2025 Mississippi John Hurt Homecoming Festival

October 4–5

The Mississippi John Hurt Foundation is pleased to host a two-day celebration of the life and musical legacy of Carroll County native, Mississippi John Hurt. This free event will take place in conjunction with ribbon-cutting at the site of the newly constructed Mississippi John Hurt & Jerry Richardson Educational Center in Avalon, Mississippi—the same location where the historic museum burned to the ground in 2024.

Live Music Featuring:

Film Screening

The award-winning documentary film, A Man Called Hurt: The Life and Music of Mississippi John Hurt, will also be part of this weekend’s celebration. The film will be screened on site at the historic St. James Missionary Baptist Church—which served as a significant gathering place for the Avalon community throughout John Hurt's lifetime.

Memorial Walk

Sunday morning will include a Memorial Walk to the St. James Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, where Daddy John is laid to rest. Mary Frances Hurt will share some words of reflection and attendees will be invited to speak or perform some music.

Getting to Avalon

Visit Directions & Lodging for detailed directions to the festival, or use the quick links below:

Support the Festival

If you would like to help support the 2025 Homecoming Festival, donations are accepted at PayPal.Me/MSJohnHurtFoundation. Thank you for your kindness and for taking the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Mississippi John Hurt.

Stay tuned to this website and to social media for the weekend schedule.