Thursday, May 3
National Day of Prayer — The community is invited to an observance of the National Day of Prayer that begins at noon in front of the Lowndes County Courthouse, Second Avenue North, Columbus.
Friday and Saturday, May 4-5
Market Street Festival — Columbus’ 23rd annual MSF kicks off with a “Tropical Paradise” night of music at the Riverwalk May 4. Wear your favorite island attire to hear the Mississippi Lions All State Band from 6-7 p.m., followed by A1A, “The Official and Original Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show,” from 8-10 p.m. Saturday includes art, craft and food vendors, live music and festivities from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit marketstreetfestival.com or contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305, for more information.
Saturday, May 5
Starkville Community Market — This Starkville farmers’ market begins opening on Saturdays in summer from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Fire Station Park, on Lampkin at Russell Street. The market is also open Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. Visit starkvillecommunitymarket.org.
Tuesday, May 8
Writer’s talk, book signing — The Columbus Arts Council hosts Michael Kardos at a book signing and light reception from 5:30-7 p.m. for his new novel, “Bluff,” at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Kardos gives a writer’s talk with Q&A at 6 p.m. Free. For more information, visit columbusarts.org or call 662-328-2787.
Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration — This 6 p.m. production of the MSMS African-American History Class and MSMS Voices in Harmony choir at Sandfield Cemetery, 2500 College St., Columbus, includes a historical performance with music and drama, along with exploring 19th- and early-20th-century African-American leaders in Columbus and surrounding area. Free to the public.
Thursday, May 10
Book signing — Bill Darnell of Caledonia attends a book signing for his book about that community, “One Light City,” from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. at Caledonia United Methodist Church (North Wolfe Road entrance, behind Main Street). Refreshments will be served. For information, call 662-402-7900 or 662-402-7901.
CHS concert — The Columbus High School Varsity Singers present a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church Jeff Artz Building, 602 Collee St. in Columbus.
Friday, May 11
Spring Luncheon — This annual community-wide spring event at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 318 College St., Columbus, is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and includes a bake sale. Chicken salad or barbecue plates are $10. Takeout orders will be accepted May 9-10 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and May 11 (8-10 a.m.) at 662-328-6673 or fax 662-328-6384.
King Cotton Crawfish Boil — Come out to Starkville’s Cotton District for crawfish and fixins, beer and beverages from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 each at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 200 E. Main St. or at Visit kingcottoncrawfishboil.com.
Friday Night Jams — The West Point/Clay County Arts Councils hosts Friday Night Jams, an informal evening of live music at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free.
Saturday, May 12
Farmers Market Grand Opening — Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers Market at Second Avenue and Second Street N. hosts its 2018 season grand opening from 7-10 a.m. Find fresh produce, arts and crafts, baked goods, kids’ activities and entertainment. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Sunday, May 13
“A Tribute to Mom” — The Columbus Choral Society presents this Mother’s Day concert at 2 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., followed by refreshments. Alisa Toy conducts. Admission is $10; children with their mothers are $5.
Thursday, May 17
Downtown at Sundown — This free summer concert series on third Thursdays May through August in Starkville kicks off with music from 7-9 p.m. at Fire Station Park. Locations will vary every month. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. No coolers, please. For more information, contact The Partnership, 662-323-3322.
Saturday, May 19
Color Run and Walk — Life Choices Pregnancy Center hosts a 5K and 1-mile Color Run and Walk at 9 a.m. at the Columbus Riverwalk. Sign-in opens at 8 a.m. Registration is $25 adults; $10 kids, with prizes for the top fundraisers. Register at mslifechoices.org.
Sunday, May 20
Sundays at the Center — Voice students of Betty and Thomas Griffin perform at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free.
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 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.