Jackson, Mississippi was selected to host the 82nd-84th National Folk Festivals from 2025-2027. The festival highlights the state’s exemplary legacy of arts and culture alongside the country’s finest traditional artists. This year, the National’s residency coincides with the semiquincentennial, and the festival will be one of the region’s signature events for America250. Boasting six live music stages, over 300 artists, and 30 traditions, the 82 National Folk Festival attracted an audience of 30,000 people in 2025, and we anticipate doubling that in 2026.
NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
Why Sponsor?
Sponsorship of the National Folk Festival will demonstrate corporate commitment to community engagement and make possible a transformative event that will generate economic, social, and cultural benefits for Jackson’s historic downtown. Various levels of sponsorship are available.
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
Become A Sponsor Today!
All Sponsorships
Presenting Sponsor — $200,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: One of the most popular attractions of the festival, this large, tented stage, with a dance floor and seating area, inspires attendees to dance non-stop throughout the festival, rain or shine.
Stage & Media Sponsorships
Dance Pavilion Sponsor — $150,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: One of the most popular attractions of the festival, this large, tented stage, with a dance floor and seating area, inspires attendees to dance non-stop throughout the festival, rain or shine.
Signature Stage Sponsor — $100,000
Two Sponsorships Available: These signature stages are the centerpiece and heart of the National Folk Festival. They attract large audiences throughout the festival weekend, and offer a wide variety of music and dance performances, and cross-cultural talk/demonstration sessions.
Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage Sponsor — $100,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: The Mississippi Folklife Area & Stage will showcase the state’s world-renowned music, dance, craft, foodways and more, with a new theme each year. It will be curated by the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Family Activities Area & Stage Sponsor — $75,000
Exclusive Sponsorship with option to divide. Benefits may be adjusted depending on sponsorship amount: The Family Activities Area and Stage offers storytelling, workshops, parades, interactive music, games, hands-on crafts, make-and-take activities, and other creative learning opportunities. Performances include puppetry, music, dance, and other activities designed to be fun for kids and adults.
Mississippi Broadcast Sponsor — $50,000
Area Exclusivity: Area naming rights, and first right of refusal for 2026 festival stage naming rights
Media:
- Company name/logo included in advertising, including brochures, news releases, newsletters, email, etc.
- Logo on National Folk Festival website linked to sponsor site
- Company name/sponsor recognition on all social media channels at least three times 1/2 page ad in festival program guide
- Sponsor name/logo in event pocket guide
$25,000 Sponsorships
Park ‘N Ride Sponsor — $25,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: The Park ‘N Ride allows festival attendees greater flexibility in getting to the festival. Attendees can park at a satellite parking lot and catch a shuttle to downtown Jackson where they can enjoy the festival all day, without the stress of finding parking downtown.
Festival Marketplace Sponsor — $25,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: The festival marketplace is a popular festival area offering attendees the opportunty to purchase handcrafted items made in Mississippi, featuring juried work of our states finest artists and craftspeople. The marketplace creates a festival shopping experience that is unique to the National Folk Festival in Jackson.
Food Court Sponsor — $25,000
Three or Four Sponsorships Available: Each major performance stage is paired with a nearby food and beverage court, featuring a variety of regional and culturally diverse foods.
Artists in Schools Sponsor — $25,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: Sponsor performances in area schools by National Folk Festival performers immediately preceding the festival. These programs not only expose children to performances by excellent artists; they also provide them with opportunities to learn about new cultures, communities, and artistic traditions, expanding their horizons with multicultural learning experiences.
Beer Garden Sponsor — $25,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: Sponsor the National Folk Festival’s beer garden, where attendees can relax and enjoy Mississippi craft beer with friends and family.
Volunteer Sponsor — $25,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: The National Folk Festival is a community lift. Sponsor and support the nearly 1,000 volunteers that keep the festival running.
$10,000 Sponsorships
VIP Area Sponsor — $10,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: This sponsorship provides exclusive naming rights to the area providing shade and comfort for festival VIPs.
