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:

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Incomparable! – Romance and Reverie Featuring Steinway Artist Robert Holm, piano

Step into a world where passion meets poetry, and music speaks the language of the soul. In this moving evening of solo piano, internationally celebrated Steinway Artist John Holm brings to life the timeless works of Fanny Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann—three giants of the Romantic era whose voices, though distinct, resonate with shared spirit and emotional depth.

Holm’s artistry shines as he traces the intricate connections between these composers, unveiling the delicate lyricism of Fanny, the structured brilliance of Felix, and the introspective fire of Schumann. This program offers a rare opportunity to hear the genius of Fanny Mendelssohn alongside her brother and their close friend, Schumann—highlighting a legacy of inspiration, intellect, and intimacy.

Join us for an evening of Incomparable beauty, where every note tells a story and every phrase lingers long after the final chord.

“December” from Das Jahr – Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-1847)

Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann, op. 20  – Clara Wieck Schumann (1819-1896)

Fantasie in F-sharp minor, op. 28  – Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Con moto agitato – Andante
Allegro con moto
Presto

(Possible short intermission, though not necessary)

Symphonic Etudes, op.13 – Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Allegro con moto
Presto
Symphonic Etudes, op. 13 Robert Schumann
Thema: Andante (1810-1856)
Etude I: Un poco più vivo
Etude II: Marcato il Canto
Etude III: Vivace
Etude IV: ♩ = 132
Etude V: ♩. = 108
Etude VI: Agitato
Etude VII: Allegro molto
Etude VIII: ♩ = 80
Variation I
Variation II
Variation III
Variation IV
Variation V
Etude IX: Presto possible
Etude X: ♩ = 92
Etude XI: ♩ = 66
Etude XII: Allegro brillante

Cost: $10.00 – $25.00

Location: Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, 2420 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Art Song and Poetry Showcase

Enjoy the winners of an open-call competition for poets and songwriters who have used their imagination and inspirations from art by Andrea Kostyal.

Location: T-Bones Records & Café, 2101 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Downtown Summer Tunes – Glo It Up!

Featuring The NOLA Groove Band

New Orleans’s number-one dance band comes to rock the park just for FestivalSouth! Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and dancing shoes to have the time of your life under the stars! Enjoy great bites from local food trucks and cool drinks from our favorite brewers while you groove along to this dynamic fusion of rock, pop and funk.

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

10:00 pm - 11:30 pm: GAME ON! – Retro Video Game Party

Level up your night at GAME ON! – Retro Video Game Party, where nostalgia meets nightlife at The Fat Cat. Immerse yourself in a gamer’s paradise filled with iconic retro video games, from pixel-perfect classics to console favorites of the 80s and 90s. Whether you’re button-mashing through old-school arcade hits or showing off your skills in friendly competitions, this event promises a blast from the past. The DJ will spin a mix of classic game soundtracks and remixes, creating a perfect soundtrack for this throwback celebration.

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