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.
■ Partnering in the Park: Golden Triangle Tennis will host “Partnering in the Park” from 9 a.m. to noon at Propst Park. The event offers community tennis drills and match play for various skill levels. Participation is free.
■ Mommy and Me Pilates: Lowndes County Recreation will host 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.
■ Tammy’s Ride for Camp Rising Sun: First Methodist Church Columbus serves as the starting point for “Tammy’s Ride,” a benefit for Camp Rising Sun, at 10 a.m. Participants will gather at 602 Main St. to raise funds for the local camp for children with cancer. For registration details and route information, visit the Camp Rising Sun Facebook page.
■ Art in the Gallery: The Columbus Arts Council will host “All in the Same Breath” with sessions at 10:30 a.m. and noon at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. The event features art demonstrations and discussions. For more information, visit the Columbus Arts Council website.
■ Homeschool Yo Kids Expo: The Homeschool Yo Kids nonprofit organization will host 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. For tickets or more information, visit homeschoolyokidsexpo.com.

Sunday, May 10
■ Fine Art Thesis Exhibition: The Mississippi State University Department of Art and Galleries present “10/10,” featuring the thesis work of this year’s fine art seniors. An opening public reception will be held from 2–4 p.m. in the Old Main Art Galleries, located in the Old Main Academic Center. The exhibition continues through May 15.

Monday, May 11
■ Stafford Shurden Meet and Greet at United Deli: Friendly City Books and United Deli host viral social media creator, gas station food reviewer, podcaster and author Stafford Shurden will be visiting United Deli in East Columbus from noon to 1 p.m. Stafford will do a meet and greet with guests and will have copies of his book, “Meet & Three,” available for sale.
■ Lowndes County 4-H Tomato Plant Contest Meeting: The Mississippi State University Extension Service will host an interest meeting for its 4-H Tomato Plant Contest at 6 p.m. at 485 Tom Rose Road in Columbus. For a $5 entry fee, participants receive two tomato plants to grow for the competition. RSVPs are required. For more information or to register, call (662) 328-2111.

Tuesday, May 12
■ Tourism Partners: Visit Columbus will host a Tourism Partners meeting at 8:30 a.m. Community members and local stakeholders are invited to discuss regional tourism initiatives and upcoming events.
■ Hitching Lot Farmers Market: The Hitching Lot Farmers Market, located at the corner of Second Street and Second Avenue North, begins its Tuesday seasonal hours from 4–6 p.m. The market features locally grown produce, seasonal plants, baked goods and local crafts. For more information, call (662) 328-6305.
■ Beach Scene Needle Felting: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System will host a community craft night on from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Downtown Library. Instruction will be provided to guests on how to create a needle felted beach scene. All supplies are included and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, May 14
■ Business After Hours: The Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce will host 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 gathering offers local professionals a relaxed environment to connect with food and drinks.
■ Gallery Opening Reception: The Columbus Arts Council will host an opening reception for its May and June exhibition featuring the art of Michael Hand and William Weathers at 5:30 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. The event features new works from regional artists and is free and open to the public.
■ Barn Concert Series: The Barn Concert Series features Goldpine with special guest Remy Reilly at 7 p.m. at 136 Mac Davis Road in Columbus. The outdoor musical event encourages attendees to bring their own seating. For ticket information, visit the barnconcertseries.com.

Saturday, May 16
■ Barksdale’s Catfish Lakes 70th Anniversary Celebration: Barksdale’s Catfish Lakes will host 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. For more information, visit the Barksdale’s Catfish Lakes Facebook page.
■ Pride and Joy Car Show: The 35th annual “Cruisin’ the River” Pride and Joy Car Show takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lock and Dam East Bank. The event features classic car displays, awards and community activities. Entry is free for spectators.
■ Basket Workshop: The Columbus Arts Council will host a hands-on basket weaving workshop with Anna at 9 a.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. The cost is $40 and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call (662) 328-2787.
■ Benton Blue Bash: Benton’s Maintenance and Mechanical Inc. will host 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.
■ “Winnie the Pooh Kids” Production: The Golden Triangle Theatre presents two different times for their Young Actors production of “Winnie the Pooh Kids,” one at 2 p.m. and one at 4 p.m., at 1815 Military Rd., Columbus. Tickets are available at the door.
■ The Grape Gatsby: The Starkville Public Library will host “The Grape Gatsby,” a vintage-themed fundraiser, at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 326 University Drive. The event features live music, dancing, food, and drinks. Proceeds benefit the library’s community service initiatives. Tickets may be purchased at the library circulation desk or online at socpls.square.site
■ 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.

Saturday, May 16-Sunday, May 17
■ Renaissance Faire: The Festival of the Fae’s Spring Renaissance Faire takes place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at The Fae Grounds, 43 Luxilin Drive. The event features artisan vendors, immersive quests, and live entertainment. Admission is $10, and children 12 and under are admitted free. The festival continues Sunday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20
■ Small Business Roundtable: The Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce will host their May Small Business Roundtable at 11:45 a.m. in the Grill Room at the Lion Hills Event Center, 2332 Military Road. May’s topic is leadership, Rita Felton of Rita Felton Consulting, LLC will present. Complimentary lunch will be served, but registration is required due to limited seating. Register at form.jotform.com/261183938146160.

Thursday, May 21
■ Laymen’s Fellowship: The Northeast MS Baptist State Convention Inc. will host 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.

Saturday, May 23
■ Wrap ‘N’ Blend: The Columbus Arts Council and Taji Headwraps host a social event at 11 a.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. The event includes refreshments and pound cake. Registration is $50.

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.

Tuesday, May 26
■ Wellness Seminar: The Northeast MS Healthy Start Consortium will host a perinatal mental health awareness seminar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the education room at North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point, 150 Medical Center Drive. Attendees can learn about mental health awareness and discover steps for promoting wellness during the perinatal period. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 27
■ Mississippi Wildlife Presentation: The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will host Travis Carpenter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Project Leader, for a presentation on Mississippi wildlife and the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge at 10:30 a.m. at the museum, 206 Fellowship Street in Starkville. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 29
■ Starkville Community Action Day: Prairie Opportunity Inc. will host its annual Community Action Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at J.L. King Park in Starkville. The free community celebration features food, music, and activities for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call (662) 323-3397.

Saturday, May 30
■ Summer Library Program Kick-off Party: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System will host a family foam party and “the great craft excavation” to kick-off the start of their summer library program, “Unearth a Story,” at 10 a.m. in the Downtown Library. The upstairs meeting room will be set up with several craft stations and adults are invited to come create something fun to bring home. The library requests guests bring sunscreen and towels for the outdoor family foam party. The party is free and open to the public.
■ Pet Portrait Workshop: The Columbus Arts Council will host a pet portrait painting workshop at 10 a.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. The cost is $45. Attendees must reserve their seat by May 20 at bridgetcruz.com.
■ “The Great Fossil Chase” race: Main Street Columbus will host “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, June 6
■ Writing to Heal: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will host “Writing to Heal” at 10 a.m. at the Redwood Business Center, 5374 Hwy 45 N. The purpose of the group is to write creatively in a group setting and promote a meaningful way to share ideas and listen to others. This event is free and open to the public.

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.

Saturday, July 18
■ Dancing in the Park: KMG Creations presents the 17th annual “Dancing in the Park” from 9–11 a.m. at Fire Station Park, 503 E. Lampkin St. in Starkville. Performances begin at 9:30 a.m. and feature Latin Coast, the Starkville Steppers, and other local groups. In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved to Rick’s Cafe.