The moon will shine brightly again when the 2022 Fall Full Moon 5th Event kicks off Thursday night in Downtown Meridian.

Billed as a block party experience, Full Moon on the 5th will run from 6-9 p.m. Thursday between 22nd and 23rd Avenues.

The Cole Hill Band will play swampy R&B music on stage between the two giant moons throughout the night. Food and drink vendors will line 5th Street, including The Island 601 bringing its Caribbean flavors to the streets.

A children’s craft and activity area will be available for all children.

Full Moon on Fifth will also feature three artists from the Revere Gallery on 5th Street with their works on display and for sale.

Joan Adams will exhibit her colorful pottery; Kathy Fulton creates nostalgic paintings with unique perspectives and Marty McIntyre is a portrait painter and watercolourist whose brushstrokes bring subjects to life.

The event is free and open to the public.

Also on Thursday evening, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra will perform Mingle With the Maestro at the Meridian Museum of Art. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Maestro Peter Rubardt. For tickets, call 601-693-1501.

Other weekend events

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is gearing up for a robust fall with exciting programs in the coming days.

• The Fork & Fete food and music event will take place in the outdoor courtyard from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 9, featuring Chef David Crews of Cleveland and Soul Food Queen Mary Johnson of Indianola. Blue Mother Tupelo will liven up the gathering with southern roots music. Tickets for members are $45 in advance, $50 at the door. Proceeds support the Success music and writing program for high school students.

· Beginning Saturday, September 10, the MAX’s Gallery of Temporary Exhibits will feature “From Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad.” This popular traveling exhibit offers a modern interpretation of sites associated with slave escape routes, including multiple Mississippi locations, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Runners, walkers, spectators and children are invited to participate in the Stronger Together Foundation 5k and fun run on Saturday. The race will start and end at City Hall and will benefit the Stronger Together Foundation, which helps the families of veterans who have died by suicide.

In addition to the race, the event will feature a touch truck, featuring Meridian Police, Metro Fire and Ambulance, a motorcycle show, multiple veterans groups and over 25 vendors.

Saturday’s 5k is scheduled to start at 8 a.m., with race-day registration available from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Runners can also pre-register at time2run.net.

• Meridian Symphony Orchestra presents Opening Night Classical: European Colors at MSU Riley Center. Played with a full orchestra, the symphonic series begins with a piano concerto by the famous Ilya Yakushev. 601-693-2224.

• Enjoy Southern blues and soul as the Temple Theater hosts an evening with Calvin Richardson and J’Cenae, Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets $35 in advance $40 daily. Tickets available online at ticketsspice.com or at Sam’s Fashions, Hairqueen Beauty Supply. IMF: 334-538-7855.