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:

7:30 am - 12:30 pm: Dog Days 5k Run and 2-Mile Walk Benefitting Hub City Service Dogs

The Dog Days 5k and 2-mile walk is a dog-friendly FestivalShares event benefiting Hub City Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization in Hattiesburg, Miss., that trains service dogs for individuals with medical disabilities.  There will be door prizes, Topher’s breakfast at the Finish Line Festival, a Run-by Dog pageant featuring local celebrity judges (dogs to be identified during the run/walk by participants bib numbers), and finisher awards for all runners/walkers with and without dogs. Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and on a fixed leash. Registration includes a commemorative event T-shirt and access to fun, food and music at the Finish Line Festival.

Cost: $25.00

Location: Kamper Park, 107 S 17th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: A Five Star Salute – Featuring the U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet

Enjoy your morning coffee with The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet as they present new and old classics of the quintet repertoire along with patriotic favorites.  All active-duty soldiers, the musicians of the woodwind quintet are part of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” based in Washington, DC.

Founded in 1996, The U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet is one of the Army’s premier chamber ensembles. An element of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the quintet is frequently called upon in support of high-level military and civilian events at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and other locations around Washington, DC.

Location: VFW Post 3036, 210 Ronie St., Hattiesburg, MS

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: March to the Music with Artie and the U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet

Come and meet the members of The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet as they introduce you to their instruments and present a fun, interactive concert. This performance combines music, storytelling, and instrument demonstrations in an informal setting where questions are welcome!

You can also enjoy their concert earlier that day at 10 a.m. in the VFW in Downtown Hattiesburg. Make sure you grab lunch downtown, then come meet the performers and their instruments at the CAC (Community Arts Center)!

SFC Jenna Taylor joined The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in 2022 and previously performed with the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band. She is an active teacher and chamber musician throughout the National Capital Region. Jenna holds degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Florida State University.

MSG Meredeth Rouse joined The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” as the English hornist in 2009 and has performed at the White House, the State Department, the Pentagon, the Old Town Hall in Fairfax, VA, and crossed the country on collegiate tours as the oboist for The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet. She holds degrees from the New England Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music.

MSG Aaron Scott currently performs with The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at historic Fort Myer, VA, performing concerts, ceremonies, and master classes throughout the Washington, DC metro area and across the United States. He holds degrees from CCM and Youngstown State University.

SSG Thomas Reynolds joined The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” bassoon section in 2019, and The U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet in 2023. He is active as an orchestral musician and teacher, and he holds degrees from the University of Michigan and CCM.

MSG Aaron Cockson is in his twenty-fifth and final year with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” performing in chamber recitals, large ensemble concerts, educational outreach opportunities, master classes, and diplomatic engagements. He holds multiple degrees from Florida State University.

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

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Art in Action: Connecting Community Through Creativity

Experience the vibrant creativity of the Creators Plaza! Join us as artists from the renowned Singing River Art Studio and the MS Latinx Art Association showcase their incredible techniques and captivating artworks in a dynamic gallery setting. This exhibition not only highlights diverse artistic perspectives and mediums but also celebrates the harmonious connection to our community. It’s a vivid tapestry of talent, each piece telling a unique story filled with cultural richness and imagination. Together, they embody the spirit of our community, inviting you to explore the beauty of diversity through their remarkable art. Come immerse yourself in this artistic journey!

Featured artists include: Betty Press, Traci Stover, and Andrea Kostyal from the Singing River Art Studio; Jacqueline Gonzalez Wooton, Hector Boldo, and Tom Boldo from the Mississippi Latinx Art Association.

Location: Creators Plaza, 100 W 4th St. Suite 20, Hattiesburg, MS

9:00 pm - 11:00 pm: LOL: Plot Twist – Featuring the Hub City Players

A FestivalFavorite returns as members of the Hub City Players take turns skewering showtunes and topical issues in this one-night-only laugh our loud event! There’s no telling what this wacky bunch of creatives have in store, but you know the talent will be off-the-hook and your funny bone is sure to be tickled. Come grab a drink as we christen a new venue in the FestivalSouth line up with the return of one of our funniest nights of music!

Cost: $20.00

Location: J’s Tavern, 2115 Oak Grove Rd., Hattiesburg, MS