82nd National Folk Festival Unveils Marketplace and Food Vendors

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, featuring traditional and contemporary crafts inspired by the South’s cultural heritage and landscape. Selected through a juried process led by a committee deeply rooted in Mississippi’s arts community, the marketplace spans a wide spectrum—from quilts and pottery to jewelry and woodwork—each piece a reflection of the region’s creative spirit. This showcase wouldn’t be possible without the support of LocaliQ/Clarion Ledger, our Festival Marketplace sponsor.

In addition to the Marketplace, the festival has assembled a vibrant lineup of food vendors offering a mouth-watering array of selections sure to satisfy thousands of hungry festivalgoers just steps from most stages. The culinary offerings will take diners on a flavorful journey across Mississippi and the Deep South—with something to please every palate. The festival will feature four food courts across the site, made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Thomas Consulting Group, Courthouse & Walthall Lofts, and Explore Louisiana.

The FREE, three-day celebration is located throughout Downtown Jackson from November 7-9, 2025. The festival is a national showcase for America’s finest traditional artists, and will feature over 300 artists—musicians, dancers, craftspeople, storytellers, and other more—with more than 35 different groups performing on the festival’s six stages.

This year’s Festival Marketplace artisans include:

• Afghans by Aftan (Jackson) — Aftan learned to crochet from her grandmother at three years old and keeps her spirit alive by continuing the craft. Her most popular item is crocheted plushies; she also offers scarves, bags, and hats.

  
  

• Bledsoe Ventures LLC (Jackson) — One-of-a-kind pieces made out of wood and epoxy resin, including vases, cutting boards, and bowls. It’s work that stands out due to the imaginative variety and colors chosen for the pieces.

  
  

• Bro. Shambé (Jackson) — Surface wood designer specializes in detail and manipulating the wood images to look 3D. Works are connected to nature and the birth of the blues, its joys and pains.

  
  

• Drew McKercher (Brandon, MS) — Specializing in architectural observation in ink and watercolor. Drew McKercher’s work centers on nostalgia, music, and food in Mississippi.

  
  

• Fredamind Artistry (Greenwood, MS) — Ceramics connected to the natural clay derived from the rich river banks of the Mississippi River. 

  
  

• Gloria Gipson Suggs (Holly Springs, MS) — Drawings of people, places, and things from the 1930s through the ’60, stories passed down from photographs or witnesses.

  
  

• Gombo Atelier (Lafayette, LA) — Specializing in 3D preservation of organic material and most well-known for okra-based jewelry; also offers clothing. “This is not jewelry; this is heritage. This is not clothing; this is remembering.”

  
  

• Kate Donovan Studio (Water Valley, MS) — Hand-painted plates, prints, and stationary inspired by the natural beauty of Mississippi. “I want to reframe the familiar, giving it new life and bringing attention to domestic rituals that often go unnoticed.”

  
  

• Klassy Krafts (Hattiesburg, MS) — Handmade crocheted animals that have names and stories attached to them that give them each their own unique personality.

  
  

• Lee Arts (Nashville, TN) — Art made from the woods in Mississippi. Offering handmade sculptures and bead jewelry.

  
  

• Messy Pots Pottery (Clinton,MS) — Wheel-thrown pottery made in Mississippi, including colorful bowls, mugs, and vases.

  
  

• Nadabutter (Jackson) — Renada wants you to love your skin with custom-crafted, homemade all-natural “Nadabutter.” Offering body butters, soaps, and balms made out of organic, natural materials.

  
  

• Nicolas Neese Glass, LLC (Madison, MS) — Offering glass sculptures, cups, bowls, and ornaments. Nicolas enjoys sculpting, flameworking, and kiln-formed glass.

  
  

• Optimal Mart (Jackson) — Colorful jewelry with beautiful gemstones, handmade to reflect the diversity of Mississippi as a whole.

  
  

• Raven LeMon (Meridian, MS) — Bridging West Africa and the Black Belt South, wearable art, including waist beads, necklaces, and bracelets, that honors the traditions of Black American root workers and instills self-love and empowerment. 

• Ravin Lovett, LLC (Jackson) — Handcrafted quilts that range from functional everyday pieces to intricate heirloom art. The quilts incorporate fabrics with personal or cultural significance. The designs echo southern landscapes, architectural patterns, and historical influences.

  
  

• Sanaa Gallery (Jackson) — Specializing in music-themed paintings and figurative work depicting African American subjects. Utilizing a colorful impasto technique that adds dimension and energy.

  
  

• Sharony Green (Ocean Springs, MS) — Paintings and prints that capture “sassy women” and “church ladies.”

  
  

• Studio M (Madison, MS) — Offering lampwork glass beads, glass jewelry, and paintings. Studio M is known for dichroic glass heart beads and specialty dichroic glass-bead making.

  
  

• The Taylr’D Table (Byram, MS) — A small-batch spice company offering handcrafted blends made from all natural ingredients. Each blend is thoughtfully curated to elevate everyday meals with bold, globally inspired flavors.

This year’s Food Vendors include:

• Althea's Almost Famous (Columbia, MD) — Inspired by the people and tastes of Jamaica. Bold island flavors meet comfort food classics. Jerk pit pork, coco bread, loaded Caribbean chicken bowls, and buttery, flaky meat pockets.

