Outoberfest

OUToberfest is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) festival held annually during October in Jackson, Mississippi. It was established in 2005 for several reasons including:  a failure of Mississippi Pride organizers in 2004. an anti-gay constitutional amendment defining marriage in Mississippi. a need for positive and non-political LGBT awareness in Mississippi. a need for a stronger, more organized LGBT community in Mississippi. 

OUToberfest was initially conceptualized by Knol Aust, Duane Smith and Jenni Smith. Unity Mississippi is the official organizer of the event.

The week-long festival features educational seminars and workshops, film screenings, internationally-known musicians and speakers, arts, and outdoor events.

Headliners

 * OUToberfest 2007 Headlining Entertainers:
 * Ultra Naté, Eric Himan, Bitch & The Exciting Conclusion, Sister Funk, Karen Ripley, DJ Knol, Kynt, and the MissiHippy Dancers.


 * OUToberfest 2006 Headlining Entertainers:
 * God-des & She, Eric Himan, Garrison Starr, Katastrophe, The Anna Byars Band, Dr. Madelyn Hatter, and the MissiHippy Dancers. The main event was hosted by Mindy Dawn Friedman.


 * OUToberfest 2005 Headlining Entertainers:
 * Bitch, Eric Himan, Jade Esteban Estrada, Pandora Scooter, The Anna Byars Band, Emily White, Richard Cortez, Dr. Madelyn Hatter, and the MissiHIPPY Dancers. The main event was hosted by Sklya Dawn Luckey.

Others

 * 2007
 * Malcolm Rollick (acoustic folk), Emma Wynters (soul, jazz, folk), Midtown Dickens (indie folk duo), Will Myrick (folk), Jeff Lewis (indie pop), Kristy Ferguson (comedian), Jazmen Flowers (drag performer and Stevie Nicks tribute artist), Julie Mann (acoustic folk), SewL (spoken word)


 * 2006
 * Harshwords (rock band)