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:

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Mahler in the Morning – Featuring Dr. Thomas Peattie

This is your chance to dive into the music and learn more about the incredible inspiration and techniques that created Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 before you hear it live that evening. His Fourth Symphony is a luminous journey through innocence, beauty, and life’s wonders. Its shimmering orchestration evokes playful joy, serene landscapes, and heartfelt nostalgia, culminating in a soprano’s radiant song about a child’s vision of heaven. A masterpiece blending simplicity and depth, it delights with charm and emotional resonance. Join Dr. Thomas Peattie for this engaging opportunity to go behind the music.

Location: Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 107 Southern Dr., Hattiesburg, MS

11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Knowledge, Rhythm, Understanding – Special Accommodations Workshop

Special Needs and Accommodations Workshop featuring K. R. U. with Shaheed, DJ Supreme and Akil the MC of Jurassic Five
Presented with support from South Arts and the City of Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation

A special workshop to learn deejaying, emceeing, breakdancing and graffiti art designed for children with special needs and accommodations. Experience the positive ways the four elements of Hip Hop can get your creative juices flowing with this free event for all ages. Stay for the free concert at 1 p.m. in the Paper Warehouse Black Box Theater.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Knowledge, Rhythm, Understanding

A performance by K. R. U. with Shaheed, DJ Supreme and Akil the MC of Jurassic Five

Presented with support from South Arts and the City of Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation

Experience the positive ways the four elements of Hip Hop – deejaying, emceeing, breakdancing and graffiti art – in this showcase by the incredible artist of K.R.U. and friends!

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Knowledge, Rhythm, Understanding – Workshop Event

A Workshop featuring K. R. U. with Shaheed, DJ Supreme and Akil the MC of Jurassic Five
Presented with support from South Arts and the City of Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation

A special workshop to learn deejaying, emceeing, breakdancing and graffiti art. Experience the positive ways the four elements of Hip Hop can get your creative juices flowing with this free event for all ages. Come early for the free concert at 1 p.m. in the Paper Warehouse Black Box Theater.

Location: Hattiesburg Community Arts Center, 825 Main St., Hattiesburg, MS

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Journey – An exhibition by Robert Williams

Opening Reception

Robert Williams is an abstract artist whose love for art began as a painter and faux finisher. As he grew and began to master areas of painting technique in faux finishing, he had a desire to do more with this creative God-given talent he had stumbled upon. As he began researching different types of art and artists. He found he had a passion for abstract art, and that’s where the journey began. This exhibit will feature several of his large-sized, expressionistic, and abstract works.

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm: A Heavenly Life: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 – Featuring the FestivalChamber Orchestra

Prepare to be swept away on a captivating journey with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. This exquisite performance will envelop you in a world of lush instrumental textures, mesmerizing melodies, and deep emotional resonance. As “The Heavenly Life” of this symphonic masterpiece unfolds, you’ll be transported to a dreamlike realm filled with the beauty, innocence, and wonder that can only be seen through the eyes of a child.  In Mahler’s most compelling piece, every note shimmers with magic and meaning. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of sublime artistry, where chamber orchestra brilliance meets Mahler’s genius in a concert experience guaranteed to leave you breathless, wide-eyed and inspired!

Cost: $10.00 – $35.00

Location: Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium, 107 Southern Dr., Hattiesburg, MS