With FestivalSouth® opening this week for its 14th season, Artie Events for Families, including the popular Artie Reads series, will kick off live events across the area extending to Purvis, Sumrall, and Columbia. Presented by Forrest and Lamar Counties in partnership with Payne Co. and Landry, Lewis, and Germany Architects, PA with support from Coca-Cola and the Pediatric Dental Group of Hattiesburg, a complete schedule of these events is available at festivalsouth.org.
“I am so excited that our month full of wonderful activities for children is here,” said Jennifer Timidaiski, the coordinator of Artie Events. “The arts are an essential part of our lives and we are so excited to partner with the community to bring high-quality arts programming to the children in our area.”
Now through June 3, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” presents six shows to local audiences. With the classic score, this tale as old as time has enchanted audiences for decades. Also on Saturday, June 3, the Kids’Arts Festival, kicks things off with hands-on art, dance, music and much more at St. Fabian Catholic Church in a come-and-go event from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring your creative spirit and snap a picture with Artie.
On June 4, the “Not So Silent Movie” invites audiences to the Saenger Theatre for a chance to hear classic silent films accompanied by a live organist on the historic Saenger organ. Artie will be in the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum Alley prior to the event for photo opportunities.
June 5, 12, and 21, A music and movement experience with The Rainbow Fish will take place at the Oak Grove, Marion County, Hattiesburg Libraries respectively.
June 6, 13, and 20, enjoy the comic opera for children, “The Bremen Town Musicians” at the Sumrall, Purvis, and Petal libraries respectively.
On June 7, our festival featured artist, Martha Ginn, teaches “The Art of Quilt Making for Kids” at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USM.
Saturday, June 10, the Dog Days 5k run and 2-mile walk takes to the streets of Hattiesburg. Join in the fun and bring along your best dress pup!
June 14, Alkebulan Music Philosophy provides a deeper appreciation for the musical and historical contributions of Africa promoting within children and adults an enhanced sense of community, cultural identity, self-expression, and cultural pride through African drum and dance. This event takes place at Parkway Heights Methodist United Church.
June 17, Artie heads to Columbia for the Columbia Kid’s Arts Fest in the National Guard Armory. Enjoy interactive experiences through hands-on art, dance, music, and much more!
Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with Restoration Tribe on June 19th at Twin Forks Rising.
Calling all princes and princesses! Artie wraps up June 24 within the enchanted land of Sumrall’s Beam Park featuring a two-story castle playground. There, you will find a magical place of creativity and music. Enjoy live music, art activities, storytime, and much more! Food and drink will be provided.
Complete event information may be found at festivalsouth.org.
