Now through May 1
■ Annual Celebration of Quilts: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library hosts its annual quilt exhibition at the downtown library, 314 Seventh St. N. in Columbus. The display features a collection of quilts showcasing local tradition and craftsmanship. The exhibit may be viewed during regular business hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Saturday and Sunday
■ Hairspray: Golden Triangle Theatre presents “Hairspray” at The Lyceum at Lee, 1815 Military Road in Columbus. Performances are at 7 p.m. on March 21 and 2:30 on March 22. For more information or tickets, visit goldentriangletheatre.com.
Saturday
■ Starkville Pickleball Tournament: The Rotary Foundation hosts a pickleball tournament beginning at 8 a.m. at McKee Park, 500 Lynn Lane in Starkville. The competition includes beginner, medium and advanced categories with awards for top finishers. Participants must register in advance as slots are limited. To register visit eventbrite.com and search “Starkville Rotary club.”
■ Marvin’s Farmers Market Grand Opening: Marvin’s and Golden Triangle Happenings host the grand opening of the market’s new season from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 939 Alabama St. in Columbus. The event features a variety of local vendors and food trucks. The market will remain open every Saturday throughout the season.
■ Oktibbeha County Master Gardener Plant Sale: The Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners host a plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon in the People’s Dental parking lot, 48 Lynn Lane, Suite D, in Starkville. The event features a variety of plants for purchase.
■ Nature Journaling: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library hosts a nature journaling session at 9 a.m. at the Plymouth Bluff Center, 2200 Old West Point Road in Columbus. Participants will explore techniques for documenting the natural world through sketching and writing.
■ Starkville Spring Open House: The Greater Starkville Development Partnership and Downtown Starkville host their citywide shopping event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Starkville. For a full list of participating local businesses and special deals, visit starkville.org.
■ NACUSA Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents the National Association of Composers USA New Music Concert at 2 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. Admission is free.
Sunday
■ Spring Fling: Jamison Pastures, 781 Wolfe Road, hosts a Spring Fling from noon to 6 p.m. This free event features a petting zoo, vendors and food.
■ Starkville Strong Monthly Grocery Distribution: Miami Dolphins linebacker and former MSU standout Willie Gay Jr. partners with Starkville Strong for a community grocery event beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Starkville. Sign-in for volunteers begins at 12:30. Operating under the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative, the event features a grocery store-style pantry where participants can select essential items. The event is open to the public. For more information, visit starkvillestrong.org.
Monday, March 23
■ An Asylum for Mankind: As part of the America250 program, the library presents a screening of Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” at 6 p.m. in the Nissan Auditorium on the Mississippi University for Women campus.
Tuesday, March 24
■ Easy Metalsmithing Workshop: The West Point/Clay County Arts Council and the North Mississippi Gem & Mineral Society will host a jewelry design workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St. in West Point. Participants will learn fold forming, hammering and annealing techniques to create a copper pendant and earrings. The fee is $40 and includes all materials. To register, contact Kathy Dyess at (662) 494-5678 or email [email protected].
■ Meet the Author: Elise Smith: Art historian and author Elise Smith will discuss her book, “Southern Women, Southern Landscapes: Cultural Reflections on the Garden, 1870-1890.” This event will take place in the Gail P. Gunter Room at MUW’s Fant Library at 12:30 p.m.
■ MSU PrepareAthon: The Mississippi State University Office of Emergency Management hosts a preparedness event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YMCA Plaza. Admission is free.
■ Women’s History Trivia Night: Celebrate Women’s History Month with a fun, fast-paced Trivia Night hosted by MUW’s Women’s College in collaboration with Munson and Brothers Trading Post. The event will begin at 6 p.m at Munson and Brothers in Columbus.
■ Spring Recital: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents its Spring Recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Wednesday, March 25
■ CYP Lunch Connection: Columbus Young Professionals and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce invite young professionals to a networking lunch at noon at Zachary’s, 205 5th St. N. in Columbus. The event is open to the public and offers a relaxed setting to connect and build relationships.
■ Feminist Book Club: The club will meet at 4 p.m. at Friendly City Books to discuss Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”
Thursday, March 26–Sunday, March 29
■ Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament: Visit Columbus hosts the Bassmaster Elite Series at the Columbus Marina. Daily boat takeoffs begin at 7 a.m., followed by weigh-ins at 3 p.m. An outdoor expo with vendors and interactive exhibits runs Saturday and Sunday starting at noon, featuring daily live music. For more information, visit bassmaster.visitcolumbusms.org.
