Good morning, Columbus.

May is Military Appreciation Month and WTVM is hosting the annual Boxes to Troops drive where locals can drop off snacks like crackers, candy bars and trail mix for Fort Benning soldiers returning from deployment or training at Navy Federal Credit Union at 6501 Veterans Parkway—WTVM will also host a one-day dropoff event on May 21.

Columbus Police have found 11-year-old Derrick Turpin safely—he was last seen near the 6400 block of Forrest Road at 9:54 a.m.—and they urge anyone with further information to call 911.

Police said the Avalon Apartments shooting suspects pleaded not guilty & the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Horace Empowerment hosted the third annual Track and Field Honors Luncheon at the New Birth Outreach Future Life Center in Columbus, awarding scholarships to Spencer High’s Desmond Johnson and Columbus High’s Megan Taylor from among top track student-athletes at all seven Muscogee County high schools. The event featured music and speeches that celebrated the legacy of Richard Lane Campbell—an honor intended to inspire future excellence in sports.

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.

Rehab 25th Anniversary Festival

5-9 p.m. — The Outskirts Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Celebrate 25 years of Rehab with an exciting lineup featuring music from top artists.

Barks and Blues Music Festival 2025

3-9 p.m. — Woodruff Riverfront Park — $10 admission — Experience live music and a pet-friendly atmosphere with food, fun, and community support.

GASROE GS3 Annual Conference 2025

12 PM – 1 PM — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Ticket required — Train as a School Safety Team and engage with school safety professionals at this innovative conference.

Virtual Senior Living Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Visiting Angels — Free entry — Explore the benefits of senior living with a focus on quality care and engaging activities.

Fantasia Concert Featuring Anthony Hamilton

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of soulful performances by Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton.