The Dispatch published a community calendar outlining events from February 14 to March in the Columbus-Starkville area of Mississippi. Highlights include rodeos, concerts, poetry readings, and festivals organized by local groups and institutions. These gatherings cover arts, sports, education, and cultural celebrations.
The community calendar, published on February 14, 2026, details a range of activities in the Golden Triangle region, encompassing Columbus and Starkville. Starting with the Rotary Classic Rodeo on Saturday, February 14, hosted by the Starkville Rotary Club at the Mississippi Horse Park, 869 E. Poor House Road. Gates open at 5 p.m. for pony rides and a petting zoo until 6:30 p.m., with the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for ages 4-12, free for children 3 and under, $20 in advance for adults, or $25 at the door.
On the same weekend, the Golden Triangle Women’s Open ultimate frisbee tournament runs February 14-15 at the Columbus Soccer Complex, marking the first USA Ultimate sanctioned collegiate event in Mississippi. Teams compete for a $500 prize and bid fee refund; for details, contact golden_triangle_ultimate@outlook.com.
Cultural events include a poetry reading by Kimiko Hahn on Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30 p.m. in McCool Hall’s Taylor Auditorium at Mississippi State University, sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and Department of English. The free event features readings, discussion, Q&A, and book signing.
Music performances feature the “Friends & Lovers” market and concert with band Bleed Your Heart Out on February 15 at Triangle Trading Post, 10307 MS-182, from 5 p.m., with music at 7 p.m. Later, the “Forever Legends” tribute concert on February 26 at 5:30 p.m. by the Columbus Arts Council honors African American music legends.
Other notable gatherings include the J.L. King Center Mardi Gras Ball on February 17, with Creole cuisine and live music for $30 tickets benefiting youth programs, and the Legacy & Leadership Gala on February 20 featuring Dr. Jamal Bryant. The calendar extends into March with festivals like Music by Women on March 5-7 and the New Hope Strong Festival on March 13-14, including concerts by Lindy Bryson, Small Town Sunday, and Todd Tilghman.
Events emphasize community involvement, with free admissions for many arts and educational programs at institutions like Mississippi University for Women.