Historic districts combined with theater, art, music and museums make East Mississippi a happening place for cultural activities. Here's a quick guide to some major attractions in the area:

Theaters in Meridian

MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts is the perfect place for any theater enthusiast. Since opening in 2006, the center highlights performing arts, attracting more than 60,000 visitors a year. At the heart of it all, the second floor 1889 grand opera house seats 950 attendees. Also available are a 200-seat studio theater and 30,000 square feet of meeting space.

Meridian Little Theatre is far from small in the hearts of Mississippians. This theater dates from 1932 and seats 400 attendees. This venue has grown to be the largest community theater in the state. With the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers, MLT is able to produce more than 50 performances a year.

Temple Theater was built by the Hamasa Shrine organization in the mid 1920s as a meeting hall and venue for traveling shows. It wasn't until the theater was leased by the Saenger organization in 1927 that it gained popularity as a silent movie house complete with a Robert Morgan pipe organ. Today it remains a time capsule to the era's architecture and design while serving as a performing arts and movie venue. 

Art in Meridian

The Meridian Museum of Art is located in the city's only remaining Carnegie Library. Built in 1912-1913, the museum houses all that is art in the area. Along with supporting regional artists with exhibits and groups, the museum offers art education and outreach to the community.

Meridian Council for the Arts helps support the art scene through funding in grants, workshops and other events, allowing local organizations to receive the funding they need. The Threefoot Festival, sponsored by the council, celebrates arts in downtown Meridian where festival-goers can browse or purchase from the diverse collection of art.

Downtown art crawls, hosted by Meridian Main Street, are a big hit in the summer and fall. Dozens of galleries and businesses open their doors for this shopping event that is free to the public.

Music and Family Fun

Meridian Symphony Orchestra in Meridian is dedicated to bringing musical art to the area. Not only does the venue perform classic and new compositions, but also the popular seasonal Peppermint Pops Concert.

The Jimmie Rodgers Museum pays tribute to the life and career of “The Father of Country Music”. The building, located in Highland Park, features musical instruments and steam engine railroad equipment.

Dentzel Carousel is a kid's choice for a fun ride. Dating from 1896, this carousel was restored to bring the original beauty of the animals, chariots and painting for all to enjoy.

Festivals

Civil War buffs can't miss the annual Juneteenth Heritage Festival in downtown Meridian, which celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation – the end of slavery in America – with food, vendors and music.

The Young Professionals of Meridian sponsor the 59Twenty Music Festival as a benefit event for Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter. This day-long event is located at in the intersections of I-59 and I-20 in downtown. Attendees can enjoy music from performers all over the country and pick up souvenirs.