Downtown Hattiesburg's "First Saturday" Series Begins Oct. 2

Downtown Hattiesburg is excited to introduce its new event series, First Saturday, happening monthly and featuring different themes, activities, and specials from local merchants.

Visitors and locals are invited to explore downtown during October’s First Saturday on Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“Through the difficult last year, Downtown Hattiesburg has continued to be a steady heartbeat for the city. While ‘normal’ has not yet completely returned, we are thrilled about the return of activity, visitors, and gatherings in the district,” Andrea Saffle, executive director of the Downtown Hattiesburg Association, said. “Our merchants, restaurants, and attractions have partnered to offer this First Saturday series to provide an exciting experience in Downtown each month.”

October’s First Saturday will include:

16th Annual Mobile Street Renaissance Festival (8 a.m to 9:30 p.m.)
Pilates in the Park with 525 (9 a.m. at Town Square Park)
The Lucky Rabbit – Outdoor Market and free photo ops (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
The Porter Pub – Oktoberfest (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Pocket Museum – Great Duck Hunt (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Blooms Company – Outdoor Market and Warehouse Sale (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Community Arts Center – Art Market & Plant Swap (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Historic Saenger Theater – Milo’s Belated Birthday Party (11:30 a.m.)
Oddfellows Gallery – Magen Pierce gallery presentation (11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Fairley’s Wings – Food Truck Festival & Taste of 59 South live (noon to 6 p.m.)
Southern Prohibition Brewery – Beer release and games (noon to 10 p.m.)
Hattiesburg Ballroom & Beyond – Pop-up dance lessons
Hattiesburg Restaurant Week Kickoff (through Saturday, Oct. 9)
In-store specials at 525, Sage Den, McKenzie’s on Main, and Nellie’s Chicken & Daquiri’s

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Hattiesburg Zoo’s ZooMobile will provide free trolly rides. The route will begin and end at the Historic Saenger Theater with stops along the way to event locations, retailers, and restaurants. The Saenger will also be open during this time for public restroom access.

“We love collaborating with other local businesses to host exciting events and activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to welcome back our regulars and friends as well as a way to invite visitors to explore Downtown,” said Roy Windham, owner of The Porter Pub. “No matter which Downtown restaurant, shop, or attraction you visit, we know you’ll find something to enjoy here.”

To encourage walkability within the district, some streets will be closed as well, including, Mobile St. in front of The Lucky Rabbit, the corner of Main St. and Batson St. near Fairley’s Wings, Tennessee St. by Blooms, and Forrest St. by The Porter Pub.

For details on First Saturday, follow Downtown Hattiesburg on Facebook or visit DowntownHattiesburg.com.

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Downtown Hattiesburg Association focuses on a mission of revitalization and historic preservation of the Downtown district, making it the vibrant and creative center of Hattiesburg. Since its founding in 1985, DHA, a Mississippi Main Street program, has spearheaded the revitalization of Hattiesburg’s historic core through partnerships to focus its growth and development on the Main Street Four Point Approach of the National Main Street Center: Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality. The Association promotes, markets and educates investors, developers, entrepreneurs, businesses, shoppers, visitors and residents that Downtown Hattiesburg is a destination – a place to live, work, and play.