Fun for free: Downtown’s favorite events

Hang Out

Downtown Hattiesburg plays host to a ton of festivals and events that are perfect for college students. Many are free to attend and are great ways to get together with friends and have some fun on the weekends.  

Farmers’ Market

    Support local vendors at the Farmers’ Market every Thursday in the historic downtown area. Every week there is a great selection of fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, fresh eggs, fresh meats and many other products. A variety of fresh flowers are also available at some stands.

    A few of the vendors, such as Artisan Soaps and Aroma Spa, have handmade soaps for sale. Cole Farm offers organic fresh vegetables for purchase. Cub’s Creations features granola, breads and pretzels. Caliente Grille has a stand that sells guacamole, salsa and brownies with a spicy kick.

    The Farmers’ Market has live music during their shopping hours and is open on Thursdays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. March through October.

Live @ Five

Just in time for the cooler weather, Live @ Five is kicking off their fall season every Friday evening during the months of October and April from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. This is a free music event held in Town Square Park. Local restaurants such as Bianchi’s Pizzeria, Downtown Grill and Grocery and Walnut Circle Grill also offer food for purchase.

Live @ Five features a diverse lineup that appeals to a wide variety of people. Last year, bands such as  Snarky Puppy, Monophonics and Dr. E and the Voodoo Kings rocked downtown Hattiesburg. Kicking off this Live @ Five season is blues artist and Mississippi native Johnny Rawls.

Grab a blanket and enjoy free music with friends Friday evenings in October.

Fall Art Walk

The Art Walks happen three times a year in the downtown area. The Fall Art Walk will be held on Oct. 13, and works of local artists will be showcased on the streets of downtown Hattiesburg. Shops will also open their doors to display these wonderful creations.

Pottery from local artist Mark Baylis will be featured at Walnut Circle Grill. McKenzie’s on Main will be featuring work from the residents of Southern Pines Animal Shelter: cats, dogs, kittens and puppies. Click Boutique & Gallery and Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden will feature wearable art by Ricardo Moody with limited edition prints and merchandise for sale.

The Roots Reunion Festival, sponsored by WUSM, will kick of the Fall Art Walk. The festival will start on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. in the historic Saenger Theater and feature music by local artists such as Wes Lee, Cross Ties and Magnolia Junction. Before checking out the work by local artists, visit Town Square Park from noon to 4 p.m. to enjoy music by nationally known blues artists Ben Wiley Payton, L.C. Ulmer and Ironing Board Sam. University of Southern Mississippi professor Drew Young and his band will also be bringing their musical stylings downtown.