Tuesday, March 12
Book signing — Columbus native and Jackson resident Katy Smith Houston will attend a book signing for her cookbook, “Sweetness Follows: The Story of Sam and the Treat of the Week,” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pizazz, 2118 Highway 45 N. in Columbus, and from 4-5:30 p.m. at The Book Mart, 120 E. Main St. in Starkville. For more information, call 662-243-1234.
Wednesday, March 13
Noon Tunes at the Library — The West Point Area Arts Council presents gospel pianists at the Bryan Public Library, 338 Commerce St., at noon. Desserts will be provided. For more information, email [email protected].
Friday and Saturday,
March 15-16
Artisan expo — Folk artists and craftsmen will be at the Mississippi Modern Homestead Center, 402 Lake Valley Dr., Starkville, to offer hands-on experiences with crafts including bead-making, quilting, sewing, pottery, woodwork and more 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $10 for an adult two-day pass; $5 for children’s passes, ages 6-16. Children under 6 may attend free. To learn more, visit msmodernhomestead.com or contact Alison Buehler, 662-694-0124.
Tuesday, March 19
“Oh, Mr. Faulkner” — The Columbus Arts Council presents John Maxwell as literary legend William Faulkner. In “Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write?” Maxwell entertains with a provocative portrait of the Nobel Prize winning author. The free show is at 7 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. Seating is limited; advance reservations are necessary. Contact the CAC, 662-328-2787. Bring a new or gently-used children’s book to be donated to local nonprofits.
Thursday, March 21
Noon Tunes — Main Street Columbus kicks off Noon Tunes with live music by Paul Brady from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Trotter Courtyard in downtown Columbus. Lunch by Zachary’s will be available for purchase. The spring series of mid-day music at noon on Thursdays continues through April 18. For more information, contact MSC, 662-328-6305.
Thursday, March 21 and Saturday, March 23
Friends of the Library Book Sale — Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library host a book sale March 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 23 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second floor of the library at 314 Seventh St. N. Proceeds help purchase new books and fund activities such as the summer reading program. For information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Friday and Saturday,
March 22-23
Ragtime Jazz Festival — The seventh annual Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival on the campus of Mississippi State features performers Jeff Barnhart, Frederick Hodges, Brian Holland and Carl Sonny Leyland, as well as ragtime authority David Jason. Also tour the Templeton Music Museum in Mitchell Memorial Library. All Event badge is $50; Friday or Saturday only is $30. Concert tickets are $10. MSU students attend free with ID. A discount is available for senior and retired MSU faculty/staff. Register at library.msstate.edu/templeton/festival or call 662-325-2559.
Everything Garden Expo — This gardening exposition presented by the Starkville Area Arts Council returns to the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville for the fifth year. Enjoy a variety of vendors and speakers from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. each day. Admission is $5; children under 6 attend free. For more information, contact the SAAC, 662-324-3080.
Thursday, March 28
Noon Tunes — Main Street Columbus presents live music by Katie Burchfield at the Trotter Courtyard in downtown Columbus from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunches by Zachary’s will be available for purchase. For more information, contact MSC, 662-328-6305.
Friday, March 29
Cary Hudson, Laurie Stirratt — This alt-country, roots rock duo take an acoustic side trip from their Blue Mountain band for a special night in the intimate Omnova Theater at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Sunday, March 31 through Saturday, April 13
Columbus Pilgrimage — This annual spring event features home, garden and church tours, dramatic presentations, carriage rides, double decker bus rides, a 10K and kids’ 1 mile fun-run, Tales from the Crypt and much more. Visit columbus-ms.org or call 800-920-3533 to learn more.
Monday, April 1
Meador marker unveiling — The public is invited to attend the official opening of the Josh Meador Trail. Meet at the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, 117 Third St. S., at 10 a.m. for coffee and Danishes before traveling by double-decker bus to the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and then Temple Heights for the unveiling of the marker commemorating Walt Disney animator Josh Meador, who grew up in Columbus. For more information, contact the CVB, 800-920-3353 or 662-329-1191.
Pilgrimage Kickoff Party —
Help kick off the Columbus Pilgrimage with this festive block party featuring a crawfish boil and live music by Eden Brent and her band on the grounds of the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center at 300 Main St. For more information, contact the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-920-3533 or 662-329-1191.
Monday, April 1 through Saturday, April 13
“Kingdom of Earth” — The Tennessee Williams Tribute Committee presents Williams’ “Kingdom of Earth” in the former Alford Drug Co. location at 425 Main St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. nightly, except April 7 at 2:30 p.m. The three-person play featuring Cherri Golden, Alex Orsak and David Trotter is directed by MJ Etua. Seating is limited; advance tickets are recommended. They are $10 in advance at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., or $15 at the door, if available. For more information, contact Brenda Caradine, 662-328-5413.
April 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
Tales from the Crypt — Return to yesteryear with this award-winning presentation of dramatic vignettes inspired by some of Columbus’ most intriguing citizens interred at historic Friendship Cemetery. Students from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science research and interpret these men and women who helped shape Mississippi. The walking tours are from 7-10 p.m. on nights specified. For more information, contact the CCVB, 800-920-3533.
Saturday, April 6
Pilgrimage 10K — This 10K run and kids’ 1 mile fun run sponsored by the Golden Triangle Running and Cycling Club and the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau starts at 8 a.m. at the Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main St. Register at runcyclegtr.org.
Artisans Alley — Watch craftsmen create period articles at this annual Pilgrimage feature set from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on the grounds of the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center. For more information, contact the CCVB, 662-800-920-3533.
Mayor’s Unity Picnic — Columbus Mayor Robert Smith hosts an annual Unity Picnic at 5 p.m. at the Riverwalk in downtown Columbus. Enjoy free food, entertainment and fellowship. Everyone is welcome.
175th Birthday Parade — Starkville celebrates a milestone year with a downtown parade beginning at 9 a.m. Applications to participate must be submitted to the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at 200 E. Main St. in Starkville by March 15. For more information, contact Jennifer Prather at 662-323-3322.
Southern Soirée — This benefit for the Palmer Home for Children begins at 6 p.m. at The Stables on Woodside Drive in Starkville. Guests will enjoy a Southern feast as well as music and a silent auction. Tickets are $40, available at palmerhome.org. For more information, contact Katherine Hewlett, 662-328-5704.
Friday and Saturday, April 12-13
Grilling on the River — This Magnolia State Barbeque Championship sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society takes place along the Riverwalk in downtown Columbus. For more information, email [email protected] or call 662-328-6850.
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