Mayor Calls on Community to Get Involved in National Folk Festival

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 culture, as well as the best of Mississippi. The National Folk Festival, the nation’s premier and longest-running folk and traditional arts event, will make its highly anticipated debut in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, in just two months, from November 7th – 9th.

For the first time since its founding in 1934, this celebrated multicultural festival comes to Mississippi, shining a national spotlight on the state known as the birthplace of America’s music.

Mayor John Horhn and Blaine Waide, Executive Director of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, called on community members to step up and get involved at a news conference on September 4 at 2:00 p.m. They were joined by City of Jackson National Folk Festival liaison Dr. Juanita Sims-Doty, local restaurateur Jeff Good, Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeff Rent, Jackson Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Christopher Pike, and Downtown Jackson Partners President Liz Brister.

The free, three-day festival promises nonstop music and performances from the nation’s finest traditional artists across multiple stages, parades, participatory dance, folk arts demonstrations, local and international cuisine, a crafts marketplace, family-friendly activities, and an area devoted to Mississippi folklife that honors the state’s rich cultural heritage. With more than 300 of the country’s top performers and artisans featured, Jackson is ready to welcome tens of thousands of visitors and set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Efforts to recruit over 800 volunteers are ongoing, as is the opportunity to become a “Friend of the Festival” through the Yard Sign Campaign.

Mayor John Horhn, whose commitment to the arts in Mississippi spans decades, shared his excitement for the event and its meaning for the city:

“The countdown is on and this is Jackson’s moment to shine. Bringing the National Folk Festival to our city celebrates the powerful role our people and traditions play in the story of America,” said Mayor Horhn. “The time is now for every resident to step up by donating to become a ‘Friend of the Festival,’ attending, and volunteering so that we can make this festival a landmark event that honors our legacy of musical, cultural, and artistic excellence.”

Blaine Waide, Executive Director of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, emphasized the historic significance of the event:

“The National Folk Festival has traveled to communities across the nation for nearly a century, highlighting the artistry and traditions that define who we are as a country. A feast for the senses awaits Jackson. To bring the festival here for the first time is both exciting and fitting given Mississippi’s immense contributions to America’s cultural heritage.”

Christopher Pike, Executive Director of the Jackson Redevelopment Authority, spoke to the opportunities this brings for the city:

“Jackson has a vibrant, unique culture, and hosting the National Folk Festival allows us to share our story with the world. This event will generate tremendous economic impacts, encourage new investments and development, and inspire new use of public spaces while engaging communities citywide and creating new outlets for creative cultural expression.”

Liz Brister, President of Downtown Jackson Partners, addressed the benefits the festival will bring to downtown:

“Drawing tens of thousands of attendees to the National Folk Festival will contribute to the ongoing revitalization of our city’s historic downtown. Not only will it attract new businesses and events, it will also improve our quality of life and make downtown a desirable place to live, work, and play.”

Dr. Juanita Sims-Doty, the City’s National Folk Festival liaison, emphasized the importance of cultural legacy, civic pride, and community service:

“The National Folk Festival gives Jackson an extraordinary platform to honor our cultural legacy. It’s a welcomed opportunity for Jackson to share our traditions in a way that builds connection and pride. An occasion like this allows our community to come together and showcase the best of who we are through robust volunteer participation and civic engagement.”

Jeff Good, a successful local restaurateur and owner of several beloved Jackson restaurants, highlighted the festival’s impact on local businesses:

“This festival isn’t just about music and culture—it’s about Jackson showing off who we are. Our restaurants, shops, and small businesses get to be part of the spotlight, and folks from all over the country get a taste of our food, our hospitality, and our spirit. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and share the pride we feel in this city.”

Jeff Rent, CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the significance for Jackson’s growth and visibility:

“Hosting the National Folk Festival places Jackson on a national stage in a remarkable way. This event highlights our economic vitality, strengthens community pride, and encourages investment across our city. The Chamber is proud to support an event celebrating both our cultural heritage and our bright economic future.”

Jackson residents and community organizations are encouraged not only to attend but to also donate to become a “Friend of the Festival” and sign up to volunteer. With national attention turned to Jackson, Mississippi is poised to show the nation the true depth of its cultural legacy, as well as its well-earned reputation as the hospitality state.