Friday, Aug. 23
The Detectives — Take part in a “whodunnit” as The Detectives Comedy Dinner Theatre presents a mystery during Lion Hills Center’s three-course dinner, Columbus. Cocktails 6 p.m.; show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 (BYOB with a $10 corking fee). Make reservations at thedetectives.biz or call 601-291-7444.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Forks & Corks — This annual Starkville Area Arts Council fundraiser for arts education begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Mill Conference Center, 100 Mercntile Lane, Starkville. Enjoy samplings from favorite chefs, wine, music and more. Early bird tickets are $75 at eventbrite.com. For more information, contact the SAAC, 662-324-3080.
Citywide Stacey Deans bike rally benefit — Registration for this medical benefit motorcycle rally and show for Columbus Police Department Criminal Investigation Division head Stacey Deans begins at 10 a.m. at the Columbus Soccer Complex; kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. for a 50-mile ride, returning for lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and live music. Fish fry and fixings, hot dog/hamburger plates, $10. Bike show is 1-2 p.m. Register for a 5K at raceroster.com. Call 662-549-5909 for more information.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Sunday Funday — Find art vendors, live music, kids art activities, food and more at this mini arts and music fest from 1-6 p.m. at the Parthenon, 513 University Drive, Starkville.
Back to School BBQ — A Back to School BBQ hosted by Starkville Community Church kicks off the new school year from 6-9 p.m. at Starkville’s McKee Park, 405 Lynn Lane.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Celebrity Wait Night — This fundraiser from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Grill, 1927 Highway 45 North, Columbus, benefits Shaw Pit Bull Rescue and includes a silent auction.
Thursday, Aug. 29
Stennis Flag Art reception — A 5-6 p.m. reception at the MSU Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery, 75 B.S. Hood Road on campus, celebrates an exhibit of works by multiple artists interpreting the Stennis Flag. Free to the public.
Friday, Aug. 30
Black Prairie Blues Festival — This 24th annual indoor blues fest in West Point kicks off at 6 p.m. with Mookie Wilson and the M.O.C., followed by the blues-rock Eric Gales Band, then Rev. Peyton and the Big Damn Band. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at Mary Holmes College, 45 Mary Holmes Road. Tickets $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Get them at blackprairiebluesfestival.com, Jack Forbes Insurance in Starkville or the Growth Alliance in West Point. For more information, call 662-295-8361.
Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 5-8
Tennessee Williams Tribute — “Laugh Lines” is the theme of the 18th annual tribute celebrating Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and poet Tennessee Williams, born in Columbus. Events include a play, “Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody,” Stella Shouting Contest, Moon Lake Gala, youth poetry contest, breakfast with scholars, a movie, memorabilia exhibit and more. Some events are free. For more information, visit tennesseewilliamstribute.org, or call 662-368-8591.
Friday, Sept. 6
“Stella” Shouting Contest — This playful homage to Tennessee Williams’ Stella and Stanley Kowalski from “A Streetcar Named Desire” invites contestants to shout for prizes and bragging rights at Hollyhocks, 204 Fifth St. S. Free sign-up opens at 5:30 p.m.; shout-off begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy music and beverages, too. This Tennessee Williams Tribute event is presented by Hollyhocks Gift Shop.
Exhibit reception — The Columbus Arts Council hosts a free opening reception from 5:30-7 p.m. for an exhibit by Barbara Ann Carver-West at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. All are welcome. For more information, visit columbus-arts.org or call 662-328-2787.
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