FestivalSouth Celebrates its “Sweet 16th” Season with Expanded Programming for 2025
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 03:22pm
FestivalSouth, Mississippi’s premier multi-genre arts festival, is thrilled to announce its season lineup for 2025, taking place from May 31 to June 21, 2025. This year’s theme, “Celebration,” honors its Sweet 16th season with four incredible weekends packed with music, art, theater, and dance, offering over 50 unique cultural experiences designed for all ages, from children to senior adults. The festival features many 51 Miss faculty, staff, alumni, and students in venues on and off campus. A complete schedule and more information is available at festivalsouth.org.
“FestivalSouth has been a cornerstone of arts and culture in Hattiesburg for 16 years,” said Jeffrey George, City Councilman for Ward 1, during the announcement at the historic Saenger Theater. “This festival continues to bring people together, driving cultural and economic growth in our community while showcasing Hattiesburg as a regional arts destination.”
FestivalSouth 2025 Highlights
- Elvis: King-Sized Celebration (Opening Night)
May 31 at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center
- Dancin’ at the Depot
June 7 at the Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot
- Saenger Summer Surprise
June 14 at the Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater
- Whitney – Always Love You (FestivalFINALE)
June 21 at the Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater
In addition to these FestivalHEADLINERS, the festival will feature expanded programming for children and families. Artie’s Summer of Celebration, this year’s theme for the Artie Events for Families series, and the FestivalART series will offer a combined total of over 15 workshops, exhibitions, and events for art enthusiasts of all ages. Of course, FestivalMUSIC fills the area with music in styles from classical to pop and from symphonies to chamber groups.
“FestivalSouth’s reach goes beyond the arts,” said Marlo Dorsey, CEO of Visit Hattiesburg. “It’s a celebration that unites local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Collaborations with the City of Hattiesburg and Forrest and Lamar Counties, as well as with entities like Hancock Whitney, Forrest General Hospital, and the Downtown Hattiesburg Association are key to its success.”
What’s New in 2025?
This year, FestivalSouth is strengthening its partnerships and expanding its programming to include exciting new events. Collaborations with the Hattiesburg Convention Commission will bring back audience favorites like Ink in the Alley and the Saenger Cinematic Sing-A-Long Spectacular. The Fat Cat will host the brand-new Game On! A Retro Video Game Party, and, in collaboration with Hattiesburlesque, audiences will be dazzled with the speakeasy-style event 25 Karat Cabaret. These additions promise to make the 16th season the most diverse and innovative in FestivalSouth’s history.
FestivalFAVORITES Return!
FestivalSouth is also bringing back its most cherished traditions, including:
- Live at 5 – Downtown Summer Tunes series on June 6 and June 20
- FS World Championship Golf Tournament – June 13
- bee(R)thoven: full-bodied and bold – June 13
- The Dog Days 5K, 5-mile run and 2-mile walk – June 14
“We invite everyone to come to Hattiesburg and celebrate with us this summer,” said Dr. Mike Lopinto, Artistic Director of FestivalSouth. “Plan your stay now for one of these four incredible event-packed weekends taking place from May 31 to June 21, and let’s come together for an unforgettable celebration of arts and culture here in Hattiesburg.”
This year’s FestivalSouth promises to celebrate the community’s vibrant arts scene by blending new and returning events into a dynamic lineup that highlights Hattiesburg’s creativity and charm. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a first-time attendee, FestivalSouth 2025 is your invitation to experience the very best in music, theater, art and dance.
About FestivalSouth
FestivalSouth is the largest project of the Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality artistic experiences to the Pine Belt region. Each year, FestivalSouth presents diverse programming that transcends social, cultural, and economic boundaries.