MERIDIAN, Miss. – Young Professionals of Meridian (YPM) is excited to announce its second annual NYE Bash, building on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration.
Set for 6 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, the community festival will feature live music, food and drink vendors, a “carousel drop” and a fireworks show to ring in the new year — all on City Hall Lawn.
“This year, we’re excited to showcase an all-Mississippi lineup featuring some of our state’s most talented musicians,” said YPM President Landon Gibson. “As we wrap up America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a fitting time to celebrate Mississippi’s lasting contribution to our nation’s culture through the music that was born here. We can’t wait to ring in another year together while continuing to invest in Meridian’s future.”
Headlining this year’s NYE Bash is Garry Burnside with special guest Cedric Burnside, bringing two generations of Mississippi blues royalty to the Queen City. The youngest son of blues legend R.L. Burnside, Garry Burnside is a two-time Grammy nominee known for his signature blend of Hill Country blues, funk and rock he calls “Funk Hill Country.”
Joining him is his nephew, Grammy Award-winning artist Cedric Burnside, a National Heritage Fellow whose music carries forward the distinctive Hill Country blues tradition born in North Mississippi. The lineup also includes performances by local favorites Lach Thornton, Daniel Houze and DJ Tech.
The free event will begin with designated family-friendly hours from 6-8 p.m., where children can enjoy inflatables and hands-on activities.
The celebration will culminate with the return of the “carousel drop” — the Queen City’s unique twist on Times Square’s iconic ball drop — followed by a fireworks extravaganza.
Proceeds support the YPM Scholarship Fund, which invests in future leaders throughout the Meridian area. This year, the organization provided three $2,000 grants to graduating seniors at Meridian High School, Lauderdale County School District and in the private/homeschool community.
“Our community showed up in a big way last year, filling City Hall Lawn and raising funds that allowed YPM to award scholarships to three deserving high school graduates,” Gibson added. “We couldn’t have asked for a better response, and we hope to continue our progress as we move forward together.”
YPM NYE Bash 2026 is presented by Visit Meridian, in collaboration with the City of Meridian, and supported by Magnolia Beverage Company and Mitchell Distributing. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event can contact youngprofessionalsofmeridian@
Young Professionals of Meridian (YPM) provides a collective voice for young professionals who live or work in Meridian or Lauderdale County through social interaction and community involvement. A network of individuals who make a living in a professional environment — or plan to do so — YPM hosts monthly meetings on the second Monday of each month, as well as networking events, exclusive tours and after- hours social gatherings. Visit https://www.embdc.org/connect-
