THIS WEEKEND: Music, Museum, Makers’ Market make up Mid-South festival lineup

This article was originally published on Sept. 16. In light of potential inclement weather on Saturday, festival organizers said secondary locations for events were being evaluated Friday. A decision will be made before the start of the event Saturday morning. At the time of this writing all of Saturday’s events scheduled between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. would still be outside.

ARKADELPHIA, Arkansas — The 2025 Mid-South Music Festival is ready to bring unforgettable performances, family fun, and a fresh lineup of regionally and nationally touring talent to Arkadelphia on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18.

This year’s festival launches with its first-ever themed night: Flashback Friday, a celebration of the music that defined the 1990s. The evening features:

• Cliff & Susan of Little Rock with a special 90s country set

• The Normal Noises: A Tribute to Tom Petty

• Dial Up, presented by J.M. Smucker Co., known across the region for their high-energy shows and nostalgic setlists filled with hits from the late 1990s and early 2000s

On Saturday, October 18, the excitement continues with a full day of entertainment. DJ Last Minute kicks off the morning while families take part in free workshops and interactive programming presented by the Arkansas Museum of Discovery.

Starting at 2 p.m., festival-goers will enjoy live performances from:

• Tina Cossey Band

• Aurora: The Band

• Jody Evans & Hollywood Road – Arkadelphia native, Nashville Star finalist

• Mac Royals – Contestant on Season 24 of NBC’s The Voice

• Southern Bancorp Headliner: Graham Barham closing the night at 8:30 p.m.

“This year’s lineup brings together the best of blues, country, pop, and a dose of our favorite ‘90s hits,” said Festival Coordinator Jenna Friday. “It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend, and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”

Arkansas Museum of Discovery coming to Arkadelphia festival

Creativity, curiosity, and discovery take center stage at the 2025 Mid-South Music Festival as the Arkansas Museum of Discovery joins the fun on Saturday, October 18.

Festival-goers can enjoy free interactive science shows presented by the museum at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the north side of the Town Square Lot (near the Beehive).

Based in Little Rock, the Museum of Discovery is the state’s premier science and technology center. With a mission to ignite and fuel passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), the museum creates dynamic, hands-on experiences designed to engage children and families of all ages.

“Saturday morning is designed with families in mind at the Mid-South Music Festival,” said Festival Coordinator Jenna Friday. “We are thrilled to welcome the Museum of Discovery and can’t wait for our community to experience their shows firsthand.”

Makers’ Market welcomes new vendors to festival

Spend the weekend at the Mid-South Music Festival and enjoy live music, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind shopping. The 2025 festival will feature 27 regional craft vendors in the newly reimagined Makers’ Market area.

The Makers’ Market will showcase an exciting variety of artisans specializing in woodworking, crocheting, graphic design, resin art, custom jewelry, clothing, and handmade home goods. With vendors traveling from as far as Mississippi, the Mid-South Music Festival has become a must-visit destination for regional crafters and shoppers alike.

“This year’s Makers’ Market features a range of high-quality, custom products at affordable prices,” said Festival Coordinator Jenna Friday. “We sold out vendor spots in record time, and we’re thrilled to showcase such a diverse mix of unique and creative finds. We can’t wait to share these talented makers with our community.”

Vendors include:

• All By Hand

• Ashley Tigue

• Aurora Rugeley

• Bare Metals Forge

• Cheryl Bazzel

• Colt LaRue

• Eden & Co Permanent Jewelry

• Epoxy Resin Art

• Goodness Tallow

• Happy Accidents Art

• Holly Bleu Boutique

• Jessica Day

• Kaki’s Corner

• Kevin Spence

• Kt’s Design

• LACHIC81 Designs

• Lassos & Lace

• Leah Cat’s Face Painting

• Olde Rose Tattoo

• Pawsitive Praises

• Phoenix Quilts

• Sony & Stitches Co

• Southern Sunshine Design

• Starrlight Treats

• Susan Beam

• The Willows

• Your Artistic Design

The Makers’ Market will be open Friday, October 17, from 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, October 18, from 11 a.m. until sunset.

The Mid-South Music Festival is free to attend and open to all ages. For more details, visit https://midsouthmusicfestival.com or on social media @midsouthfestival.