Guide to Cathead Jam
After a three-year hiatus, Cathead Jam returns for a weekend of headliners and up-and-coming artists on June 2 and 3 in downtown Jackson.
Aside from rocking out to the likes of the Flaming Lips, Shakey Graves, and Cimafunk, your ticket also goes towards the work of the Dreamnote Foundation, founded as the nonprofit owner of Cathead Jam, which pledges to improve access to music and art throughout Mississippi and 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 lineup appeals to music lovers of all genres, from the gritty, bluesy sounds of female rock duo Larkin Poe, to the acclaimed modern jam band, Goose. Not to be missed are alternative greats, The Flaming Lips, who cap off the festival on Saturday. 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 Hal & Mal's, which recently rolled out a new Happy Hour menu featuring some of Cathead Vodka's signature spirits and seltzers. 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
Jackson restaurants – from small mom and pop eateries to James Beard award-winning chef-driven concepts – offer some of the best authentic cuisine.
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.