Today
Living Pictures — An Easter tradition, Fairview Baptist Church’s Living Pictures combines music and drama in this presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the church at 127 Airline Road, Columbus. Free to the public.
Tuesday, April 3
Russ Houston reception — A reception from 2-4 p.m. in Colvard Student Union Old Main Lounge honors Russ Houston, retiring MSU photographic services coordinator. A selection of his photographs is on display in the Union through April 6.
Wednesday, April 4
Book signing — Michael Kardos of Starkville will read from his new novel “Bluff” at a book launch at 7:30 p.m. at Fowlkes Auditorium in Colvard Student Union on the Mississippi State campus.
Thursday, April 5
Noon Tunes – Brent Varner entertains at free Noon Tunes at the Trotter Convention Center Courtyard in downtown Columbus from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch by Zachary’s will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Guest artist recital — Guest artist Cain Budds presents a guitar recital at 8:15 p.m. at Poindexter Hall on the Mississippi University for Women campus. Free.
Thursday and Friday, April 5-6
International Film Festival — This free event screens two Academy Award-nominated animated feature films, “The Wind Rises” (6 p.m. Thursday) and “Loving Vincent” (6 p.m. Friday), in McCool Hall’s Taylor Auditorium on the Mississippi State campus, in association with MSU’s International Fiesta. Snacks and drinks provided. For more information, go to ih.msstate.edu/events/event-media/international-film-festival-0/.
Thursday, April 5 through Saturday, April 14
Spring Pilgrimage — Columbus’ 78th annual Spring Pilgrimage kicks off April 5 with a free party with crawfish, shrimp and live music from 5-8 p.m. on the Tennessee Williams Home grounds at 300 Main St. The 10-day Pilgrimage includes antebellum home and garden tours, Art ‘n Antiques, Catfish in the Alley, Tales from the Crypt, Artisans Alley, carriage and double decker bus rides, a half marathon and more. Go to visitcolumbusms.org or call Visit Columbus, 800-920-3533 or 662-329-1191.
April 5-8, 10-12, 14
“The Drowsy Chaperone” — Starkville Community Theatre presents this send-up of the Jazz Age musical at 7:30 p.m. April 5-7, 10-12 and 14, as well as at 2 p.m. April 8 and April 14 at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St., Starkville. Tickets are $15; $10 students. Reserve tickets at the box office, 662-323-6855. Box office hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, April 6-7
“Dreaming of Mozart” — Mississippi State’s Opera Workshop performs scenes from the operas of Mozart at 7:30 p.m. at Starkville’s First United Methodist Church Connection Building, 200 W. Lampkin St. $10; $5 for students and children. For advance tickets, contact Cathy Evans, 662-325-3070.
Saturday, April 7
International Fiesta — Mississippi State’s World Neighbors Association and Holmes Cultural Diversity Center present the 28th annual International Fiesta from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the MSU Drill Field. Highlights include displays, food booths, dancing, music, fashion show, inflatables and cultural activities. Free to attend. Follow on Facebook or contact Kei Mamiya, 662-325-2033.
Touch-A-Truck — Volunteer Starkville hosts this event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane. Children can explore more than 30 trucks, big rigs and first responder vehicles. $5. The first two hours are horn-free. Visit starkvilletouchatruck.com.
Monday, April 9
Library Week kickoff — The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library begins National Library Week with 10 a.m. Coffee with a Cop; a 3:30 p.m. Library User Appreciation, and a free reception at 5 p.m. for the exhibit “Through the Lens of Carl Brown: Lowndes County in the 1940s-1950s.” David Wharton presents a talk about Brown’s photographs. For information, contact the library, 662-329-5300. See more activities at lowndeslibrary.com.
Tuesday, April 10
Spring recital — Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Music presents a spring recital at 7:30 p.m. at Poindexter Hall on The W campus. Free.
Thursday, April 12
Noon Tunes — Jase Dalrymple entertains at free Noon Tunes from 11:30-1:30 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-2471.
Operation Christmas Child event — Guest speaker Alex Nsengimana lost his family during the Rwandan genocide and shares his Operation Christmas Child experience at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Activities Building, 3000 Bluecutt Road, Columbus. RSVP to the FBC office, 662-328-3915.
Friday, April 13
Old Main Music Festival — Music Maker Productions presents St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Rayland Baxter, LV Baby and more at this music fest at Old Main Amphitheater on the Mississippi State campus. Festival activities begins at 2 p.m. with an art market and outdoor games. Local acts start at 2:30 p.m.; main stage begins at 6:30 p.m. Visit msuconcerts.org.
Friday and Saturday, April 13-14
New Narrative Festival — Mississippi State’s Department of Communications hosts this event at The Mill to explore Mississippi’s contributions to the way “we show, tell and share stories.” Hear from filmmakers, historians, coaches, sports figures and enjoy food, music and hospitality. Learn more at newnarrativefestival.msstate.edu.
Saturday, April 14
Columbus Girlchoir Tour of Homes — The homes of Bob and Linda Drake and Tom and Jean Elmore at Old Waverly in West Point are featured from 10 a.m.-noon in this Columbus Girlchoir fundraiser. Tickets are $20 at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St., from Girlchoir members, or at the door.
LifeChoices Color Run — LifeChoices Pregnancy Care Center’s 5K Color Run and 1-mile run/walk begins at 9 a.m. at the Columbus Riverwalk. Check in/sign-up opens at 8 a.m. $25 adults; $10 kids. For more information and registration, go to mslifechoices.org.
Sunday, April 15
Burger Bash — The third annual Burger Bash from 2 p.m.-until at 803 Fifth Ave. N., Columbus, will benefit Main Street Columbus beautification efforts. Individuals and teams are welcome to enter the casual competition ($25 entry; judging is 5 p.m.) Open to the public. Enjoy live music and jumpers for the kids. For information, contact Colin Krieger, 662-329-7653.
Sundays at the Center — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts the West Point Music Coterie at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free. Visit wpccac.com.
Wednesday, April 18
Clydesdales in Columbus — The Budweiser Clydesdales will make deliveries to six restaurants in downtown Columbus from 5-6 p.m. and hold a public viewing from 6-7 p.m. at Leadership Plaza at the corner of College Street and Fifth Street South. Beer and live music will be available during the public viewing. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Thursday, April 19
Noon Tunes — Dawn Barham entertains at the final free Noon Tunes of spring from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center Courtyard. Lunch by Zachary’s is available for purchase. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Exhibit reception — A free reception from 5:30-7 p.m. celebrates an exhibit by Jacob Crook at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Artwork by Thomas Kennedy will be featured in Artist Alley. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Friday, April 20
Exhibit reception — A reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. in Summer Hall on campus for Mississippi University for Women’s BFA Exhibition featuring art by Emmanuel Johnson, Deidre Mosley, Elizabeth Raines, Johnathan Shedd and Jessica Wallace.
Saturday, April 21
Cotton District Arts Festival — This annual arts festival in Starkville’s Cotton District features art vendors, live music, Taste of Starkville and much more from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Find the schedule at cdafestival.com.
Book signing — Joe Lee signs copies of his new novel “40 Days” at 1 p.m. at Books A Million in Leigh Mall, Columbus.
Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22
Wings Over Columbus — This air and space show at Columbus Air Force Base features aerial performances, static aircraft displays and other ground attractions from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Performers include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, Twin Tigers Formation Aerobatics and more. Find more information at wingsovercolumbus.net.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.