2026 BIG HBCU Wellness Festival – Jackson, Mississippi
About this Event
Wellness Meets Culture and Community
BIG HBCU invites you to experience the inaugural 2026 BIG HBCU Wellness Festival, a free, two-day community wellness experience hosted on the campus of Jackson State University. More than a traditional health fair, this interactive festival brings together culture, community, movement, education, trusted resources, and whole-person wellness in one welcoming space. Whether you are beginning your wellness journey, supporting a loved one, looking for trusted information, or simply searching for new ways to live well, there will be something for you.
Wellness is a personal journey, but no one has to walk it alone. Attend one day or both. Stop by for an hour or spend the day exploring!
What You Can ExpectFestival attendees will have opportunities to:
- Connect with trusted healthcare and wellness professionals
- Explore health screenings and wellness checks
- Discover community programs and helpful resources
- Participate in fitness and movement activities
- Learn about nutrition and healthy living
- Access mental and emotional wellness information
- Explore financial, career, and educational resources
- Meet local businesses and community organizations
- Enjoy interactive experiences, demonstrations, and giveaways
- Activities, screenings, and participating organizations may vary by day.
Explore the Wellness RoutesThe festival will feature six Wellness Routes supporting the whole person:
PREVENT — Preventive care, screenings, early detection, and healthy habits
MOVE — Fitness, mobility, strength, and active living
NOURISH — Nutrition, hydration, and healthy food choices
RESTORE — Mental health, rest, stress management, and emotional wellness
PROSPER — Financial wellness, careers, education, and entrepreneurship
CONNECT — Community relationships, resources, and meaningful support
Wellness Passport ChallengeExplore featured Wellness Route checkpoints, participate in selected activities, collect passport stamps, and become eligible for special giveaways or prizes. Challenge details will be provided during the festival. Giveaways are available while supplies last.
Mental and Emotional WellnessSeptember is National Suicide Prevention Month. The festival will intentionally create space for conversations and resources related to mental health, emotional wellness, stress, support systems, and seeking help when it is needed.Our goal is to reduce stigma, encourage meaningful conversations, and connect attendees with trusted resources in a supportive environment.
Who Should Attend?Everyone is welcome, including:
- Anyone interested in improving their overall well-being
- Jackson State University students, faculty, staff, and alumni
- College and high school students
- Families and caregivers
- Adults and older adults
- Community residents
- Healthcare and wellness professionals
- Educators and community leaders
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
Free and Open to the PublicAdmission is completely free.Guests may select Free Festival Admission or choose Festival Admission + Optional Donation during registration. Both ticket options provide the same festival access. A donation is appreciated but is not required to attend.Advance registration is requested to help us prepare for attendance and share important event updates.Some screenings, giveaways, and limited-capacity experiences may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your free ticket and invite your family, friends, classmates, coworkers, or community group to join you.
Part of the HBCU Labor Day Classic WeekendThe BIG HBCU Wellness Festival helps launch the 2026 HBCU Labor Day Classic Weekend in Jackson, Mississippi. The weekend will celebrate HBCU culture, community, wellness, music, education, and entertainment through several experiences leading up to the official Battle of the Bands. Learn more at . Additional weekend events may require separate registration or paid admission.
Register TodayBring your family. Invite a friend. Connect with trusted resources. Discover new ways to care for yourself and the people you love.Join us for two inspiring days where wellness meets culture and community. Registration is free. Reserve your ticket today!
Vendors, Speakers, and Vendor Partners, WE NEED YOU!
Interested in joining us? Complete our short Participation Interest Form below or contact us at [email protected]. Interest Form: https://tinyurl.com/BIGHBCUWellnessFest
Festival Schedule
Thursday, September 3, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wellness Village, community resources, screenings, exhibitors, interactive activities, Wellness Passport Challenge, featured conversations, and demonstrations.
Friday, September 4, 2026
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wellness Village, community resources, screenings, exhibitors, interactive activities, Wellness Passport Challenge, featured conversations, and demonstrations.A detailed schedule will be announced as speakers, organizations, activities, and wellness experiences are confirmed.
Photography and Video Notice
Photography, video recording, livestreaming, and media coverage may take place during the festival.
By entering the event area, attendees acknowledge that they may appear in event-related photographs or videos used for promotional, educational, archival, or communications purposes.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
