Editor’s note: This essay is part of Mississippi Today Ideas, a platform for thoughtful Mississippians to share fact-based ideas about our state’s past, present and future. You can read more about the section here.

Jackson is proud to welcome the National Folk Festival, and there’s a real sense of excitement here as we prepare for this landmark event.

For three days – this Friday through Sunday –  our city will be the heart of a celebration that brings together music, art and community from every corner of the nation. The National Folk Festival is a free event open to everyone, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience music, art and culture in the heart of downtown Jackson.

As the festival arrives, downtown Jackson businesses are energized, opening their doors to guests with local cuisine and displays of the city’s creative talent. It puts Jackson on the map for thousands of visitors, giving us a chance to share our history, our food and what makes us unique.

Walking through downtown, you’ll hear everything from blues to bluegrass and see artists showcasing their craft. If you stop for a bite to eat, you’ll notice the pride our chefs and cooks take in every dish – fried catfish, barbecue, homemade pecan pie. Each plate carries a story.

We believe the real foundation of the National Folk Festival isn’t found in the performances alone, but in the connections made between people. Jackson’s greatest strength has always been our community. Folks around here greet you like family, and it’s common to see neighbors lending a hand or sharing local lore with newcomers.

This spirit is at the core of what we’re offering to visitors.Jackson takes pride in our rich stories and creative traditions.

This year, the festival’s Legacies of Empowerment program, curated by the Mississippi Arts Commission, salutes two giants of Mississippi history: civil rights leader Medgar Evers and blues legend B.B. King, both marking 100 years since their birth.

Across several stages, festivalgoers will hear music shaped by King’s unmistakable blues, gospel inspired by the fight for equal rights, and experience the talents of HBCU choirs, hip hop artists, punk, Mexican huapango musicians and Choctaw dancers.

Guests can meet craftspeople, quilters, skateboard designers, sign painters and farmers, who all demonstrate the ingenuity and community spirit that set Jackson and Mississippi apart. 

Getting ready to host the festival has meant a team effort. The city’s departments have come together to spruce up parks, resurface streets and clean up public spaces.

We’re making sure venues are accessible, signage is clear and the downtown area puts its best foot forward. Our local artists and musicians are stepping up, preparing performances and pop-up exhibits that show off their skills.

Safety is a top priority, too. City police, fire and emergency teams have coordinated plans to keep visitors and residents safe throughout the festival. We’re working with volunteers and civic groups to provide assistance and emergency support, so guests know they can enjoy themselves without worry.

The National Folk Festival also offers a chance for Jackson’s students and youth organizations to get involved through volunteering and art showcases. It’s an opportunity to highlight the next generation of Mississippi creators.

This festival means more than fresh faces and business for our city. It’s about proudly sharing who we are. Every visitor who stops in a local shop, cheers for a band or sits down for a meal helps support our city’s local businesses and strengthens Jackson’s reputation as a center for music and culture.

As mayor, I invite you to experience this celebration for yourself. Talk to our people, enjoy the music and let Jackson surprise you. With every handshake and shared meal, you’ll see what makes our city special.

We’re getting ready for a festival that’s unforgettable, and we hope it leaves you feeling right at home in Mississippi’s capital.

Welcome to Jackson. Enjoy the National Folk Festival, an event where art, culture and community come together.

Bio: John Horhn was inaugurated as mayor of Jackson on July 1. He previously served in the Mississippi Senate, first being elected in 1992.