The second of three planned weekends for Jackson’s edition of America’s longest-running traditional arts event is almost here.
The National Folk Festival will return to the Mississippi capital in November for the 2026 version. Here’s everything to know about the free event.
What is the National Folk Festival?
Serving as the country’s longest-running traditional arts event after being founded in 1934 and championed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in its early years, the National Folk Festival travels around the U.S. and highlights the roots, richness, and variety of American culture.
The National Folk Festival will once again set up shop in Mississippi’s capital after a successful debut in 2025, with a special focus on Mississippi as the birthplace of America’s music and an overall theme of America250. Jackson is the first Mississippi city to host the event.
When is the National Folk Festival?
The second edition of the National Folk Festival in Jackson will run from Friday, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Nov. 15.
The weekend kicks off Nov. 13 with a concert on the Visit Mississippi Stage by Cedric Burnside & Rising Stars Fife & Drum, a group that blends hill country blues with African American fife, a type of flute, and drum. Friday’s festivities will continue until 9:30 p.m. Saturday’s schedule runs from 12 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday’s goes from noon to 6 p.m.
Besides food and merchandise vendors, which open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, all events at the National Folk Festival are free.
Where is the National Folk Festival?
The festival is taking place in downtown Jackson. The nine stages where music and food vendors will set up include:
- Ergon/Alliant Stage – intersection of Capitol and State Streets, in front of the Old Capitol Museum
- Visit Mississippi Stage – between Lamar and West Streets
- StateStreet Group Dance Pavilion – at Pearl and State Streets in the “Welcome to Jackson” lot
- The City With Soul Stage – West Street between Capitol and Pearl Streets
- Community Foundation for Mississippi/W.K. Kellogg Foundation Family Stage – Smith Park
- Street Performances at Capitol & Congress Street – along Capitol & Congress Streets
- VitalCore Health Strategies Mississippi Folklife Stage – located across Congress Street from Smith Park
- Mississippi Folklife Narrative Stage – Smith Park
- Mississippi Folklife Stage – Smith Park
Who will be at the National Folk Festival?
Hundreds of performers, artisans, and demonstrators will be at the National Folk Festival in November. Noteworthy names in the music scene are Clinton’s own blues artist Eddie Cotton Jr., Jackson-based gospel choir Mississippi Mass Choir, New York beatboxer Rahzel, and more.
In addition to the music scene, the National Folk Festival will feature regional foods for guests to enjoy. Notable vendors include Mexican restaurant Las Delicias, based in Leland, and the Big Apple Inn, right in the heart of Jackson.
On top of the food and music, a festival market will feature handmade creations from 23 of Mississippi’s finest artists and craftspeople selling jewelry, bags, and more.
A full schedule can be found here.
