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 Saturday, gates open at 5 p.m. with pony rides and a petting zoo available until 6:30, followed by the rodeo at 7; 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].
Sunday, Feb. 15
■ “Human Chain” Book Move: Friendly City Books invites the community to help form a “human chain” to move inventory from its location at 423 Main St. to its new home at 109 Fifth St. N. The event begins at 2 p.m.
■ “Friends & Lovers” Market and Concert: The Starkville Area Arts Council and Starkville DIY present the “Friends & Lovers” market and a performance by band Bleed Your Heart Out at Triangle Trading Post, 10307 MS-182. The market runs from 5 to 8 p.m., with concert doors opening at 6 p.m. and music starting at 7.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
■ MAC Grant Presentation: The Mississippi Arts Commission will host a presentation for grant applicants at noon at the Columbus Arts Council. MAC Representative Leslie will discuss available grants, programs and the application process. The event is free and open to artists, arts organizations and nonprofits. For more information, call (601) 359-6030.
■ Kimiko Hahn Poetry Reading: Mississippi State University hosts acclaimed New York poet Kimiko Hahn for an evening of readings and discussion at 5:30 p.m. in McCool Hall’s Taylor Auditorium. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of English, the event is free and open to the public. A Q&A session and book signing will follow.
■ J.L. King Center Mardi Gras Ball: The J.L. King Community Center will host its 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Gathering, 1437 Fire Station Road in Starkville. The fundraising event features authentic Creole-inspired cuisine and live music, with proceeds benefiting the center’s youth and adult programs. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at jlkingcenter.org/mardigrasball.
■ 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.
Thursday, Feb. 19
■ Books and Authors Program: Friends of the Starkville Library will host author Gerry Wilson at noon at the Starkville Public Library. She will discuss her debut novel, “That Pinson Girl.” Refreshments will be served at 11:30 a.m.
■ “The Emmett Till Generation” Lunch and Learn: Dr. Daphne Chamberlain presents “The Emmett Till Generation: Youth Activism, Radical Protest, and Social Change in Jim Crow Mississippi” at 12 p.m. in the Downtown Library Meeting Room, 314 7th St. N.. The presentation explores the role of children and teens (ages 7–18) in the civil rights movement from 1946–1965. Lunch is provided by the Friends of the Library.
■ Lowndes County MILC League Celebration: The Northeast Mississippi Healthy Start Program celebrates the Lowndes County Making an Impact in the Lactation Community League (MILC) from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the YMCA Downtown Columbus, 602 Second Ave. N.. The event marks one year of providing breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. For questions, contact Jennifer Briggs at (601) 720-2818.
■ A&S Book Tasting: Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Sciences hosts a “Showcase of Authors” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the John Grisham Room of Mitchell Memorial Library. The free event features faculty authors sharing their recent works, paired with samples of MSU cheese (including Edam) and muscadine grape juice.
■ Laymen Fellowship: Mt. Peiler M.B. Church, 840 N. Jackson St. in Starkville, will host a Laymen Fellowship at 6:30 p.m.. Dinner will be served. For more information, contact Orlando Trainer at (662) 769-0071.
Friday, Feb. 20
■ Business Over Breakfast: The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce will host Business Over Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at 248 Chubby Drive. Hosted by Re/Max Partners and Benton’s, the event offers networking opportunities for local professionals.
■ Historic Marker Dedications: The community is invited to the unveiling of historic marker dedications honoring Henry Baker Jr. and the original site of Union Academy at 11 a.m.. The event begins at the BankFirst parking lot, 900 Main St., with a reception to follow at Visit Columbus, 117 Third St. S..
■ 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. 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” starting at 9 a.m.. The race starts and finishes at the museum, and proceeds support the modernization of exhibits. All ages are welcome. To register, www.oktibbehaheritagemuseum.com/
■ Birding 101: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System hosts the first of a two-part, beginner-friendly birding series led by Rosy Davis at 9:30 a.m. at the Downtown Public Library. This indoor session covers the basics of birding. All ages are welcome.
