KICKOFF
Saturday • November 16
Get a preview of the nation’s longest-running multicultural traditional arts celebration
Saturday, November 16
4:00 PM
FREE
The National Folk Festival is excited to announce a special program, providing a taste of what’s to come at the nation’s premier celebration of the artistic traditions of all Americans. Join us at the "Welcome to Jackson" mural at the corner of State and Pearl Streets for an eclectic and dynamic program, ranging from Cajun to South Asian Kuchipudi dance, and from blues to salsa dura.
Prior to the late afternoon and evening program, spend the day exploring several of the sites that enrich Jackson’s cultural landscape. Visit the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument; free tours start at 9:00 AM. Then from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, head to the Mississippi Museum of Art’s (MMA) Of Salt & Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South exhibition opening, which will feature demonstrations, panel discussions, performances, and more.
Schedule of Events
National Folk Festival
KICKOFF
4:00 - 7:30 PM
seating opens at 3:30 PM
Food & Beverages
Food and drink is available for sale. Food is provided by Hal & Mal's, and beverages are provided by Martin's Downtown and Cathead Distillery.
Make a day of it!
Before the kickoff program at 4 PM, visit our partners at the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and at the Mississippi Museum of Art for a full day of activities. Bring the whole family!
Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
Tours start at 9:00 AM
Free shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Hinds County Tax Collector parking lot in downtown Jackson. Shuttle runs from 8:45 - 11:15 AM.
Mississippi Museum of Art
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Of Salt & Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South exhibition opening
Opening day activities will include a panel discussion, quilt demonstrations, and the following performances:
Directions & Parking
The National Folk Festival Kickoff takes place in downtown Jackson, with additional activities happening at the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument and at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
National Folk Festival Kickoff
511 E Pearl Street, Jackson MS 39201
"Welcome to Jackson" Mural
The National Folk Festival Kickoff is located at the "Welcome to Jackson" mural at the corner of State and Pearl Streets in downtown Jackson.
Free parking is available throughout downtown Jackson.
Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
2332 Margaret W Alexander Dr, Jackson MS 39213
The national monument is located within the Medgar Evers Historic District in Jackson, Mississippi.
Free parking is available in downtown Jackson at the Hinds County Tax Collector parking lot at Pascagoula and State Streets.
The City of Jackson will run a free shuttle from the parking lot to the Evers home. Shuttles run every 30 minutes. The first shuttle departs the parking lot at 8:45 AM, and the last shuttle returns at 11:15 AM.
There is also limited parking available at the Evers home, as well as street parking.
Mississippi Museum of Art
380 South Lamar Street, Jackson MS 39201
The Mississippi Museum of Art is located at the corner of Lamar and Court Streets in downtown Jackson.
Parking for Museum visitors is available at the rear of the facility at West and Court Streets, as well as Lamar and Court Streets.
Quick Facts
Supporters of the National Folk Festival Kickoff
The National Folk Festival Kickoff is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts and the City of Jackson.
The National Folk Festival Kickoff is presented in partnership with the Mississippi Museum of Arts, the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, and the Mississippi Arts Commission.
The National Folk Festival Kickoff is made possible with support from Hal & Mal's, Martin's Downtown, Cathead Distillery, Jackson Redevelopment Authority, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
