Get your art fix in Southern Mississippi
FestivalSouth is set to return for its 17th year from May 30 to June 27 at locations across Hattiesburg, MS.
What is FestivalSouth
The multi-week, multi-disciplinary arts festival produced by the Hattiesburg Concert Association and features primarily performing and visual arts from local and international artists.
Featured events include concerts and ballet performances, as well as art exhibitions, educational lectures, and literature readings.
FestivalSouth also hosts the Best of the Pine Belt Award Show, celebrating local businesses and professionals, as well as the Dog Days 5k run and two-mile walk for anyone looking for a non-arts-related event.
Headlining Events
June 4-6
Disney's Newsies featuring the Hub City Players
Mannoni Performing Arts Center
FestivalSouth will be doing a production of Disney's Broadway hit musical based on the 1992 film. It's a family-friendly event that shouldn't be missed.
Saturday, June 13
Stars and Steps Forever
Mannoni Performing Arts Center | 7-10 p.m.
Stars and Steps Forever is a ballet honoring America's 250th birthday featuring hip-hop, Latin, and folkloric music and dance styles and celebrating the full spectrum of American culture. The event features young dancers from the regional and international levels.
Saturday June 27
The Great American Playlist
Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater | 7-9 p.m.
The Great American Playlist takes attendees through America's greatest hits, including selections from James Brown, Bruno Mars, Evanescence, Dolly Parton, and more. This concert reimagines America's most iconic popular music with a full orchestra, featuring talent including internationally known Mississippi artist Vasti Jackson and the FestivalSouth Orchestra.
Commemorative Art
FestivalSouth chose Ellen Langford to produce this year's commemorative artwork, a 32x40-inch horizontal painting titled To Hear a Story, which will be up for auction through Saturday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. The winner of the auction will be announced at the Saenger Theater before The Great American Playlist on Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m.
America 250
FestivalSouth 2026 features multiple performances, exhibitions, and educational sessions celebrating American culture in honor of the country's 250th anniversary.
Events include We the People Featuring the Legacy Actors Theatre Experience; Artie's Celebration of American Authors, Artists, and Musicians; and Made in America Downtown Summer Tunes with Pinebelt Pickers.
Fun for the Whole family
There is no need to leave the kids out of the action, as Artie's Events for Families brings daytime activities for children to FestivalSouth. Family-friendly events will include Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Got the Moves, K-Pop Demon Hunters Dance Party and Sing-a-long, and a West African Drumming workshop.
For the full schedule and tickets for paid events, visit festivalsouth.org.
