Browsing: Community Picks

As Mother Nature begins dressing up in autumn foliage with the retreat of summer heat, The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) prepares to reprise one of the season’s favorite local traditions with its annual Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 20-25.

The African American Military History Museum will host its Annual Veterans Open House on Wednesday, November 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, 305 East 6th Street.

There’s something special about fall in Mississippi. The air feels just a little lighter, pumpkins start appearing on porches, and families search for ways to celebrate the season together. In Hattiesburg, one of those traditions is Zoo Boo at the Hattiesburg Zoo. This year, the celebration is getting a magical new twist: Where the Wild Things Glow!

There’s something magical in the autumn air of Ocean Springs, and no—it’s not just the cool breeze rolling in off the Gulf. On October 25, downtown will be filled with cackles, broomsticks, and plenty of glitter as the 8th Annual Witches Ride of Ocean Springs takes flight!

PASCAGOULA—The name Todd Trenchard has become synonymous with the name Bacot after serving the Foundation and the Gulf Coast for the past 23 years.

PASCAGOULA—’Tis the season for visiting graveyards and cemeteries, but a visit to the historic Krebs Cemetery will be a patriotic treat as a celebration of history.

Press Forward Mississippi, in partnership with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), will host the 2025 Mississippi Community Journalism Workshop on Oct. 30 at the university’s Hattiesburg campus. The workshop is free and open to anyone working to support local news in the state; registration is required.

McComb, MS — The Pike County Arts Council invites the community to an evening of music, nostalgia, and talent as they present Nights to Remember: A Love Letter to Stage and Screen on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The event will take place at the historic State Theatre, located at 222 State Street in downtown McComb.

PASCAGOULA—The Flagship District in Pascagoula will be transformed into a bbq block party for the seventh annual Downtown BBQ Throwdown where 25 teams will go grill to grill to win great prizes and annual bragging rights.

Throughout the state, the teachers of Mississippi work tirelessly to not only teach our children, but to make that learning fun. Just browse any school’s social media page or ask local kids or parents, and you will find out that our students are engaged, encouraged, and motivated to learn – and have fun while they’re doing it.

Recent graduates in the Interior Design program at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) were challenged to bring their designs to life as part of a class competition tied to a real residential construction project. Their assignment: develop a cohesive interior and exterior design package for a home already under construction in Hattiesburg’s Shadow Ridge neighborhood.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) anthropology students partnered with Pass Road Elementary School and the Historical Society of Gulfport to help clean and preserve the historic Mississippi City Cemetery during a recent community service event.

PASCAGOULA—While some cities try to hide their mysterious, weird or strange stories, Pascagoula celebrates its crazy, dresses it up and even hosts a special annual celebration to commemorate the story that has been told for more than 50 years.

PASCAGOULA—Whether you are a competitive kayaker or a leisurely kayaker enjoying scenery, the Pascagoula River Paddle Battle has something for everyone on its 11.5-mile course.

PASCAGOULA—What started 29 years ago to celebrate antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, nostalgic music and related events with only 374 registered participants in Biloxi. It has now spread from state line to state line with block parties all along the entire Gulf Coast. Cruisin’ the Coast 2025 is revving its engines for a week of vintage cars, music and parades from October 5 to 12 and expecting to surpass its 9,961 registered cars.

What started as a small benefit concert in 2016 has grown into a three-day music festival that not only celebrates local talent but also raises vital funds for animal shelters across the Coast. Frets for Pets, founded by Dimitri Curtis, once began as a humble “Show Us Your Cans” food drive and has since blossomed into one of the area’s most unique charitable events.