  
  

• Campbell’s Bakery (Jackson) — Historic Campbell's Bakery, home of the Iced Teacake. A classic American bakery, with freshly baked treats that bring warmth and sweetness to every bite.

  
  

• Charlies’ (Jackson) — Serving a true original from the Mississippi Delta, the vibrant, tangy taste of Koolaid pickles (aka, koolickles!), plus candy grapes and other fruity, frozen treats.

  
  

• Chef Phillips Creative (Jackson) — Mississippi born & raised, Chef Phillip infuses his culinary offerings with unmatched southern flavors. Three-time first place winner in the International Gumbo Festival.

  
  

• Crunch Time Concessions (Clinton, MS) — Crunch Time Concessions cools you down with refreshing, colorful shaved ice treats.

  
  

• D’s Carnival Treats (Mobile, AL) — From savory favorites like chicken on a stick and blooming onions to sweet funnel cakes, D’s Carnival Treats brings the full fair food experience in every bite.

  
  

• Daughtry's Concession (Semmes, AL) — Daughtry’s Concession brings the fair to you with crispy chicken on a stick, golden corn dogs, loaded fries, and nachos piled high with flavor and fun.

  
  

• Dippin’ Dots (Clinton, MS) — Dippin’ Dots serves up the coolest, tiniest beads of ice cream for a fun and refreshing treat every time.

  
  

• Gorilla Back BBQ (Jackson) — Gorilla Back BBQ delivers bold, smoky barbecue flavors that bring the backyard cookout to the festival.

  
  

• Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine (Rolesville, NC) — A tasty twist on classic American favorites with a Mediterranean flair.

  
  

• Green Ghost Tacos (Jackson) — Green Ghost Tacos serves up bold, authentic Mexican flavors that pack a flavorful punch.

  
  

• Grumpy Dave's Kettle Korn (Crystal Springs, MS) — Old-school kettle corn with a twist,  Grumpy Dave’s got the goods! The only thing grumpy is the name — this kettle corn brings the smiles.

  
  

• Hal & Mal's (Jackson) — Serving up hearty southern classics made with love and a touch of downhome flavor.

  
  

• Hen & Egg (Jackson) — A fast-casual spot by Chef Nick Wallace serving bold southern flavors with a modern twist. “Slow food” served fast — breakfast, lunch & comfort food classics. 

  
  

• Homegirl Beverage Company (Clinton, MS) — Refreshing, fresh-squeezed lemonade in bold, fun flavors — just like your favorite homegirl would make it.

  
  

• Kandymellons (Gulfport, MS) — Kandymellons serves up savory gumbo, juicy watermelon slices, and flavorful Mexican corn for the perfect festival feast.

  
  

• Lee's Heavenly BBQ & Soul Food (Edwards, MS) — A beloved family-owned establishment that has become a local favorite for its homemade soul food and slow-smoked BBQ delights!

  
  

• Loren’s Colombian Kitchen (Flowood, MS) — Brings in the flavors of Colombia: empanadas, arepas, and more!

  
  

• Lucy’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade (Canton, MS) — Fresh-squeezed lemonade in seven flavors, freshly mixed and hand shaken to order.

  
  

• Metro Squeeze (Clinton, MS) — Handcrafted beverages and snacks. Our specialities are lemonade and mini pancakes. Gluten and dairy free.

  
  

• Mississippi Black Pot (Coila, MS) — Crispy, crunchy pork skins and cracklin’ served up hot with your choice of 30 bold seasoning flavors. Southern snacking at its finest.

  
  

• The Parad-Ice (Forest, MS) — A taste of Mexico right here in Central Mississippi, with the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food. Refreshing raspados and savory elotes. Each bite is a fiesta.

  
  

• Small Time Street Eats & Fair Favorites (Winona, MS) — It started with specialty hot dogs and a dream. Now known for hickory-smoked pulled pork, giant Polish sausage, loaded fries, famous lemonades, and the best funnel cake ever.

  
  

• Squigglers (Richland, MS) — Squigglers Italian Ice serves up fresh, fun, and flavorful frozen treats that turn every day into a sweet celebration.

Learn more at NationaFolkFestival.com/marketplace and NationalFolkFestival.com/food. 

The National Folk Festival is a partnership of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the City of Jackson, Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, the Community Foundation for Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Humanities Council, Visit Mississippi, and the National Park Service. The festival is FREE to the public.

The National Folk Festival is sponsored in part by: Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Mississippi Department of Archives & History, The Foundation for Mississippi History, Levitt Foundation, Atmos Energy, MWB, C Spire Foundation, Hilton Jackson, Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, Hinds County Economic Development Authority, Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, Hope Credit Union/Hope Enterprise Corporation, Renasant Bank, Cadence Bank, Trustmark Bank, Entergy, Fox40, The Phil Hardin Foundation, Capital Area Tourism Association, City of Flowood, City of Vicksburg, Visit Vicksburg, Explore Ridgeland, Explore Louisiana, Jackson Redevelopment Authority, Volunteer Mississippi, Southern Beverage Company, Fertile Ground Beer Co., Hal & Mal’s, Clarion Ledger, LocaliQ, Thomas Consulting Group, StateStreet Group, Amazon, The Music Performance Trust Fund, South Arts, and the Pecan Tree Park Neighborhood Association.