Juke Joint Festival Multi day Cultural Festival
The Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, celebrates blues music and Southern culture with live performances, vibrant events, and a unique atmosphere. It’s a must attend festival for music lovers, offering an unforgettable experience of authentic blues and Southern hospitality. Much like the Morganton Festival that celebrates heritage in North Carolina, this Festival focuses on preserving and sharing a musical legacy that is both raw and deeply moving.
What Type of Festival It Is?
The Juke Joint Festival is a vibrant celebration of blues music and Southern culture, held annually in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This festival brings together music lovers, local artists, and the community for an immersive experience that blends live blues performances, arts and crafts vendors and unique Southern traditions like racing pigs and monkeys riding dogs. At its heart, the festival honors the rich legacy of the Mississippi Delta’s juke joints, which were once key gathering places for music and socializing.
Beyond the music the event features activities like food stalls, art vendors, and family-friendly attractions, making it a celebration for all ages. Whether you’re a blues aficionado or someone seeking an authentic taste of Southern culture, the Juke Joint Festival offers an unforgettable, music-filled experience.
Festival Location
The Juke Joint Festival is held annually in the town of Clarksdale, Mississippi, a historic gem in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Clarksdale is often referred to as the “Birthplace of the Blues,” and it wears this title with pride. The city, rich in history and soaked in rhythm, serves as the perfect backdrop for a festival that celebrates the authenticity of Delta blues.
The main events center around downtown Clarksdale, but the entire city feels the festival’s pulse. Clarksdale’s intimate layout allows visitors to explore every corner on foot while discovering hidden blues venues and local charm.
Who Is Helding This Festival?
The Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is organized by co-founders Roger Stolle and Nan Hughes. Roger, the owner of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, and Nan play key roles in promoting and coordinating the festival, which celebrates the Delta blues tradition. Supported by local organizations like the Coahoma County Tourism Commission and Visit Clarksdale, the festival brings together the community and attracts visitors from around the world to experience the heart of Mississippi’s music scene.
Motive Behind This Festival
The motive behind the Juke Joint Festival is to celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich legacy of Delta blues music and the cultural heritage of Mississippi. The festival serves as a platform to honor the history of juke joints, which were central to the African-American community’s social and musical life in the South.
By bringing together local musicians, artists, and visitors from around the world, the festival seeks to keep the spirit of blues music alive, educate future generations about its significance, and foster a sense of community pride and cultural appreciation. It also aims to boost tourism and support local businesses in Clarksdale, while offering a unique experience for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Much like the Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival, which mixes culture with colorful visuals, the Juke Joint Festival uses blues heritage to spark joy, pride, and economic movement in the town.
Juke Joint Festival Dates and Time
This festival has already been held. This Festival ran from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. If you’re looking for upcoming editions, the 22nd Annual Juke Joint Festival is scheduled for April 11, 2026, with related events from April 9–12 .The activities at the Juke Joint Festival typically ran from 11:00 AM to late at night, with performances and events continuing into the evening at various venues throughout Clarksdale
Where to Buy Tickets for the Festival
Tickets are sold both online and on site. Wristbands for the Saturday night events, which provide access to more than 20 indoor juke joint venues across Clarksdale, can also be purchased through Eventbrite. This platform offers a secure and easy way to buy in advance. It’s recommended to purchase early, as pre sale wristbands often sell out quickly.
Here’s a quick look at the ticket options:
| Ticket Type | Access Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free Entry | Daytime music, street acts, family zones | $0 |
| Nighttime Pass | Access to juke joint venues on Saturday night | $60 |
| 5K Run Entry | Access to Dash Down Delta event (Friday morning) | $25 |
Attendance at the Juke Joint Festival
The Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, attracts a diverse crowd from across the U.S. and around the world, with attendees from all 50 states and over 26 countries. In 2025, the festival featured over 100 blues performances across multiple venues, drawing music lovers, artists, and culture enthusiasts.
Juke Joint Festival Performers
| Performer | Stage | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Terry “Harmonica” Bean | Various Downtown Stages | Traditional Blues |
| Little Willie Farmer | Ground Zero Blues Club | Delta Blues |
| Earnest “Guitar” Roy | Cat Head Mini Blues Fest | Guitar-driven Blues |
| Anthony “Big A” Sherrod | Various Downtown Stages | Soulful Blues |
| Jimmy “Duck” Holmes | Cat Head Mini Blues Fest | Acoustic Delta Blues |
| Super Chikan | Various Downtown Stages | Funk-infused Blues |
| Australia “Honey Bee” Jones | Various Downtown Stages | Soulful Blues |
| Trenton Ayers | Various Downtown Stages | Contemporary Blues |
| Carlos Elliott | Various Downtown Stages | Blues Rock |
| Spit Cup and the Jukes | Various Downtown Stages | Texas-based Blues Rock |
Conclusion
The Juke Joint Festival is more than just a celebration of blues music it is a testament to the enduring power of culture and community. By bringing together artists, fans, and local businesses, the festival serves as a living tribute to the Mississippi Delta’s musical legacy. Its blend of intimate performances, vibrant local traditions, and rich history creates an atmosphere unlike any other. As it continues to attract visitors from around the world, the Juke Joint Festival stands as a unique cultural landmark, offering an unforgettable experience that captures the soul of the blues.
