Newton to Host Inaugural Landmark Arts Festival This Fall

The new event will celebrate the city's art, history, and creative community.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:43pm

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A new arts festival called the Landmark Arts Festival will debut in Newton, Mississippi on Saturday, September 19th at the Newton DMACC Building. The event is being organized by Sophie Kruger, the Executive Director of the Centre for Arts and Artists in Newton, and Rachel Braafhart, the Newton DMACC Campus Conference Coordinator. The free festival will feature hands-on activities, live performances, and local vendors.

Why it matters

The Landmark Arts Festival aims to honor Newton's rich artistic heritage, including its many sculptures, murals, and influential local artists and arts advocates. The event is part of a broader effort by the Centre for Arts and Artists to promote creativity and community engagement in the city.

The details

The inaugural Landmark Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Newton DMACC Building. The free event will include hands-on interactive activities for all ages, live performances, and local vendors. Kruger and Braafhart say the goal is to provide an opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy art, and participate in creative activities.

  • The Landmark Arts Festival will debut on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
  • Kruger began planning the festival with Braafhart last fall.

The players

Sophie Kruger

The Executive Director of the Centre for Arts and Artists in Newton, who has helped create the Landmark Arts Festival.

Rachel Braafhart

The Newton DMACC Campus Conference Coordinator, who is working with Kruger to organize the inaugural Landmark Arts Festival.

Herman Deaton

A sculptor who is being honored at the Landmark Arts Festival for his contributions to Newton's art scene.

Blaine Haunsperger

A painter who is being recognized at the Landmark Arts Festival for his artistic work in Newton.

Don and Dori Byers

The founders of the Iowa Sculpture Festival and the Centre for Arts and Artists in Newton.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is ultimately to come and enjoy time with friends, family, and other artists and have fun. It's always nice to engage someone in some kind of creative-based activity because it's really healing in a way.”

— Sophie Kruger, Executive Director, Centre for Arts and Artists

What’s next

More information about the Landmark Arts Festival can be found on the event's Facebook page and the Centre for Arts and Artists website.

The takeaway

The Landmark Arts Festival represents an exciting new initiative to celebrate Newton's vibrant arts community and provide opportunities for creative engagement and community building. By honoring the city's artistic heritage and supporting local artists, the festival aims to strengthen the cultural fabric of Newton.