Hattiesburg Music Showcase

The Historic Saenger Theater Announces Inaugural Hattiesburg Music Showcase – Community Invited to Nominate Local Bands to Perform
The Historic Saenger Theater is turning the spotlight on hometown talent with the debut of the Hattiesburg Music Showcase, a live music event celebrating the rich musical talent that continues to make Hattiesburg one of Mississippi's most vibrant arts communities.
Scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, the Hattiesburg Music Showcase will feature four outstanding local bands, each performing an approximately 45-minute set on the historic Saenger stage. The event offers audiences the opportunity to discover new favorite artists while supporting the musicians who help define Hattiesburg's unique creative spirit.
The celebration won't stop inside. Throughout the evening, guests can also enjoy a street party outside the Historic Saenger Theater, where they can grab a tasty treat or their favorite beverage between band sets.  
As part of the inaugural event, music fans are invited to help shape the lineup by nominating the local bands they would most like to see perform.
Band nominations will be accepted Monday, July 27, through Friday, July 31, 2026. Fans are encouraged to nominate their favorite local band by commenting on the official nomination post on the Historic Saenger Theater's Facebook and Instagram pages. Community participation will help identify the artists who will take the stage for this exciting first-year event.
Following the nomination period, the four selected bands will be announced beginning Wednesday, August 5, building anticipation leading up to the showcase with ticket sales opening on Friday, August 14th.
"The Hattiesburg Music Showcase is something I've wanted to create for a long time," said Wes Pilgrim, Event and Sales Coordinator for the Historic Saenger Theater. "Hattiesburg has an incredible local music scene, and I felt it was only right to give these artists the opportunity to perform on the historic Saenger stage. “After producing Hub City's Lost Music Festival as my capstone project at The University of Southern Mississippi and spending the last two years working at the Saenger, bringing those two experiences together felt like the perfect next step,” continued Pilgrim. “My hope is that this event not only showcases the amazing talent we have here in our community but also brings people together to celebrate and support local live music."
The Hattiesburg Music Showcase is designed to provide emerging and established local musicians/bands with a premier performance opportunity while strengthening the connection between artists and the community they call home. More than just a concert, the showcase is a celebration of Hattiesburg's thriving music scene and the creativity that continues to flourish throughout the Hub City.
Tickets for the Hattiesburg Music Showcase will go on sale Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. Ticket prices are $25, $35, and $45, plus applicable taxes and fees, and will be available for purchase at (ticket link needed here).
Whether you're a longtime supporter of local music or looking to discover your next favorite artist, the Hattiesburg Music Showcase promises an unforgettable evening filled with outstanding live performances, hometown pride, and a festive atmosphere unlike any other.
Important Dates and Information

• Band Nominations Open: Monday, July 27
• Band Nominations Close: Friday, July 31
• Nominate Your Favorite Band: Comment on the official nomination post on the Historic Saenger Theatre's Facebook or Instagram pages.
• Selected Bands Announced: Beginning Wednesday, August 5
• Tickets On Sale: Friday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m.
• Ticket Prices: $25, $35, and $45 (plus applicable taxes and fees)
• Hattiesburg Music Showcase: Friday, November 20, 2026