Independence Day Celebrations come early this year! July 4th won’t officially arrive until next week, but Fort Benning kicks things off early with their annual celebration this Saturday. I’m not 100% certain, but I believe that will be the first big fireworks show in the area for the 4th this year.

It’s officially HOT out there, so it’s a good time to check out the various community pools and splash pads around the area. With that said, let’s get into this week’s events.

Looking for fast, friendly oil changes from a family-owned shop? Let me introduce you to Yooper Lube — now open on Veterans Parkway! This family is from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (hence the “Yooper” name!) and they’ve been running quick lube spots for decades.

After building a 5-star reputation at their Florida location in Eustis (with 330+ glowing reviews), they’ve brought that same trusted service to Georgia. Their new Columbus location is already earning high praise with nearly 50 perfect reviews.

Great service, no pressure, and a team you can trust. Give them a shot for your next oil change — you won’t regret it. As a special thanks to all our readers, mention you saw them here and you’ll get $10 off!

If you’re a local business owner and would like to see your business featured here as a sponsor, just reply to this email for more information.

Events

1. 🎆 Fort Benning Independence Celebration

Celebrate early with this massive patriotic event featuring live music, food, games, and fireworks on base. A favorite for families each summer. Schedule of events below. I believe this is the earliest official 4th of July fireworks show in the area.

• Location: York Field, Fort Benning

• Date: Saturday, June 28

• Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  • 4:00 - gates open and food trucks open

  • 4:00-8:30 - Headquarter Nissan Kids’ Zone on Gardner Field

  • 4:15-5:30 - DJ Black Rhino performs

  • 5:45-6:30 - MCoE Rock Band performs

  • 7:00-8:00 - Eric Paslay performs

  • 8:00-8:30 - Silver Wings demonstration

  • 8:30-10:00 - Maddie & Tae performs

  • 10:00 - MCoE Band performance and Fireworks Show

• Details: Open to the public; bring ID for base access. Event page.

2. 🎉 Bingo Night at Highside

Did you know there was a National Bingo Day? Well, you do now and it’s this Friday. They’ll have all the normal goodies Highside Market offers, plus classic bingo rounds and exciting prizes.

• Location: Highside Market

• Date: Friday, June 27

• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Details: Free to play; food & drinks available for purchase

3. 🛍️ COMU Shop Annual Sale

Don’t miss this once-a-year sale with deep discounts (up to 75%) on museum merchandise, handmade goods, and collectibles.

• Location: Columbus Museum of Art

• Dates: Thursday, June 26 – Sunday, June 29

• Time: Museum hours

• Details: COMU Summer Sale

4.🪐 Star Wars Dinner – May the Force Be With You

Here’s something a little different. This is a multi-course meal with dishes inspired by the iconic characters, locations and events of the Star Wars universe. There will be a cocktail hour from 6-7 and dinner from 7-9. This event requires a reservation as the restaurant will be closed to the general public on this night. It’s a full four-course meal with drink pairings for every course. The cost is $75 per person.

• Location: Hudson’s at Main Street

• Date: Friday, June 27

• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Details: May the Force be With You 

  For reservations, call 706-507-5384 or message them on Facebook.

5. 🎨 Summer Family Festival at the Columbus Museum

This is a FREE event packed with art-making, gallery adventures and family-friendly fun. If you’re looking for something free AND indoors (air conditioning!!) to pass the time with those kiddos who are tearing up the house by now, this is a great option. There will also be a Food Truck Court with Freaky Fries if they get hungry.

• Location: Columbus Museum

• Date: Saturday, June 28

• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Details: Summer Family Festival

6. 🧪 Slime Saturday at Highside

A messy, hands-on sensory event for kids to make their own slime and take it home. Perfect for ages 4–10.

• Location: Highside Market

• Date: Saturday, June 28

• Time: Noon – 2:00 PM

• Details: $10 per person, BUT the first 40 to register get free access

Music

• Midland Commons Concert Series - GP 38: Saturday, June 28th, 7pm

• Dixie Red at the Loft - Saturday, June 28th, 9:30 PM

• The Active Ingredients, live at The Bottom - Saturday, June 28th, 8PM

• Barbarosa Jones at the Dawghouse, Saturday, June 28th, 8PM

Sports

• ⛳ 2025 Southeastern Amateur Golf Tournament - Hosted at the Country Club of Columbus, The Southeastern Amateur is a top-level amateur golf tournament with a rich history dating back to 1922. Each year, it hosts many of the nation’s top amateur golfers, from D1 NCAA National Champions to the top Mid-Amateurs.

• 🏀 YBOA River City Showcase - This is a premiere youth basketball tournament offering exciting action for

• ⚾️ Clingstones vs Biloxi Shuckers

  • Thursday, June 26th, 7:05 PM

    • Pure Night of Imagination “scrumdiddlyumptious night at the ballpark”

    • Rally towel giveaway to first 500 fans

    • Thirsty Thursday

    • Military discount

  • Friday, June 27th, 7:05 PM

    • Fireworks Friday

    • Margaritaville Night

  • Saturday, June 28th, 6:05 PM

    • Beach Towel Giveaway to first 1,000 fans

    • Post game kids run the bases

  • Sunday, June 29th, 1:05 PM

    • Sunday Funday and kids run the bases post-game

    • Fuzzy’s kids club free entry

    • Giving Sundays

    • Joe Torre Safe at Home

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