Saturday, April 25
■ Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk: The Progressive Foundation of Clay County, Inc. hosts its seventh annual Sickle Cell 5K Run and Walk at Marshall Park, 147 College St. in West Point. The event includes categories for men, women and youth. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with an entry fee of $20 per person. For more information, call (662) 295-8061 or visit progressivefoundationofclaycounty.com.
■ Healthy Kids Day: The Frank P. Phillips Memorial 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.
■ 9th Annual Edible Book Festival: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System invites the community to the ninth annual Edible Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Columbus Library downtown, 314 Seventh St. N. Create a treat inspired by a book or view the displays. Submissions should be dropped off between 9 and 10 a.m. and picked up at 1:30 p.m.
■ More Than a Bench: A Place to Sit and Be Heard: The Friendship Bench Initiative continues its series with a session at 2 p.m. in the meeting room of the downtown library. The program focuses on providing a supportive space for community members to be heard and find mental health support. For more information, contact Wil’Lani Turner at (662) 329-5297.
■ Musical – “She Loves Me”: The Mississippi University for Women Department of Music presents “She Loves Me” at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus.
Sunday, April 26
■ Starkville Spring Social: The Triangle Trading Post hosts a community social from 1-5 p.m. at 13070 MS-182 in Starkville. The event features vintage clothing, handmade goods, and more. Billed as “an afternoon for community to bloom,” the social offers a space for local vendors and neighbors to connect.
Monday, April 27
■ Lowndes County Tomato Seminar and Contest: The MSU Extension Service hosts a tomato seminar and “Biggest Tomato” contest starting at 6 p.m. at the Lowndes County Extension Office, 485 Tom Rose Rd. Attendees can learn about seed starting, varieties, and best growing practices. Registration for the contest is $5, which includes two tomato plants to take home. For more information, contact the Lowndes County Extension Office at (662) 328-2111.
■ 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.
Friday, May 1
■ Columbus Young Professionals Crawfish & Connections: The Columbus Young Professionals and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce host a networking event starting at 5:30 p.m. at Plymouth Bluff, 2200 Old West Point Rd. in Columbus. The evening offers young professionals a chance to unwind and connect with others in the community over food and drinks. The event is open to regular attendees and those new to the area looking to grow their network.
Saturday, May 2
■ Market Street Festival: Main Street Columbus hosts its signature downtown street festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout 12 city blocks of historic downtown Columbus. The day-long celebration features arts and crafts vendors, live music and a variety of food booths and family-friendly activities. The event also includes the Possum Town Show and Shine car show. Admission is free.
■ “Express Yourself!” Art Auction: Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability hosts its fifth annual art show and auction “Tea Party” from 10 a.m. to noon at the center, 326 Hardy Road. The event features original artwork by the center’s Express Yourself! artists, including paintings, prints, greeting cards, and ceramics. Proceeds from the silent auction benefit creative art programs for individuals with disabilities.
■ Meet Author Helen Taylor: Liberation’s Publishing LLC hosts a book showcase and meet-and-greet with author Helen Taylor from 2-6 p.m. at Level III, 117 E. Main St. in downtown Starkville. Taylor, the founder of Brickfire and a longtime community advocate, will present her book, “The Adventures of Mushak the Mouse.” The event features youth-centered programming and refreshments
■ 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 hailstate.evenue.net/events/ZBtour.
Sunday, May 3
■ Earth Day Fair: The MSU Student Sustainability Council presents an Earth Day Fair from 12-4 p.m. at Firestation Park in Starkville. The celebration features live music, an art market, sustainable vendors, a clothing swap, and a puppy petting zoo. The event is open to the public as a way to celebrate environmental awareness with the community.
■ Wingo Pops Concert: The Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra closes its 2025-2026 season with “Swing, Strings and all that Jazz” at 2 p.m. in Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall on the Mississippi State University campus. Tickets are available at starkvillesymphony.org
Thursday, May 7
■ National Day of Prayer: A local observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held from noon to 12:45 on the lawn of the Lowndes County Courthouse. The event features guest speaker Chuck Yarborough of MSMS, with praise music led by Bobby Sanderson and prayers from local pastors and community members. Seating is available, and in the event of rain, the program will move to the YMCA gymnasium. Second Avenue in front of the courthouse will be blocked, but buses and vans will be permitted to discharge passengers.