Thursday, March 26
■ College & Career Fair: Columbus High School hosts its fair from 8:30-11 a.m. To confirm a business, contact Tiffinie Johnson at [email protected].
■ Mo-Math with MSMS Friends: Students from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science lead “Mo-Math” activities at 4 p.m. at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. The program is designed for children ages 3 and up to engage with mathematical concepts through play.
■ Master Gardener’s Spring Educational Event: The Lowndes County Master Gardeners host a free educational event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lowndes County Extension Office, 485 Tom Rose Rd.. Presenters include Stephanie Maher on homesteading, Monroe County Extension Agent Kayla Dowden on seeds, and Julie Boerger on basket weaving. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (601) 937-1672.
Friday, March 27
■ Music in the Library: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents a performance at 2 p.m. in Fant Memorial Library on the MUW campus.
■ Battle of the Bartenders: The Starkville Main Street Association hosts a craft cocktail competition from 6-8 p.m. on South Lafayette Street in Starkville. Tickets are $50 in advance. Proceeds benefit the Starkville Main Street Association. For more information, visit starkville.org.
Saturday, March 28
■ Pictures with the Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny will be at Leadership Plaza in downtown Columbus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for photos. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, March 30
■ City Wide Community Bingo and Social Services Expo: Ward 4 Councilwoman Lavonne Latham Harris hosts a community event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Trotter Convention Center (Upper Level) in Columbus. The event is open to all residents. For information regarding free vendor space for social services, call (662) 328-4935.
■ Starkville Easter Egg Hunt: The Starkville Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Easter egg hunt at 5:30 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex lower softball fields, 405 Lynn Lane. The event is free and open to children ages 12 and under, with fields divided by age group. Families are encouraged to arrive early, and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos following the hunt.
Tuesday, March 31
■ Fashioning a Revolution: The library presents “Fashioning a Revolution: How Americans Bought, Fought, and Taught Their New Nation Into Being” at 5:30 p.m. at 314 7th St. N. in Columbus. The America 250 program explores the role of textiles and clothing in the early American republic.
Wednesday, April 1
■ Making Money Moves: Cecilia Brooks and Andrew Luccasen will discuss investment strategies at 4 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room at The Mississippi University for Women’s Fant Library.
Thursday, April 2
■ April Gallery Exhibition: The Columbus Arts Council hosts an art opening for Columbus High and Middle School from 5:30-7 p.m. at 501 Main St. in Columbus. The exhibition features diverse student artworks on display.
Friday, April 3
■ Family Day at the Lake: Fairview Baptist Church hosts a family night from 6-7 p.m. at Lake Lowndes State Park. The event includes worship, hamburgers, hot dogs, and an egg hunt for children. Participants are encouraged to bring a chair. Registration is required at fvbchurch.org/events.
Tuesday, April 7
■ Chamber Singers Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Chamber Singers perform their Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Tuesday, April 7–Sunday, April 19
■ Columbus Spring Pilgrimage: The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts the annual Spring Pilgrimage featuring tours of 18 pre-Civil War homes, including the final tour appearance of the Amzi Love Home. The celebration includes candlelight tours and special events throughout the city. Tickets and full schedules are available at visitcolumbusms.org.
Wednesday, April 8
■ Tales from the Crypt: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System and the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science present “Tales from the Crypt” on April 8, 10, 15, and 17 at historic Friendship Cemetery. The annual event features MSMS students performing monologues based on research of individuals buried in the cemetery. Candlelit tours begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at tickets.visitcolumbusms.org/event/2026-tales-from-the-crypt/.
Thursday, April 9
■ Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture: The Mississippi University for Women Gordy Honors Forum presents Doris Taylor at 6 p.m. in Kossen Auditorium in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus.
Friday, April 10
■ Birdies & Boil: The EMCC Foundation and PATH present the third annual “Birdies & Boil” golf tournament and shrimp boil at Lion Hills Golf Course in Columbus. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. The shrimp boil begins at 4 p.m. Four-person teams are $700, and individual shrimp boil tickets are $25. For more information, contact Tony Montgomery at (662) 476-5025 or visit bit.ly/4tFTVLk.
■ Music in the Library: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music performs at 2 p.m. in Fant Memorial Library on the MUW campus.
■ Blues with a Side of Soul: This event takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Catfish Alley Stage near 117 Third St. S. in downtown Columbus. The program includes live blues music and $20 catfish plate lunches. Proceeds and activities are part of the annual Catfish in the Alley festival. To pre-order lunch, call (662) 329-1191.
