Pack your snacks\, grab your crayons\, and buckle up&mdash\;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&ndash\;12\, offering interactive\, educational\, and wildly creative experiences that make every stop feel like a brand-new discovery.
\n\nPresented in partnership with Corner Market\, Keith&rsquo\;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&rsquo\;s the perfect road trip companion for families looking to explore imagination and culture all summer long. &ldquo\;The festival&rsquo\;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\,&rdquo\; said Artie Coordinator Jennifer Timidaiski.
\n\nThe Ultimate Artie Road Trip: 2025 Stops Along the Way
\n\nEvery Artie event is a new stop on your family&rsquo\;s festival map&mdash\;each one offering something fresh\, fun\, and full of inspiration.
\n\n●\; May 31 &ndash\; Artie&rsquo\;s World of Color - Oak Grove Library
\n\nRev 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.
\n\n●\; June 3 &ndash\; Picture This! - Hattiesburg Community Arts Center
\n\nCapture 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.
\n\n●\; June 4 &ndash\; Create Out Loud with Artie and Abi - Hattiesburg Community Arts Center
\n\nRoll 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.
\n\n●\; June 7 &ndash\; Wicked Singalong - Hattiesburg Historic Saenger Theater
\n\nMake a magical stop in Oz for this family-friendly musical journey inspired by Broadway&rsquo\;s Wicked! Come dressed as Elphaba\, Galinda\, and Fiyero sing along with fellow fans at this unforgettable festival favorite.
\n\n●\; June 12 &ndash\; Knowledge\, Rhythm\, Understanding - The Community Arts Center
\n\nTake a musical detour through Hip Hop&rsquo\;s vibrant landscape! Featuring deejaying\, emceeing\, breakdancing\, and graffiti\, this experience includes a sensory-friendly session for children with special needs&mdash\;because all travelers are welcome on this ride.
\n\n●\; June 14 &ndash\; March to the Music - The Community Arts Center
\n\nCome 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!
\n\n●\; June 15 &ndash\; The (Not So) Silent Movie - Hattiesburg Historic Saenger Theater
\n\nBack 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!
\n\n●\; June 17 &\; 18 &ndash\; Artie at the Opera: Little Red&rsquo\;s Most Unusual Day - Touring Libraries Across the Pine Belt
\n\nTake a magical detour to the world of opera as FestivalSouth&rsquo\;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&mdash\;including those who are brand new to live theater. With stops at four regional libraries over two days\, it&rsquo\;s the perfect cultural road trip for kids and caregivers alike.
\n\n●\; June 21 &ndash\; Artie&rsquo\;s Around the World Celebration - Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
\n\nEnd your adventure with a global celebration featuring hands-on crafts\, world music\, and international food trucks. No passport needed&mdash\;just your curiosity and appetite for fun!
\n\nMeet Your Tour Guide: Artie the Paintbrush
\n\nArtie isn&rsquo\;t just a mascot&mdash\;he&rsquo\;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&rsquo\;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.
\n\nStart Your Engines&mdash\;Adventure Awaits!
\n\nAlmost all of this year&rsquo\;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&mdash\;where kids create\, connect\, and discover the joy of artistic expression. Your summer map is here&mdash\;don&rsquo\;t miss the ride of a lifetime! Visit www.festivalsouth.org to view full event details and plan your FestivalSouth road trip today.
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