In honor of its “Sweet 16”, FestivalSouth is throwing a celebration of epic proportions with a musical lineup that hits all the right notes. From May 31 through June 21, the Pine Belt will reverberate with the sounds of jazz, opera, chamber music, big band, folk, hip hop, country, classical, and pop tributes, just to name a few. Presented by Forrest County with support from Coca-Cola, Payne Companies, and Verb Architecture, FestivalMUSIC transforms Hattiesburg into a cultural playground for music lovers of every kind.
Kickoff Week: Rock ‘n’ Roll Royalty & Candlelit Classics
The celebration begins with a show fit for a king. Opening night pays tribute to Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday with a rock- and-roll spectacle that promises to shake, rattle, and roll you into the spirit of the season. Presented by Hancock Whitney with support from Visit Mississippi, Pine Belt Motors, and Visit Hattiesburg, Victor Trevino Jr., winner of the 2022 Graceland Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, headlines with the FestivalOrchestra, conducted by Dr. Jay Dean. From there, the majestic power of opera takes center stage, followed by a breathtaking candlelit piano concert that bathes the Hattiesburg Cultural Center in intimate glow. Rounding out the week is a double dose of retro flair—one indoors with a jazzy salute to Henry Mancini, and one outdoors under the stars with sweet summer harmonies and vintage charm.
Events:
● May 31 – Elvis: A King-Sized Celebration
● June 1 – Majesty of the Opera
● June 5 – Classics by Candlelight
● June 6 – Tickled Pink: The Music of Mancini
● June 6 – Downtown Summer Tunes – Summer Lovin’
Weekend Rhythms: Coffee, Big Band, and Multi-Sensory Magic
This weekend has something for every mood and moment. Start your Saturday with a curated cup of Grin Coffee featuring a special roast created exclusively for FestivalSouth while the incredible stylings of a young cello virtuoso in a eases you into the day with warmth and artistry. That night, dance into the golden era of swing with the Chip Harrington, Larry Panella, and the Mobile Big Band Society. Presented with support from Hattiesburg Clinic, Mississippi Power, and the Arts institute of Mississippi, this high-energy big band is sure to blow the roof off the Historic Train Depot. Cap off your weekend with a boundary-breaking performance that blends classical music, ambient lighting, and photography into a multi-sensory journey through the seasons of life.
Events:
● June 7 – Rise and Shine
● June 7 – Dancin’ at the Depot
● June 8 – Continuum
Power & Passion: Classical Masterpieces with a Twist
The third weekend is a nonstop celebration of heart, humor, and homegrown talent. Begin with a moving musical salute to our armed forces from the U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet, then dive into the soul-stirring storytelling of Josiah and the Bonnevilles. Presented by a partnership of the City of Hattiesburg, and FestivalSouth, this blend of Americana, folk, and country will strike a chord with listeners of all ages. Stick around for after-hours antics with LOL: Plot Twist, a one-night-only cabaret of comedy and musical mischief. Then bring the whole family for a truly magical moment as a beloved silent film comes to life with live organ accompaniment in one of Hattiesburg’s most iconic venues.
Events:
● June 12 – A Heavenly Life: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4
● June 13 – Patriotic Powerhouses
● June 13 – Bee(r)thoven: Full-Bodied and Bold
● June 13 – The 25 Karat Cabaret
Festival Finale: Jazz, Soul, and a True Nostalgic Sendoff
As the festival winds down, the music only gets more soulful. Sip something smooth and soak in the sounds of Jacobi Daughrity in an intimate jazz café-style setting. On Friday, FestivalSouth serves up Memphis funk, piano poetry, and a glowing outdoor groove that invites the whole city to celebrate together. And finally, close out the season with the concert event of the summer—Whitney – Always Love You, a passionate, powerhouse tribute to the legendary voice of Whitney Houston. Presented by Forrest General with support from Cadence Bank and the City of Hattiesburg, featuring live orchestra and star vocalists, it’s not just a concert - it’s a moment.
Events:
● June 19 – A Smooth Cup of Jazz
● June 20 – Gritty City Bang Bang
● June 20 – Incomparable! Romance and Reverie
● June 20 – Downtown Summer Tunes – Glo It Up!
● June 21 – Whitney – Always Love You
Music for Everyone, Moments for a Lifetime
Whether your playlist is full of Puccini, pop, or something in between, FestivalMUSIC has something for you. These aren’t just concerts—they’re community moments, shared stories, spontaneous standing ovations, and the kind of memories you talk about long after the final note. With performances that range from soul-stirring symphonies to laugh-out-loud cabarets, FestivalSouth invites everyone—yes, everyone—to come experience the joy, the heart, and the celebration that is FestivalMUSIC.
Tickets & Info:
Visit www.festivalsouth.org for tickets, full schedules, and artist information. Events fill quickly—secure your seats early and get ready to be inspired.
