July 4th events in the Jackson area you don't want to miss

The Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays of the year. It's the day for family, cookouts, fireworks, music family events, all around the celebration of Independence Day.

In Jackson, the events start at the end of June and stretch through the following week.

Some of the Jackson-area events include the annual food truck Friday that is being held at Smith Park connecting good food and the public with different food truck options. Or, you could spend your day at the Barnett Reservoir for an Independence celebration near the water.

Below is a list of some of the top family-filled events to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Jackson area:

Area fireworks shows:Want to watch July 4th fireworks in Jackson, MS? We have you covered

Patriotic Day at the Children's Museum

Bring your little ones out and wear your red, white and blue to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Mississippi Children's Museum with fun child-friendly activities for the weekend.

• When: Saturday, June 29
• Where: Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd., Jackson
• Admission: $10 general admission.
• Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic

One of the largest fundraisers for the Mississippi Sports Hall Museum which helps promote Mississippi sports, is set for Thursday with race day events that include a competitive 5k Run, 5k Walk and a One Mile Run as part of the Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic.

• When: Thursday, July 4
• Where: Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, 1152 Lakeland Drive, Jackson
• Admission: $30 to run and walk. Price will increase starting Sunday, June 30.
• Time: 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
• To register, go to Msfame.com

Food Truck Friday in the Park

Enjoy the outdoors atmosphere while trying different food options from featured vendors of food trucks at Smith Park in the heart of Downtown Jackson. 

• When: Friday, July 5
• Where: Smith Park, 302 Amite St., and West, Jackson
• Admission: Free
• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Independence Celebration at the Rez

The Ross Barnett Reservoir Foundation and the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District will host an Independence celebration at the Rez. The event includes activities at both the Old Trace Park and Lakeshore Park on the reservoir.

• When: Saturday, June 29
• Where: Old Trace Park, 422 Post Road, Ridgeland and Lakeshore Park, 704 Parkway Road, Brandon
• Admission: Free
• Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Biloxi Shuckers at Mississippi Braves

The Mississippi Braves will be playing against the Biloxi Shuckers at Trustmark Park in Pearl on Fourth of July. Following the game, there will also be a fireworks show.

• When: Thursday, July 4
• Where: Trustmark Park, 1 Braves Blvd., Pearl
• Admission: $7
• Time: 6 p.m. Fireworks show starts immediately after the game.

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Know an event coming up or have a good story idea? Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com and on X @Ki_dajournalist