■ Ballet Performance: Ballet Columbus presents Ballet Magnificat!’s original production, “The Call,” at 7 p.m. at Vibrant Church in Columbus. Tickets are available at tickettailor.com/events/balletcolumbus/2087745.
Saturday, April 11
■ Kites and Rainbows Run: Friends of Children’s Hospital hosts a community race beginning at 7:30 a.m. at The Junction on the Mississippi State University campus. The event features several races. Proceeds benefit Children’s of Mississippi. Participants can register online at raceroster.com/events/2026/110321/kites-and-rainbows-run.
■ Veterans Resource Fair: The Mississippi State University Center for America’s Veterans hosts a resource fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bost Extension Center, 190 Bost Drive. The event is open to all veterans, active-duty members, reservists, National Guard members and their families. Attendees will have direct access to health services, career networking and benefits experts. For more information, contact Justin Brown at (662) 325-6720.
■ MSU International Fiesta: Mississippi State University’s Center for Student Activities and the World Neighbors Association host the 34th annual International Fiesta at 11 a.m. on the MSU Drill Field. One of the university’s largest campus events, the fiesta features a colorful parade of flags, international cuisine, cultural crafts, and live entertainment from around the globe. The event is free and open to the public.
■ King Cotton Crawfish Boil: Downtown Starkville hosts the King Cotton Crawfish Boil from 1-3 p.m. at The Hub Plaza, 301 E. Main St. Local cooking teams will compete for bragging rights with original crawfish recipes and side dishes. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door and include unlimited crawfish tastings.
■ Catfish in the Alley: The annual downtown Columbus festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. in historic Catfish Alley on Fourth St. S. The event includes live blues and gospel music, local vendors in Artisans Alley, and guided walking tours along the African American Cultural Trail. For more information, call (662) 329-1191.
Sunday, April 12
■ Artist Meet and Greet: The Warehouse Market hosts an “Artist Meet & Greet” at 1 p.m. at 1008 Lynn Lane in Starkville. The event offers the public an opportunity to meet local creators and the faces behind the brands featured at the market.
■ Mississippi’s Intergalactic Walk for Diabetes: The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi hosts a community walk at the Riverwalk in downtown Columbus. Registration begins at 1 p.m., with the walk starting at 2 p.m. The family-friendly event includes lunch and children’s activities, with all proceeds supporting programs for Mississippians living with diabetes, including Camp Kandu and emergency patient assistance. For more information or to register a team, visit msdiabetes.donordrive.com or call (601) 957-7878.
Tuesday, April 14
■ Golden Triangle Fiber Arts Guild Meeting: The Golden Triangle Fiber Arts Guild meets at 5:30 p.m. at Starkville Presbyterian Church, 280 Linden Circle. The session focuses on unusual sweater construction methods, and participants are encouraged to bring patterns to share, new or finished projects, and a current project to work on. The guild welcomes all levels of adult fiber artists, including those who knit, crochet, weave, and spin.
■ Student Showcase: The Mississippi University for Women Music Student Showcase takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Thursday, April 16
■ Regional Business After Hours: The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Greater Starkville Development Partnership, and West Point Clay County Growth Alliance host a networking event at 5:30 p.m. at the PACCAR Remanufacturing Facility. Attendees must enter through the South Security Gate on Charleigh D. Ford Jr. Dr.
Friday, April 17
■ Piano Students’ Recital: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music performs at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Friday, April 17–Sunday, April 19
■ Porch Fest: Munson & Brothers hosts a three-day music festival at 301 2nd Ave. N. in Columbus. The event features more than 20 bands and artists from across the country performing folk, Americana, and rock music. The festival also includes food and beer.
Saturday, April 18
■ Cotton District Arts Festival: The annual Cotton District Arts Festival takes place throughout the day in the Cotton District in Starkville. The event features a wide array of local and regional art, live music performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. For more information and a schedule of events, visit cdafestival.com.
■ Bulldog Invitational Judo Tournament: Hosted by Downtown Martial Arts Academy, this tournament takes place in Starkville from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost to participate is $50. Registration is available online at smoothcomp.com/en/event/28075.
■ Breakfast with the Ponies: The Mississippi State University Equestrian Team hosts its annual spring community event from 8-11 a.m. at the MSU Horse Unit. Activities include breakfast, pony rides, and horse grooming sessions. Payment is accepted via cash or check only. Registration is required by April 16. To register, email Head Coach Ashley Glenn at [email protected].
