While Meridian may be modest in size, it offers a surprisingly rich and diverse entertainment scene that caters to all ages and interests. Evenings and weekends are filled with opportunities for cultural discovery, casual fun, and memorable experiences—without the crowds, traffic, or high prices of big-city living.
At the heart of the city’s cultural life is the MSU Riley Center, a beautifully restored 19th-century opera house and performance hall that hosts everything from Broadway touring shows and ballets to jazz nights and children’s theater. Just steps away, the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a high-tech, interactive museum celebrating the state’s world-famous cultural contributors—from Elvis to Oprah—and serves as both an educational destination and a family outing favorite.
Whether you're catching a movie at Premiere LUX 10 Cinema, exploring works at the Meridian Museum of Art, or attending open-mic night at a downtown pub, Meridian delivers entertainment with heart and charm. The city’s Threefoot Festival, Juneteenth Jubilee, and Earth’s Bounty Festival bring the streets to life with live music, food trucks, local artisans, and community pride.
Dining is its own adventure. Local gems like Weidmann’s, the oldest operating restaurant in Mississippi, serve Southern classics with elegance, while bistros, BBQ joints, and new fusion spots keep your palate engaged. You’ll also find cozy coffee shops, craft breweries, and wine lounges that make it easy to connect with colleagues or unwind after a busy week.
In Meridian, entertainment isn’t a luxury—it’s part of the lifestyle. You'll enjoy access to arts, cuisine, and fun that keep your family engaged without the cost or hassle of urban congestion.
For physicians who love the outdoors, Meridian offers a wealth of accessible natural adventures—from quiet morning hikes to adrenaline-fueled trail rides, weekend fishing getaways, and scenic lakeside picnics. Here, your downtime becomes a chance to reconnect with nature and unwind just minutes from your front door.
Bonita Lakes Park, the city’s outdoor crown jewel, features over 3,300 acres of wooded terrain, hiking trails, equestrian routes, and two serene lakes perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. The park's trail system includes beginner and intermediate hiking paths, as well as multi-use bike trails where you can push your pace through pine-covered hills. It’s a regular destination for both casual walkers and weekend warriors.
Just a short drive away, Okatibbee Lake provides even more opportunity for water recreation and family fun. With four boat ramps, designated swimming areas, and prime fishing for largemouth bass and crappie, it’s an ideal location for relaxing summer days. Hunting enthusiasts will appreciate nearby Chickasawhay Wildlife Management Area, where deer and turkey are abundant in season, and public land access is straightforward.
Golfers will enjoy the challenge and natural beauty of courses like Lakeview Golf Course and Northwood Country Club, each offering unique fairways framed by rolling hills and mature trees. If you're drawn to photography or wildlife viewing, the Sam Dale Lake Wildlife Management Area and Clarkco State Park offer peaceful encounters with deer, herons, and even the occasional fox or bald eagle.
In Meridian, outdoor activities aren't a special event—they're part of the everyday rhythm. With nature so close and so varied, you'll find the perfect way to unwind, explore, and recharge year-round.
Meridian is a community that makes it easy—and enjoyable—to stay active. Whether you're looking for a morning jog before rounds, a family outing on the weekend, or a quiet afternoon of personal fitness, you’ll find accessible, well-maintained recreational amenities right at your doorstep. The city’s dedication to wellness is reflected in its parks, facilities, and programming that serve all ages and fitness levels.
Bonita Lakes Park is the jewel of local recreation. This 3,300-acre nature preserve offers a paved walking loop, mountain biking trails, equestrian paths, picnic shelters, and a fitness-focused trail system. It's common to see physicians and hospital staff here on their off days, jogging along the lake or enjoying a quiet lunch under the pines.
If structured fitness is your style, Meridian has several modern gyms and wellness centers. The Anderson Health and Fitness Center stands out with personal training, aquatic classes, strength circuits, and even massage therapy. Planet Fitness, The Fitness Factor, and 24/7 Gym and Tan provide a variety of access options depending on your schedule.
Families with children will find dozens of playgrounds, spray parks, and sports fields scattered throughout the city’s neighborhoods. The city-run recreation department offers youth soccer, baseball, basketball, and adult leagues in softball, volleyball, and pickleball. And for more unique indoor fun, there’s everything from rock climbing gyms to trampoline parks.
In Meridian, recreation becomes part of your routine, not a time-consuming task. With inviting facilities, inclusive programs, and a culture that supports wellness, you’ll find it easy to maintain balance between professional demands and personal vitality.