Friday, May 8
■ The Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration: Students from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, along with local schools and Mississippi University for Women, commemorate the legacy of area African Americans starting at 6 p.m. at Sandfield Cemetery. The program features song, spoken word and dramatic performances based on historical research to honor the date in 1865 when Union troops arrived to end slavery in Columbus. To learn more, visit themsms.org/8th-of-may-emancipation-celebration.
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 Second Street and Second Avenue North. In addition to local produce and sustainable goods, the event features a Kids’ Market where entrepreneurs ages 6-16 can sell homegrown and handmade items. For more information, visit hitchinglotfarmersmarket.com or call (662) 328-6305.
■ Mommy and Me Pilates: Lowndes County Recreation hosts a free “Mommy and Me” Pilates class at 9 a.m. at Crown Park. The session, led by Pilates with Cait, is designed for mothers, grandmothers, and expectant moms, and is safe for pregnant and postpartum participants. The event also features a “make your own flower bouquet” bar by Bailey & Bloom in celebration of Mother’s Day weekend. Participants are encouraged to bring their children or friends.
■ Homeschool Yo Kids Expo: The Homeschool Yo Kids nonprofit organization hosts its national traveling expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Columbus Homeschool Resource Center, 515 N. Lehmberg Road 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.
Thursday, May 14
■ Business After Hours: The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 5 p.m. in Room 120 of the Education and Human Sciences Building at Mississippi University for Women, 520 S. 11th St. The event, hosted by the university, offers local professionals the opportunity to connect and support fellow businesses in a casual setting with food and drinks.
Saturday, May 16
■ Barksdale’s Catfish Lakes 70th Anniversary Celebration: Barksdale’s Catfish Lakes hosts a day-long community celebration from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 130 Hillcrest Drive. Established in 1956, the facility celebrates 70 years of fishing and memories with free barbecue and chips for lunch and supper. The event features jumpers for children and door prizes awarded every hour. Visitors are encouraged to share old photos and stories of the lakes. For more information, visit the Barksdale’s Catfish Lakes Facebook page.
■ Benton Blue Bash: Benton’s Maintenance and Mechanical Inc. hosts a community fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 248 Chubby Drive in Columbus. The event features live music, food, snow cones, a petting zoo, inflatables, and a “Kids Trades Town” with interactive games. A cornhole tournament begins at 10:30 a.m. with a $20 registration fee per team. All proceeds support a community assistance fund in partnership with United Way to help local families with home repairs. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit form.jotform.com/260706835971061.
■ Possum Town Throwdown: CPAC Promotions presents “The Last Man Standing” beginning at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Fairgrounds, 764 Hwy. 69 S. The event features a combat sports competition where fighters compete for a $1,500 grand prize. Open enrollment for participants is currently available online. For more information or to register, visit form.jotform.com/cpacpromotions/possum-town-throwdown.
Thursday, May 21
■ Laymen’s Fellowship: The Northeast MS Baptist State Convention Inc. hosts a fellowship dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church in New Hope, 1791 Lake Lowndes Road. The event features guest speaker Bro. Orlando Trainer, Laymen President. Dinner will be served. For more information, contact (662) 769-0071.
Sunday, May 24
■ Northside Charity Boil: Muddy Water Creative presents a charity crawfish boil from 12–5 p.m. at 803 5th Ave. N. in Columbus. The event benefits the Golden Triangle Homeless Coalition and features live music. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and beverages.
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 for various age groups ranging from 6 to 60+. For more information, call (662) 328-6305 or visit columbusmainstreet.com.
Saturday, July 4
■ Freedom Fest: Columbus Air Force Base presents a “Historic Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza and Open House” to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The event features fireworks, live music, food trucks, a vendor market, and a beer garden. Entry is free and the event is open to the public.
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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 45 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 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
