10 Things to Find In Fondren in June
Say hey to summer: June is here and Fondren is full of fun! Let’s take a minute to countdown ten things to enjoy this month.
1. Author Richard Grant at St. James’ Episcopal Church Thursday, June 2 at Noon
The Dispatches From Pluto wordsmith is on home turf this Thursday (did you know he lives in Fondren)? Grant will speak about his latest novel that chronicles life in the Mississippi Delta and his time living there. RSVP a spot (with a great lunch to be served, too, for $8). This event is sold out.
2. Fondren’s First Thursday Thursday June 2
The monthly street party, organized by artist-entrepreneur-firebrand Chane, brings a smokin’ hot summer installment to the historic business district this week. What’s happening this go around? Chane is mostly tight lipped, keeping all the details of this out-of-the-box night of family friendly festivities under wraps. Just show up. You’ll thank us later. FFT on Facebook.
3. Live Music at Duling Hall
No good concerts in this town? You haven’t been paying attention to what Arden Barnett and company are putting on stage at Duling Hall. This month alone, they’ll host Built to Spill (June 5), Allen Stone (June 7), Muddy Magnolias and JJ Thames (June 10) and Chris Robinson and Brotherhood (June 15) – and that’s just half way through the month. Find a listing of all this month’s shows, including ticket prices and start times here.
4. 2nd Annual Mississippi Craft Beer Festival Friday, June 24 at 5pm
If legitimately local craft beer is your thing, you’ll be thrilled with Fondren Renaissance’s plans for later this month. Over 100 beers will be available for sampling, many with Mississippi ties, from 28 breweries represented by Capital City Beverage Company and Southern Beverage Company. A VIP hour kicks off at 5pm (shorter lines and the place all to yourself? Yes.) General admission opens at 6pm. Oh, if you’re thinking of waiting to buy tickets at the door, don’t make that mistake: last year’s event sold out in two hours. Purchase tickets today online or stop by FRF’s tent on Duling during FFT this Thursday.
5. Saints Summer Experience Begins June 6
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, whose lower elementary campus is in Fondren, has been offering up a summer camp experience for over 30 years. From science to math, the arts, sports and outdoor water activities, the roster includes a camp for almost any child. Sessions kick off next week so don’t delay registration: according to camp director Jay Losset, spots are filling quickly. Register here.
6. Plant Based Potluck June 11 at 1pm
Vegans, vegetarians, raw food enthusiasts, local food fans, fermentationists — they all participate in the Plant-Based Potluck every second Saturday of the month at Rainbow Co-Op. With these friendly, informative folks, you don’t just get a delicious vegan or vegetarian meal, you also get a chance to learn more about plant-based diets. And it’s where all the cool kids will be hanging out, so you know you want to stop by and give it a taste. Bring a vegan dish of your own or pick up something ready made in the store to share with the group. Mark “going” on this month’s Facebook event.
7. Tasting and Guest Chef Dinners June 20 (Sal & Mookie’s); June 28 (Saltine)
Your favorite restaurant’s menu is always good. But what if they had a different flavor, if only for a night? That’s where the Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner at Sal & Mookie’s on June 20 comes in. It includes six featured beers with five food courses for $60. If you don’t drink beer, but want in on the fun, they’re doing a “just food” option for $40. A week and a day later, on June 28, Chef Jesse Houston welcomes San Diego chef Phillip Esteban of The Cork and Craft to Jackson. Esteban, who specializes in modern Californian cuisine, brings along Abnormal Beer Co.’s Derek Gallanosa and Mostra Coffee’s Mike Arquines to offer a one-of-a-kind beer dinner pairing West Coast beverages with Southern flavors. RSVP for the Sal & Mookie’s event by calling 601-38-1919; get your ticket for the Saltine event by calling 601-982-2899.
8. Book signings June 2, 6, 8, 14, 16 & 18
You have (as of today) six chances to hear from some of your favorite writers as they take up temporary residence on the big green couch at Jackson’s stalwart indie book store, Lemuria Books, in Banner Hall. Richard Russo (above) begins the list on June 2 – Richard Grant is in there, too (June 18) – each event an opportunity to be up close and personal with the people who challenge your imaginations through the written word. Keep up with all of Lemuria’s events here.
9. Game Nights Mondays and Thursdays
Take your pick: barbecue, beer and a game night, all found at The Pig & Pint. This Fondren favorite eatery hosts Challenge Entertainment twice a week – on Mondays for trivia and Thursdays for bingo. With both come prizes, beer specials – and, of course, bragging rights. Stay in the loop with The Pig & Pint’s events on their Facebook page.
10. The summer issue of Find It In Fondren
It’s shameless self promotion, but you’ll forgive us our if we are proud of our 21st edition (finally legal)! All kidding aside, the Makers & Builders issue hits the stands and the streets this Thursday. Pick up a copy at First Thursday or in one of your favorite Fondren stores or restaurants.