Tallahatchie Riverfest

Tallahatchie RiverFest 2026 – Soul, Grit & Guitars

Tallahatchie RiverFest returns to Historic Downtown New Albany, Mississippi, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, for a full day of live music, food, shopping, family activities and entertainment. A New Albany tradition since 1993, RiverFest brings the community and visitors together each fall to celebrate the music, culture and hospitality of Northeast Mississippi.

The festival begins at 9 a.m. with the RiverFest Marketplace, featuring arts, crafts and specialty vendors, along with local restaurants, food vendors and food trucks offering plenty of options throughout the day.

Families can enjoy the RiverFest Kid Zone, located near the Tallahatchie River. A $10 Pay-One-Price wristband provides access to inflatable attractions, with horse rides and a petting zoo available for an additional cost.

Live music begins during the day with Tanglefoot Sounds at the Tanglefoot Trailhead Plaza from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's lineup includes Pirates of the Tallahatchie, featuring Mike Cater and Chad Nolan, and CJ Lane and Company, with additional artists to be announced.

Around noon, festivalgoers can gather along the Tallahatchie River for the New Albany Rotary Club Rubber Duck Regatta, a favorite RiverFest tradition.

As the daytime activities wind down, the music moves to the River Stage for a FREE evening concert celebrating this year's theme, “Soul, Grit & Guitars.” The 2026 lineup features Anissa Hampton, returning RiverFest favorite Shameless All-Star Country Band, and a special double-headliner featuring two celebrated Mississippi artists — Paul Thorn and Bobby Rush.

Tupelo native Paul Thorn brings his distinctive blend of Southern rock, blues, gospel, country and soul to the River Stage, while three-time GRAMMY Award winner and Blues Hall of Famer Bobby Rush brings more than seven decades of Mississippi blues, soul and funk to New Albany.

Admission to Tallahatchie RiverFest and the evening River Stage concert is FREE. Fees apply to the Kid Zone and select activities, and food, merchandise and vendor purchases are individually priced.

Come spend the day in Downtown New Albany and experience the Marketplace, family activities, local food, the Tanglefoot Trail, Tallahatchie River and a full day of live Mississippi music at Tallahatchie RiverFest 2026 — Soul, Grit & Guitars.