May 16th VetFest 2026 The Disabled American Veterans Hattiesburg Chapter #62 is hosting this year's festival at Town Square Park in Hattiesburg.
This free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features food vendors, a Corvette car show, a kids zone, and live music by Charles Carter.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs to enjoy the festivities, which also include veteran-owned businesses and various service organizations.
For more details, call 601-596-5620.
May 18th "Confident Conversations in Action" Oak Grove Public Library Is partnering with public health expert Bella Brocato to host this workshop at 6 p.m.
The workshop is designed to help parents and guardians practice discussing puberty, and the birds and the bees, with their children in a safe, accurate way.
The library is located at 4958 Old Hwy. 11; for more details, call the library at 601-296-1620.
May 30th Oak Grove Public Library: Summer Reading Kickoff Takes place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. This free community event features music, face painting, crafts, and water slides to celebrate the start of the season.
Attendees can also take the opportunity to register for various other reading programs scheduled throughout the month of June.
The library is located at 4958 Old Hwy. 11; for more details, call the library at 601-296-1620.
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.
June 6th South Mississippi Toy Swap Takes place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Jones College's Baptist Student Union in Ellisville. Admission is free.
The toy swap features more than 20 vendors selling toys, comics, and video games. Coffee and concessions available for attendees.
The event also includes charity raffles benefiting the Transplant Games of America.
June 12th-13th Mad Jack’s Reunion 2026 This two-night benefit event takes place at the Dixie Golf Club in Laurel -- featuring themed country and disco dance nights on June 12 and 13, respectively.
Tickets cost $25 per night, with all proceeds supporting The Least of These and the Cherished Hearts Children's Advocacy Center.
Interested attendees can reconnect with friends and support a great cause by calling Lane Hilbun at 601-323-3030 for more information.
June 13th 2026 Dog Days Run Walk Returns to Hattiesburg offering 5-mile, 5K, and 2-mile events to support the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
All races begin at 7:30 a.m. at Kamper Park, with the 5K and 2-mile routes welcoming leashed canine companions.
Participants will enjoy a scenic route through The Avenues followed by a "Pawty" finish line festival featuring breakfast, local vendors, and entertainment.
A Run-By Dog Pageant will award prizes for categories like "Best Dressed" and "Most Handsome Hound" as judged by local celebrities.
Every finisher receives a custom medal, while the top ten "Big Dogs" in each category will take home additional awards.
Find out more at the links below this sentence.
June 13th Praise in the Park 2026 This free community event focused on worship, prayer, and unity, is taking place at Town Square Park in Hattiesburg.
From 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to experience an atmosphere dedicated to healing and spiritual breakthrough.
The organizers are currently calling for all local choirs and praise teams to sign up and help lead the worship experience.
Everyone is welcome to join this powerful outdoor gathering to lift up the name of Jesus and build lasting community connections.
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.