Downtown Meridian will be host to a full slate of activities Nov. 5-6, for Whistlestop Weekend.

Headlining the weekend’s activities is the return of Soule’s Live Steam Festival and Railfest, attracting train fanatics and families alike. 

Held at the Mississippi Heritage Museum, Soule’s Live Steam Festival takes place on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Touring through America’s last intact steam engine factory allows visitors to experience what it was like working at the turn of the twentieth century. In addition to viewing the working machine shop, attendees can observe blacksmithing demonstrations and molten metal pouring. 

Meanwhile, just around the corner at the Old Railroad Museum, Railfest takes place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Railroad memorabilia, model trains, and railroad-themed artwork will be on display. John Belcher and Mike Necessary, hosts of the Moving America Podcast, will be on hand along with entertainment by The Matt Prater Band. Children will be entertained by Story Time with an Engineer, a wooden train area designed for young children, and model railroading workshops. 

While both events took a break during 2020 due to COVID-19, organizers are happy to be back and stronger than ever in 2021. In previous years, Steamfest and Railfest have drawn visitors from across the two-state region and beyond. 

“We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals downtown to see what all there is to do here. From activities for train enthusiasts and history buffs, to arts and cultural events, and outdoor recreation, the weekend is packed full with options,” says Dede Mogollon, executive director of Visit Meridian Tourism. “It is an excellent weekend to showcase Meridian’s diverse offerings and our vibrant downtown.”  

Coinciding with Steamfest and Railfest, there are a variety of First Saturday activities taking place downtown to provide even more in the way of food, arts and entertainment.

Earth’s Bounty farmers market takes place at Singing Brakeman Park from 8 a.m. until noon while works by local artists will be on display at Meridian’s Artwalk at Union Station from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

First Saturday festivities at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience include Make + Take Workshops, an illustrated talk, live music, refreshments and giveaways, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. These are all free events, open to the public. 

Friday evening, the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is presenting a special dinner with Chef Enrika Williams inspired by the Cross Colours clothing line, followed by a fashion show and hip-hop dance experience Saturday evening.

All events complement the traveling exhibit, From Couture to da’ Streets: The Fashions of Patrick Kelly + Cross Colours, currently on display.  Tickets to these events are available for purchase at www.msarts.org.  

For fitness buffs interested in some outdoor recreation, the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation is hosting the first annual Singing Brakeman Century Race & Ride, featuring a 30, 60, or 100 mile bike course from downtown Meridian to Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music in Philadelphia.

The unique loop course allows riders to experience beautiful scenery and gentle rolling hills of East Mississippi along with some good music and refreshments along the way. Live music and activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Union Hotel parking lot, across the street from the MAX.

The Mississippi Children’s Museum will host train-related activities for children throughout the day on Friday.