Around Town, May 2018
Free Comic Book Day 2018
The 16th annual celebration of the joy of reading comic books. In cooperation with Columbus Comics, a free comic book will be offered to everyone who attends. Columbus Comics will also have their annual sale, and all attendees get an additional free comic for every $5 they spend.
May 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Columbus Comics, 6440 W. Hamilton Park Drive, Columbus
Revenge of the 5th: a Star Wars Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Star Wars style. Enjoy Latin and Star Wars themed food, drinks and crafts followed at 3 p.m. by a showing of “The Last Jedi.” All materials provided and all ages are welcome to join the fun. For more details, call the North Columbus Public Library at (706) 748-2855.
May 5, 2 – 5 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus
10th Anniversary Dance Concert
Join Prodigy Dance Center for their 10th Anniversary Spring Dance Concert. Don’t miss this exciting afternoon of dance. Tickets are available at the RiverCenter box office.
May 5, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus
From Ex-Offender to Entrepreneur: Be Your Own Boss
For some ex-offenders, entrepreneurship offers new opportunities for a successful reentry. This two-hour event will feature speakers who will inform attendees about grant and small business loan opportunities available to ex-offenders, give information relating to how to start a business, obtain a business license and marketing. There will also be a panel of successful entrepreneurs who were once incarcerated and are now successful area business owners. Seating is limited to 40 people. The event is free and refreshments will be served. Business casual dress is encouraged, and attendees are advised to bring pen and paper with which to take notes.
May 5, 2 – 4 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus
Cotton Pickin’ Fair
Join Gay, Georgia for the Spring edition of the Cotton Pickin’ Fair. Gates are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For the comfort of all guests, please do not bring pets. Parking is free on a first come, first parked basis. Come early on Saturday to avoid the traffic, or visit Sunday which tends to be less crowded. Our vendors have wonderful items of all kinds. Adults enter for $10, seniors and active duty military $9, children under 12 for $5.
May 5 & 6, 18830 Highway 85, Gay, Ga.
Indivisible Talk: Planned Parenthood CEO Staci Fox
Staci Fox, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast, will be speaking on the services their institution provides and answer questions regarding those services.
May 6, 3 – 4:30 p.m., 8827 Heiferhorn Way, Columbus
Teen Takeover: Chat & Craft Book Club
If you love to read and love crafts, this is the book club for you. Each month we will read a selected title and meet up to discuss it, as well as make a craft that ties into the book’s theme.
May 9, June 6, 4 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus
Cocktail Gardening
Take your cocktail game from average to outstanding by using fresh herbs. Learn the basics of growing herbs and how to mix them into a variety of drinks for a bright, fresh kick. Participants will enjoy making and sampling an assortment of freshly made, herb-enhanced cocktails along with garden-inspired appetizers provided by Bare Roots Farmacy. Pre-registration required. $20 per person.
May 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Columbus Botanical Gardens, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Informational and Recruitment Event
Please join Big Brothers Big Sisters for this informational and recruitment session. This is the perfect time to find an answer to your questions and to enroll your child.
May 12, 10 a.m. – noon, South Columbus Public Library, 2034 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus
6th Annual Mother & Son Dance
This year we’re trying to figure out who is “The Fresh Prince of Columbus and his Queen.” Enjoy a night of dancing, bonding and creating lifelong memories.
May 12, 6 – 9 p.m., Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus
Columbus Lions vs. Carolina Cobras
May 12, 7 p.m., Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street
Read & Play Storytime
Adult caregivers and children are invited to join us in the Children’s Area as we have fun listening to stories, singing songs, and repeating rhymes. An interactive craft and playtime will immediately follow the program.
May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., South Columbus Public Library, 2034 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus
Chess at the Columbus Public Library
Whether you’re a grandmaster or just want to learn to play, come join the library every other Tuesday.
May 15, 29, June 5, 5:30 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus
Noise & Toys: STEAM Play Hour
Miki will be in the children’s department before and after story time to help your child select a musical instrument to play or a STEAM kit to explore, all of which can be checked out. Recommended for ages 0 through 5 years.
May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus
Teen Takeover: Themed Canvas Art
Join the library each month to create one-of-a-kind canvas art. Each month focuses on a different work of art. All materials provided. For ages 12-18.
May 17, 31, 6 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus
Barks and Blues Festival
Free admission for PAWS Humane Society’s third annual celebration of music and pets. This is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and always fun for the whole family. The festival will feature live music from five local bands, a pet costume contest with celebrity judges, food trucks, adult beverages, raffles, arts and crafts vendors, kids zone, pet microchip discounts and pet adoption specials. Pets are welcomed but must be on a leash. Suggested entry donation is $5.
May 19, 4 – 11 p.m., Woodruff Park, 1000 Bay Avenue, Columbus
FanFest 2018
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries is kicking off their Summer Reading Challenge with FanFest, a multifandom mini con for all ages, featuring cosplay, crafts, fandom-related activities and more. Local food vendors and area artisans will be on site.
May 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus
2018 Black Business Awards
The Columbus Times newspaper will recognize black business and focus on black business empowerment at the 2018 Black Business of the Year awards and banquet. Derrick “Lil D” Greene, Senior Vice President of Programming at iHeart Media, will be the celebrity host. Admission is $30.
Contact The Columbus Times at (706) 405-6517 for more information and tickets.
May 20, 7 – 10 p.m., The Liberty Theatre Cultural Center, 821 8th Avenue, Columbus
Rex’s Journey Book Promotion: Family Night
Dr. Pass-Turner will read “Rex’s Journey: Helping Children Understand and Cope with Emotions” Children will have the opportunity to practice fun and healthy coping skills. Books will be available for sale.
May 22, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus
Columbus Airport, Monthly Commission Meeting
Monthly Commission meeting held every 4th Wednesday on the second floor in the Layfield Conference Room, open to the public.
May 23, 9:30 a.m., Columbus Airport, 3250 Britt David Road, Columbus
NIM Kids Memorial Day Mini Camp
Kids ages five through 11 will enjoy hands-on fun, guided tours, fun facts and refreshments during the Memorial Day mini-camp at the National Infantry Museum. $10 per camper. Lunch is not included.
May 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus
Memorial Day at the National Infantry Museum
Join the NIM for a day of activities, including a kids mini camp, paver dedication ceremony, flag retirement ceremony conducted by local Boy Scouts, self-guided tours and more. Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. The Fife and Drum restaurant will be open for lunch. Giant Screen Theatre will show documentaries through the afternoon at regular ticket prices.
May 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus
Easy Company Graduation
Easy Company trainees will graduate from OSUT on the parade field behind the National Infantry Museum. Signs and Company cadre will be posted near the NIM to guide you to the correct location. Please arrive early to ensure you find a parking spot and have a good seat. Families and friends are encouraged to attend. Pictures will be available for purchase after the event.
June 1, 9 – 10 a.m., National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus
5th Annual Columbus LGBT Pride Festival 2018
The theme of this year’s Pride is powerful—hate will not win. Flags and t-shirts available. Enjoy performers, vendors and speakers. DJ Tammy Lamb will also perform. For more information, please call (706) 580-6239.
June 2, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Broadway, Columbus
Summer is Here Market
Vendors will setup inside the restaurant, on the sidewalk and in the parking lot. Come for a fun day of socializing and shopping, and of course delicious food from The Hungry Hillbilly.
June 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., The Hungry Hillbilly, 2901 University Avenue, Columbus