National Folk Festival
- Dates
- Nov 13 to 15, 2026
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Downtown Jackson
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Nov 13, 2026
National Folk Festival returns to Jackson, MS, Nov 13 to 15, 2026, with Annie & the Caldwells, Capoeira Luanda, Dat Mighty 9 feat. Big Chief Romeo, plus 31 more. Froligo tracks the confirmed lineup, free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The National Folk Festival is a free, three-day celebration of American traditional music, dance, craft and food, held in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, from 13 to 15 November 2026. Produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts, it first ran in St. Louis in 1934 and bills itself as the country's longest-running traditional arts event. It moves to a new host city every three years, and Jackson, its first Mississippi and Deep South host, has the 2025 to 2027 residency. The 83rd edition promises more than 300 artists across six stages, including Mavis Staples, The Jerry Douglas Band and Cedric Burnside.
How it works
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 per person per day collected by volunteers. Hours are Friday 6 to 9:30pm, Saturday noon to 9:30pm and Sunday noon to 6pm, with food vendors and the marketplace opening earlier. Stages and the dance pavilion run along Capitol Street, with a Mississippi Folklife area and family activities at Smith Park. It runs rain or shine. Free parking and a limited ADA shuttle serve the fairgrounds lot. Coolers, glass, alcohol, grills and pets (service animals excepted) are not allowed.
Who it suits
It suits families and curious listeners who want a wide sweep of American traditions in one place, from blues, gospel and bluegrass to Mardi Gras Indian music, conjunto and marching bands, without paying for admission. A family stage and activities area, craft demonstrations, a juried marketplace and varied food vendors are provided. All stages and areas are open to mobility devices, and some performances are interpreted.
Protect your ears
Dutch-engineered protection for live music.
Alpine PartyPlug Pro earplugs reduce noise by 21 dB while keeping music clear and detailed. Premium, reusable protection for concerts and festivals.
★★★★★ 75,000+ five-star reviews across the Alpine range
100-day satisfaction guarantee.
Advertisement · Froligo may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Listen
Tap an artist to play them right here.
No official playlist linked yet. Find National Folk Festival on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport JAN.
How do I get to National Folk Festival?
By car
Most people drive to National Folk Festival. The nearest major airport is JAN, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
Not a direct airport connection (nearest Line 4 stop is ~9 miles from JAN), but worth noting because for festival weekend itself JTRAN runs FREE service specific to the National Folk Festival: complimentary rides Friday-Saturday during normal hours (ending 7pm) on the prior year's (82nd, Nov 2025) dates, plus a special Sunday schedule (11:30am-7pm) from Smith-Wills Stadium. This is a strong, festival-specific transit benefit once in Jackson, it just doesn't start at the airport.
Book / infoFestival shuttle
A dedicated festival shuttle runs from a satellite lot at Smith-Wills Stadium (1200 Lakeland Dr) to Union Station downtown, first-come-first-served parking. Separately, a second ADA-accessible shuttle (limited capacity) runs from a free lot at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds (SW corner, Jefferson St/Madison St) with festival-hours pickup at the Jefferson St entrance and drop-off near State St/Amite St at the festival itself.
Book / infoTaxi & rideshare
Drop-off/pickup at the departure level curbside in a designated TNC/rideshare area. JAN is ~6 miles east of Downtown Jackson, a short hop to the festival footprint.
Book / infoTaxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost Free at both the Mississippi State Fairgrounds lot and the Smith-Wills Stadium Park 'N Ride lot; downtown paid options also exist (Regions Garage, Marriott Parking Deck, City Centre Parking, Union Station Lot, Jackson Place Garage, McRae's Lot, Jackson Convention Complex Lot and two Facility garages). Two free options plus eight named paid downtown garages/lots.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at JAN
On site parking is available; if you are hiring a car it is worth checking the cost and how early it fills.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Jackson. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
The venue has its own page with capacity, accessibility and parking.
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near National Folk Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMid-range hotels 1
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesTreat yourself 1
Airport hotels 1
2200 Refuge Boulevard, Flowood, MS 39232
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMore hotels nearby 1
Airbnb & private camping
Downtown Jackson is a small/mid-size Southern city market. Standard downtown-Jackson Airbnb inventory is the expected pattern rather than a documented surge.
Search AirbnbSearch all hotels near Downtown Jackson
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
What the organizer or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
The festival says all stages and areas are open to mobility devices, and some performances are interpreted for Deaf and hard of hearing attendees; the pocket schedule and the four Guest Services booths list which ones. An ADA-compliant shuttle with limited space runs from the Jefferson Street entrance during festival hours.
Confirm your specific needs with the organizer's access team before you travel.
Checked 2026-10-12 · source
Pricing
Got fresher info? Tell us, a real person checks every tip, and we love fresh info.
Quick answers
When is National Folk Festival 2026?
Nov 13 to 15, 2026
Who is playing National Folk Festival 2026?
34 acts are announced; the full lineup is on this page.
How much are National Folk Festival tickets?
Entry is free.
Where is National Folk Festival held?
Downtown Jackson (State St to Farish St, Pascagoula St to Mississippi St); host city rotates every three years, Jackson, MS.