Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
HATTIESBURG, MS — Pack your snacks, grab your crayons, and buckle up—this summer, FestivalSouth invites families on an arts-filled adventure like no other! With Artie Events for Families, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. These free daytime events are designed especially for children ages 2–12, offering interactive, educational, and wildly creative experiences that make every stop feel like a brand-new discovery.
Presented in partnership with Corner Market, Keith’s Superstores, and Lamar County, the Artie series makes creativity come alive through hands-on activities in music, dance, storytelling, visual art, and more. It’s the perfect road trip companion for families looking to explore imagination and culture all summer long. “The festival’s mission is simple but powerful: to expose youth to the arts, nurture their appreciation through education, and plant seeds for a lifetime love of creativity,” said Artie Coordinator Jennifer Timidaiski.
The Ultimate Artie Road Trip: 2025 Stops Along the Way
Every Artie event is a new stop on your family’s festival map—each one offering something fresh, fun, and full of inspiration.
- May 31 – Artie’s World of Color – Oak Grove Library
Rev up your engines with a burst of color and creativity! Join Artie for painting, dancing, music-making, and more in this all-ages celebration of the senses.
- June 3 – Picture This! – Hattiesburg Community Arts Center
Capture the moment with local photographer Jesse Johnson in this hands-on Polaroid photo workshop. A perfect pit stop for budding creatives who love to see the world through a different lens.
- June 4 – Create Out Loud with Artie and Abi – Hattiesburg Community Arts Center
Roll down the windows and turn up the fun! Artist Abigail Allen leads a playful mix of performance and visual art where kids are free to express themselves in bold, joyful ways.
- June 12 – Knowledge, Rhythm, Understanding – The Community Arts Center
Take a musical detour through Hip Hop’s vibrant landscape! Featuring deejaying, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti, this experience includes a sensory-friendly session for children with special needs—because all travelers are welcome on this ride.
- June 14 – Wicked Singalong – Hattiesburg Historic Saenger Theater
Make a magical stop in Oz for this family-friendly musical journey inspired by Broadway’s Wicked! Come dressed as Elphaba, Galinda, and Fiyero sing along with fellow fans at this unforgettable festival favorite.
- June 17 & 18 – Artie at the Opera: Little Red’s Most Unusual Day – Touring Libraries Across the Pine Belt
Take a magical detour to the world of opera as FestivalSouth’s artists bring this whimsical retelling of Little Red Riding Hood to life! This kid-friendly production is presented in the round, making it accessible, engaging, and immersive for young audiences—including those who are brand new to live theater. With stops at four regional libraries over two days, it’s the perfect cultural road trip for kids and caregivers alike.
- June 21 – Artie’s Around the World Celebration – Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
End your adventure with a global celebration featuring hands-on crafts, world music, and international food trucks. No passport needed—just your curiosity and appetite for fun!
Meet Your Tour Guide: Artie the Paintbrush
Artie isn’t just a mascot—he’s your art-loving road buddy for the summer! Created by Hattiesburg native and arts enthusiast Ivey Swan, Artie is a giant paintbrush who sings, dances, paints, and plays music. He’s been spotted everywhere from classrooms, concert halls, playgrounds and beyond, encouraging kids everywhere to explore their creativity and embrace the arts as a part of everyday life.
Start Your Engines—Adventure Awaits!
Almost all of this year’s Artie Events are free and open to the public, with many offering first-come, first-served participation. Whether you’re taking a day trip or exploring every mile of the festival, these events promise fun-filled stops for the whole family. Each one is a memory waiting to be made—where kids create, connect, and discover the joy of artistic expression.
Your summer map is here—don’t miss the ride of a lifetime! Visit www.festivalsouth.org to view full event details and plan your FestivalSouth road trip today.
ABOUT FESTIVALSOUTH
FestivalSouth returns May 31 – June 21, 2025, bringing a dynamic lineup of arts and entertainment to the Pine Belt. As Mississippi’s only multi-week, multi-genre arts festival, it offers a diverse mix of free and ticketed events designed to engage residents and cultural tourists alike.
Now in its 16th season, FestivalSouth is the largest project of the Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA). Dedicated to enriching the community through the arts, the festival has contributed more than $2 million in economic impact to the region. With its outstanding programming featuring world-class performing and visual artists, FestivalSouth continues to be a premier cultural event, drawing audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
