NatureFEST

Saturday, April 11th, 2026

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

This event is a festival, a nature outing, and a fascinating museum trip all wrapped into one exciting day!

From live animals encounters to fish feedings by divers in our giant aquariums, NatureFEST! offers something for everyone.

Families and young budding scientists won't want to miss live demonstrations of Mississippi reptiles, citizen scientist explorations, and behind-the-scenes tours with our scientists.

Check-In & Wristbands
All guests must check in upon arrival and wear a wristband during the event. Tickets can be purchased at the gatehouse. If you are walking up due to overflow parking, you must check in at the Admissions Tent at the museum. All guests, including members, are required to have a wristband.

This event is included with museum admission or MMNSF Membership. Activities and schedule subject to change.

Map

ANIMAL PRESENTATIONS (scroll down for photos)

Wild Acres (Rotwein Theatre at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.)
Freedom Ranch (Outdoor Amphitheater at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
Hattiesburg Zoo (Rotwein Theatre at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.)

SPECIAL EVENT with BUFFALO PEAK OUTFITTERS

Hoka Hike at the playground before NatureFEST. Registration Required.
Participants receive a wristband for NatureFEST admission.
See flyer.

EXHIBITORS

Camp Creek Natives
Dandelion & Crow (natural lotions and products)
Home Depot (hands-on construction activity)
Mustard Seed (artwork)
Miranda Goss Pfeifke – Pfeifke Pots
Outside IN Mississippi (nature kits and activities)
MC Chemistry Club (science demonstrations)
Sew Cute (handmade bat plushies)
Soft Start Learning Academy (early childhood nature activities)
Birdsong Pantry (food products)

FEATURED ARTIST: Ellen Langford

Ellen will be painting/demonstrating at her booth.

In 2025, Ellen Langford hiked the entire Appalachian Trail - from Georgia to Vermont - capturing her journey through a series of paintings inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, and quiet moments of reflection she experienced along the way.

Those works have been curated into an engaging calendar that celebrates outdoor adventure and the spirit of the trail.

Be sure to stop by her tent at NatureFEST 2026 to watch a live painting demonstration and explore her artwork - you just might find the perfect piece to bring a touch of the outdoors into your home.

She will also have for sale:

paintings finished during NatureFEST
original paintings in gouache, oil and acrylic
2026 calendars with paintings and notes about Ellen’s 2025 hike from Georgia to Vermont along the Appalachian Trail
notecards.

Check out Ellen and her work here.

STORY TIME

Join Kay Meadows, author of the children's board book "It's Buggy in Mississippi", for a few pop-up story times. She will also have a few copies of the book available for purchase.