While Starkville, MS, is mainly known as a lively college town, the city also offers an abundance of art, culture, and local flavor. Whether you’re looking to attend an exciting festival, dine on delicious fare, or snap a few pictures in front of a colorful mural, consider this your official invitation to visit this delightful Southern town!
The Cotton District
Seasonal Events
Adjacent to the Mississippi State University campus is Starkville’s Cotton District, which once housed a large cotton mill site. Today, the idyllic area is home to a variety of popular events, including the beloved Cotton District Arts Festival.
Presented by the Starkville Area Arts Council, the festival’s 2025 installment is set for April 19 at 9 a.m. The annual event hosts over 125 artisans as well as a juried art show and competition. In addition to beautiful artwork, the event hosts the annual Taste of Starkville competition, where local restaurants whip up their most creative and tasty dishes.
Another popular event in the Cotton District is the Starkville Derby. This isn’t your typical derby, however. In place of horses, adorable dachshunds compete to win prizes. As the world’s largest charity wiener dog race, this annual event raises money for the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. The 2025 event is slated for May 3 at 10 a.m. For additional details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Local Eateries
If you need a bite to eat between events, pop into any of the Cotton District’s eateries. Whether you’re craving pizza, a burger, or a refreshing cocktail with sweeping views, there’s something to satisfy all tastebuds.
A local staple, Boardtown Pizza & Pints offers delicious brick-oven pizzas baked to perfection. While you can certainly opt for a classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, the restaurant also offers specialty pies like Slap Ya Momma (tomato sauce, mozzarella, soppressata, basil, chili-infused honey, garlic, oregano, and parmesan) and All Caps (heavy cream, mozzarella, feta, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a honey balsamic vinegar reduction).
Bulldog Burger Co. is sure to satisfy if it’s a hearty burger you’re after. With multiple locations in Mississippi, the Starkville eatery is the inaugural location. In addition to a handful of specialty burgers, the menu also includes sandwiches and salads.
For authentic Venezuelan coffee alongside a delicious breakfast, start your day at Arepas Coffee & Bar. While arepas are the restaurant’s specialty, there’s a delightful lineup of lattes, mochas, and juices. You can also stop by for an equally delicious lunch or dinner!
Newer to the Cotton District’s restaurant lineup is The Older Brother, a sandwich shop and bistro that serves favorites like a Reuben, smoked turkey sandwich, and shrimp po’boy. You can also stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends for their brunch spread!
Another recent addition to the Cotton District is The Landing. As Starkville’s premier rooftop bar, you can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails alongside a menu of bar food, which ranges from wings to sub sandwiches and pizza.
Colorful Public Murals
As you stroll through the streets of Starkville, you’ll spot several murals on the sides of buildings and bridges. While starkville.org offers a detailed map of every mural in town, here are a few standouts.
“Starkville Favorites” was painted by Deborah Mansfield and depicts local attorney Julie Brown’s favorite things. You’ll see everything from flowers to Johnny Cash, a crawfish, and a football player.
On the side of Restaurant Tyler, you’ll find the iconic “Greetings From Starkville” mural by Wayne Gabbadah. The vibrant red mural welcomes visitors and tourists to the downtown area.
You’ll also find a few “hidden gem” murals throughout the city, many of which are simply named “Untitled.” One such mural is located on the side of an office building in the Cotton District and showcases a group of futuristic cool-toned robots.
Ready to start planning your getaway? Starkville.org is a great resource to begin mapping out your adventures.
This article is sponsored by Visit Starkville.
