Mondays, Oct. 22 and 29
Hazard Lecture Series — The 150th anniversary of the American Civil War is the focus of this stimulating, free lecture series on consecutive Mondays at 7 p.m. Author and historian Dr. James McDonough speaks on “The Struggles at the Battle of Shiloh” Oct. 22. Historian Marc Harris explores “The Battle at Antietam” Oct. 29. Programs will be in the Heritage Academy Student Activities Building, 625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus. For more information, contact Beth Lucas, 662-386-3392.
Monday, Oct. 22
GT Outdoors banquet — Golden Triangle Outdoors Inc. hosts a fundraising banquet, with silent and live auctions, raffles and more, at 6 p.m. in Trotter Convention Center’s lower level. The non-profit organization provides recreational opportunities throughout the year for those with special needs. Tickets are $25 ($40 per couple); $10 for youth 15 and under. For tickets or information, or to donate an auction item or door prize, contact Debbie Taylor, 662-251-3366.
Tuesday, Oct. 23
Discover Your Roots — October is Family History Month. The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library at 314 Seventh St. N. offers a free session on Genealogy Resources in the Library at 2 p.m. For more information, contact the library at 662-329-5300.
Thursday, Oct. 25
“Space Symphony” — The Columbus Arts Council and Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra present a “Space Symphony” at Rent Auditorium on the Mississippi University for Women campus at 7:30 p.m. The free concert features compositions from “Star Wars,” Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” the “Alien” movie franchise and much more. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
“Down in the Woods” — Macon Main Street hosts a free screening of “Down in the Woods,” a film about late bluesman Willie King, at the R&B Grand Events Center in Macon at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 27
“Stage Fright” — Come, if you dare, to the Columbus Community Theatre’s entertaining evening of Halloween stories, skits and readings in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater, 501 Main St., at 7 p.m. (And don’t forget the pumpkin decorating workshop earlier that day, from 10 a.m.-noon.) For more information, call 662-328-2787.
World music — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council presents Todd Green in concert, in Instruments from Around the World, at 7 p.m. at Center Stage in Central School. Admission is $10, or two for $15; $5 for children 13-18 (12 and under attend free). Purchase tickets at CulinArts, Petal Pushers or from arts council members. For tickets or information, call 662-494-5678.
Saturday through Tuesday, Oct. 27-30
Decorated Pumpkin Contest — Bring your decorated pumpkins to display at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center and win prizes. Judging takes place in multiple age categories Oct. 29 and will be announced Oct. 30. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Tuesday, Oct. 30
Karges gallery talk — The Columbus Arts Council presents a free gallery talk by sculptor and artist Dylan Karges of Starkville titled “Process of Discovery: Excavating Iron Age Israel” at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Thursday, Nov. 1
National Day of Prayer — All are invited to participate in observing the National Day of Prayer, at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA, 602 Second Ave. N., Columbus, from noon to 12:45 p.m. The non-partisan gathering organized by the Christian Community Committee in Prayer will focus on praying for the nation’s government and the Nov. 6 elections, and for unity and purpose afterward. For more information, contact the Y, 662-328-7696.
Gallery reception — Come as you are to a free reception opening a gallery exhibit by artist Melissa Smith at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus, from 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Gordy Forum — Mississippi University for Women’s Gordy Honors Forum presents attorney Elizabeth Crowell of Jackson speaking on “It is Your Vote and It Still Matters” at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium of Parkinson Hall on the MUW campus. Free to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Tom Velek at [email protected] or 662-241-6850.
Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 1-3
Decorative Arts Forum — The Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation’s 2012 Decorative Arts and Preservation Forum and Antiques Show takes place at Mississippi University for Women’s newly-renovated Poindexter Hall. Enjoy garden symposiums, dinners, live music, scholars and much more. For information, contact the CCHF, 800-327-2686.
Friday, Nov. 2
Bulldog Bash — Andy Grammer, Gloriana and DJ Archnemesis will entertain in the Cotton District. (Neon Trees, originally scheduled, has canceled their fall tour; additional lineup will be announced soon.) The celebration begins at 3 p.m. with family-friendly FanFare followed by an MSU pep rally at 6 p.m. and the concert. For more information, visit msubulldogbash.org.
Saturday, Nov. 3
Art in Autumn — The Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity at Mississippi University for Women hosts their annual Art in Autumn Auction at 6 p.m. in the Eugenia Summer Gallery in the Art and Design Building on campus. For more information, contact the art department, 662-329-7341.
MSMS Anniversary Gala — The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science celebrates its 25th anniversary at Trotter Convention Center. A silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and live entertainment by students and faculty. Tickets are $75 ($130 for a couple.) Reservations requested by Oct. 26. Contact Katie Carter at [email protected] or 662-241-7665.
Thursday, Nov. 8
Books and Authors —
Friends of the Starkville Public Library present Romana Bridges, author of “Sweet By and By” and “Standing on the Promises,” at noon in the library at 326 University Drive. For more information, call 662-323-2766.
Nov. 8-11 and 13-17
“Six Dance Lessons” — Starkville Community Theatre’s production of the Broadway play “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” at the Playhouse on Main in Starkville is a touching comedy directed by MJ Etua. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., except Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15; $10 for students (on sale to season ticket holders Oct. 29 and to the public Nov. 3.) For more information or ticket reservations, contact SCT, 662-323-6855.
Friday and Saturday,
Nov. 9-10
Ghosts & Legends — The Columbus Arts Council, Mississippi University for Women and Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau partner to present the return of these spirited tours into Columbus’ past. Buses will depart from the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center, 300 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Nov. 10
Giant Possum Town Yard Sale — This sixth annual community-wide sale at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market from 7 a.m. to noon offers something for everyone. Civic groups, churches and individuals can rent booth space ($20) to fundraise or just clear the attic. Find booth applications at columbusmainstreet.com or contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Veterans’ Parade — A veterans’ parade with marching units, dignitaries, floats, classic cars and motorcycles begins at the Columbus Municipal Complex, 1501 Main St., at 10 a.m., and makes its way to the Lowndes County Courthouse. An 11 a.m. ceremony features Columbus Air Force Base Commander Col. Jim Sears and a fly-over in honor of all veterans. For more information about parade participation, contact Sonic Johnson, 662-434-7067.
Sunday, Nov. 11
Symphony orchestra — The Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra presents “Songs from the West and South” at 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville. Free to the public. For information, visit starkvillemsusymphony.org.
Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 15-18
Storytelling festival — The Golden Triangle hosts its first storytelling festival. The Columbus Arts Council presents Possum Town Tales, featuring nationally-acclaimed storytellers Sheila Kay Adams, Len Cabral and Dolores Hydock at the Rosenzweig Arts Center and Joe Cook Auditorium. The weekend also includes Homegrown Stories, Children’s Story Time, a storytelling workshop, and a Sunday story luncheon for “mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.” For information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Ongoing
Historic home tours — Daily tour schedules of some of Columbus’ most historic homes are available from the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center at 300 Main St., or by calling 662-328-0222. Tour fees may apply. Homes open for tours year-round include: Amzi Love Home (c. 1848), Lee Home/Museum (c. 1847), Rosedale (c. 1856), Rosewood Manor (c. 1835), Temple Heights (c. 1837), Tennessee Williams Home (c. 1875), Waverley Mansion (c. 1852) and Whitehall (c. 1843).
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