Guide to Cathead Jam
After a year off, Cathead Jam returns to downtown Jackson June 6-7, 2025, for a two-day celebration of live music, community, and creativity.
The festival brings a wide-ranging lineup of established and emerging artists, including moe., STRFKR, Neal Francis, SUSTO Stringband, and more. More than just a music festival, Cathead Jam supports the mission of the Dreamnote Foundation, the nonprofit owner of the event, which is dedicated to expanding access to music and arts education throughout Mississippi, especially in underserved communities.
Scroll on to learn how to be prepared for one of the city's best entertainment events of the year.
Get To Know The Bands
This year's Cathead Jam lineup offers a diverse array of musical talent, from the soulful grooves of Neal Francis and SUSTO Stringband to the energetic performances of moe. and STRFKR. The festival also features Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, Twurt Chamberlain, Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves, Mikaela Davis, and The Rumble, ensuring a weekend filled with eclectic sounds and vibrant performances. Get ready to sing along during the upcoming sets by dusting off your turntable and grabbing the artists' vinyl from a local record store like OffBeat and End Of All Music.
Prep Your Festival Gear
Whether you're tuning in for one day or the whole weekend, be sure to prepare for a day in the Mississippi heat. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring typical festival gear, including sunglasses, hats, blankets, empty water bottles, and sunscreen. However, items like coolers, tents, recording equipment, and pets are prohibited (service dogs will be permitted). There is a clear bag policy.
Tickets: Make sure to download your ticket to your phone so you can have your QR code up & ready to be scanned upon arrival. The printed out version (with bar code) will be just fine as well.
Parking: Parking is available all throughout downtown! Cathead Jam has partnered with Capital City Police and Jackson Police Department to ensure the safety of all guests when walking to the festival.
Stake Out Your Happy Hour Spots
With festival re-entry allowed per ticket, consider visiting one of Jackson's many watering holes with your crew for a bite and a drink before the show. We recommend The Walk-In, a cozy neighborhood bar next to Hal & Mal's known for its creative cocktails and laid-back vibe—perfect for sipping Cathead Vodka mixers before heading to the show. Plus, their proximity to the festival grounds and spacious rooms and porches make it the perfect group meetup and hangout place.
Book Your Hotel Room
Arriving from out-of-town? Jackson has plenty of hotels near Cathead Distillery and other attractions to visit during your stay. If you're feeling especially musical, consider booking at The Westin, where you can try out models of some of the world's most famous guitars in the comfort of your room.
Where to Drink and Dine
From delectable soul food classics - some of them James Beard Award-winning - to innovative Southern fusion, don't sleep on the City With Soul's culinary scene.
Downtown
Downtown is where government buildings, museums, and historic architecture collide in the heart of the capital city, resulting in a growing residential and public art scene.