Now through Jan. 31
■ Eudora Welty Traveling Exhibit: The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will host a traveling exhibit featuring a collection of photos and short stories by Eudora Welty throughout January. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular museum hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Donations are appreciated.

Now through Feb. 20
■ Candace Spearman Exhibition: The W Galleries in Summer Hall present “Candace Spearman: Black White Photography.” The exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17
■ MLK Dry Food Drive: The Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee will host a dry food drive from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gymnasium at the former Mary Holmes College in West Point. Donations of dry and canned foods, such as beans, rice, pasta, flour and sugar, are requested. Collections will benefit the West Point Food Pantry.
■ Community Blood Drive: Free Form Martial Arts and Vitalant will host a community blood drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Christian Church, 811 N. McCrary Road. Donors will be received at the Vitalant Bloodmobile on site.

Sunday, Jan. 18
■ SlayerFest: Munson and Brothers Trading Post, 301 Second Ave. N., will host SlayerFest, a punk rock benefit in remembrance of Sean and Nikki Frank. Doors open at 2 p.m., and bands begin performing at 3 p.m. The event includes barbecue nacho plates, tattoo raffles and beer for sale.
■ “The Book of Will” Auditions: Starkville Community Theatre will host auditions for “The Book of Will” at 6 p.m. upstairs at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St. The play, written by Lauren Gunderson, tells the true story of the friends who worked to preserve Shakespeare’s plays after his death. Auditions consist of scene readings. For more information, contact the director at [email protected].

Monday, Jan. 19
■ Columbus MLK Celebration: The City of Columbus will host its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, themed “From Words to Work: Pressing Beyond the Dream,” beginning with a Freedom Walk. Lineup begins at 8 a.m. at the Municipal Complex, 1501 Main St., with the walk starting at 8:30 a.m. The walk concludes at the Trotter Convention Center for a Prayer Breakfast, followed by a reading of the “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.” Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items.
■ MLK Day March and Celebration: The annual West Point Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration will begin with a march at 9 a.m. Marchers will assemble at East Half Mile Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive (the Navistar/Old B&W parking lot) and proceed through town to the former Mary Holmes College gymnasium. A program will follow at the gymnasium at 9:45 a.m.
■ “The Book of Will” Auditions: Starkville Community Theatre will continue auditions for “The Book of Will” at 6 p.m. upstairs at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
■ Sports and Community Discussion: The MSU Arts & Sciences’ Institute for the Humanities will present “More Than Just A Game: A Conversation about Sports and Community” at 6:30 p.m. at Taylormade Fitness, 306 University Drive. The discussion features Chase Taylor, Victoria Woodberry, and Dr. Rachel Allison exploring the role of sports in building connections.

Wednesday, Jan. 21
■ Business Over Breakfast: Columbus Young Professionals and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce will host a networking breakfast at 8 a.m. at Harvey’s, 200 Main St. The event is open to the public.

Thursday, Jan. 22
■ 2026 Mississippi Banquet: The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Mississippi chapter will host its 2026 banquet at The Gathering Starkville, 1437 Fire Station Road. The event celebrates the people and passion driving wild turkey habitat conservation. For time and ticket information, contact Taylor Jackson at [email protected].
■ Gallery Reception: A reception for the Candace Spearman “Black White Photography” exhibition will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The W Galleries in Summer Hall.

Saturday, Jan. 24
■ Downtown Starkville Warehouse Sale: Downtown Starkville retailers will host a warehouse sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the former Western Auto building, 308 University Drive. Admission is free.
■ Coloring & Connection: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will host an all-ages coloring and puzzle event beginning at 10 a.m.
■ Mimosas & Mortgages: Renasant Mortgage Lending and Legacy Real Estate Group will host “Mimosas & Mortgages: The Homebuyer Brunch Experience” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 605 Second Ave. N. in Columbus. The event features mortgage banker Marnie Gayle, realtor Clauneisha Howard, and Peyton Mann of MS Home Corp discussing the homebuying process. To register, text (662) 299-0082.
■ This Is My Story Women’s Conference: First Baptist Starkville, 106 E. Lampkin St., will host the “This Is My Story Women’s Conference,” a one-day event where women share stories of tragedy, interruption and triumph. The event features worship and speakers from every generation. Registration is $30. To register, visit fbcstarkville.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3204124.
■ Baroque Splendor: The Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra will present “Baroque Splendor: An Evening with J.S. Bach” at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Building Recital Hall, 124 Hardy Road, Mississippi State University. The concert features an all-Bach program, including Orchestral Suite No. 1, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and the Wedding Cantata. General admission is $25 for ages 17 and older and $10 for ages under 17.

Sunday, Jan. 25
■ “Reel Love for Max” Benefit Fish Fry: Zachary’s, 205 Fifth St. N., will host a community fish fry and silent auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes plate lunches, with all proceeds supporting Max Osburn and his mother, Carmen. Tickets are $20.

Tuesday, Jan. 27
■ Ida B. Wells Presentation: A presentation titled “Ida B. Wells: The Mother of the American Human Rights Movement” will be held at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.

Thursday, Jan. 29
■ Business Over Breakfast: Columbus Young Professionals will host a networking breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Events Off 5th. The event is free and open to the public.

