Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these options

Warm, spring-like temperatures with highs in the upper 70s are expected this weekend as Jackson plays host to a wide variety of extraordinary family activities.

Mississippi Blues Marathon

The annual Mississippi Blues Marathon and Half Marathon will take place Saturday, Feb. 25, with a start and finish from the Mississippi State Capitol Complex, 400 High Street in Jackson. Events will begin with a pre-race expo from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.

Participants will be able to grab their packets including their number and other race-day essentials, visit with vendors from throughout the nation who will have running gear and accessories, and hear from live, local blues musicians. Limited race-day packet pick-up also will be available from 5:45 to 7:15 a.m. on Saturday.

The starting line will be at George Street and Congress Street. Aid stations are roughly every 2 miles throughout the course, providing Gatorade and energy gels. The race will officially open at 7:20 a.m. with the National Anthem performed by Patrick Harkins. Area residents are encouraged to provide crowd support along the route by holding signs and cheering on the runners.

Individual registration prices are $115 for the full marathon with lower prices for the half marathon, 10K and 5K races. Relay registrations for up to five team members are also available for $260. For more information visit www.msbluesmarathon.events

Gem and Mineral Society Show

If you prefer indoor activities consider visiting the Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society 64th annual Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show Feb. 25-26 at the Trade Mart on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Vendors on hand will cover the spectrum from fine jewelry to fossils and geodes. Museum displays and hands-on crafts and learning activities for children will also be available on site.

A “Touch and See” table will give visitors an opportunity to examine a large collection of Mississippi rocks and minerals as well as specimens from throughout the nation. Talented jewelry artists will demonstrate techniques in beading, wire wrapping, gem faceting, cabochon making and other lapidary work. People with an interest in archaeology, geology and paleontology will have an opportunity to talk with professionals and students in those disciplines.

Flint knapping enthusiasts will show how arrows, bow drills and other stone tools were made. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for students. Scouts and Scout leaders in uniform get $2 admission. Children 5 and younger get in free. To learn about the Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society visit their website at www.missgems.org.

Dr. Seuss' Silly Birthday

If you are looking for a great activity for kids, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd. in Jackson, is hosting the annual “Silly Birthday” for world-renowned children’s author, Dr. Suess this Saturday, Feb. 25.

One of the museum’s favorite events of the year, visitors from throughout the region will have the chance to get messy with Ooey-Gooey Oobleck, hunt for clues on a Seuss-themed scavenger hunt, and enjoy food labs throughout the day.

Readings of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books will be presented and guests can snap their photos with Thing 1, Thing 2 and The Cat in the Hat. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite Dr. Seuss-inspired costume. Admission is $10 or free for museum members. For more information visit www.mschildrensmuseum.org.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Bravo Iv — Redefined

For music enthusiasts the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will host “Redefined” starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Thalia Mara Hall, 225 E. Pascagoula St. in Jackson. The impact of Black culture on the nation’s and the world’s music will be presented by Grammy Award-winning New Orleans trumpeter and composer Nicholas Payton’s Black American Symphony.

The program traces the story of Black American music from its roots to the modern day. MSO pairs this with one of the earliest efforts to fold Black melody into the classical realm — Dvorak’s 1893 visionary and popular New World Symphony. The event will mark the season’s fourth concert in MSO’s flagship Bravo series, with a program that pairs symphonies celebrating American themes from two distinct perspectives, practically a century apart. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $29 or $5 for students. For more information visit www.msorchestra.com

Family Days at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

This Saturday, Feb. 25, will mark the last chance of 2023 to celebrate Black History Month at the Two Mississippi Museums, 222 North Street in Jackson. Families are invited to participate in hands-on art activities, craft stations, guided gallery experiences, and opportunities to explore stories of Black Mississippians featured in the museums. Hours are from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, and all activities are included with regular museum admission ($15 for adults; $8 youth; $13 seniors; and children under 3 free). For more information visit www.mcrm.mdah.ms.gov

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS has plenty of entertainment options this weekend