Military Families Enjoy Free Admission to The MAX All Summer

Program runs from May 16 through September 7 for both active duty and veterans

MERIDIAN, Miss. (May 14, 2026) – The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is joining museums nationwide in offering free admission to all military families, including veterans, during the 2026 Blue Star Museums program. The 2026 program kicks off on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

More than 2,000 museums participate in the Blue Star program each year, a broad collaboration that includes the National Endowment for the Arts, the Blue Star Families support organization, and the U.S. Department of Defense. The MAX has welcomed hundreds of people through the program and is eager to see more military families – from across Mississippi and beyond – explore the thriving arts and cultural center, including the new exhibition John Jennings: Build Your World, opening Saturday, June 20.

“The MAX is pleased to serve as a gateway to arts and culture across the state for military families associated with Naval Air Station Meridian, the Air National Guard 186th Air Refueling Wing, and other military installations in the region, as well as our veterans,” said MAX President and CEO Penny Kemp. “The Blue Star effort strengthens our connections with the military community, and we hope to see strong interest this year.”

The Blue Star program offers a way for The MAX to show appreciation to military service members, who provide a critical source of volunteer support for the nonprofit during major events such as Sipp & Savor, The MAX’s annual food and drink experience. More details about the program and a complete listing of participating museums can be found at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Free admission is available for those currently serving in the United States military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps – and up to five family members. The MAX is extending this offer to include military veterans and their families. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card, or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum