May 2nd Okatoma River 5K Run Starts at 501 South Second Street in Collins.
In-person registration starts at 6:30 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m.
Join the Covington County Chamber for a fun and scenic race in the heart of Collins.
May 7th 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Mississippi Take place at the Ellisville State School with the run beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Law enforcement officers, serving as the "Guardians of the Flame," will carry the torch through campus as part of a statewide journey leading to the Summer Games opening ceremonies.
Community members are encouraged to cheer on the runners with proceeds directly benefiting local Area 17 athletes.
For more details, call Ellisville State School at 601-477-5600 or the Jones County Sheriff’s Department at 601-577-9316.
May 7th "History Makers, Future Shapers" Hattiesburg's Sixth Street Museum District will host a free educator appreciation event at the Historic Eureka School from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Greater Hattiesburg teachers can enjoy museum tours, prize giveaways, and complimentary treats from Smith’s while exploring resources to support their classrooms.
The evening is open to all area education professionals aged 21 and older who provide a valid school ID at check-in.
For more details, call 601-450-1942. The Historic Eureka School is located at 410 East Sixth Street.
June 4th-27th FestivalSouth Organizers have unveiled plans for the 2026 edition of FestivalSouth, which will take place the month before America’s Semiquincentennial.
"Join us as we honor the artistry that has shaped our nation’s soul — not only with stars and stripes but also with the spark of imagination," officials said in a statement online.
As in previous years, several free and ticketed performances will take place in and around Hattiesburg. Among the highlights...
\ On June 4-6, FestivalSouth and Hub City Players will present Disney's "Newsies" at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the main Hattiesburg campus of Southern Miss.
\ On June 7, The Meistersingers of Mississippi will perform a semiquincentennial concert at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg.
\ On June 13, "Stars and Steps Forever!" presents a genre-blending dance spectacular featuring International Ballet Gold Medalist Alexei Orlovsky and a diverse cast of world-class performers to the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the main Hattiesburg campus of Southern Miss.
\ On June 27, FestivalSouth concludes with "The Great American Playlist," an orchestral grand finale emceed by Robert St. John and featuring Vasti Jackson in a symphonic celebration of iconic American hits ranging from Dolly Parton to Stevie Wonder. The finale takes place at Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg.
Details are at the link just below this sentence.
Auto Thefts The Hattiesburg Police Department is warning residents about a recent increase in auto thefts and are urging drivers to take simple steps to secure their vehicles.
Investigators report that most of the recent thefts involved vehicles that were left running and unattended or unlocked with the keys inside.
HPD emphasizes that these incidents are largely preventable. Residents can reduce the risk by turning off their vehicles, taking keys, locking doors, closing windows, and removing or concealing valuables.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity or has information about vehicle thefts is encouraged to contact Hattiesburg Police at 601-544-7900 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at P3Tips.com.
Caregiver Support Group Monthly meetings will be held from 11 a.m. until noon at The Pause Café at Life Church on Highway 84 west of Laurel.
Virtual options are available.
Contact the church for more details; its website is linked just below this sentence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Info from Hattiesburg Police
The Hattiesburg Police Department says if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available at these phone numbers
\ HPD Victim Services Unit: 1-800-649-1092
\ National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — confidential, 24/7
\ If in immediate danger: Call 911
Domestic Violence If you are a victim of abuse or know someone who is, call the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, toll free at 1-800-649-1092 for help. All calls will be confidential.
Matching Donors This is the social networking platform that saves lives. MatchingDonors.com links organ donors with people in need of kidney and other organ transplants.
The Salvation Army Has been supporting those in need in without discrimination for 130 years in the United States.
Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadcast array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.
82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.