Gather: September 2018
September just might be Jackson's most nostalgic month, bringing us favorite events we've loved for years. From classics like the Starlight Symphony, state fair, and International Food & Arts Festival to new fun and fall races, this month is bound to keep your family entertained every weekend.
Enjoy: Classical Music under the Stars
Starlight Symphony
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 6:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Location: First Presbyterian Church (1573 North Highland Avenue)
Cost: Free!
Kick off fall with an annual Jackson favorite: the beloved Starlight Symphony! Bring the family, some food, and your favorite picnic blanket to the beautiful grounds of First Presbyterian for live music from the Jackson Symphony Orchestra—plus, this year will feature Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with live cannons! The Carillon concert starts at 6:45, and the symphony begins at 7:00. P.S. You can even scope out your favorite spot on the lawn Friday night as long as you don't leave any tripping hazards.
Learn more about the Jackson Symphony on our podcast.
Endorse: The Rein-bow Riding Academy’s Hippotherapy Program
10th Annual Racing So They Can Ride
Date: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Location: Dick's Sporting Goods (1165 Vann Drive)
Cost: $25 for 5K; $30 for 10K; $15 for 1-mile (additional $5 after September 3)
5K season is upon us, and our community races will give you not only a chance to exercise but also to support some incredible organizations such as the Therapy & Learning Center. Hippotherapy is an awesome way horses are used for disabled children to improve their muscular strength and sensory abilities—even those who can't walk! Pre-registration ends September 3, but racers can sign up as late as 7:00 A.M. day-of, and mini bagels and coffee will be available to help you fuel up.
Explore: Dozens of International Cultures
Jackson International Food & Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Location: Downtown Jackson
Cost: Free! (bring cash for vendors)
Hands-down one of our favorite days of the year, this festival will knock your socks off and completely transform your understanding of Jackson and its wide variety of cultures. Don't miss the opening ceremony at 10:00, parade at 10:45, and performances all throughout the day, not to mention tons of ethnic food samples, handmade art, and interactive booths (who wants some henna?).
Read more about the festival on our blog.
Exercise: With the Whole Family
RaceDay at Augustine School
Date: Saturday, September 15
Time: 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Location: The Augustine School (1171 Old Humboldt Road)
Cost: $30 for Family Fun; $50 for Basic Obstacle; $70 for Extreme Obstacle
Now in its sixth year, Augustine's RaceDay is one unique athletic event you won't want to miss. Whether you're feeling adventurous, are seeking a major challenge, or just want to have fun with the whole family, there's a course for you. Anyone above the age of four can participate, and you can register as late as the morning of for a small additional fee. Not one for obstacle courses? The entire community is welcome to come out and watch the fun for free!
Experience: A Fall Classic
West Tennessee State Fair
Date: Tuesday-Sunday, September 11-16
Time: Tuesday-Friday: 5:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.; Saturday: 11:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.; Sunday: 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds (800 South Highland Avenue)
Cost: $5 general admission; $15 armbands; free for children 3 and under
What's September without the State Fair? Whether you're planning to compete in the pageant, ride the ferris wheel, watch monkeys race on dogs, or just walk around and take it all in, the fun won't end for you and your family. Make sure to visit the website to get the full deets so you don't miss your favorite performance, competition, or wrestling match.
Get a glimpse at the fair in this video and photo gallery from past years.
Originally from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Katie Howerton moved to Jackson in 2011 to study Graphic Design and Drawing at Union University. She discovered Our Jackson Home in January 2015 and used it as a guinea pig for her senior design project, creating the first issue of Our Jackson Home: The Magazine. After graduating she was given leadership over Our Jackson Home at theCO, where she now runs the blog, designs the magazine, and coordinates events. She and her husband Jordan live in Midtown and are active members of City Fellowship Baptist Church.
