JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is inviting the public to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an evening of live music and stargazing at the fourth annual Moonlight, Music and Meteors event on April 17.
The event will be held at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a performance by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, organizers said.
Organizers said the concert will include music reflecting American history as well as astronomy-themed selections. Tickets are $20 in advance online through noon April 16 and $25 at the door. Food vendors, including Skenny Burgers and The Pig and Pint, will be on site with concessions available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Attendees can interact with NASA Solar System Ambassadors and local astronomers, with opportunities to observe the night sky and potentially view the annual Lyrid meteor shower. The Lyrids are an annual shower that typically peaks in mid-April and can produce visible meteors for observers, organizers said.
“This is a perfect reflection of what the museum strives to offer — memorable experiences that connect science, culture and community,” museum director Angel Rohnke said. The event is a collaboration between the museum, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation and the symphony orchestra, with support from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Organizers said the gathering has become a popular annual event that draws residents of all ages for music, education and outdoor recreation.
