The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and the City of Hattiesburg are thrilled to announce the return of Eaglepalooza to downtown Hattiesburg for the first time since 2019. This highly anticipated free live music event will take place on Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m., marking an exciting start to HUBFEST weekend.A press conference announcing the event’s return was held February 19, where university and city leaders shared their enthusiasm for the return of this beloved tradition.“Eaglepalooza has always been a cornerstone of the Southern Miss spirit,” said Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul. “Bringing this event back underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant student life experience both on campus and throughout our community.”Eaglepalooza has historically been a highlight for both students and residents, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement through entertainment and culture.“Strengthening the student experience showcases the excitement of both Southern Miss and Hattiesburg,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “I commend the Student Government Association, the Division of Student Affairs and Dr. Joe Paul for doing what it takes to bring Eaglepalooza back to downtown Hattiesburg. When coupled with HUBFEST, Hattiesburgers can look forward to a fun weekend that highlights all our city has to offer.”In addition to university and city leadership, student representatives have expressed their excitement for the return of Eaglepalooza. “It’s a Southern Miss and Hattiesburg tradition that, until now, we’ve only heard about. We’re all thrilled to get to play a part in bringing it back. I can’t wait to see all the Southern Miss students and Hattiesburg residents pack downtown on March 28,” said Kendall Desporte, Southern Miss Traditions Team member and Eaglepalooza co-director.Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Briston Maroney is set to headline the evening. After a childhood spent between Tennessee and Florida, Maroney settled in Nashville–cutting his teeth playing house shows and winning over fans one living room at a time, which led to his first record deal with Atlantic Records.In 2018, he released Carnival, his debut extended play (EP), which spurned the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) Platinum-certified single ‘Freakin’ Out On The Interstate’. Additional EPs Indiana and Miracle followed, before Maroney unveiled his debut full-length album, Sunflower, in April of 2021 accompanied by a visual album directed by long-time collaborator Joey Brodnax. 2022 saw Maroney embark on his first sold out headline tour and the release of new singles ‘Paradise’, ‘Oregon’ and ‘Harvard’.2023 marked Maroney’s release of his sophomore album Ultrapure. Produced by two-time GRAMMY®-winner Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves) and engineered by Konrad Snyder (Noah Kahan, Rainbow Kitten Surprise), the 13-track long play (LP) was crafted in Maroney’s adopted hometown of Nashville and showcases the artist playing every instrument.On the live front, Ultrapure led to sold-out headline tour dates featuring multiple nights in iconic clubs across the U.S., Canada, UK and Europe, including Webster Hall in New York, the 9:30 Club in Washington D.C., and Scala in London, UK. Maroney has also secured opening slots for Vance Joy and Noah Kahan; festival appearances from Lollapalooza to Osheaga to All Things Go, and the announcement of his third annual ‘Paradise Festival’, a three-night celebration of his adopted hometown (now an annual event set to return to Nashville each fall).Maroney’s catalog has amassed over 700 million global streams across all platforms, and he has made television debuts on CBS Saturday Morning and Jimmy Kimmel Live!Eaglepalooza is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor: Jones Company; Platinum Sponsors: City of Hattiesburg and Southern Miss Student Government Association; Silver Sponsors: Southern Beverage and Visit Hattiesburg; Bronze Sponsors: Southern Miss Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Residence Life, Campus Recreation, Signs First and Live at Five; and Community Sponsors: American Graphics, K&D Estate Sales and Coca-Cola.Vendors for this year’s event include Smokin Charlie, Under Dogs, Southern Beverage and Coca-Cola. Sponsorship and vendor information, along with event details, is available at https://usmeaglepalooza.com/.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Eaglepalooza Returns to Downtown Hattiesburg
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.
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