■ Blue Bonnet Trailblazer Run: The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old West Point Road. Registration is $30 before April 6.
■ Lee High School 60 Year Reunion: The Lee High graduating class of 1966 will be gathering at the Lion Hills Club in Columbus to have their 60 year reunion. The event begins at 3 p.m., and all 1966 graduates are invited to attend.
■ Del Rendon Music Festival: The Del Rendon Foundation hosts its 20th annual music festival from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, 410 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive E. in Starkville. The event features a lineup of musicians and artists and serves as a major fundraiser to support the arts in the Golden Triangle.
Saturday, April 18–Sunday, April 19
■ Spring Plant Sale: The Lowndes County Master Gardeners host a spring plant sale at the Lowndes County Agri-Center & Pavilion, 485 Tom Rose Road in Columbus. The sale runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Featured items include natives, vegetables, trees, butterfly plants, heirlooms, herbs and more. Payments are accepted via cash, check, or credit card.
Wednesday, April 22
■ Feminist Book Club: The club will meet at 4 p.m. at Friendly City Books to discuss Florence Given’s “Women Don’t Owe You Pretty.”
Friday, April 24–Saturday, April 25
■ Musical – “She Loves Me”: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents “She Loves Me” at 7:30 p.m. nightly in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus.
Saturday, April 25
■ Healthy Kids Day: The Columbus YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Y. The event features hands-on activities and movement challenges designed to help children stay active and healthy throughout the summer. The event is free and open to the public.
■ The Starkville Derby: Mama Justice presents the annual Starkville Derby beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Cotton District in Starkville. The “world’s largest weenie dog race” also features nearly 200 food and art vendors, flyovers, live music and a kids’ zone. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and racing begins at 11:15. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Candle-Making Workshop: The Columbus Arts Council hosts a hands-on candle-making workshop with Victoria Robinson at 10 a.m. at 501 Main St. in Columbus. Participants can learn to blend scents and create their own candles. Registration is required by April 11 at columbusartscouncil.com/tickets.
Monday, April 27
■ Wind Ensemble & Brass Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Wind Ensemble and The Ody Brass Collective perform their Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Tuesday, April 28
■ Jazz Ensemble Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Jazz Ensemble performs its Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Thursday, April 30
■ Visitor’s Breakfast: Starkville BNI (Business Network International) hosts a visitor’s breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Central Station Grill, 200 S. Montgomery St. in Starkville. Local business owners and professionals are invited to network and learn about referral-based marketing.
■ Power of the Purse: United Way of the Golden Triangle Region hosts its inaugural Power of the Purse from 6-9 p.m. at The Hill and Moor. The event features a luxury purse auction, silent auction, luxury bag raffles, and a wine and bourbon pull-down. The Power of the Purse Philanthropist of the Year Award will also be presented. Tickets are $100 in advance or $125 at the door.
Saturday, May 2
■ Zach Bryan in Concert: Zach Bryan performs at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville as part of his “Quittin Time” tour. The concert features support from special guests Dijon and J.R. Carroll. For ticket information and show times, visit https://hailstate.evenue.net/events/ZBtour
Saturday, May 9
■ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market Grand Opening and Kid’s Market: Main Street Columbus celebrates the season opening of the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market from 7-10 a.m. at the corner of 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue North. In addition to local produce and sustainable goods, the event features a “Kid’s Market” where entrepreneurs ages 6-16 can sell homegrown and handmade items. For more information, visit hitchinglotfarmersmarket.com or call (662) 328-6305.
■ Homeschool Yo Kids Expo: The Homeschool Yo Kids non-profit organization hosts its national traveling expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Columbus Homeschool Resource Center, 515 N. Lehmberg Rd. in Columbus. The event is designed for those new to or considering homeschooling to learn about resources and support groups available in the Golden Triangle region. Members of the East Columbus Homeschool Organization (ECHO) will be present as exhibitors. For tickets or more information, visit homeschoolyokidsexpo.com.
Saturday, May 30
■ The Great Fossil Chase: Main Street Columbus hosts “The Great Fossil Chase” from 3-6 p.m. at the Dr. John “Jack” Kaye Cretaceous Fossil Park. Participants wishing to race must bring their own inflatable dinosaur or shark costume. Sign-up for races is required by 4 p.m., with races beginning at 4:30 p.m. for various age groups ranging from 6 to 60+ years old. For more information, call (662) 328-6305 or visit columbusmainstreet.com.
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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.

