Meridian, MS: A Must-Visit Destination for Music Lovers
From state-of-the-art music venues to lively festivals, here are a few reasons every music lover should visit Meridian, MS! Image: Visit Meridian
Meridian, MS, is a city where music, art, and history truly come alive. As the birthplace of legendary musicians like Jimmie Rodgers, Paul Davis, Steve Forbert, and many more, visitors can enjoy everything from state-of-the-art music venues to lively festivals and fantastic museums. Here are a few reasons every music lover should add Meridian to their must-visit list!
Music Venues
MSU Riley Center
More Info: msurileycenter.com
Part of Mississippi State University, the Riley Center is situated inside a beautifully restored 1800s grand opera house. Perfectly blending architectural history with modern performance technology, both audience members and performers have said that the Riley Center is their favorite music venue of all time.
Whether youβre a fan of country, jazz, or classical music, the venue is known to host a variety of musicians across all genres. In 2025, the lineup includes everyone from Drew and Ellie Holcomb (February 15) to Newsboys (March 30), Ann Hampton Callaway (April 4), and Dailey & Vincent (May 22).
Temple Theatre
More Info: thetempletheatre.com
Another historic landmark, the Temple Theatre is Mississippiβs largest and most beautifully appointed cinema. Built in 1927, the venue is known for its stunning Moorish Revival architecture. It features authentic details like a fully operational Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ and catacombs leading to a Cold War fallout bunker. Today, the theater hosts everything from live music to movie screenings and plays.
Dumont Plaza
More Info: meridianms.org
While not an βofficialβ music venue, Dumont Plaza in Downtown Meridian regularly hosts outdoor music events throughout the year. The 46-acre historic park includes a gazebo for bands to set up and play music.
A Music-Centric Museum
The MAX
More Info: msarts.org
History buffs will enjoy spending a few hours at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX). The local museum highlights some of Mississippiβs most well-known individuals in music, art, and entertainment.
Upon entry, youβre greeted by a bright and airy atrium that is home to the museumβs Hall of Fame. We recommend taking a few minutes to explore this space, as it highlights local legends like Sam Cooke, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Presley, and many more.
The museumβs second floor is where the remaining exhibits are located. As you wander through the rest of The MAX, youβll learn more about some of musicβs most influential musicians who hail from Mississippi, as well as various genres like gospel music and jazz.
Restaurants with Live Music
Aieβs Taste of Thai
More Info: facebook.com
Aieβs Taste of Thai is also known to host live music on select nights. The restaurantβs laid-back atmosphere is accompanied by standout dishes like stir fry, fried rice, and curry. To see when the restaurant is hosting live music next, check its Facebook page for updates.
Miaβs Caffe
More Info: facebook.com
For live music in a cozy cafΓ© setting, Miaβs Caffe hosts intimate acoustic performances featuring local singers and songwriters. As you soak in the local talent, you can munch on everything from pizza to salads, paninis, and pasta. The restaurant regularly posts event updates on its Facebook page.
Brickhaus Brewtique
More Info: facebook.com
Offering the largest selection of craft beer in Meridian, Brickhaus Brewtique is known for more than just brews and hand-crafted food. On select nights, you may also catch a performer or two playing live music. Known to host musicians of all genres, you can see whoβs playing next by visiting the breweryβs Facebook page.
Weidmannβs
More Info: weidmanns1870.com
In addition to serving as Mississippiβs oldest restaurant, Weidmannβs hosts live music on its outdoor Balcony Bar. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music as you dine on favorites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and loaded crab cakes. Check the restaurantβs social media to see whoβs playing the Balcony Bar next!
Threefoot Brewing
More Info: threefootbrewing.com
Another brewery thatβs popular for its drinks and live music, Threefoot Brewing offers everything from coffee stout to sours, lagers, and IPAs. To pair with its music and beer, Threefoot Brewing also offers a variety of food, including chicken wings, burgers, and pulled pork. Check the breweryβs social media to see when they plan to host live music next.
Squealerβs BBQ
More Info: squealersbbque.com
Squealerβs BBQ hosts live music every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to get there early to snag a table! When itβs time to order, you canβt go wrong with the fried pickles or onion rings to start. For your entrΓ©e, the pulled pork sandwich and chicken wings are both fan favorites.
News
More Info: facebook.com
A family-owned restaurant since 1935, News offers delicious home-cooked meals alongside the occasional live music performance. You can enjoy local talent alongside dishes like a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, cheeseburger, or meatloaf. Check the restaurantβs Facebook page for live music updates.
Music Festivals
Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival
More Info: jimmierodgers.com
As the hometown of Jimmie Rodges (aka βThe Father of Country Musicβ), itβs only fitting that Meridian hosts a festival to honor his legacy. An annual event since 1953, itβs the longest-running music festival in the United States.
Now in its 72nd year, the 2025 installment is slated for May 12 through May 18. In addition to nightly live music, attendees can also enjoy events like a talent show, a music history night, and a New Orleans-style brunch. This yearβs lineup is yet to be announced, so check the website for updates.
Third Thursdays
Hosted by the Meridian Council for the Arts, Third Thursdays is a long-standing event series created to showcase local artists. Typically kicking off in the spring and continuing through the fall, the family-friendly event takes place at Dumont Plaza and hosts local food trucks and artists in addition to live music.
Full Moon on 5th
Another beloved local event, Full Moon on 5th is hosted by Meridianβs Arts Community & Event Society (ACES). During the celebration, the city blocks off 5th Street in Downtown Meridian to host food trucks, live artist demonstrations, and, of course, live music. The event typically takes place every March, April, May, September, and October.
Juneteenth Celebration
Taking place the Friday and Saturday before Juneteenth, Meridian hosts a community-wide Juneteenth event to celebrate and honor the holidayβs heritage. The event includes a concert at City Hall, a Black business expo, a kidsβ zone, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Threefoot Festival
More Info: meridianartscouncil.org
Another event hosted by the Meridian Council for the Arts, the Threefoot Festival is an annual celebration of all things arts and entertainment. The 2025 event, slated for April 18 and April 19, includes a marketplace for artists, an exciting lineup of live music, and the Threefoot Mile Race. Event hours are Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sipp & Savor
More Info: sippandsavor.com
An annual fundraiser for The MAX, Sipp & Savor celebrates Southern culture and cuisine. On April 12, 2025, you can sip on beer, wine, and craft cocktails as you stroll through the museumβs outdoor plaza and listen to live music. The event also includes delicious food from some of the Southβs top chefs. Tickets are on sale now and start at $85.
Enjoy your adventures in Meridian!
This article is sponsored by Visit Meridian.Β
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprintβs Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.