A major festival is coming to the Mississippi Delta this weekend.
Steve Azar, the state’s music and culture ambassador, announced that four festivals have merged to give attendees a time they would never forget in the small town of Leland.
Joining forces are the Mockingbird Songwriter’s Music Festival, the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Festival, the Crawfish Festival, and Frog Fest. The four popular events will all take place under one umbrella from Friday, May 3 through Saturday, May 4.
“We’re just trying to fill up hotels and use our art form to make a positive impact on the community. This is Visit Mississippi on steroids,” Azar said on MidDays with Gerard Gibert.
At the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage portion of the festival, a playground will be opened up for children on site, “fetch n’ fish” shows will take place, and a fishing rodeo will be one of the highlights.
The Mockingbird Music Series will feature intimate performances with several award-winning songwriters including James House, Wynn Varble, and Mark Alan Springer, telling the stories behind their hits and performing them as originally written along with a variety of beloved local acts.
“There’s a waiting list,” Azar said of artists looking to perform at the annual concert series in the Mississippi Delta town. “Nobody ever says no unless there’s a sickness or some sort of health issue. There has never been a ‘no.’ They love coming here.”
Crawfish enthusiasts will also be able to get their fill with mudbugs set to be readily available on-site. Mississippians and Muppets fans alike will share in celebrating the life and legacy of Jim Henson and his famous creation — Kermit the Frog.
The festival is free to the public but the VIP Mockingbird Music Series ticket includes access to the Delta Group tent with light food fare courtesy of Chef David Crews, cocktails, and an exclusive outdoor space with prime views of the stage.
