Overview of Starkville Mississippi

Starkville, Mississippi, is a charming college town that packs plenty of excitement into its small size. Plus, it's an ideal destination for budget travelers.

Starkville, Mississippi is not only home to Mississippi State University but it offers plenty of activities for history buffs, thrill seekers and everyone in between. Check out some of these free and inexpensive things to do while in Starkville!

1. Starkville Community Market

Starkville's most beloved attraction is its certified local farmer's market. Held each Saturday at Fire Station Park, it's a true family affair featuring freshly grown produce and baked goods from area artisans, cooking demonstrations, gardening tips, how-to sessions, live music performances and more - all under one roof!

Starkville Community Market was repeatedly named Mississippi's Best Farmer's Market, earning it numerous honors such as innovation, highest attendance and food and beverage related promotions. For more details, visit their official Farmers Market page. Additionally, Starkville is home to Mississippi State University - a prestigious public research university known for its prestigious alumni base and strong economy that have made it the epicenter of Southern culture. Discover what makes Starkville tick in this infographic!

2. Starkville Community Theatre

Starkville Community Theatre, situated at The Playhouse on Main, provides an immersive live theater experience. With four productions annually and open auditions for those interested in joining, there's always something exciting happening here!

Since 1978, The Starkville Theater has been a beloved entertainment landmark in Downtown Starkville. Additionally, they provide practical expertise to community theatre groups through workshops and advice in summer theatre programs.

SCT is excited to kick off a new season at The Playhouse on Main, featuring an exciting lineup of shows. In 2022-2023, two musicals, a stage adaptation of a classic film and a period farce will all take center stage.

SCT has been an integral part of Starkville's community for many years and is eager to begin a new season. Executive director Gabe Smith expressed her delight, "We're incredibly thrilled that our doors will be open again with sold-out shows!"

3. Hollywood Premier Cinema

Hollywood Premier Cinema boasts 11 screens with all stadium seating and an extensive movie selection, including the newest blockbusters.

Recently, the theater has implemented several improvements, such as a loyalty card system, one free popcorn refill per visit and kiosks in the lobby to redeem tickets purchased online. Furthermore, it boasts the largest concession stand in Starkville with an extensive selection of hot dogs, pretzels and nachos plus Icees, soda and popcorn.

The theater is also host to Mississippi's oldest film festival, Magnolia Independent Film Festival (the Mag), an ideal showcase for filmmakers in the state. Held annually in February, it's a must-attend for anyone involved with Mississippi's film industry and provides everyone with an opportunity to experience something special together.

4. Waverly Mansion

Waverly Mansion, an antebellum mansion once owned by Catherine Freeland Daniell and now a popular tourist destination in Mississippi, provides visitors with an intriguing insight into the lives of Mississippi's antebellum settlers and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Though a bit of a drive from Starkville, Waverly Mansion is well worth the journey. The house is open for tours with an expert guide who happens to be an accomplished history major.

The mansion boasts an octagonal cupola and original mirrors, chandeliers and large porticos throughout its 34 acres of grounds with English and American boxwood walks as well as a 250-year-old magnolia tree.

5. Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum

The Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum, housed within the University Welcome Center at Cullis Wade Depot, boasts over 400 clocks dating back to the early 1700s. It features pieces from nearly every American clock manufacturer such as Ansonia, Waterbury, Howard and an impressive selection of Seth Thomas clocks.

Cullis and Gladys Wade collected clocks from all over the globe during their marriage. This impressive collection now resides at Cullis & Gladys Museum on campus, one of Mississippi's largest collections of antique clocks.

Starkville hosts a number of events throughout the year that attract both visitors and residents alike, such as Cotton District Arts Festival, Sales & Ales in the summertime, and UnWine Downtown in wintertime.

6. Starkville Historical Marker

Starkville boasts a multitude of historical markers, including those commemorating the city's history, landmarks and architecture. Exploring these markers is an excellent way to gain insight into the area's vibrant heritage.

One marker, the Starkville Historical Marker, commemorates the community's involvement in the Revolutionary War. Other markers provide details on Grierson's Raid, historic churches and Greensboro Street Historic District among others.

Starkville's oldest subdivision, Nash Street Historic District is an excellent learning resource about the city's past. Here you'll find many houses built during the 1930s when Starkville transitioned from being an agricultural trading center to a modern university town. These residences were designed in various architectural styles to reflect the growth experienced during this time.

7. International Fiesta

International Fiesta, organized by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and World Neighbors Association, is an annual celebration of cultural diversity and global harmony. This day-long festival showcases ethnic cuisine, traditional music, and dance from around the globe.

This event provides children with an invaluable chance to explore cultures from around the world and form friendships in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Additionally, there will be plenty of entertaining activities and entertainment for them to enjoy.

Starkville rental apartments are an excellent option for students who want to live close to the university. Studio apartments make up 2% of available units, while larger floorplans with 3 or more bedrooms tend to be popular among families and roommates.

8. Starkville Murals

Fans of Mississippi State University may have noticed the vibrant murals that have appeared around town. These artworks serve as a testament to the energy the university brings to Starkville and demonstrate how art can be used as an effective tool for community development.

Stromboli's Service Station in Starkville boasts a mural painted in 2014 that has become an attraction ever since. Although the art is peeling now, its owner says he plans to continue painting murals at other locations.

Starkville High School mural is an iconic symbol of the area's history. Betty Buckley, its creator, was a well-known businesswoman in Starkville whose grocery store became a local landmark; students would quickly leave class to race across the street for lunch.

9. MSU Lyceum Series

The MSU Lyceum Series offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in music and culture at Starkville. This series brings top-notch musical, dramatic, artistic groups and performers directly onto campus for your enjoyment.

Mississippi State and Starkville form an integrated higher education-municipal community, connected by Highways 82, 12 and 25 and Golden Triangle Regional Airport 14 miles east. Both places enjoy numerous intellectual, cultural and recreational advantages that are just 125 miles northeast of Jackson and 23 miles west of Columbus.

The University offers an array of scholarly, professional, and interdisciplinary courses and programs for students of all backgrounds. Thanks to its talented faculty and impressive research administration, MSU consistently ranks among the top one hundred universities nationwide when it comes to research in sciences and engineering fields.

10. Starkville Arts & Culture

Starkville Mississippi is an arts mecca, boasting outstanding artists and musicians, creative spaces, and exciting events year-round. From the Cotton District Arts Festival to live music performances at historic Waverly Mansion, this small city packs a powerful punch of culture and creativity into its charming college town atmosphere.

No matter your interests - history buff, art admirer, thrill seeker or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun - Starkville has something special to offer everyone.

At Mitchell Memorial Library, this museum explores music through exhibits and collections. You can learn about the development of instruments, phonographs, sheet music and more here. Additionally, Charles H. Templeton Sr.'s personal anthology of four decades worth of sheet music was donated by this Mississippi State University alumnus and Starkville businessman.