It must be something in the water, for Mississippi owns an unusually rich literary history. From Nobel Prize–winning prose to bestselling contemporary voices, Mississippi has produced some of America’s most influential writers, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Richard Wright, Jesmyn Ward and Angie Thomas. And they’re just one aspect of this year’s National Folk Festival this Nov. 7-9 in Jackson, Mississippi, one of the oldest events dedicated to the traditional arts. It’s the first time in the festival’s 87-year history to be set in Mississippi, where it will continue to set for the next two years.
Stay
The boutique Fairview Inn lies in the heart of Jackson, offering 18 guest rooms, an on-site spa and The Library Lounge restaurant serving up Southern-inspired cuisine and craft libations. Best of all, it’s conveniently located in the Belhaven neighborhood, adjacent to Millsaps College and the Eudora Welty House. The city’s 12-story Beaux-Arts King Edward Hotel dating to 1923 has been rebranded as a Hilton Garden Inn, but don’t let the modern name fool you. Its historic charm remains with the dramatic lobby and guest rooms offer modern comfort.
Folk Festival
The National Folk Festival is the nation’s longest-running traditional arts event and historically draws about 150,000 visitors. The annual fest is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country, and is a free, three-day event with more than 300 participants performing throughout downtown Jackson, including storytellers, musicians, dancers and craftspeople.
Who’s coming?
Performers range from Jackson’s Bobby Rush and Opelousas, Louisiana’s Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys to international performers from around the country, such as La Nueva Generación of Kosciusko, Mississippi, performing the sounds and dance of huapango huasteco from Mexico’s Huasteca region. There will be local tribal social dancers Oka Homma Alla Hilha Alhiha of Redwater, the Bland Family Farm from Sledge showcasing Black agricultural traditions, the Tougaloo College Choir singing gospel and Mississippi’s new voices in punk.
Attractions
While in Jackson, don’t miss the chance to explore the twin museums, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History, located next to each other near the Mississippi capitol building. And, back to that literary heritage, the Eudora Welty House and Garden allows tours of the writer’s home which contains her personal library and writing desk. Outside, her beloved garden has been cared for to remain exactly as she left it. The Eudora Welty House is part of the tri-state Southern Literary Trail.
Don’t Miss
For a fun trip back in time, head over to the Fondren neighborhood, a collection of buildings from the early 1960s used in the filming of “The Help,” as well as many other films. Visitors will enjoy antique stores, art galleries and top-notch restaurants. Our favorite is Brent’s Soda Fountain where old-fashioned Southern-style lunches, malts and milkshakes are served. And yes, “The Help” was filmed there too.
