Jackson, Mississippi proudly hosts the 83rd National Folk Festival November 13-15, 2026, marking the second year of an unprecedented three-year residency in the heart of downtown.
The National Folk Festival has announced the full performance schedule for November’s event. With over 300 artists performing across six stages, and dozens of craft demonstrators and artisans showcasing their craft in the Mississippi Folklife Area and the Festival Marketplace, festival attendees can expect a feast of delights anywhere they turn, and new favorites to discover. The festival returns to Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, 2026, with a similar festival footprint as last year, with a few changes.
The National Folk Festival is America's longest-running celebration of the people, cultures, and living traditions that make our nation unique. Since 1934, this free, traveling festival has been a vibrant showcase where communities gather to share their stories through music, dance, food, and craft.
Coming to downtown Jackson, November 13-15, 2026, the festival transforms the city into a living tapestry of American culture. Multiple stages will pulse with continuous performances from musicians, storytellers, dancers and more—the keepers of our collective memory who pass down everything from generations-old ballads to contemporary expressions of identity. Expect to hear the deep roots of blues and soul, alongside the rhythmic power of hip-hop and the heartfelt traditions of gospel and southern soul. The festival will also celebrate the rich HBCU culture that has shaped so much of America. You'll witness hands-on craft demonstrations, taste authentic regional and international cuisine, and experience the joy of storytelling that connects us all.
While Mississippi artists have graced the National Folk Festival stages for decades, this marks its first journey to the Deep South, where so many of America's most powerful cultural traditions, from the delta blues to the marching bands of historically Black colleges and universities, were born and continue to flourish.
National Folk Festival Announces Full Schedule for Nov 13–15 Events
The National Folk Festival announced today the full performance schedule for November’s event. With over 300 artists performing across six stages, and dozens of craft demonstrators and artisans showcasing their craft in…
THU NOV 12
Thacker Mountain Radio Hour
Hal & Mal's and The National Folk Festival present Thacker Mountain Radio Hour featuring Rebolú, Jasmine Holmes, and Dat Mighty 9 featuring Big Chief Romeo.
National Folk Festival Reveals 2026 Mississippi Folklife Lineup
"Mississippi Flavor: At the Crossroads of the American Story" puts a spotlight on the ways the state's folk traditions have influenced the nation. The wide-ranging program for the 83rd National Folk Festival's…
From Blues to Choctaw Dance: New Performers Announced for Jackson’s National Folk Festival
The 83rd National Folk Festival keeps growing, and its newest additions prove that Jackson, Mississippi is exactly where this celebration belongs.
Mavis Staples Among Additonal Performers Announced for the 83rd National Folk Festival
Seven additional performers appearing at the 83rd National Folk Festival in Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, were announced today. The artists represent a broad spectrum of traditions, from gospel and soul to the…
First Performer Details Announced for 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson, MS
The National Folk Festival revealed today the first eight artists who will be performing at the 83rd National Folk Festival in Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, 2026. This will be the second year…
Free Admission
Three days of traditional music, dance, crafts, food, and more.
Food + Festival Marketplace
Friday: Opens 5 PM
Saturday + Sunday: Opens 11 AM
Free Parking
Mississippi State Fairgrounds at the intersection of Amite Street and Jefferson Street.ADA-accessible parking available.
Free Festival Shuttle
Ride the free JTRAN shuttle between the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and Downtown Jackson.Downtown stop: Amite St. + State St.
Shuttle Hours
Friday, Nov. 13: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Saturday, Nov. 14: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Sunday, Nov. 15: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Last departure from festival site
Fri + Sat: Approximately 9:30 PM
Sun: Approximately 6 PM
Downtown Parking
Downtown parking garages and lots may be available where accessible. Parking fees may apply.Details: NationalFolkFestival.com/parking
Festival Rules
No pets except service animals.
No coolers or glass containers.
No outside alcohol.
No weapons.
No bikes, scooters, skateboards or golf carts.
No public grilling or tailgating.
Rain or Shine
Festival programming continues as weather conditions safely allow.
Phased closures begin November 6. Full site closure begins Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 PM.
Closures
Closures take effect at 10 PM, except as noted.
Friday, Nov. 6
5 PM: “Welcome to Jackson” lot (State & Pearl Sts.)
Festival setup begins in Smith Park (park remains open)
Saturday, Nov. 7
Parking lot on Congress St., across from Smith Park
Sunday, Nov. 8
E. Capitol St. (West St. – Congress St.)
S. West St. (Capitol St. – Pearl St.)
Monday, Nov. 9
E. Capitol St. (Lamar St. – West St.)
Tuesday, Nov. 10
E. Capitol St. (Congress St. – State St.)
S. Congress St. (Capitol St. – Pearl St.)
Wednesday, Nov. 11
State St. (Amite St. – Pearl St.)
N. Congress St. (Yazoo St. – Amite St.)
E. Amite St. (West St. – Congress St.), north lanes closed for vendor load-in
Thursday, Nov. 12: Full Festival-Site Closure
West St. (James Meredith – Pearl St.)
Congress St. (Yazoo St. – Pearl St.)
President St. (Amite St. – Pearl St.)
State St. (Amite St. – Pascagoula St.)
Yazoo St. (West St. – President St.)
Amite St. (Lamar St. – President St.)
Capitol St. (Lamar St. – State St.)
Pearl St. (President St. – State St.)
Pearl St. exit from I-55 (traffic must exit onto Jefferson St.)
Two-Way Traffic (For Garage Access Only)
E. Amite St. (Lamar St. – West St.) and N. President St. (Capitol St. – Pearl St.) run two-way for parking garage access from Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 PM until Monday, Nov. 16 at 1 AM. They then return to one-way.
Reopenings take effect at 1 AM.
Monday, Nov. 16
N. West St., Yazoo St., E. Amite St., N. President St., State St., E. Pearl St., N. + S. Congress St.
E. Capitol St. (Lamar St. – West St. and President St. – State St.)
Tuesday, Nov. 17
E. Capitol St. (West St. – President St.)
S. West St.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
All streets and lots reopen.
Stage by Stage: How to Experience the National Folk Festival in Jackson
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Medicine For Your Soul: Annie & The Caldwells
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More Than a Dance: Why Capoeira Belongs at the National Folk Festival
When Capoeira Luanda enters the roda at this year's National Folk Festival, you'll witness a tradition that's part dance, part fight and part survival story.
Jackson Has Good Folk: What the National Folk Festival Means for the City With Soul
One of America's oldest and most traveled cultural celebrations is back in Jackson, Mississippi — and it's leaving something behind.
National Council for the Traditional Arts, City of Jackson, Jackson Redevelopment Authority, Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Humanities Council, Visit Mississippi, and National Park Service
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