By Peggy Hampton

WellsFest

Vasti Jackson interacts with fans at a previous WellsFest. Photo by Greg Campbell.

WellsFest, one of Mississippi’s most family-friendly events, offers something for everyone this year.  

Organized by Wells United Methodist Church in Jackson, WellsFest is one of Jackson’s premier outdoor music and children’s festivals, providing a day of music, food, games, arts and crafts, a pet parade, and a silent auction. WellsFest is an alcohol- and drug-free festival with free admission and free parking.

This year’s WellsFest will be held on Saturday, September 28, at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park on Lakeland Drive. 

“Wells Church’s motto is ‘Loving, Caring, and Sharing,” said the Rev. Susannah Grubbs Carr, Wells’ pastor. “That’s the gift of love from WellsFest and its volunteers to the community. We invite you to come enjoy good music, good food, and family fun at what is considered Jackson’s original music festival.” 

This is the 40th anniversary for WellsFest, which has grown from a small park gathering to a major community festival with hundreds of volunteers that supports nonprofits. All net proceeds are given to a beneficiary that is selected each year.

Funds raised at this year’s WellsFest will go to support a new non-profit, WellsFest CARES, an emergency fund with the Community Foundation of Mississippi for musicians who need assistance with medical or other life issues.

“WellsFest will be helping many of the local musicians who have made WellsFest possible over four decades by donating and sharing their talents at the festival,” said Rev. Carr.

Over the years, WellsFest has raised more than $1.5 million for local nonprofits.

For more information, call 601-353-0658 or visit wellsfest.org.