This weekend in Columbus, GA

Built for newcomers, this sprint triathlon and duathlon offers an approachable course and plenty of community support. Triathletes start with a swim, while duathletes open with a one mile run. The 10 mile bike segment is flat and begins and ends on the Dillingham Street Bridge, creating a unique transition area on the border of Georgia and Alabama. The race wraps up with a flat 5K along the scenic Riverwalk linking Phenix City, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia. Spectators will find many great viewing spots, and the surrounding Uptown Columbus and Phenix City areas feature family friendly options such as restaurants, parks, a splash pad, and an open market. Added to the series in 2025, this event kicks off the season with an inviting layout for first timers.

Get ready for a fast, flat sprint triathlon and duathlon along the Chattahoochee River. The event features a 500m downstream swim in a time-trial format, a 10-mile out-and-back bike course, and a flat 3.1-mile run on a one-loop route with an aid station that you pass twice. There are awards by age categories as well as top overall finishes, plus relay awards. Participants also receive a medal, t-shirt, and triathletes get a swim cap.

A celebration of the vital role of community health centers, this fourth annual fun run spotlights organizations such as Valley Healthcare System Inc. It emphasizes access to high quality, affordable care for thousands of underserved patients in the community and highlights the many services available through Valley Healthcare, including family primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dentistry, vision care, a pharmacy, and free transportation. Valley’s pharmacy uses the 340B program to offer medications at much lower cost, then reinvests savings to broaden access, support outreach, and advance healthier outcomes across the community.

Learn essential pistol skills in a beginner-focused course at the Recreational Shooting Complex. Instruction starts in the classroom, then moves to the range for practical shooting. Participants cover the fundamentals of firearm safety, types of handguns and their components, ammunition varieties and safe handling, proper loading and unloading, core marksmanship techniques, cleaning and maintenance, and secure storage practices. Open to anyone with installation access, and attendees must be 18 or older to enroll. The fee is $70 per person and includes a rental firearm, ammunition, target, eye protection, and hearing protection. Students also receive two range passes that are valid for one day. Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended. Register online via WebTrac, by calling 706-545-6158, or in person at the Recreational Shooting Complex.

Enjoy a day of sparkle and imagination at the eighth annual Princess for a Day, a community celebration benefiting Easterseals West Georgia. Families can meet princess characters, get creative with arts and crafts, and add a touch of glamour with face painting along with hair, makeup, and nails. Expect engaging activities, entertainment, and plenty of concessions and treats. This edition also honors 40 years of service by Easterseals West Georgia, making it a meaningful milestone alongside the fun. Tickets are available, and the event often sells out. Sponsors include KIA Autosport of Columbus, the Shelby and Wanda Amos Foundation, Holbrook Service Company, Amerigroup, Coca-Cola United, Performance Dance Centre, and Tidal Wave Autospa.

Gain practical guidance in a foundational prediabetes and diabetes self-management class led by certified diabetes educators. Learn strategies for day-to-day care with an emphasis on basic meal planning, medical management, and lifestyle. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Sessions are typically offered monthly in the Conference Center at Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown, and dates are subject to change. For more information or to sign up, call 706-571-1499.

Presented by Uptown Columbus, Market Days on Broadway fills the Broadway sidewalks with a bustling marketplace of vendors from the local community and surrounding region. Guests can explore organic fruits and vegetables, bakery items, handcrafted jewelry, items for the home, and distinctive crafts from makers.

Columbus Parks and Recreation’s annual Doggy Swim Day brings pups to Double Churches Pool for a final dip before the pool closes for the season. Dogs can swim, splash, and socialize in a relaxed setting, with plenty of playful energy, happy tails, and water-filled fun throughout.

On the second Saturday of each month, explore Historic Westville Village on a 45-minute guided tour led by the Director of Programs and Education. This experience offers a helpful overview of the village and is included with regular museum admission. The tour starts at the Thornton Visitor Center. School groups and other large organizations can request a tailored private tour by emailing education@westville.org.

