Jackson will soon make history as Mississippi’s first city to host the National Folk Festival — the country’s longest-running traditional arts event.

As a teaser before activities ramp up in just under a month, the National Folk Festival has released its complete 2025 performance schedule and stage locations. For its 82nd edition, the event will feature more than 300 performers, demonstrators, and artisans on six stages and other areas of downtown Jackson from Nov. 7-9.

Legendary Mississippi bluesman Bobby Rush and Jackson State University’s nationally-acclaimed Sonic Boom of the South marching band will serve as two of the three-day extravaganza’s headliners. Along with Mississippi-based talents, music acts will be performed by artists from Massachusetts, New York, Kentucky, Louisiana,

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