Tuesday through Saturday, July 23-27
Summertime Blues Week — The focus is on blues education and entertainment when the Columbus Arts Council presents a July 23 seminar with MPB “Highway 61” radio show host Scott Barretta, 7 p.m.; a July 26 concert by Cadillac John Nolden and Bill Abel, 7 p.m. ($10 advance, $12 at door); and a July 27 Diddley Bow Building Workshop with Abel, 10 a.m. ($10; register by July 23). These events are at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. Check out related entertainment at other venues at columbus-arts.com. For information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Thursday, July 25
Sounds of Summer — Rock on the river as this outdoor summer concert series sponsored by Main Street Columbus and The LINK present Deacon Jones and the Late Night, from 7-9 p.m. at the Riverwalk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; food and beverages will be available for purchase. No coolers, please. For information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
Thursday through Saturday, July 25-27
SCT Musical Revue — Starkville Community Theatre presents “Voices in the Night,” a summer musical revue directed by M.J. Etua and Brian Hawkins at 7:30 p.m. at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St., Starkville. Tickets are $25 and include a champagne and dessert reception. To reserve tickets, contact the box office, 662-323-6855.
Friday, July 26
Masquerade ball — The Columbus Police Department hosts this fundraiser from 7 p.m.-midnight at Trotter Convention Center. Tickets are $20; limited VIP tables for 8 start at $185. Doors open at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit National Night Out on Crime and the Police Department’s Toy Drive. Get tickets at the Police Department, 1501 Main St., 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. For more information, contact Rhonda Sanders, 662-251-7355.
Saturday, July 27
Forks & Corks — Six area chefs will compete for bragging rights at the Starkville Area Arts Council’s Forks & Corks fundraiser at Magnolia Manor, 215 N. Jackson St., Starkville, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person; reservations are required. For more information, contact the SAAC, 662-324-3080.
Thursday, Aug. 1
MacGown exhibit — Step into the surreal world of Joe MacGown at a free reception from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center. The Starkville artist displays his pen and ink and mixed media illustrations. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Sounds of Summer — Give summer a proper send-off. Swing Shift’s good-time rock ‘n roll concludes this summer series of free outdoor concerts at the Columbus Riverwalk from 7-9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no coolers, please. Food and beverages are available for purchase. For more information, contact MSC, 662-328-6305.
Paint the Town — A “Paint the Town: Images of Starkville” exhibit opens at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership Welcome Center Gallery in downtown Starkville and remains up through Aug. 30. For information, contact the Starkville Area Arts Council, 662-324-3080.
Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 1-4
Artesia Days — Artesia’s festival opens Aug. 1 with a kids’ Back to School Jam at noon and an adults kick-off party at Columbus Inns & Suites at 9 p.m. Aug. 2 features a 7 p.m. block party with speakers and live music. On Aug. 3, join a Relay for Life walk at 7 a.m. Music, door prizes and a school supply give-away will be 1-5 p.m. A blues show begins at 7 p.m. On Aug. 4, a semi-pro baseball game starts at 2 p.m. at Artesia Field. For more information, call 662-272-5104.
Friday, Aug. 9
Denim & Diamonds — A western-themed barbecue dinner, jewelry raffle, silent auction and dancing to the music of Bill Cooke’s band highlight this fundraiser for the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum at the Shrine Club in Starkville at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 at The Book Mart and Heritage Museum in Starkville, or from Friends of the Museum board members.
Thursday, Aug. 15
Roast-n-Boast auction — This charity fundraiser at the American Legion Hall at 7 p.m. features everything from electronics and sports memorabilia to furniture and more to bid on. Free to attend and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
Friday, Aug. 16
CONTACT gala — A black tie gala fundraiser for CONTACT Helpline begins with a silent auction at 6 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center in Columbus. Tickets are $25, available at contacthelplinegtrms.org, at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, or by calling 662-327-2968. VIP and sponsorship tables are available. For more information, call Kat Speed or Katrina Sunivelle, 662-327-2968.
Friday, Aug. 16
Big Joe Shelton CD release party — Hear this Blues Music Award-nominated performer and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors live at a release party for their CD “I’d Never Let Her Down” at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music begins at 6:30 p.m. $5 admission; light snacks are included. There will be a cash beverage bar. For more information, call 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Possum Town Triathlon — Feeling pumped? This event at Columbus Lake at the Stennis Lock and Dam includes a 600-yard swim, 17-mile bike ride and 3.3 mile run. Starting time is 7 a.m.; awards will be presented at 10 a.m. Learn more at possumtowntriathlon.com or call 662-574-5539.
Friday and Saturday,
Aug. 23-24
Roast-n-Boast — The Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned Mississippi Barbeque Cooking Championship at the Columbus Fairgrounds boasts $13,000 in prizes, live music, food vendors and a People’s Choice Tent. Register your cooking team by July 24 and get a $25 discount. For more information, visit roastnboast.com or contact Mike Law, 662-549-5054.
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