■ Interview Poetry Workshop: The Arts and Culture Exchange hosts “All in the Same Breath: Interview Poetry Workshop” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Columbus Arts Council (lower level). Using poetry examples and interview-style prompts, participants will explore their lives in a collaborative setting. The event is free, but RSVP is required as space is limited to 10 participants. For information, email [email protected] or call (219) 689-8614.
■ Boxing Classic: The Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus will host the Henry Armstrong Boxing Classic at 5 p.m. For sponsorships and more information, contact Mark at (662) 889-8939
■ Senior Citizens Winter Sneaker Ball: A winter sneaker ball will be held for seniors at the Sim Scott Community Center, 909 20th Street North, Columbus, at 6 p.m. The cost to attend is $10.
■ Science Night at the Museums: Mississippi State University’s Museums and Galleries Committee hosts this free event from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hilbun Hall and the Cobb Institute of Archaeology. The event features science demonstrations, activities, and exhibits for all ages on three floors of Hilbun Hall, the Cobb Institute, and the surrounding grounds.
Sunday, Feb. 22
■ MSMS Black History Celebration: The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science celebrates “100 Years of Black History: Remembering Our Past, Embracing the Future” at 5 p.m. in Cromwell Hall (MUW). The speaker is Damonta Morgan, MSMS Class of 2013.
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?”
Thursday, Feb. 26
■ How Identity Impacts Academics: Presented by The Mississippi University for Women Student Affairs and The Student Success Center in honor of Black History Month, this event begins at 2 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room at the Fant library. The panel discussion features faculty and students exploring how Black identity has shaped their academic experiences.
■ “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. The event is free and open to the public.
■ Sonic Escape: The Mississippi State University Lyceum Series presents Sonic Escape at 7 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Founded by Shawn Wyckoff and Maria Kaneko Millar, the duo uses flute and violin to reimagine classical masterpieces in a program titled “Bach to the Classics.” Tickets are $30 for the general public; MSU students are admitted free.
Thursday, Feb. 27
■ Chili Cook Off: The Mission Men host their 2nd Chili Cook Off from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Mission in West Point. Admission is $10 per person. The event features delicious chili, family fun, competitions, prizes for the top three winners, and a cake auction. All proceeds benefit the Mission Men Program. For entry information, call (662) 391-0131.
Friday, Feb. 27
■ Soul Food Tribute: The Soul Food Tribute Black History Program will be held at the Townsend Community Center at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28
■ Birding 101 Field Trip: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System concludes its birding series with an outdoor session at 9 a.m. at Plymouth Bluff. Led by Rosy Davis, participants will put their skills into practice. The event is open to all ages.
■ Natural Health Expo: Redwood Business & Wellness Center hosts the Natural Health Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5374 Highway 45 N.. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3n2w8xa6.
■ 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.
Wednesday, March 4
■ Music by Women Festival Performance: Julia Mortyakova, Professor and Chair of the Department of Music at Mississippi University for Women, will discuss founding the International Music by Women Festival and perform a piece by a female composer at 4 p.m. in Fant Memorial Library on MUW campus.
Thursday, March 5–Saturday, March 7
■ Music by Women Festival: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music hosts the “Music by Women Festival Concerts” with performances at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 3, 5, and 8 p.m. daily in Poindexter Hall on MUW campus. For more info, visit www.muw.edu/musicbywomen.
Saturday, March 7
■ “All in the Same Breath” Arts & Culture Exchange: The monthly meeting for this creative group takes place at noon at the Columbus Arts Council. The session features five-minute presentations where artists of all sorts can “create and connect” and share works in progress. For more information, visit www.allinthesamebreath.org or call (219) 689-8614.
■ Joy Prom 2026: Mt. Vernon Church will host a full-scale prom for special needs individuals ages 13 and older from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pohl Gymnasium on the Mississippi University for Women campus. The evening features a red carpet arrival, hair and makeup services, food, dancing, and more. Registration is required at https://mtvchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3369079.
Friday, March 13–Saturday, March 14
■ New Hope Festival: The 3rd New Hope Strong Festival takes place at New Hope High School, 2920 New Hope Rd.. The event features craft vendors, games, inflatables, food trucks, and a car show. A concert featuring Lindy Bryson, Small Town Sunday, and Todd Tilghman will be held Friday, March 13 at 6 p.m.. For more information, visit facebook.com/newhopestrong.
