Hit the Road with Artie! FestivalSouth’s Free Events Offer a Creative Summer Adventure for Families

Pack your snacks, grab your crayons, and buckle up—this summer, FestivalSouth invites families on an arts-filled adventure like no other! With Artie Events for Families, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. These free daytime events are designed especially for children ages 2–12, offering interactive, educational, and wildly creative experiences that make every stop feel like a brand-new discovery.

Presented in partnership with Corner Market, Keith’s Superstores, and Lamar County, the Artie series makes creativity come alive through hands-on activities in music, dance, storytelling, visual art, and more. It’s the perfect road trip companion for families looking to explore imagination and culture all summer long. “The festival’s mission is simple but powerful: to expose youth to the arts, nurture their appreciation through education, and plant seeds for a lifetime love of creativity,” said Artie Coordinator Jennifer Timidaiski.

The Ultimate Artie Road Trip: 2025 Stops Along the Way

Every Artie event is a new stop on your family’s festival map—each one offering something fresh, fun, and full of inspiration.

● May 31 – Artie’s World of Color - Oak Grove Library

Rev up your engines with a burst of color and creativity! Join Artie for painting, dancing, music-making, and more in this all-ages celebration of the senses.

● June 3 – Picture This! - Hattiesburg Community Arts Center

Capture the moment with local photographer Jesse Johnson in this hands-on Polaroid photo workshop. A perfect pit stop for budding creatives who love to see the world through a different lens.

● June 4 – Create Out Loud with Artie and Abi - Hattiesburg Community Arts Center

Roll down the windows and turn up the fun! Artist Abigail Allen leads a playful mix of performance and visual art where kids are free to express themselves in bold, joyful ways.

● June 7 – Wicked Singalong - Hattiesburg Historic Saenger Theater

Make a magical stop in Oz for this family-friendly musical journey inspired by Broadway’s Wicked! Come dressed as Elphaba, Galinda, and Fiyero sing along with fellow fans at this unforgettable festival favorite.

● June 12 – Knowledge, Rhythm, Understanding - The Community Arts Center

Take a musical detour through Hip Hop’s vibrant landscape! Featuring deejaying, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti, this experience includes a sensory-friendly session for children with special needs—because all travelers are welcome on this ride.

● June 14 – March to the Music - The Community Arts Center

Come and meet the members of The U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet as they introduce you to their instruments and present a fun, interactive concert. This performance combines music, storytelling, and instrument demonstrations in an informal setting where questions are welcome!

● June 15 – The (Not So) Silent Movie - Hattiesburg Historic Saenger Theater

Back for a 3rd year in a row, The Not-So-Silent Movie returns to the Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre to screen one of the top comedy films of the silent movie era, Safety Last (1923): starring comic actor Harold Lloyd. Accompanied live on the theater organ by Doug Rust, this beloved film culminates with the image of a hysterical Lloyd dangling precariously from the hands of a Los Angeles clock tower in his spectacles. Come see why this timeless blend of comedy, romance and suspense has been engaging audiences for more than a century!

● June 17 & 18 – Artie at the Opera: Little Red’s Most Unusual Day - Touring Libraries Across the Pine Belt

Take a magical detour to the world of opera as FestivalSouth’s artists bring this whimsical retelling of Little Red Riding Hood to life! This kid-friendly production is presented in the round, making it accessible, engaging, and immersive for young audiences—including those who are brand new to live theater. With stops at four regional libraries over two days, it’s the perfect cultural road trip for kids and caregivers alike.

● June 21 – Artie’s Around the World Celebration - Hattiesburg Pocket Museum

End your adventure with a global celebration featuring hands-on crafts, world music, and international food trucks. No passport needed—just your curiosity and appetite for fun!

Meet Your Tour Guide: Artie the Paintbrush

Artie isn’t just a mascot—he’s your art-loving road buddy for the summer! Created by Hattiesburg native and arts enthusiast Ivey Swan, Artie is a giant paintbrush who sings, dances, paints, and plays music. He’s been spotted everywhere from classrooms, concert halls, playgrounds and beyond, encouraging kids everywhere to explore their creativity and embrace the arts as a part of everyday life.

Start Your Engines—Adventure Awaits!

Almost all of this year’s Artie Events are free and open to the public, with many offering first-come, first-served participation. Whether you're taking a day trip or exploring every mile of the festival, these events promise fun-filled stops for the whole family. Each one is a memory waiting to be made—where kids create, connect, and discover the joy of artistic expression. Your summer map is here—don’t miss the ride of a lifetime! Visit www.festivalsouth.org to view full event details and plan your FestivalSouth road trip today.