MSU Riley Center announces 2026 fall performing arts season

By Cash Matlock
Published July 7, 2026
2:26 pm

MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The MSU Riley Center has unveiled its 2026 Fall Performing Arts Series, bringing a lineup of award-winning musicians and entertainers to downtown Meridian beginning in August.

The season opens with actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth on Saturday, Aug. 22, followed by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway on Friday, Sept. 25. The schedule continues with Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA on Thursday, Oct. 1, Grammy-winning blues artist Keb’ Mo’ on Friday, Nov. 13, and concludes with Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Friday, Nov. 20.

Morgan Dudley, executive director of operations for the MSU Meridian Campus and MSU Riley Center, said the venue continues to fulfill its mission of bringing exceptional entertainment to the region.

“This year is 2026, and we opened in 2006. Over those 20 years, it’s been a partnership with Mississippi State, The Riley Foundation, the City of Meridian, our patrons, the Phil Hardin Foundation, all of the people that made this happen,” Dudley said.

“It’s been a place that people can, from everywhere, everybody, can come and see an exceptional performance and create lasting memories with their friends, with their families, and the mission still remains that. To create a better quality of life for people to come in and experience this,” Dudley said.

Located in historic downtown Meridian, the MSU Riley Center is home to the restored 1890 Grand Opera House, known for its intimate atmosphere and acoustics. The facility also offers more than 25,000 square feet of event space for meetings, conferences and other gatherings.

Season tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. today through the Riley Center box office and online at msurileycenter.com. Current season ticket holders have until July 20 to renew their seats. Individual tickets will go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. on July 21.