Mercer Medical School and Piedmont Columbus Regional host a Strike the Spike Diabetes Education talk at the Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus Conference Center. The session follows the Building Blocks to Diabetes Management class and explores practical topics such as diabetes prevention, self-management, healthy coping, and more. Attendees can ask questions and receive guidance during the discussion. This program welcomes people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, those with pre-diabetes, and anyone interested in learning more about diabetes care.

In Columbus, Georgia, caregivers are invited to unwind at a welcoming gathering centered on creativity and connection. Hosted by Andy’s ABCs, participants will craft a personal charcuterie board with all supplies provided. No prior experience is needed, and the atmosphere encourages relaxation and conversation with others who understand the caregiving journey. Complimentary child or dependent care is provided, along with light snacks and refreshments. The schedule includes dedicated time to connect with fellow caregivers, and everyone leaves with a board they created themselves. Registration is required, and the event is free for caregivers.

A COMU docent leads a guided tour focused on highlights from The Columbus Museum's permanent collection. Over the course of an hour, discover stories of American art and regional history through favorite works from the collection. The tour is free, and no registration is required.

Experience a free concert on The Green for an evening of music and community. Street Food Saturdays will be on-site serving food and drinks, with participation from Old Town businesses. All vendors are limited to Street Food Saturdays.

Tales with a Twist brings a conspiracy theory themed gathering to Columbus, built around a single topic each month. The debut focuses on the UAP Disclosure Files, inviting curious minds to explore, question, and compare notes in a lively, thoughtful setting. Participants are encouraged to bring their own research, whether that is a slide deck, printed materials, or a concise 3 to 5 minute talk. The group discusses the findings, rates the strength of the evidence, and votes on a final verdict. A tin foil hat crafting station adds a playful touch to the investigation. Political affiliations are left at the door to keep the conversation open and respectful. Expect stimulating discussion, a collaborative spirit, and plenty of brainy fun.

Highside Farmers Market fills Daisy Park with a year round showcase of local farmers, makers, and vendors. As spring arrives, early harvests appear alongside a consistent array of locally produced goods, and each visit brings fresh discoveries. Shoppers can expect seasonal produce and greens, fruits and vegetables, succulents, specialty mushrooms, and microgreens. Farm offerings include eggs from pasture raised hens, grass finished beef, pasture raised pork, chicken, several varieties of pimento cheese, yogurt, milk, and steaks. Baked favorites range from sourdough loaves and cinnamon rolls to a dry sourdough pancake mix, masa croutons, chocolate chip cookies, baguettes, and breakfast muffins. Specialty selections feature tamales with fresh salsa, homemade granola, and seasoned olive oils in flavors like roasted garlic and onion or lemon and cracked pepper, plus an extensive assortment of local honey products that may include infused honey, honeycomb, pollen, propolis, wax, and honey sticks. There are artisanal dressings and pestos, as well as take home meals for one or the whole family, such as Butter and Vindaloo Chicken with cilantro rice, a yogurt cream sauce, cucumber salsa, and naan, along with cilantro cheese naan and an Indian strawberry lassi. Pantry and snack options include moppin sauce, pickled okra, chow chow, pickles, jelly, popcorn, and boiled peanuts. Vendors on the lineup include It's Tamale Time, Mahogany Homestead, Sweet Honey Farms, Legacy Crate, Perch and Pasture, Southern Dough Co., Marcs Gourmet Mushrooms, JEG Creations, The Tinie Bakery, Delta Heritage Moppin Sauce, and Let’s Sprout About It.

Pauper format Magic: The Gathering returns to The Cool Place - Columbus, offering both free casual play and a sanctioned option with a $5 entry, with $4 going into the prize pool. Every participant receives at least one promo card, and top players earn additional rewards. Prizes are given as store credit and promo packs. Participation promos come from official Wizards of the Coast Promo Packs that are shuffled and randomly redistributed. It is a welcoming setting to play, trade, and connect with other players.