The third annual Vicksburg Arts and Music Festival kicked off Friday night at the Vicksburg Convention Center and continues through today and into this evening.

This year’s festivities got underway Friday night with the Compozitionz and The Chill officially opening the weekend’s musical lineup. 

The music and fun continues today, beginning at 9 a.m., with the 42nd Annual Alcorn State Jazz Festival.

Beginning at noon, the Omega Psi Phi Youth Talent Hunt will take center stage, with the Jam for Mark Doyle getting underway at 2 p.m. and scheduled to last through 4 p.m.

From 4 until 5 p.m., Projekt will perform before blues legend Bobby Rush takes the stage at 5:30 p.m.

The event will wrap up tonight with MS Marshall Deluxe at 7 and Pop Fiction scheduled to perform at 8:30.

Vicksburg Convention Center Executive Director Erin Powell Southard said a pop-up shop and arts and crafts vendors will also be available at this year’s festival, as will food trucks.

“We are so excited this weekend has finally arrived and hope everyone will come on out,” Southard said. “We have some great music, food, and vendors. Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy the music.”

The festival, which is partially funded by grants through Visit Mississippi and MS Delta National Heritage, is free to attend and is sponsored by the Vicksburg Convention Center and Visit Vicksburg.

Free parking for the event is available off Depot Street or in the parking garage on South Street. A free shuttle service will be available between downtown Vicksburg, parking, and the festival.

For more information, visit vicksburgconventioncenter.com or call 601-630-2929.