Saturday, March 14
■ New Hope Festival 5K Run & Walk: The New Hope Festival will host a 5K at Lake Lowndes State Park, 3319 Lake Lowndes Rd.. Registration begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8. Registration is $25 per participant and includes an official festival t-shirt and race entry.
■ 5th Annual Black Wallstreet Expo ‘26: Hosted by Jewelz by LaThomas & Hollywood Jets, this small business expo takes place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 130 6th Street in West Point, MS. The event features over 40 vendors and hourly giveaways. Admission is free to the general public.
Wednesday, March 18
■ Canadian Brass: The Mississippi State University Lyceum Series presents Canadian Brass at 7 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. The world-renowned brass ensemble performs a wide range of musical styles, from Baroque to Dixieland and jazz. Tickets are $30 for the general public; MSU students are admitted free.
■ Women and the Arts: Quilter and storyteller Dr. J. Janice Coleman will speak at 4 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room at Fant Library at the Mississippi University for Women. Her work, including a quilt inspired by “Beloved” and a tribute to Fannie Lou Hamer, has been exhibited at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
Friday, March 20
■ Guest Artist Recital: Pianist Ellen Elder will perform a Guest Artist Recital at 7:30 p.m. at The Mississippi University for Women in Poindexter Hall. Admission is free.
Saturday, March 21
■ NACUSA Concert: The W Department of Music presents the NACUSA New Music Concert at 2 p.m. in Poindexter Hall at the Mississippi University for Women. Admission is free.
Sunday, March 22
■ Spring Fling: Jamison Pastures, 781 Wolfe Rd., hosts a “Spring Fling” from noon to 6 p.m. to celebrate the season. This free event features food and drinks, arts and crafts vendors, a petting zoo, and baby animals.
Tuesday, March 24
■ MSU PrepareAthon and Build-A-Kit Event: The Mississippi State University Office of Emergency Management hosts this hands-on preparedness event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YMCA Plaza. Participants can build their own emergency kits, engage with responders, and learn safety tips. Admission is free.
■ 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
■ Feminist Book Club: The Feminist Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. at Friendly City Books in downtown Columbus to discuss Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”
Thursday, March 26
■ College & Career Fair: Columbus High School hosts its College & Career Fair from 8:30 to 11 a.m.. To confirm a business for this event, contact Tiffinie Johnson at [email protected] or Jim Sutherland at [email protected].
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.
Thursday, March 26–Sunday, March 29
■ Bassmaster Elite Series: The 2026 Bassmaster Elite at Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway will take place at the Columbus Marina, 259 Marina Drive. Daily takeoffs begin at 7 a.m., and weigh-ins will be held at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1
■ Making Money Moves: Cecilia Brooks and Andrew Luccasen will discuss investment strategies and financial goals at 4 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room at the Mississippi University for Women’s Fant Library.
Tuesday, April 7
■ Chamber Singers Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Chamber Singers will perform their Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Thursday, April 9
■ Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture: The Mississippi University for Women Gordy Honors Forum presents Dr. Doris Taylor, a pioneer in regenerative medicine and CEO of RegenMedix Consulting, at 6 p.m. in Kossen Auditorium in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus.
Friday, April 10
■ 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.
Tuesday, April 14
■ Student Showcase: The Mississippi University for Women Music Student Showcase will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Friday, April 17
■ Piano Students’ Recital: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents a Piano Students’ Recital at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
Saturday, April 18
■ Blue Bonnet Trailblazer Run: The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old West Point Road. The course features gentle hills and riverside paths, and participants are encouraged to decorate a Spring Bonnet for special recognition. Registration is $30 before April 6 and $35 thereafter. T-shirts are guaranteed for those registered by April 6. Cabins are available at muw.edu/plymouthbluff/.
Wednesday, April 22
■ Feminist Book Club: The Feminist Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. at Friendly City Books in downtown Columbus 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 the musical She Loves Me at 7:30 p.m. nightly in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus.
Monday, April 27
■ Wind Ensemble & Brass Concert: The Mississippi University for Women Wind Ensemble and The Ody Brass Collective will 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 will perform its Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.
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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.
