Feature stories - The LocaL

Playing Dress Up – June 4

Posted on June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 by Editor - the Local

A Closet of Dreams and a Pocketful of Rock-n-Roll Come Alive for One Night Show The Bo Bartlett Center is about to undergo a transformation, morphing from a serene art gallery into a vibrant, intimate closet of dreams. “Playing Dress Up,” a one-night-only musical spectacle on June 4, promises to be an experience unlike any other, a fusion of rock-n-roll energy, childhood nostalgia, and the raw talent of singer Lucy Werner. At the heart of…

Paws Humane Society Brings Big Headliner And a Big Commitment to Community at Annual Barks and Blues Music Fest

Posted on May 26, 2025May 30, 2025 by Editor - the Local

A warm glow from the setting sun blanketing Woodruff Park, the air coming alive with the anticipation of live music, and the inviting aromas of our local food trucks mingling with the sounds of happy patrons and pets alike. On May 31, this vibrant scene will come to life as the Barks & Blues Music Festival, Paws Humane Society’s largest annual fundraiser, transforms the park into a celebration of music, community spirit and our furry…

Blooming Anew – Grier’s Farmer’s Market Cultivates Community

Posted on May 11, 2025May 11, 2025 by Editor - the Local

For generations, the familiar name of Fat Boy’s Produce has been synonymous with fresh, locally sourced goodness. A true cornerstone of the community, its history stretches back nearly half a century, weaving through the lives of countless residents. While the official business name is now Grier’s Farmer’s Market, the deep roots and commitment to quality which defined Fat Boy’s continue to flourish, nurtured by a vision for a modern, thriving marketplace. “Fat Boy’s Produce has…

A Cup of Kindness – How Take the City Delivers Hope and Healing To Community

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Natalie Downey A city’s unique needs are best understood by its residents. Local faith-based initiative Take the City seeks to meet those needs on a practical level while inspiring hope and connection. Driven by a profound Christian faith, their multifaceted approach is guided by a clear purpose: restoring lives, revitalizing communities, and raising up those in need. Beginning as an initiative in 2013 and becoming a registered nonprofit in 2015, Take the City continued…

Chili Dog Chronicles – A Local Foodie’s Quest for the Perfect Bite

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Chris Willums The quest for Columbus’s ultimate chili dog has concluded, and the results are in. This wasn’t about crowning a single victor, but rather a celebration of the diverse flavors and unique qualities which make each local establishment stand out. To ensure a fair and focused review, I established the following principles: Only locally owned and operated restaurants were considered, supporting the heart of Columbus’s culinary scene. Instead of numerical ratings, the emphasis…

CineForge Co-op / Local Roots, Global Screens: Supporting the Growth of Cinema in Columbus

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Andy Carpenter Watching movies on a streaming platform is a whole lot like having UberEats drop off a meal at your house. Both are convenient, with barely any effort involved at all. There isn’t much prep required, and not much to clean up after … and both tend to obscure all the arduous work the filmmaker who made your entertainment, or the farmer who cultivated your food, had to put in to bring that…

Festival Fever: Get Ready for the Crossroads Folk Art Festival

Posted on May 2, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Spring is in the air, ushering in a vibrant season filled with sunshine, creativity, and the much-anticipated Crossroads Folk Art Festival. On May 10, Rose Hill Park will be transformed into a lively haven for art enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a slice of authentic Southern culture. With the park nestled at the corner of Hamilton Road and 33rd Street, the festival promises to be a delightful gathering showcasing a rich mosaic of local folk…

The Energy of Live Rock: The Ultimate MUSIC WAVE Festival Rocks The Varsity in Phenix City

Posted on April 24, 2025May 25, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The anticipation is palpable as you make your way, the air buzzing with the promise of an evening filled with electrifying live rock music. You can feel the energy building with each step, where a sense of community is already taking shape as fellow music lovers gather, ready to immerse themselves in the shared experience. That vibrant festival spirit, that feeling of pure rock energy, is heading to Phenix City. Get ready for the Ultimate…

Celebrating the Spirit of The Blues

Posted on April 24, 2025April 24, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The Historic Zion Blues Festival Returns To Talbotton, May 3 To some, it might seem like an unusual combination— an historic, Gothic Episcopal church nestled in the heart of sunny Talbotton, while the haunting melodies of the blues echo across the grounds. Yet this delightful fusion is a celebration of the storied history of Talbotton, a community whose roots run deep in both Zion Episcopal Church, consecrated in 1853, and an ever-evolving music scene which…

MaFest Celebrates Music, Art, Heritage and Mothers

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Embracing The Soul As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, Columbus prepares to ignite with creativity, culture, and community at the inaugural “Ma” Fest, held May 10 – 11 in the Historic Liberty District. The festival pays tribute to Ma Rainey, our “Mother of the Blues,” celebrating her monumental impact on music while revitalizing a district with deep cultural roots. “This isn’t just a festival; it’s the dawn of a new arts and cultural institution in Georgia,”…

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