New RiverCenter Shows, Sports Overload and Mother's Day Festivities!

May 8, 2025 Edition

Good morning, Columbus! There are a TON of events in town this week, so I’ve added a few more than 5 events. Also, in case you have forgotten, Sunday is Mother’s Day. There are a lot of good restaurant events and specials for Mother’s Day, so I’ve added a section on that at the bottom.

Before we get to the good stuff, a quick 1 question survey. Due to the volume of events in Columbus, should I send out 2 newsletters a week or stick to 1? Let me hear from you!

Sponsored by Trevioli Italian Kitchen

One of our favorite restaurants in town is Trevioli Italian Kitchen. My wife and I have been big fans since the original location in the storage building off of Tower Rd. They’ve branched out and have more locations now, but I still consider this one the flagship. If you haven’t been in a while, stop by and check out their new menu!

Events

1. 🎭 Chicago – The Musical

This is a show that needs no introduction as Broadway’s longest running musical. 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards and a Grammy = a really good show. One night only, so don’t miss out.

  • Date: Tuesday, May 13

  • Time: 7:30 PM

  • Location: RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

  • Details: Tickets and Information

2. 🐴 Budweiser Clydesdales Appearance

Budweiser Clydesdales

I’ve seen the Clydesdales in person a few times and let me tell you, if you’ve never seen a Clydesdale up close, they are absolutely massive. They kicked things off with a parade down Broadway last night, but if you missed them you have another chance to catch them before the Clingstones game on Saturday.

3. 🏈 Columbus Lions vs. Shreveport Rougaroux

The Lions are back in town! If you’ve never been to a Lions game, or any Arena Football game for that matter, it’s honestly one of the most exciting, energetic sporting events you can attend. It’s just crazy action from start to finish. The Clingstones also have a home game Saturday, so if you were feeling adventurous you could catch some of both games without moving your car!

4. 🥎 SAA Softball Championship

SAA Softball Championships Bracket

I didn’t think the area around the Civic Center could get any busier this weekend with the Lions and Clingstones in town, but I was wrong. South Commons is hosting the Southern Athletic Association’s Softball Championships beginning Thursday and going through Sunday (if needed).

5. 🚚 Spring Truck-Tacular

Ok, technically this is Phenix City, not Columbus, but I didn’t want those with little kids to miss out on something so close by. This is a free event that will have lots of big trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment and more, in addition to food trucks, mascots and giveaways.

  • Date: Saturday, May 10

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: Whitewater Avenue, Phenix City, AL

  • Details: Spring Truck-Tacular

6. 💃 Salsa Dancing in the Park

Whether you’re a salsa pro, or looking to get out of your comfort zone, this will be a fun night. For $15 per person you get salsa lessons from a pro and some Latin snacks. Of course you can always finish with any of the other beverages or food options available at Highside Market.

7. ⚾ Columbus Clingstones Home Games

I promise the events won’t always be so sports heavy, but this is a crazy weekend for sports in our city. The Clingstones homestand continues with another 4 games. Saturday night in particular has several really fun promotions.

  • Dates: 

    • May 8 - Thirsty Thursday and Military Discount

    • May 9 - Fireworks Friday

    • May 10 - Replica cap giveaway + Budweiser Clydesdales + Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act

    • May 11 - Mother’s Day Carnation giveaway + Kids Run the Bases post game

  • Location: Synovus Park

  • Details: Promotions and Schedule

Mother’s Day Happenings

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, there are a lot of mom-focused events and food specials around town. Here’s a quick list of some of the exciting things going on.

1. 🌸 Ma'Fest – Music & Arts Festival Honoring Ma Rainey

Ma Rainey needs no introduction. This year kicks off the inaugural MA FEST, a music and arts festival honoring Ma Rainey, the Mother of the Blues, and celebrating women in music and the arts. The hope is that this becomes a new cultural tradition in Columbus for years to come.

Expect live performances from Leon Timbo, Lloyd Buchanan, Dianne Durrett, Kaddy Kobain, Anne Cline, and many more, plus food trucks, local vendors and art displays.

2. 🖼️ Painting with a Twist – “Happy Mother’s Day” Session

This is a fun, guided painting session for people of all skill levels. $39 per person and you do need to register in advance, so don’t just show up the day of.

3. 🛍️ Moms Just Wanna Have Fun Market Event

Hosted by River Oak Boutique, this is a large market filled with tons of food trucks and local vendors. I’m seeing over 15 food trucks and twice that many local vendors!

4. 🍽️ Saltcellar Mother’s Day Brunch

Can we all agree that brunch is the best meal? Who doesn’t like brunch?! Saltcellar is a fantastic spot with lots of amazing options and world-class desserts, so you know this brunch is sure to deliver. Reservations highly recommended.

  • Date: Sunday, May 11

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: 1039 1st Ave

  • Details: Check out the menu

5. 🍷 Mother's Day Brunch at Millhouse Kitchen + Bar

I told you brunch was the best, so here’s another option. Millhouse is typically closed on Sunday, but for one day only on Mother’s Day, they’ll be open! This spot is still relatively new. If you haven’t been yet, the space is absolutely beautiful, overlooking the river and with some of the old machinery still on display. The food is just as good as the views, and this menu looks to continue that trend. Note that reservations are required.

6. 🍳 Morten's at Old Town Mother's Day Brunch

Let’s make it a trifecta of Mother’s Day Brunch options! This is another beautiful spot, but this time on the North side of town. If you’re looking for something elevated but don’t want to be downtown, this is your answer.

  • Date: Sunday, May 11

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: 3580 Massee Lane Suite H

  • Details: Check out the menu

Quick note: if you’re a Gmail user and this newsletter ended up in your “Promotions” tab, you may want to move it to “Primary” so that you don’t miss the new edition each week.

Thanks for reading Fountain City Source today. If you found something useful, please consider sharing it with a friend!