The 2026 Mid-South Music Festival lineup is set, featuring some of the festival’s biggest names to date. Platinum-selling country band LANCO, renowned Michael Jackson tribute performer MJ The Illusion, nationally touring singer-songwriter Franklin Jonas, and a talented lineup of regional artists will take the Southwest Auto Collection Stage this fall in Southwest Arkansas.
The 2026 lineup brings together nationally touring artists alongside some of Arkansas’ top talent. From country and southern rock to blues, R&B, and alternative music, this year’s festival reflects Mid-South Music Festival’s mission of offering something for every music fan.
“We’ve always strived to curate a lineup that has something for everybody, and we think we hit the nail on the head this year,” Festival Coordinator Jenna Friday said. “From country to alternative to R&B, we’re excited about the variety of music you’ll hear coming from the Southwest Auto Collection Stage this October.”
Flashback Friday kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on October 16 with Searcy-based DJ ECilla the Killa spinning an hour-long set of ’80s favorites to get festivalgoers in the Flashback Friday spirit.
At 6:30 p.m., yacht rock group The Yachtie’s will take the Southwest Auto Collection Stage, performing classic hits from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The evening concludes at 8:00 p.m. with the 2026 Entergy Friday Headliner, MJ The Illusion, whose tribute show celebrates the music, dance, and legacy of Michael Jackson.
The festival continues on October 17, with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. and live music beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bloodhound Band opens the day with a southern rock set, followed by the Tina Cossey Band at 3:30 p.m. with a performance rooted in blues and soul.
At 5:00 p.m., Pine Bluff native and former American Idol contestant Makiyah Mustiful takes the stage, bringing her powerhouse vocals back to her home state.
Franklin Jonas performs at 6:30 p.m. The singer-songwriter has spent the past several years touring nationally while releasing a series of independent projects that blend folk, alternative, and pop influences. His performance leads into the festival’s Saturday night finale.
LANCO closes out the festival at 8:00 p.m. as the 2026 Southern Bancorp Headliner. The platinum-selling country band is best known for its No. 1 hit “Greatest Love Story,” along with fan favorites including “Born to Love You” and “What I See.” Since breaking onto the country music scene, the band has earned multiple platinum certifications and performed on stages across the country.
The 2026 Mid-South Music Festival will take place October 16-17 in downtown Arkadelphia. In addition to live music, the festival features food and craft vendors, free workshops, and interactive family programming. For the full festival lineup and the latest announcements, visit https://midsouthmusicfestival.com/.