Monday, April 6
Pilgrimage kickoff party — Come out for a crawfish and shrimp boil from 5-8 p.m. on the Tennessee Williams Home Lawn, 300 Main St., to launch the 75th annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. Free. For information, call 800-920-3533 or pick up brochures at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center or Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Jazz band concert — Mississippi State University presents a free jazz band concert at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on campus. For more information, call 662-325-3070.
Tuesday, April 7
Quilt talk — Carol Vickers, director of the Mississippi Heritage Quilt Search Project, explores Mississippi’s quilting traditions in a free presentation and exhibit at 2 p.m. at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. Sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council. Call Brenda Durrett at 662-329-5300 for information.
Jazz ensemble — Mississippi University for Women presents a jazz ensemble in a free concert at Poindexter Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8
Table Talk — Alysia Burton Steele, author of the photographic chronicle “Delta Jewels,” discusses her time with Mississippi “church mothers.” Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m.; iced tea provided. Or join friends from noon-1 p.m. for the program at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. Call 662-329-5300 for more information.
April 8, 10, 13, 15, 17
Tales from the Crypt — As part of Pilgrimage, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students present dramatic vignettes featuring interesting personalities interred at historic Friendship Cemetery. Walking tours are 7-10 p.m. For information, call 800-920-3533.
Thursday, April 9
Noon Tunes — Paul Brady performs at Noon Tunes from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Trotter Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s and desserts by Cafe on Main are available for purchase. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Dunn recital — Mississippi University for Women’s Dr. Cherry Dunn, soprano, presents a free recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. She is assisted by Rachel Delk, mezzo soprano, and Rachel Delk and Sue Burkhalter on piano. Call 662-241-6399 for more information.
Woodwinds concert — Mississippi State University presents a Woodwinds Ensembles Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Free. For more information, call 662-325-3070.
Friday, April 10
ZZ Top — The legendary band performs at Mississippi State’s Humphrey Coliseum at 8 p.m. Special guests are The Boxmasters with Billy Bob Thornton. Go to msuconcerts.com for seating chart/ticket information, or call 662-325-2930.
Friday and Saturday,
April 10-11
MSU plant sale — Mississippi State’s Horticulture Club hosts their spring plant sale from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 10, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. April 11 at the MSU Veterans Memorial Rose Garden, at the Highway 182 entrance to the R. Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Facility.
Saturday, April 11
Pilgrimage Half Marathon/5K — Columbus’ half marathon starts at 7 a.m. at the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center, 300 Main St. A 5K begins at 7:15 a.m. The 5K awards ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Half marathon awards will be given at 10 a.m. For information, visit columbushalfmarathon5k.com or call 800-920-3533.
Artisans Alley — As part of Pilgrimage, craftsmen display handmade period items and homemade foods next to the Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main St., from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 800-920-3533 for information.
Catfish in the Alley — The Columbus Pilgrimage presents this catfish cooking contest from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Catfish Alley (Fourth Street South) in downtown Columbus. Live music by Big Joe Shelton (10 a.m.), Terry “Harmonica” Bean (11 a.m.), Homemade Jamz (1 p.m.) and Grady Champion (2:30 p.m.). Catfish, barbecue and other food can be purchased. Kids can enjoy the inflatables (free). Call 800-920-3533 for information.
Garden party — Stroll through Colonnade Garden, 620 Second St. S., with mint juleps and cheese straws between 3-6 p.m. Get tickets ($10) for this Pilgrimage event at the CVB office, 117 Third St. S., or call 800-920-3533 or 329-1191.
Mayor’s Unity Picnic — Enjoy music, free food and fellowship at Columbus Mayor Robert Smith’s annual Unity Picnic at the Riverwalk in Columbus at 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 12
MSU concert — A Symphonic, Community and Campus Bands concert begins at 3 p.m. at Mississippi State University’s Lee Hall on campus. Free. Call 662-325-3070 for more information.
Tuesday, April 14
Spring recital — Mississippi University for Women presents a spring recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on campus. Free to the public.
Wednesday, April 15
Table Talk — Perre Coleman Magness, creator of the Southern cooking blog “The Runaway Spoon,” shares secrets from her first book “Pimento Cheese: The Cookbook” at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N. Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m. (iced tea provided), or join friends for the program from noon-1 p.m. Free. Call 662-329-5300 for more information.
Thursday, April 16
Noon Tunes — Dawn Barham entertains at Noon Tunes from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Trotter Convention Center Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch is available for purchase. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
April 16-19 and 21-15
“Social Security” — Starkville Community Theatre presents this Broadway comedy by Andrew Bergman at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St., Starkville, at 7:30 p.m. (except 2 p.m. April 19). Paula Mabry directs. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students). For tickets or information, contact the SCT box office, 662-323-6855.
Friday, April 17
MSU choirs — Mississippi State University choirs present their spring concert at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Starkville. For information, call 662-325-3070.
Master class with Awadagin Pratt — Concert pianist Awadagin Pratt presents a master class at 6:30 p.m. in Mississippi University for Women’s Poindexter Hall, sponsored by the Columbus Arts Council. Free to the public. For information, call 662-328-2787.
Saturday, April 18
Cotton District Arts Festival — This annual festival in Starkville’s Cotton District from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. includes the Taste of Starkville food competition, fine arts, vendors, special interest villages, live music and more. Visit cdafestival.com or contact the Starkville Area Arts Council, 662-324-3080.
Book signing — Author Michael Farris Smith attends a book signing at 10 a.m. at the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center, 300 Main St., Columbus.
Concert pianist Awadagin Pratt — The Colmbus Arts Council presents this renowned pianist, the first African-American to win the Naumburg International Piano Competition, at 7 p.m. in Mississippi University for Women’s Poindexter Hall. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
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