Good morning, Columbus.

Uptown Columbus will host its 11th annual Strut the Hooch Parade on Saturday, May 3 when the event forms at Springer Theater on 10th Street by 10:00 a.m. Mobile, Alabama native Steve Scott started the parade — inviting all participants to dress up and join the family-friendly celebration.

A 3-year-old drowned in Columbus on April 27 at 9:40 p.m. (6200 block of Brooklet Drive) when the incident was reported (the victim was identified by Coroner Buddy Bryan).

A 3-year-old drowned at a Columbus pool party Sunday night when partygoers left the shallow two-foot end to sing happy birthday—he was later found without his safety vest and floaties.

Columbus police on Sunday investigated a deadly stabbing at Summit Point Apartments on Williams Road after EMS found a 22-year-old female dead in a unit at 7:28 p.m.—a suspect was taken into custody after her missing vehicle was recovered in Banks County while the Violent Crimes Unit leads the investigation.

Columbus police arrested Dominick Singleton on robbery charges after he targeted smoke shops on Lakeshore Road and Warm Springs Road — he is set to appear in Recorder’s Court today at 1:30 p.m.

Uptown Columbus will host RiverFest 2025 at Woodruff Park on May 2 and May 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.—featuring live music by Frankie Mincey and D.S.O.S.—with food, desserts, and kids’ vendors adding to the family-friendly celebration.

The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Public Health collected 1,150 pounds of prescription drugs (in 52 boxes) today during National Prescription Drug Takeback Day in Columbus.

Officials said the effort helps keep medications away from children and the water system and provided Narcan for overdose emergencies.

WorkSource Georgia Columbus Job Fair

3-6 p.m. — 700 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Network with employers and bring your resume for job opportunities.

Columbus Georgia Scavenger Hunt

12-9 p.m. — Midtown Neighborhood of Columbus — Ticketed event — Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt filled with historical trivia and exciting challenges throughout the city.

RiverFest 2025

5 PM – 10 PM — Woodruff Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant community atmosphere with two days of live music, food, and family fun along the river.

Marine Corps League Georgia Convention 2025

12:00 PM – 11:30 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus — Registration required — A weekend of camaraderie, networking, and honoring Marines.

Jake Xerxes Fussell Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Loft — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of Columbus native Jake Xerxes Fussell as he blends traditional music with contemporary artistry.

MAFEST

1 PM – 8 PM — Liberty Theatre Cultural Center — Tickets available — Celebrate music, art, and heritage in honor of Ma Rainey with live performances.

Strategies to Secure Business Capital Workshop

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Prelude Events Studio — $25 for Members, $45 for Nonmembers — Learn important strategies to access business capital for your ventures.

Startup Runway Georgia - Columbus

3-5 p.m. — Cunningham Conference Center — Apply to pitch for $10k — Local founders showcase their startups for a chance to win funding.

Open Mic Night

4-7 p.m. — Everything Musical — Free entry — Local musicians share their talent in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Columbus River Dragons Playoff Game

7 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch the Columbus River Dragons in action during their playoff run.