Every February, adults are given permission to play after hours at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) during its signature fundraising event, Ignite the Night. Each gallery comes to life with festive food, mesmerizing music, and amusing activities. Hosted by the Mississippi Children’s Museum Partners, a group of volunteers and donors who support the museum, this is not your typical party. It is imaginative, entertaining, and, most importantly, fun!

Ignite the Night, sponsored by BankPlus, supports the museum and its efforts to reach children across the state so they can discover and achieve their potential. Proceeds from the event provide critical funding for museum operations including meeting ongoing exhibit and program needs.

Ignite The Night: February 2027

Neon Night, presented by EastGroup Properties, is MCM’s signature summer fundraising event which brings the venue to life with glowing lights, electrifying music, specialty drinks, and savory snacks. Guests are invited to “dress up” with glowing necklaces, rings, and bracelets, and dance the night away.

This event was established by a dedicated group of young professionals who are a part of MCM Partners and who value and support MCM’s mission to promote literacy, health, and education for children. As MCM’s “youngest” signature event, Neon Night has quickly become a must-attend party for the young and young-at-heart adult crowd.

Neon Night: July 18, 2026

Previously known as Discovery Night, A Very Merry Night is MCM Partners’ newest family fundraiser that will be the premiere holiday event of the year by taking place on the opening night of MCM’s popular Journey to the North Pole holiday exhibit in Jackson!

This magical evening will give families early access to photos with Santa, while also continuing to celebrate children’s literature and the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through fun and interactive holiday-themed programming. 

MCM is committed to developing in children’s critical thinking and communication skills, creativity and collaborative, and real-world problem solving by engaging them with innovative science and math-based exhibits, programs, and special events. Developing these skills is vital to the creation of lifelong learners, and promoting positive futures for Mississippi’s children.

The proceeds from this event help support MCM’s STEAM initiatives, as well as provide critical operating revenue that will enable the museum to remain accessible to all children.

A Very Merry Night: November 21, 2026