Today
“Light and Lively” — The Starkville/MSU Symphony Chorus directed by Doug Browning presents a free program at Starkville’s First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lampkin St. at 7:30 p.m. To learn more about the symphony association, visit starkvillesymphony.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Islamic Art of Calligraphy — As part of November’s Muslim Journeys programs and exhibits, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N., hosts calligraphy artist Sheida Riahi at 12:30 p.m. She will explore the significance, methods and tools of the Thuluth style of calligraphy and the Persian art of Illumination. The program is free to the public. For information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Friday, Nov. 15
Choral concert — The Columbus Choral Society presents a concert titled “Southern Waters” at 7 p.m. at Mississippi University for Women’s Poindexter Hall. The concert will also be performed in West Point Nov. 17, at First Christian Church at 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. A reception follows. Follow the Choral Society at facebook.com/ColumbusChoralSociety.
“Women in Islam: Misconceptions and Realities” — Dr. Kim Whitehead, assistant professor of Religious Studies and English at Mississippi University for Women, discusses common misconceptions about Muslim women, their rights, contributions to Islamic history and the diversity of their roles today, at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library. For more information about the free program, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Bryan Library reception — West Point’s Bryan Public Library invites the public to a retirement reception for Mary Helen Waggoner from 2-4 p.m. at 338 Commerce St. For more information, contact the library, 662-494-4872.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Seniors’ Luncheon — Columbus Mayor Robert Smith hosts the eighth annual Senior Citizens Luncheon at Trotter Convention Center from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Elementary and high school students, the Senior Band and Senior Happy Feet Dancers will provide entertainment. The luncheon is free.
Author Julie Cantrell — Starkville Reads presents New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Cantrell of Oxford discussing her newest novel “When Mountains Move,” at the Starkville Public Library at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit starkvillereads.org.
“Persepolis” — As part of the Muslim Journeys programs and exhibits during November, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library shows the film “Persepolis” at 2 p.m. The coming-of-age story of an outspoken young Iranian girl begins during the Islamic Revolution. Free to the public. For more information, contact the library, 662-329-5300.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Praise and Prayer — A community-wide observance of prayer and thanksgiving takes place at noon at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA, 602 Second Ave. N., Columbus. The observance is sponsored by The Christian Community in Prayer, a non-denominational, non-political concerned group of local Christians.
“Sincerely Yours” — The Columbus Arts Council presents a program of music and readings honoring our nation’s veterans at 7 p.m. in the Rosenzweig Arts Center’s Omnova Theater, 501 Main St. For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Holiday Farmers’ Market — Don’t miss this showcase of local art, produce, live music, children’s activities and more just in time for Thanksgiving. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market, Second Avenue and Second Street North in Columbus. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6355.
Ballet Magnificat — The West Point/Clay County Arts Council presents Ballet Magnificat’s “Most Incredible Christmas” at 7 p.m. at Center Stage in Central School, 634 E. Westbrook St., West Point. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students under 18. For more information, contact Kathy Dyess, 662-494-5678, or Monte Brasfield, 662-494-1371.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Country Store Bake Sale — The Association for the Preservation of Antiquities in Columbus and Lowndes County hosts its 53rd annual bake sale to benefit the Stephen D. Lee Foundation. The sale from 10 a.m.-noon at the S.D. Lee Home, 316 Seventh St. N., features homemade cakes, cookies, pies, candies, cheese straws, breads, jellies and more.
Monday, Dec 2
Starkville Christmas Parade — “Christmas in Who-ville” is the theme of Starkville’s Christmas parade featuring Mississippi State cheerleaders, the Famous Maroon Band, floats and more at 6 p.m. For more information, go to visit.starkville.org/festivals-events/christmas-in-starkville.
West Point Christmas Parade — West Point’s 6:30 p.m. parade celebrates “Sounds of the Season.” The city Christmas tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m. in Sally Kate Winters Park. To enter the parade or for more information, contact the Growth Alliance, 662-494-5121.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Criss Concert — The Starkville-MSU Symphony is in concert at Starkville’s First Baptist Church, 106 E. Lampkin St., at 7:30 p.m. The performance, which is free, features compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Henry Purcell.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Lyceum Series — The Mississippi State University Lyceum Series presents The Irish Tenors at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on the MSU campus. Tickets are $15 (plus fee) at lyceum.msstate.edu, or call 662-325-2930.
Wednesday through
Thursday, Dec. 4-5
41st annual Holiday Bazaar — This annual event featuring more than 90 vendors with hand-crafted items is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane. For more information, contact the Sportsplex, 662-323-2294.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Christmas concert — The Columbus Arts Council presents a Christmas Celebration with Stephanie Jackson and friends, featuring Jackson on guitar, Courtney Blackwell on cello, Connie Wise on flute, Jim Beaty on upright bass and Bob Damm on percussion. Tickets to the 7 p.m. show at the Rosenzweig Arts Center’s Omnova Theater are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For tickets or information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Friday, Dec. 6
10th annual Wassail Fest — Downtown Columbus lights up with festivities as participating businesses vie for the title of Wassailmeister from 5-8 p.m. Cast your vote while enjoying live music, holiday activities and prizes. Don’t miss the lighting of the city Christmas tree at 6 p.m. next to the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center, 300 Main St. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
A W Christmas on Campus — After Wassail Fest, join Mississippi University for Women students, faculty and staff from 8-10 p.m. for caroling and refreshments as the campus is lit for the holiday season. Festivities begin near the front gate on College Street. For more information, call 662-329-4750.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Caledonia Christmas Parade — Join the festivities when the Caledonia Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Town Hall, 662-356-4117.
Holiday choral concert — Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Music presents a choral concert at 8 p.m. in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. For more information, contact the department, 662-241-6399.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Christmas Tour of Homes — The Starkville Civic League presents homes decorated for the season, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Refreshments are served at the Starkville Public Library from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $20, available in advance at The Book Mart, Designers’ Gallery and Greater Starkville Development Partnership in Starkville and Civic League members, or at the library on the day of the tour. For more information, contact Jamie Stubbs, 662-323-0917.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Columbus Sings “Messiah” — This much-anticipated annual event combines regional voices and instrumentalists to perform Christmas portions of Handel’s “Messiah” at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St. at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Free tickets to ensure seating will soon be available at the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau and Party and Paper.
Tuesday through Saturday, Dec. 10-14
“A Christmas Cabaret” — Starkville Community Theatre presents this entertaining musical revue at the Playhouse on Main, 108 E. Main St., Starkville, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for college students and $5 for those under 18. For more information, contact the SCT box office, 662-323-6855.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Columbus Christmas Parade — “Candy Canes and Christmas Carols” is the theme of Columbus’ Christmas Parade which begins at 5:30 p.m. and features the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales, floats, marching bands and much more. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662-328-6305.
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