Thursday, May 19
Noon Tunes — Dawn Barham entertains from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Trotter Convention Center Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s available for purchase; drinks provided by Clark Beverage. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Exhibit opening — A reception at the Mississippi State University Cullis Wade Depot Gallery on campus (next to Barnes & Noble) from 5-6:30 p.m. opens an exhibit of watercolor paintings by Crawford artist Frances Hairston, “Prairie Images: The Way I See It.” Free and open to the public.
West Point Farmers’ Market — The West Point Farmers’ Market holds its season grand opening from 4-6:30 p.m. under the Mossy Oak Pavilion on Highway 45 Alternate. The market will operate every Thursday through summer in the same location.
Saturday, May 21
West of Shake Rag improv — The Columbus Arts Council presents the improv comedy group West of Shakerag of Tupelo in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Contact the CAC for more information, 662-328-2787.
Monday, May 23
An Evening with Scott Reall — Author Scott Reall, founder of Restore, a ministry of the YMCA, speaks at 6 p.m. in the Columbus Arts Council’s Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 28
Veterans Memorial Walk/Run — The Richard E. Holmes II Memorial Foundation hosts this fourth annual walk/run at 8 a.m. at the Columbus Soccer Complex. Celebrate heroes with activities, music, food and fellowship. Preregister by May 20 for free T-shirt, or register on-site beginning at 7 a.m. Email [email protected] or call 662-889-0180 for information.
Thursday, June 2
Exhibit opening — The Columbus Arts Council hosts a free reception opening an exhibit of paintings by Ellen Langford at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Me & My Fiddle — Following the reception above, fiddler Aidan Dunkelberg of Columbus presents a program of fiddle music at 7 p.m. in the Columbus Arts Council’s Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Friday, June 3
Down on the River Gala — A fundraising gala for the Loaves and Fishes Community Soup Kitchen begins at 6 p.m. at Lion Hills Center, Columbus. Food, live music by Honeyboy & Boots, a silent auction and raffle highlight the event. Tickets are $40 at Military Hardware and churches including St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church. For more information, call Ann Sparkman, 662-386-2585, or Cindy Wiygul, 662-251-0954.
Saturday, June 4
Island Paddle Fest — A canoe, kayak and paddleboard race at 9 a.m. benefits the Lowndes County Imagination Library. Must be 13 or older to participate in this 5.5-mile race course that begins and ends at the Columbus Riverwalk. Registration $40 online at islandpaddlefest.org.
Freedom Creek Festival —
The 19th annual Freedom Creek Blues Festival, founded by the late Willie King, features gospel and blues from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Cookieman’s Place, 1438 Wilder Circle, Aliceville, Alabama. Suggested admissions donation $10. For information, go to freedomcreek.org or call 205-366-1307.
Sunday, June 5
Exhibit opening — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council hosts the opening of an exhibit by John Ward and Pat Gavin at 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts, 235 Commerce St., West Point. Free to the public. For more information, call 662-494-5678.
Thursday, June 9
Sounds of Summer — This free concert series at the Columbus Riverwalk features live music from 7-9 p.m. June 9 and 23, and July 7 and 21. Bands soon to be announced. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
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