Downtown Jackson is hosting one of America's biggest free folk festivals this weekend.
The 82nd National Folk Festival runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026 in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson is host city for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 festivals. The three-day event is free.
The festival celebrates the artistic traditions of all Americans through music, dance, craft, storytelling and food. Organisers say it features more than 300 traditional performers and craftspeople.
What's on
- Up to seven stages of continuous music and dance
- Styles including blues, bluegrass, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Celtic, mariachi and many more
- Craft exhibits and demonstrations highlighting Mississippi folklife
- A festival marketplace and family activities
- Parades and culturally diverse regional food
On Thursday 12 November there is also a separate block party, Seeds of Hope, at Ms. Myrlie's Garden, according to the festival site.
