STARKVILLE – Country music singer-songwriter Vincent Mason is set to headline this year’s Bulldog Bash on Oct. 16, Mississippi State University announced Wednesday in a press release.
Mason is best known for his song “Wish You Well,” which was a top-20 Billboard country music hit in 2025. Bulldog Bash organizers posted hints on social media to the headliner’s identity leading up to the announcement to stoke excitement.
“I had people come up to me, and ask me, ‘Is it Vincent Mason?’ before we did the reveal,” Cody Hill, Bulldog Bash assistant director told The Dispatch. “Of course I couldn’t say anything. But, I’m just happy that there are people who are looking forward to it and are excited for it.”
Mason got his start on TikTok but has since been climbing new artist charts. In June he reached the No. 3 position on Billboard’s Emerging Artists list and has been featured on emerging artists playlists on both Spotify and Apple Music. Mason’s performance at Bulldog Bash is just one stop he is making on his international “There I Go” tour for his debut album by the same name.
The music festival, put on by Mississippi State’s Student Association, is typically held downtown and is funded by a portion of Starkville’s 2% food and beverage tax and outside sponsorships. The festival announced this year it will be held at The Amphitheatre, on MSU because of the ongoing road construction on Main Street, marking the second year in a row it will be held on campus.
Last year the festival was held at Humphrey Coliseum. However, due to the venue’s capacity limits, attendees needed to register for a ticket in advance. The move to The Amphitheater has alleviated those problems so there is no need to register for a ticket this year, said Kylie Forrester, director of student activities and adviser for Bulldog Bash.
Forrester said she hopes to move the festival back downtown next year.
Some previous headliners for the event include Natasha Bedingfield, Jason Derulo and Ludacris.
The schedule has not been set for Bulldog Bash, but main gates should open around 6 p.m. with the opening artist and winner of battle of the bands Pothole Paradise. They will be followed by Penelope Road and then Mason will take the stage.
“Between all of these options, there’s music that will be available for everyone to enjoy,” Hill said. “It’s more than just one genre, and I’d say people who enjoy music in general because it is also a free concert.”
In addition to the festival, the Maroon Market will be held from noon to 5 p.m. in The Junction. This year it features about 70 vendors selling everything from baked goods to local art alongside interactive activities including photo booths, face painting and thrifting, Hill said.
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