Join us at the BankPlus Red Beans and Rice Festival, where local congregations, businesses, restaurants, and individuals vie for the coveted title of the Best Red Beans and Rice in town! People from all around the metro area turn out to sample the competitors’ beans, listen to the bands, and enjoy the festivities. This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 29th at The Mississippi Museum of Art from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hosting the event at the Museum of Art provides a rain-or-shine venue for the food, kid’s activities, music and all of the other festivities. Tickets are on sale now! Get them in advance for $10 or you can purchase them at the event for $15. Children 10 and under receive FREE admission!

 This event is guaranteed to be a fun-filled day of bean eating, cold beverages, children’s activities, musical talent, and more. It also provides a great way for businesses, neighbors and congregations to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from this event will be used to help support the ministries of Stewpot, your favorite Mississippi Homegrown Charity. The money raised helps to keep the doors open, lights on, and continue to provide for the basic needs of men, women, and children

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Where do I park?

Guests are encouraged to use the Convention Center Complex public parking lots. Lots right next to the Museum will be reserved for contestants, vendors, and volunteers. There will be two event entrances - one at the corner of South Lamar & Pascagoula, and one at the corner of South Lamar & Court St.

What if I need to purchase tickets?

You can purchase tickets online for $10 at redbeansandrice.org until Friday, October 28th at midnight. After Friday at midnight, online ticket sales will close, but tickets will be available for $15 at the gate. As always, kids 10 and under get in free

What security measures will be in place?

We will have a team of Jackson Police Department officers present throughout the event as well as Museum security. Bags that are not clear will be subject to search. Each attendee will be scanned with a handheld metal detector to ensure public safety. Absolutely no weapons of any kind are allowed.

What should I bring with me to the event?

Make sure to bring your ID if you're 21+, your ticket confirmation if you purchased tickets online, your Halloween costume if you're participating in the Halloween Costume Contest at 2:00, and an empty stomach!

Will there be food options other than red beans and rice?

Yes! Food trucks Eddie Wright BBQ and One Guy Steak & Chicken will be set up throughout the event on Lamar St.

How do I vote for the team who has the best beans?

Each attendee will be given a raffle ticket when they enter the event. After you sample as many beans as your heart desires, drop a ticket in the bucket at your favorite team's tent. Voting buckets will be collected at 3pm and the winners will be announced around 4pm

What activities will there be for children?

Children's activities will be from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and include face painting, balloon art, and a spooky slime station! Cooking teams will also have candy at each of their tents for children to come and trick-or-treat. And don't forget about the Halloween Costume Competition at 2:00!

Will there be alcohol?

Yes! Be sure to get your ID checked at the event entrance so that you can receive an age-verified wristband. You must keep your wristband on at all times. Cash and card are both accepted.

Stewpot Community Services provides compassionate assistance, at no charge, to people in need of physical and spiritual nourishment. Through our ministries, we serve people who are hungry, poor, and homeless, offering food, shelter, clothing, mentoring, care and concern. At Stewpot, we believe that we all are fed through our fellowship with one another and that we are all stronger when we are offering our gifts on behalf of others.

Stewpot, which began as a simple soup kitchen, has developed into an organization offering several different programs- from shelter, to clothing, to counseling, to children's programs. To learn more about our ministry, please visit www.stewpot.org