Thursday, June 2
Exhibit opening — The Columbus Arts Council hosts a free reception opening an exhibit of paintings by Ellen Langford at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Me & My Fiddle — Following the reception above, fiddler Aidan Dunkelberg of Columbus and friends present a program of fiddle music at 7 p.m. in the Columbus Arts Council’s Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. $6 in advance; $8 at the door. Limited seating. Visit columbus-arts.org or call 662-328-2787.
Friday, June 3
Down on the River Gala — A fundraising gala for the Loaves and Fishes Community Soup Kitchen begins at 6 p.m. at Lion Hills Center, Columbus. Food, live music by Honeyboy & Boots, a silent auction and raffle highlight the event. Tickets are $40 at Military Hardware, Helping Hands, and churches including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church. For more information, call Ann Sparkman, 662-386-2585, or Cindy Wiygul, 662-251-0954.
Saturday, June 4
Island Paddle Fest — A canoe, kayak and paddleboard race at 9 a.m. benefits the Lowndes County Imagination Library. Must be 13 or older to participate in this 5.5-mile race course that begins and ends at the Columbus Riverwalk. Registration $40 online at islandpaddlefest.org.
Freedom Creek Festival — The 19th annual Freedom Creek Blues Festival, founded by the late Willie King, features gospel and blues from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Cookieman’s Place, 1438 Wilder Circle, Aliceville, Alabama. Suggested admissions donation $10. For information, go to freedomcreek.org or call 205-366-1307.
Sunday, June 5
Exhibit opening — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts the opening of an exhibit by John Ward and Pat Gavin at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free to the public. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Thursday, June 9
Sounds of Summer — The Juke Joint Gypsies kick off this free concert series at the Columbus Riverwalk from 7-9 p.m., presented by Main Street Columbus and The Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. Concessions available; lawn chairs, blankets welcome. Other concert dates are June 23, July 7 and 21. For more information, contact MSC, 662-328-6305.
Thursday and Saturday,
June 9 and 11
Friends book sale — The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library hosts a book sale June 9 from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and June 11 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the library, 314 Seventh St. N. Proceeds purchase new books and fund activities including the children’s summer reading program. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Friday, June 10
CD release party — The Shane Tubbs Band holds a release party for its debut CD, “Welcome to the Show,” at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Doors open 7 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m. $5 admission. Beverages available for purchase.
Sunday, June 12
Sundays at the Center — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts the Gospel Nightcrawlers at the Louise Campbell Center, 235 Commerce St., West Point, at 2 p.m. Free to the public. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678.
Friday and Saturday,
June 17-18
Juneteenth — This free event features family activities plus live blues, gospel and rap music at Sim Scott Park, 20th Street North. Music Friday at 8 p.m.; Music and activities Saturday are 10 a.m.-until. For more information, call 662-251-8125.
Friday, July 1
Fireworks on the Water — Celebrate Independence Day with live entertainment, children’s activities, food and fireworks at the Columbus Lock and Dam from 5-10 p.m. More information coming soon.
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