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 2026 is being held at the Mississippi Trade Mart, which operates under state regulations requiring that all alcohol be sold and served exclusively by the Fairgrounds’ licensed concessionaire. To help offset alcohol costs while remaining compliant with state regulations, we’ve introduced two ticket options this year. This allows guests to choose the experience that best fits their preferences while helping us manage costs responsibly.

While we loved the format of past events, the new venue allows us to better accommodate the event’s growth and provide a more consistent guest experience overall. We’ve worked closely with the Fairgrounds to create an alcohol and ticketing structure that balances compliance, affordability, and guest choice.

The Tasting Ticket ($55) includes:

• Event entry

• Food tastings from participating restaurants

• Access to the cash bar

The Tasting Plus Ticket ($100) includes:

• Event entry

• Food tastings from participating restaurants

• Four drink tickets

Tasting Plus tickets are limited in quantity based on alcohol underwriting and availability.

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, four 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. Nominees will be notified of their acceptance on a rolling basis. 

Click here for the link to nominate a Judge

Taste of Mississippi is an adults only event. However, we understand that if you have a little one, it's not always easy to get a babysitter. If you need to bring your child, we just ask that they are 4 years of age or younger. You do not need to purchase an extra ticket if you bring your child.

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.

Thank you for your interest in Stewpot’s Taste of Mississippi! We hope you will join us on Monday, April 13th at the Mississippi Trade Mart. Stewpot is immensely grateful for the businesses and restaurants that support this event by donating their time, food, energy, and resources.

Click here for information about what to expect as a Contestant at Taste of Mississippi.

Ready to register? Click here for the link to our registration form.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris Eason, Stewpot’s Director of Special Events & Communications, at ceason@stewpot.org. Registration forms are due by March 30, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in sponsorship! Your support will directly benefit Stewpot’s programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter at no cost to our neighbors in need. Please click here for an overview of our sponsorship opportunities.