The 83rd National Folk Festival drew thousands of people to downtown Jackson during the weekend for music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations and sales of arts and crafts.
Shawn Lawrence and others give a West African drumming demonstration during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayThe Rahim AlHaj Trio performs during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayThe Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dance Group performs during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayRussell Isaac, 2, performs with the Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dance Group during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayThe Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dance Group performs during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFestivalgoers walk down Capitol Street during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayAudience members join the Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayA festivalgoer takes video of art displays during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayMelissa Carper and Emily Gimble perform during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayEpi Martinez and Friends perform during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayEpi Martinez and Friends perform during the 83rd National Folk Festival in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
