The music will be rocking, vendors will be showcasing lots of great gifts, and Old Kudzu Brewing will be unveiling its newest beer in honor of Weidmann’s Restaurant at Merry Night Market planned for Thursday at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center. Santa will even pop in for an appearance.

Merry Night Market is a collaboration between Earth’s Bounty and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Center, also known as The MAX. The event will take place from 5-8 p.m. in the courtyard of The MAX, which is located on Front Street in downtown Meridian. Admission to the market is free.

The Mississippi Shakedown will have everyone up and moving when it bring its hard-hitting, high-energy, blues-infused rock to Merry Night Market. Local growers will have the last of the fall produce for sale, plus vendors will have tons of freshly baked treats. Other artisans will display unique, locally crafted items such as jewelry and pottery. Artist Daniel Etheridge will be on hand with a live painting demonstration, and Santa Claus will be on the grounds, always ready for a photo op.

Old Kudzu Brewing will release its newest beer, a Southern saison called 1870, at the market. The name of the beer celebrates the year Weidmann’s, the oldest restaurant in the state, opened in downtown Meridian. Old Kudzu will be joined by Magnolia Beverage Co. in offering samples at the event, and Weidmann’s will have muffuletta bites on hand.

Beer and wine will be available for sale, plus a signature MAX cocktail made with a tea base, a truly unique cup of spirits to open the holiday season. Hillbilly Dots will be on hand, providing burgers and barbecue, with Underdogs, a Hattiesburg eatery, serving up deluxe hot dogs and tacos.

The holidays are a time for giving, so this year’s Merry Night Market will feature a blood drive in honor of Dr. Sonny Rush. The bloodmobile will be set up on the sidewalk just outside The MAX courtyard so attendees can take a few extra minutes during their outing to give the gift of life to someone in need.