February 18, 2025

Tallahassee Welcomes Back the Word of South Festival

News Summary

The Word of South Festival returns to Tallahassee from April 4-6, 2025. Set in Cascades Park, this celebration features headliners like Violent Femmes and a lineup of renowned authors and artists. With a focus on community talent and free performances, it promises an unforgettable weekend of music and literature. Attendees should prepare for an inclusive experience with ample food options and accessible facilities.

Tallahassee Gears Up for a Festival of Music and Literature!

Get excited, Tallahassee! The beloved Word of South Festival is making its triumphant return from April 4-6, 2025, and it’s bigger than ever. This year’s celebration is set to take place in the beautiful Cascades Park, where the air will be filled with the thrilling sounds of music, as well as the inspiring words of esteemed authors and poets.

Headliners to Watch For

Mark your calendars because the festival will kick off on a high note with the legendary Violent Femmes headlining the first night, April 4, at the stunning Adderley Amphitheater. Joining them will be none other than the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, which promises to transform the night into a memorable experience. If you’re a fan of indie rock, you won’t want to miss this electrifying performance! Tickets for this show range from $52 to $225, and they can be snagged online. But don’t worry if you’re on a budget, as all other performances throughout the festival are completely free!

A Glimpse of the Lineup

But that’s not all! The weekend will also be graced by an assortment of talented artists, including American Aquarium, the dynamic Delfeayo Marsalis and Herlin Riley Quintet, and writerly sensations like Chris Bohjalian, Jacqueline Trimble, Ashley Jones, Jami Attenberg, and Kristen Arnett. Plus, don’t miss out on an acoustic set by acclaimed Mississippi singer-songwriter Charlie Mars on Saturday afternoon, April 5! The festival will feature a total of 10 stages showcasing a variety of musical genres and literary talents.

Community and Talent on Display

Tallahassee is known for its vibrant arts scene, and the Word of South Festival is no exception! It will shine a spotlight on local talent with performances from well-known poet David Kirby and best-selling author Jeff VanderMeer. This festival has been a cornerstone of our community, drawing in both national acts and regional artists.

A Festival That Has It All!

Since its inception over a decade ago by founder Mark Mustian, who creatively kicked off the event with a $100,000 fund, the festival has consistently attracted renowned acts. Previous years have featured iconic artists like The Flaming Lips and George Clinton, making it a must-attend for lovers of both music and literature.

Essentials for a Great Experience

With the festival taking place rain or shine, festival-goers are encouraged to prepare in advance. Be sure to bring some portable chairs, towels, or blankets as seating is mostly open. And don’t worry about going hungry! There will be an assortment of food and drink vendors at the park to keep your energy up. It’s worth noting that dogs aren’t allowed in the amphitheater area, and coolers won’t be permitted either, so plan accordingly!

Accessibility and Important Notes

The festival organizers have taken accessibility into account, ensuring that there are accessible seating and facilities available throughout Cascades Park for individuals with disabilities. Enjoying literature and music should be an inclusive experience for everyone!

So, whether you are a die-hard Violent Femmes fan or simply want to soak in the creativity of our talented authors, the Word of South Festival promises to be a beautiful celebration of music and literature in the heart of Tallahassee. Grab your friends, pack your essentials, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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