Golf Cart Sponsor — $10,000
Two Sponsorships Available: Sponsor the golf carts that transport artists and crew where they need to be across the festival site. The sponsor’s name/logo will be displayed on all golf carts.
Information Booth Sponsor — $10,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: Sponsor the information booths located throughout the festival site that assist attendees by providing schedules, maps, and answers to questions.
After-Party Sponsor — $10,000
Two sponsorships available: Sponsor the Saturday night after party that is exclusive to artists, crew, volunteers, and sponsors. Special collaborations and magical performances happen here until late.
ASL Interpretation Sponsor — $10,000
Exclusive Sponsorship: This sponsorship provides ASL Interpreters for the Deaf community at select performances around the festival.
Exclusive Hospitality Sponsorships
Hospitality Sponsor - $20,000
Multiple sponsorships available: Special sponsorship available for tourism agencies. Hospitality Sponsors will get a promotional booth on Tourism Row to promote their city’s restaurants, shopping areas, and attractions and be a tourism driver to the region and state.
- Company name/logo included in advertising, including brochures, news releases, newsletters,email, etc.
- Logo on National Folk Festival website linked to sponsor site
- Hospitality Sponsors highlighted on “Plan Your Visit” page on festival website
- Company name/sponsor recognition on all social media channels at least three times
- 1/8 page ad in festival program guide
- Sponsor name/logo in event pocket guide
- Logo recognition on sponsor “Thank You” boards
- Premium location for promotional area on Tourism Row
- Sponsor will be recognized in stage announcements
- 4 VIP reception passes / 2 parking passes
- Employee volunteer opportunities
- Right to use National Folk Festival trademarks through December 2026
Hospitality Partner - $5,000
Multiple sponsorships available: Special sponsorship available for tourism agencies. Hospitality Sponsors will get a promotional booth on Tourism Row to promote their city’s restaurants, shopping areas, and attractions and be a tourism driver to the region and state.
- Company name/logo included in advertising, including brochures, news releases, newsletters, email, etc.
- Logo on National Folk Festival website linked to sponsor site
- Hospitality Sponsors highlighted on “Plan Your Visit” page on festival website
- Company name/sponsor recognition on all social media channels at least three times
- Sponsor name/logo in event pocket guide
- Logo recognition on sponsor “Thank You” boards
- Promotional area on Tourism Row
- Sponsor will be recognized in stage announcements
- Employee volunteer opportunities
- Right to use National Folk Festival trademarks through December 2026
Fuel the Beat of the National Folk Festival
Participating Sponsor — $20,000
- Company name/logo included in advertising, including brochures, news releases, newsletters,email, etc.
- Logo on National Folk Festival website linked to sponsor site
- Sponsor recognition on all social media channels at least three times
- 1/8 page ad in festival program guide
- Sponsor name/logo in event pocket guide
- Sponsor name/logo on sponsor “Thank You” boards
- Sponsor will be recognized in stage announcements
4 VIP reception passes / 2 parking passes
Contributing Sponsor — $10,000
- Company name/logo included in advertising, including brochures, news releases, newsletters,email, etc.
- Logo on National Folk Festival website linked to sponsor site
- Sponsor recognition on all social media channels at least three times
- 1/8 page ad in festival program guide
- Sponsor name/logo in event pocket guide
- Sponsor name/logo on sponsor “Thank You” boards
- Sponsor will be recognized in stage announcements
- 2 VIP reception passes / 1 parking pass
- Right to use National Folk Festival trademarks through December 2026
Festival Family — $2,000-$5,000
- Name/Company on National Folk Festival website
- Name/Company on sponsor “Thank You” boards
- Name/Company in event program guide
- Two complimentary parking passes to the 83rd National Folk Festival
Friend of the Festival — $100-$1,999
- Name/Company on National Folk Festival website
- Name/Company on sponsor “Thank You” boards
- Name/Company in event program guide
Download the complete Sponsorship Package for full details on the benefits and recognition opportunities included with each sponsorship level. Your donations help ensure the success of the festival, now and for future years.