Festivals & Events
Charles Templeton Ragtime Music Festival
Experience seminars, major performances, and miniconcerts by world-renowned ragtime musicians at the Templeton Ragtime Music Festival. Tours of the Templeton Music Museum, an extensive collection of sheet music, musical recordings, and mechanical music instruments, are given. Held at the Mitchell Memorial Library and Lee Hall Auditorium, Mississippi State University Campus, (662) 325-2559.
Cotton District Arts Festival and Taste of Starkville
Named one of the top 25 events by the Southeastern Tourism Society, this popular festival hosted by the Starkville Area Arts Council features a juried art exhibit, arts and crafts, live music, food from area restaurants, activities for children, a 5k run, a pet parade, and a plant show. Enjoy the Y’all Magazine Sweet Tea Challenge with categories for unique, commercial, and individual teas. Held in the Historic Cotton District, Starkville, (662) 324-3080. Learn more.
Everything Garden Expo
The Everything Garden Expo is a celebration of the art of gardening, including seminars, lectures by expert horticulturalists, children’s programs, and exhibits by vendors of garden equipment and supplies. The event is hosted by the Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners and is held at the Mississippi Horse Park and Agricenter, 716 East Poorhouse Road, Starkville, (662) 324-3080.
International Fiesta
Experience the various cultures represented in Starkville’s diverse community at the International Fiesta. Taste the food, see the display of international flags along Main Street, join the dancing, watch the Cricket game, and be a part of this world party hosted by the World Neighbors Association and sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center. Held on the Drill Field at the heart of the Mississippi State University campus, (662) 325-0787.
Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally
Motorcycle enthusiasts from all across the United States flock to this weekend event packed with activities: a bike show and games, area rides and tours, and live music. Founded in 1997, the rally has now grown to include thousands of registered riders with 20-30,000 attendees. Held on MS Hwy 12 West, Downtown Sturgis, Mississippi, (662) 465-7970. Learn more about the rally.
Performing Arts
Lyceum Series
The Lyceum Series hosted by Mississippi State University features professional concerts, musicals, plays, and dance performances from September to May each year. The Lyceum Faculty Chamber Series highlights music department faculty performances.
Starkville-MSU Symphony Association
With a schedule that includes children’s programs and outdoor events, the Starkville-MSU Symphony and Chorus performs at various locations from October through April. One of the most popular events is the annual “Pops on the Plaza” concert.
Starkville Community Theater
An award-winning theater company, the Starkville Community Theater presents a full schedule of four productions each season in the intimate Playhouse at 108 E. Main Street. Members hold a children’s workshop and production in June.
MSU Concerts
Concerts by the Starkville Symphony Orchestra and performances by Mississippi State University ensembles, bands, and choirs as well as recitals by faculty and students are held throughout the school year from September to May at various locations on campus, hosted by the MSU Department of Music. On the department’s website, click on “Events” for a complete listing.
Art Galleries
Department of Art Gallery
McComas Hall, Mississippi State University Campus, (662) 325-2954
The MSU Department of Art Gallery features rotating exhibits by faculty and student artists as well as exhibitions of regional and national scope.
Giles Hall Gallery
Giles Hall, Mississippi State University Campus, (662) 325-2970 or (662) 325-2202
Operated by the MSU College of Architecure, Art, and Design, the Giles Hall Gallery features works of art in a variety of media by faculty and students.
Lipsey Gallery
T.K. Martin Center, Mississippi State University Campus, (662) 325-1028
The Martha Lipsey Gallery showcases the efforts of Mississippians with the most severe disabilities to feel the power of self expression through art. Many works are available for sale, with proceeds going to support the EXPRESS Yourself program.
Colvard Student Union Gallery
Colvard Student Union, Mississippi State University Campus, (662) 325-2513
A gallery in the Colvard Student Union features shows by national artists as well as students and faculty members.
GSDP Art Gallery
Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 200 East Main Street, (662) 323-3322,
This art gallery in the GSDP building includes works by artists in Starkville and surrounding communities. The exhibits, which rotate often, are managed by the Starkville Area Arts Council through their Art in Public Places Program.
Depot Gallery
Cullis Wade Depot, 2nd floor, Mississippi State University Campus, (662) 325-5198,
The Depot Gallery features paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works by students, faculty, and visiting artists. Managed by MSU’s Department of Art, the exhibits rotate each semester to provide a new experience with each visit.
Visual Arts Center
808 University Drive
Operated by the MSU College of Architecure, Art, and Design, the Visual Arts Center gallery features works of art in a variety of media by faculty and students.
Public Art Wall Murals
Walking through the streets of Starkville, we have several wall murals along Lampkin St., Russell Street, University Drive, and Louisville Street. These brightly colored murals highlight the arts in Starkville and liven up the buildings and walls that they adorn.
Locations:
- 550 Russell St (at the Mill) – “Starkvegas”
- 100 Block W. Lampkin St. – “Untitled”, “Fish Out of Water”, and “Fractured Color Wheel”
- 1016 Louisville St. – “Indian Heritage”
- 408 University Dr. – “Untitled”
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