Springtime has once again returned to the South, and that always brings a little bit of Spring Fever to everyone. It is officially Festival Season, and one of Hattiesburg’s most popular spring fests will be this Saturday, April 23.
The Downtown Crawfish Jam Music Festival 2022, presented by Southern Beverage, returns for its 23rd annual celebration at Walthall Park. As one of many family-friendly events hosted by the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood throughout the year, it also serves as the largest fundraiser for the Walthall Foundation.
So make your way to Walthall Park nestled in the Historic Neighborhood in Downtown Hattiesburg and enjoy lots of great food, soulful music, and plenty of fun for the whole family. The pay-one-price fest includes an eclectic and enjoyable lineup of musical acts, plus all-you-can-eat crawfish, burgers, hot dogs, Coke products, and cold beer. They emphasize that “Yes, it is all you can eat — but only in the park.” Sorry, no doggy bags.
Musical acts will hit the stage at 11 a.m. and keep on grooving until 5 p.m. Entertainment scheduled for this year are the Jukebox Brass Band, Grits and Greens, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, and Jake Stevens and the Trainwreck. So you can rest assured there will be a variety of very talented performers that is sure to have you up and dancing while you enjoy the festival.
Walthall Park, located at 600 Walnut Street at the intersection with Rebecca Avenue, will be a great day for the community to come together once again and enjoy live music and great company.
Actually, that is how the festival got its beginnings. It was a way for the neighbors in the Downtown Historic District to get together, enjoy each other’s company, and have a great time for the families and friends to enjoy the warmer weather. As the years passed, the festival continued to grow into one of the top festivals in the state, but it has never lost that hometown family atmosphere. It continues to be a great way for families, friends, and guests to enjoy some delicious food, great music, lots of fun, and so much more. If you’ve never been, this should be a definite “must” on your bucket list. You’ll probably even find yourself coming year after year.
Tickets will only be sold online in advance. There will be no tickets sold at the gate! Tickets can also be purchased at a few Hub City locations, including T-Bones Records on Hardy Street, Midtown, and Signs First in on Hardy Street in West Hattiesburg. Ticket prices are $50 for adults, including admission and all you can eat and drink. Junior Tickets (under 21) are $40. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Here are a few things you should know before you go:
- No pets are allowed.
- No coolers or carry out food are allowed.
- No tents are allowed.
- Also, be aware that parking is limited on the neighborhood streets. Walnut Street will be closed off between Hall Avenue and Rebecca Avenue. Also, Rebecca Avenue will be closed between Walnut Street and Court Street.
Proceeds from the fest are reinvested in the community through HHNA and the Walthall Foundation. This provides much needed support for other projects and events held throughout the year in the Downtown Hattiesburg area, such as the Historic Preservation Projects and the upkeep of the Walthall property and another very popular and fun holiday event for the family, the Victorian Candlelit Christmas.