Companies will help bring three days of free music and dance from across America to Downtown Jackson, Mississippi Jackson, MS, September 17, 2026 — Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, the music and literature show based in Oxford, MS, is bringing its award-winning program to the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson, MS. The show will help kick off the three-day festival weekend with its performance on Thursday, November 12 at 7 pm at Hal and Mal’s in Downtown Jackson. This speci

Companies will help bring three days of free music and dance from across America to Downtown Jackson, Mississippi Jackson, MS, September 8, 2026 — The National Folk Festival is excited to announce that Ergon, Inc. and Alliant Construction are returning as presenting sponsor for the 83rd National Folk Festival, which will take place November 13 -15, 2026. This year marks the second year of the festival’s three-year residency in Downtown Jackson. Part of the Ergon family of c

Mississippi Flavor: At the Crossroads of the American Story puts a spotlight on the ways the state’s folk traditions have influenced the nation Jackson, MS, September 1, 2026 —The wide-ranging program for the 83rd National Folk Festival’s Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage was announced today at a press conference inside the House Chamber at the Old Capitol Museum. This is the event’s second year of a three-year residency, scheduled to take place November 13-15, 2026, in Downt

Over 800 volunteers needed to fill a variety of positions for the free 83rd National Folk Festival taking place in downtown Jackson, November 13-15, 2026 Jackson, MS, August 2, 2026 — Online volunteer registration opens today for the 83rd National Folk Festival, a FREE, three-day event, returning to Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, 2026. This year marks the second year of the festival’s three-year residency in Mississippi’s capital city. Over 400 volunteers participated l

The National Folk Festival and Amazon also to partner on a donation to Jackson Public Schools Jackson, MS, July 24, 2026 — The 83rd National Folk Festival is pleased to announce that Amazon is returning as the sponsor of the festival’s Arts in Education program. This program is a cornerstone of the festival’s community engagement efforts, bringing world-class traditional artists into local schools and exposing students to new cultures, communities, and artistic traditions,

Artists from across Mississippi to appear at the festival in Downtown Jackson this November Jackson, MS, July 21, 2026 — The 83rd National Folk Festival announced today eight more groups appearing at the festival in Downtown Jackson, November 13-15. Representing cultural communities from Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, these artists join an artistic program that reflects the richness and variety of American culture. Half of today’s announced groups

Artists announced include Mavis Staples, legendary gospel and soul artist with deep ties to Mississippi Jackson, MS, June 16, 2026 — Additional performers appearing at the 83rd National Folk Festival in Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, were announced today. These seven artists represent a broad spectrum of traditions, from gospel and soul to the Iraqi oud, the visual spectacles of Mardi Gras, HBCU marching bands, and more. This year marks the second year of the festival’s th

In collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows featured in the 2026 program. Jackson, MS, April 28, 2026 — The National Folk Festival revealed today the first eight artists who will be performing at the 83rd National Folk Festival in Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, 2026. This will be the second year of the festival’s three-year residency in Jackson, and it occupies a momentous place in observances of the

Jackson, MS — The National Folk Festival is returning to Jackson, Mississippi, for the second year of its three-year residency. The 83 rd National Folk Festival will take place in Downtown Jackson from November 13 – 15, 2026. The festival is now accepting vendor applications for food vendors for the food courts within the festival site. Downtown Jackson will come alive for three days of FREE outdoor music, non-stop dancing, family activities, storytelling, crafts demonstrati

Jackson, MS — The 83 rd National Folk Festival is excited to announce its collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in 2026. The festival will participate in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals , a series of programs and exchanges marking the 250 th anniversary of the United States and showcasing the country’s remarkable cultural landscape. The National Folk Festival and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival share a common m

Jackson, MS — The National Folk Festival is returning to Jackson, Mississippi, for the second year of its three-year residency. The 83 rd National Folk Festival will take place in Downtown Jackson from November 13 – 15, 2026. The festival is now accepting vendor applications for the Festival Marketplace. Downtown Jackson will come alive for three days of FREE outdoor music, non-stop dancing, family activities, storytelling, crafts demonstrations, parades, and so much more—do

Interactive performances, hands-on crafts, and cultural activities for all ages take center stage November 8 & 9. Jackson, MS — The 82 nd National Folk Festival is thrilled to announce its Family Area programming, a vibrant and interactive space designed for young audiences and their families to enjoy at the festival. Located in Downtown Jackson, the Family Area features the Community Foundation for Mississippi/W.K. Kellogg Foundation Family Stage and the C Spire Foundation

Mississippi and Deep South artists, craftspeople, and food vendors bring handmade heritage and bold flavors to Downtown Jackson, November 7-9 Jackson, MS — The National Folk Festival is pleased to announce the talented artists, craftspeople, and food vendors who will be featured during the 82nd National Folk Festival in Jackson, MS. The Festival Marketplace will showcase the handmade creations of 20 of Mississippi and the Deep South’s finest artists and craftspeople, featurin

Presented by Ergon/Alliant, the National Folk Festival will feature more than 40 artists and groups on six outdoor stages. Jackson, MS — The National Folk Festival today shared two major announcements: its complete 2025 performance schedule and stage locations, as well as its presenting sponsor, Ergon/Alliant. For its 82nd edition, the National Folk Festival will feature more than 300 performers, demonstrators, and artisans on six stages and in the Mississippi Folklife Area a

Legacies of Empowerment celebrates and honors the centennial brithdays of B.B. King and Medgar Evers Jackson, MS — The National Folk...

Jackson, MS — The countdown is on and the time is now for Jackson to step up and celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American...

Jackson, MS — Organizers are excited to announce the performers featured in the Family Area, and throughout other areas of the festival...

The National Folk Festival partners with the Mississippi NAACP State Conference to present Jackson’s own Bobby Rush Jackson, MS — Today the National Folk Festival announced six additional artists appearing at the 82nd National Folk Festival in downtown Jackson from November 7-9, 2025, the first year of the event’s three-year residency in the capital city. Mississippi, with its rich musical legacy, is heavily featured in the artists announced today, highlighting the state’s

Yard Sign Campaign builds support for festival’s first year Jackson, MS — The fundraising committee of the National Folk Festival is on...

Over 800 volunteers needed to fill a variety of positions for the free 82nd National Folk Festival taking place in downtown Jackson,...