Downtown Jackson Partners Is Bringing Community Outdoors with Downtown in Bloom
Downtown Jackson is stepping into spring with intention, energy and a renewed sense of community as Downtown Jackson Partners launches its Downtown in Bloom spring series. Running from April 1 through May 16, the activation transforms one of the city’s most historic green spaces into proof that Jackson is not waiting to be discovered. It is already blooming.
At the heart of the series is a simple but powerful idea: bring people together in a way that makes them feel at home in downtown Jackson.
“We have all these people downtown working here, living here, visiting here and you want downtown to be lively and vibrant and full of activity,” said Mara Hartman of Downtown Jackson Partners. “We have this beautiful Smith Park right in the middle of things that was underutilized.”
The historic Smith Park is a two-and-a-half-acre space nestled near the Mississippi State Capitol and right behind the Governor’s Mansion and has long been admired for its natural beauty. Now, it is being intentionally activated as a third space.
Through thoughtful programming and physical improvements, the park has been refreshed with enhanced lighting, updated seating and a revitalized stage. These upgrades are being paired with a consistent lineup of events designed to appeal to workers, residents and visitors alike.
“It’s not just fun, it’s very strategic, because people want to live and work in places that are very active and vibrant and energetic,” Hartman said.
The Downtown In Bloom series offers something nearly every day of the week, creating a rhythm that encourages repeat visits and sustained engagement.
Wednesdays bring back the popular “Hump Day” lunchtime events, complete with live music, food trucks and a lighthearted nod to nostalgic pop culture. A camel mascot named Frank adds to the charm, while the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra provides a dynamic soundtrack for the midday crowd.
“We thought we’d bring it back for fun,” Hartman said, referencing the vintage-inspired T-shirts that celebrate the playful spirit of the series.
The experience is elevated with the Smith Park Supper Club, a ticketed dining event featuring five-course meals, curated wines and live jazz. The series highlights local culinary talent while offering an intimate, upscale experience under the open sky.
Friday shifts into a market atmosphere with the Farmers Market, where fresh produce, flowers and live blues music create a welcoming end-of-week destination. Local vendors and growers like Foot Print Farms bring a sense of authenticity and accessibility to the space.
On Saturdays, the city invites wellness into the mix with Yoga in the Park, led by certified instructor Ebony Archie. The series includes creative twists like goat yoga and puppy yoga, blending fitness with fun and community engagement.
Sundays round out the week with guided bicycle tours through downtown Jackson, offering residents and visitors a chance to explore murals, architecture and public art in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Beyond programming, Downtown Jackson Partners has made significant investments in safety and infrastructure over recent months.
“We take it really seriously,” Hartman said, noting the installation of a growing network of security cameras and the presence of downtown ambassadors who work alongside Capitol Police and the Jackson Police Department. This dual focus on perception and reality is key to reestablishing downtown Jackson as a destination.
For those interested in getting involved, Downtown Jackson Partners encourages people to follow their Facebook page.
While the spring series is designed to take advantage of mild weather conditions before Mississippi heats up, it is only the beginning. Plans are already underway for additional programming in the fall. For now, Downtown In Bloom offers a timely reminder of what is possible when public spaces are activated with purpose and good intention.