Hi MSU parents! I’m an alum of MSU, a Starkville local and a representative of several local restaurants. I wanted to give you the low-down on Super Bulldog Weekend and the Cotton District Arts Festival. A few of the restaurants that I represent will be at the Taste of Starkville (part of the Cotton District Arts Festival). Let me just tell you - the food is good! (Not just my restaurants, but ALL of the participants!) I’ll get to the food shortly. This is the 34th year of this family-friendly community-wide event, and it gets larger and more successful each year.
Super Bulldog Weekend is an annual spring tradition for Mississippi State University. It is full of opportunities to cheer on Mississippi State athletic teams, from Friday, April 12ththru Sunday, April 14th. The Maroon and White Game (football), the Hail State Baseball series (against Alabama), two women’s tennis games and a women’s soccer game make up the athletic activities of the weekend.
You’ll want to be sure to go to at least one Diamond Dawgs baseball game to check out the infamous Left Field Lounge. All you need is a general admission ticket to walk around and take it all in. Strike up a conversation, and you’ll be sure to get a feel for the hospitality for which we are so well known. You may even make a new friend! The Maroon and White Game is a great time to preview the MSU football team and spot a few of your favorite Bulldogs, past and present. Last year, Dak Prescott (my favorite!), MSU alumni and Dallas Cowboys quarterback, returned to be a guest captain. There will also be tailgating in The Junction. So if you’ve never been, talk a walk through and see what it’s all about. (TIP: Keep in mind that you’ll need to have your clear bag for any sports events, as MSU’s clear bag policy will be in place during the weekend.)
Beginning at 9am on Saturday, April 13, this festival consists of art vendors, live music, and food. There is even a pet parade and various judged competitions. Dozens of artists will have booths for festival-goers to peruse. From canvas paintings to handcrafted bird houses to jewelry and clothing; you will find anything you’re looking for - and maybe even a few things you weren’t! As far as music, there will be three stages set up in the Cotton District, where different musicians will perform throughout the day.
Now for my favorite part – the food. Get a grilled steak or chicken kabob from Harveys. Grab a sweet tea and chocolate chip cookie from Sweet Peppers Deli. Another MUST-TRY is Bin 612’s famous cheese fries. Central Station Grill has spring rolls and corn dogs (my favorite festival food). Try a slice of pizza from Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern and/or a burger from Bulldog Burger Company. And that’s not even half of the food! Come hungry!
My Tips
1. I’d suggest getting there earlier in the day. The festival is from 9am-5pm, but some places tend to run out of specific items by the afternoon. (prime eating and shopping time is 9am-12pm).
2. Also, be sure to bring cash. Several of the vendors do accept credit cards, but the majority are cash only.
3. Parking is something else you need to plan for. If you’re worried about finding space or just want an easier way to get around, try the SMART Transit System. It’s great for getting around Starkville and campus without having to find parking in high traffic areas (and it’s free). Cowbell Carts is another great option to get you wherever you need to go (Think golf-cart taxi).
These are just some highlights of Super Bulldog Weekend. Be sure to check out the festival and sports websites to see all the amazing things going on. It’s always a great, fun-filled weekend! I hope you’re able to come and enjoy it with us. Hail State and Go Dawgs!