewpot. Perks of being a Judge include: Early entry to the event, two drink tickets, and access to the VIP Sponsor & Judge Area. Judges vote on participating restaurants/businesses in the following categories: Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert, and Best Presentation. Submissions will be closed on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Submit Nomination Form

Your Questions, Answered

After three wonderful years at The District at Eastover, Taste of Mississippi has continued to grow and evolve. As The District has welcomed new businesses in the past year, some of the flexible spaces we previously enjoyed have since become fantastic restaurants and businesses, and we’re genuinely thrilled to see the area thriving. To ensure a comfortable experience for our attendees and participating restaurants—especially when planning for weather—we felt it was the right time to transition to a venue that allows us to continue providing the best possible experience for all who attend Taste of Mississippi, rain or shine.
Taste of Mississippi will take place inside and outside Trade Hall A at the Mississippi Trade Mart (1207 Mississippi St.), including the front patio area. When you arrive, please visit the box office located to the left of the Coliseum entrance to have your ticket scanned.
We are offering two ticket options this year: The Tasting Ticket ($55) and The Tasting Plus Ticket ($90). Both ticket types include:
- Unlimited food tastings from 30+ restaurants
- Live entertainment by Aa’Keela & the Beats and The Lonely Hearts Duo
- Cash bar access
- Free parking
The Tasting Plus Ticket includes 4 drink tickets, allowing you to skip the long lines at the bar and enjoy beverages of your choice, including our signature Taste Cocktail, sponsored by Tito’s.
No, we do not issue refunds. Each ticket purchased is a donation to Stewpot, and we greatly appreciate your support! If you are no longer able to attend, you have the option to transfer your ticket to someone else.
Yes, Taste of Mississippi is a 21+ event. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter.
This policy is in place due to alcohol service regulations and to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. We kindly ask that guests make appropriate arrangements, as children and infants will not be permitted at the event.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to create the best possible experience for our attendees, restaurant partners, and sponsors.
Yes, tickets may be available at the door if the event has not sold out. If tickets do sell out, we will announce it on our social media channels. To guarantee your spot, we recommend purchasing in advance online.
One of the great things about Taste of Mississippi is the variety of styles you’ll see! Some guests dress to the nines, while others keep it casual. We recommend wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable and ready to enjoy great food, music, and fun.
Clear bags or bags 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller are permitted. Non-clear bags may be subject to search.
Taste of Mississippi takes place rain or shine! The Mississippi Trade Mart offers plenty of indoor space, so the event will continue comfortably even in the event of bad weather.
The following items are not allowed at Taste of Mississippi:
- Weapons of any kind
- Outside food or beverages
- Large bags or backpacks
- Animals (service animals are permitted)