Thursday, Aug. 1
Sounds of Summer — Give summer a proper send-off. Swing Shift’s good-time rock ‘n roll concludes this series of free outdoor concerts at the Columbus Riverwalk from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no coolers, please. Food and beverages are available for purchase. For more information, contact MSC, 662-328-6305.
Paint the Town — A “Paint the Town: Images of Starkville” exhibit opens at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership Welcome Center Gallery in downtown Starkville and remains up through Aug. 30. For information, contact the Starkville Area Arts Council, 662-324-3080.
MacGown exhibit — Before heading to the Riverwalk for this summer’s final Sounds of Summer, step into the surreal world of Joe MacGown’s pen and ink and mixed media illustrations at a free reception from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 1-4
Artesia Days — Artesia’s festival opens Aug. 1 with a kids’ Back to School Jam at noon and an adults kick-off party at Columbus Inns & Suites at 9 p.m. Aug. 2 features a 7 p.m. block party with speakers and live music. On Aug. 3, join a Relay for Life walk at 7 a.m. Music, door prizes and a school supply give-away will be 1-5 p.m. A blues show begins at 7 p.m. On Aug. 4, a semi-pro baseball game starts at 2 p.m. at Artesia Field. For more information, call 662-272-5104.
Friday, Aug. 9
Denim & Diamonds — A western-themed barbecue dinner, jewelry raffle, silent auction and dancing to the music of Bill Cooke’s band highlight this fundraiser for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum at the Shrine Club in Starkville at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 at The Book Mart and Heritage Museum in Starkville, or from Friends of the Museum board members.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Roast-n-Boast auction — This charity fundraiser at the American Legion Hall at 7 p.m. features everything from electronics and sports memorabilia to furniture and more to bid on. Free to attend and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
Friday, Aug. 16
CONTACT gala — A black tie gala fundraiser for CONTACT Helpline begins with a silent auction at 6 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center in Columbus. Tickets are $25, available at contacthelplinegtrms.org, at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, or by calling 662-327-2968. VIP and sponsorship tables are available. For more information, call Kat Speed or Katrina Sunivelle, 662-327-2968.
Friday, Aug. 16
Big Joe Shelton CD release party — Hear this Blues Music Award-nominated performer and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors live at a release party for their CD “I’d Never Let Her Down” at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 6:30 p.m. $5 admission; light snacks are included. There will be a cash beverage bar. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Possum Town Triathlon — Feeling pumped? This event at Columbus Lake at the Stennis Lock and Dam includes a 600-yard swim, 17-mile bike ride and 3.3 mile run. Starting time is 7 a.m.; awards will be presented at 10 a.m. Learn more at possumtowntriathlon.com or call 662-574-5539.
Friday and Saturday,
Aug. 23-24
Roast-n-Boast — The Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned Mississippi Barbeque Cooking Championship at the Columbus Fairgrounds boasts $13,000 in prizes, live music, food vendors and a People’s Choice Tent. Register your cooking team by July 24 and get a $25 discount. For more information, visit roastnboast.com or contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
Friday, Aug. 30
Howlin’ Wolf Festival — Mark “Muleman” Massey Blues Band with Bill Earheart, Ben Prestage, Homemade Jamz and Bryan Lee and the Blues Power Band highlight the 18th annual Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival at Mary Holmes College Auditorium in West Point. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in Columbus, Jack Forbus Insurance in Starkville, Culin Arts in West Point or online at wpnet.org/Howlin_Festival.htm. For more information, contact Richard Ramsey at 662-605-0770 or [email protected].
Saturday, Aug. 31
Prairie Arts Festival — West Point’s 35th annual festival features fine arts, crafts, down-home Southern cooking, live music, Kidsville and much more from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Growth Alliance at 662-494-5121, email [email protected] or check out Prairie Arts Festival on Facebook.
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