MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Meridian Thursday evening as the 2026 NightMarket season kicked off at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), bringing together local farmers, artisans, musicians and food vendors for an evening celebrating community.
The free event, held from 5 to 8 p.m. at The MAX, marked the first NightMarket of the year and featured dozens of vendors selling locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, baked items, artwork and more.
Craig Wilkes, market manager for Earth’s Bounty Festival, said the event combines two popular community programs into one experience.
“Tonight is the first NightMarket of the year. NightMarket is a combination of Earth’s Bounty Festival and Art Farm where we combine art and local food,” Wilkes said.
Visitors browsed booths featuring fresh produce, locally raised beef, honey, cheeses, baked goods, sourdough bread, handmade soaps and lotions, fresh lemonade and other locally produced items. Regional artists also showcased handcrafted leather goods, pottery, woodworking, glass art, crochet creations and other artisan products.
Live entertainment was provided by Jacob Arnold and Matt McGuffie of Jacob Arnold & The Bird Dogs, while several food vendors and children’s activities rounded out the family-friendly event.
Wilkes said the market offers something for everyone.
“Great products from produce, to baked goods, to handcrafted items, live music and adult beverages,” he said.
Despite periods of inclement weather, Wilkes estimated approximately 500 people attended the event.
“We had about 500 people show up, even with the weather,” he said.
Wilkes emphasized the importance of supporting local vendors, noting the impact they have on the Meridian community.
“It’s important because these are all businesses. You have to remember that these are people who are passionate about what they do. So, it’s important that we come out and support them. They contribute so much economically, emotionally, and just culturally to our community. It’s important to come out and support that,” Wilkes said.
NightMarket is a City of Meridian event, and Wilkes said organizers carefully select participating vendors through an application process.
“This is a City of Meridian event. You can go to the City of Meridian webpage. We have applications for Art Farm, the NightMarket and Earth’s Bounty. There’s an approval process, and we’re very selective,” he said.
The next Earth’s Bounty Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, in downtown Meridian.
Residents interested in becoming vendors for future Earth’s Bounty Festival, NightMarket or Art Farm events can find application information on the City of Meridian’s website.
