FestivalSouth, the largest project of the Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA), is an annual, multi-week festival presenting a variety of musical and other arts-related entertainment that aims to transcend social, cultural, and economic lines.

FestivalSouth is a multi-disciplinary arts celebration that primarily features exceptional performing and visual artists during the month of June in Hattiesburg, MS.

Schedule of Events:

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm: The Art of Urban Architecture

Right before “Tickled Pink,” join local historian and historic preservationist, Russell Archer, for a brief presentation on local architecture, followed by a low-impact walking tour to view some of our unique buildings! Wear comfortable walking shoes; water will be provided on this 90-minute walk.

Cost: $10.00

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Tickled Pink: The Music of Mancini

Featuring Sam Bruton

Prepare to enter a world rife with allure, mystery, and of course….Jazz!  This unforgettable live concert invites you to experience the captivating melodies of Henry Mancini and how they defined an era of elegance and intrigue. From the sly, unmistakable charm of The Pink Panther theme to the romantic sweep of Moon River, each of Mancini’s pieces draws you closer into a world where sophistication meets wonder.

Cost: $10.00 – $25.00

Location: Hattiesburg Cultural Center, 723 Main St., Hattiesburg, MS

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Visual Rhythms

Opening reception featuring works by Women’s Art Collective

The Women’s Art collective, established in 2011, showcases a variety within the work of artists,  unified by their  sense of community. These friends are strongly connected to the Hattiesburg community and to an even larger community of artists throughout Mississippi and beyond.

With a robust exhibition history individually and as a group, this exquisite collection features Melanie Eubanks, Betty Press, Rebekah Stark Johnson, Traci Stover, Martina Sciolino, Kim Whitt, Stephanie Scull DeArmey, Barbara-Ann Carver-Hunt, Susan Stevens, Jennifer Torres, Carolyn McIntyre Norton, Diane Shepard, Claudia Ka Cartee, Chatham Meade Kemp and Andrea Kostyal.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: PHOTO AROUND AND FIND OUT! A walking photography workshop with Jesse Johnson

You’ve seen him everywhere, photographing some of Hattiesburg’s most iconic moments. Now, join celebrated photographer Jesse Johnson as he guides you on composing and capturing the perfect shot as you explore downtown Hattiesburg. Make sure you bring either a camera or your phone and find out what kind of pictures you can take with a true photography artist!

Location: Main Street Gallery, 210 N. Main St., Hattiesburg, MS

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Downtown Summer Tunes – Summer Lovin’ with Holly Rumbarger and the Hopeless Romantics

Join us for a southern night of feel-good vibes at FestivalSouth’s Downtown Summer Tunes – Summer Lovin’ event, featuring the Hub City’s own Holly Rumbarger and the Hopeless Romantics! With her soulful voice and heartfelt melodies, you won’t be falling head over heels for the music, the food, the friends or just those unforgettable summer nights.

Bring your sweetheart, your friends and family, or just yourself and find out what the night can bring! Enjoy delicious bites and sips from local vendors, cozy up in the twilight with soft blankets, and let the music carry you away. And as the night draws to a close, keep an eye on the sky for a moment that can only happen in Downtown Hattiesburg during FestivalSouth.

It’s a night for the hopeless romantics, the summer dreamers, and anyone ready to make a memory under the stars. Don’t miss this chance to experience Summer Lovin’ with Holly Rumbarger and the Hopeless Romantics.

Location: Town Square Park, 100 Main St., Hattiesburg, MS

9:30 pm - 11:30 pm: Pounce, Prowl, & Pride: A Fierce and Festive Celebration

Get ready to strut your stuff and unleash your inner wildcat at Pounce, Prowl, and PRIDE—the fierce kickoff to our 2025 late-night lineup! This isn’t just a dance party; it’s a celebration of unapologetic self-expression, a love letter to the arts, and a whole-hearted tribute to YOU. Whether you’re here to pounce to the beat, prowl the dance floor, or show your pride for life, love, and all things fabulous, this is your night to shine.

Location: The Fat Cat, 309 Mcleod St, Hattiesburg, MS