Friday, Jan. 30
■ Faculty Voice Recital: The W Department of Music presents a Faculty Voice Recital featuring tenor Zane Lynn and pianist William Reber at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, Feb. 5
■ Black Excellence Exhibition Opening: The Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St., will host the opening reception for the 2nd Annual Black Excellence Art Exhibition at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6
■ Music in the Library: The W Department of Music presents a performance at 2 p.m. in Fant Memorial Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Friday, Feb. 6–Saturday, Feb. 7
■ Crappie Tournament: The Magnolia Crappie Club will host a tournament on Columbus Lake. The event is open to the public, and no club membership is required. Start times will be announced closer to the date. For rules and entry fee information, visit magnoliacrappieclub.com/.

Saturday, Feb. 7
■ Bluebird House Workshop: Friends of Noxubee Refuge will host a bluebird house building workshop for ages 4 to 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Noxubee Refuge Visitor Center. Supplies are furnished.
■ Diamonds & Dancing Gala: Trinity Place Retirement Community will present “The Diamonds & Dancing Gala” at the Trotter Convention Center, 402 Second Ave. N. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a concert by Blue Eyed Brass running from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The event features heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and music. Tickets are a $50 donation, and proceeds benefit The Sunday Fund. For tickets, call (662) 370-1865.

Saturday, Feb. 7– Sunday, Feb. 8
■ Golden Triangle Invitational: Golden Triangle Ultimate will host the 4th annual “Golden Triangle Invitational” (part of The Golden Gauntlet) men’s collegiate tournament Columbus Soccer Complex. This sanctioned College Regular Season event features teams competing for a $1,000 prize. For schedule and spectator information, email [email protected].

Tuesday, Feb. 10
■ Black History Month Concert: The W Department of Music will host a Black History Month Celebration Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. Admission is free.

Friday, Feb. 12
■ Book Talk: The Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St., will host author W. Ralph Eubanks at 5:30 p.m. for a discussion of his book, “When It’s Darkness on the Delta: How America’s Richest Soil Became Its Poorest Land”.
■ Blues Concert: The Columbus Arts Council will host Edna Nicole & Rev. Slim as part of the Morgan Freeman Mississippi Blues Tour at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 13
■ Valentine Hoedown: The Columbus Recreation Department will host a “Valentine Hoedown After School Party” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sim Scott Community Center, 909 20th St. N. The event features door prizes, food, and country western attire. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance.

Friday, Feb. 13–Saturday, Feb. 14
■ Rotary Classic Rodeo: The Starkville Rotary Club will host the annual Rotary Classic Rodeo at the Mississippi Horse Park, 869 E. Poor House Road. On Friday, gates open at 6 p.m. and action begins at 7 p.m., with children 12 and under admitted free. On Saturday, gates open at 5 p.m. with pony rides and a petting zoo available until 6:30 p.m., followed by the rodeo at 7 p.m.; tickets for ages 4–12 are $5, and children 3 and under are admitted free. Adult tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Saturday, Feb. 14–Sunday, Feb. 15
■ Golden Triangle Women’s Open: Golden Triangle Ultimate will host the “Golden Triangle Women’s Open” Columbus Soccer Complex. This is the first-ever USA Ultimate sanctioned collegiate tournament in Mississippi. Teams will compete for a $500 prize and bid fee refund. For schedule and spectator information, email [email protected].

Tuesday, Feb. 17
■ MUW Voice Students’ Recital: The W Department of Music presents a Voice Students’ Recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall. Admission is free.

Wednesday, Feb. 18
■ Art History in the Making: The MUW Women’s College Colloquium Speaker Series presents independent scholar Sheryl Jefferies discussing three southern women artists, including Columbus native Elayne Goodman, at 4 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room at Fant Library.

Friday, Feb. 20
■ Historic Markers Dedication: Visit Columbus will hold a ceremony for the dedication of Historic Markers for Henry Baker, Jr. (Main Street & 9th Street) and the original site of Union Academy (9th Avenue South) at 11 a.m.
■ Legacy & Leadership Gala: Visit Columbus Mississippi will present “The Legacy & Leadership Gala: Celebrating Black Excellence” at the Trotter Convention Center, 402 Second Ave. N. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m. The evening features guest speaker Dr. Jamal Bryant, host Comedian Rita Brent, and Red Carpet MC Rick “Don’t Go” Mason. For tickets and more information, call (662) 400-0873.

Saturday, Feb. 21
■ Museum Miles 5K: The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, 206 Fellowship St., will host the annual “Museum Miles: Race Through History 5K.” The race starts and finishes at the museum, and proceeds support the modernization of exhibits. All ages are welcome. To register, visit.oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com/5k.
■ Boxing Classic: The Trotter Convention Center will host the Henry Armstrong Boxing Classic at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 24
■ MUW New Music Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents “New Music at the W” at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on MUW Campus. Admission is free.

Wednesday, Feb. 25
■ Feminist Book Club: 1884 Fellow Lessa Harvey’s Feminist Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. at Friendly City Books in downtown Columbus to discuss Caitlin Moran’s “What About Men?”
■ Forever Legends Concert: The Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St., will present “Forever Legends: Melodies that Shaped Us,” a tribute concert celebrating African American music legends, at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28
■ A Mardi Gras Celebration: The Starkville-MSU Symphony Association will host a fundraising gala at The Gathering Place on Fire Station Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with music by the HepKats. The evening includes a silent auction and dinner by Brian Michael Catering featuring shrimp and chicken gumbo. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased by calling Elizabeth Hawkins at (662) 312-4882 or Rex Buffington at (662) 612-1060 (online tickets are not accepted). Valet parking is available, and attendees are encouraged to wear Mardi Gras attire.