Looking for things to do in DeSoto County this weekend? Warm, sunny weather is in the forecast for Oct. 23-25, and the calendar is full: the Mid-South Monarchs play their first home games at the Landers Center, Dru Hill and Ginuwine close the season at Snowden Grove, police departments are collecting old medications, and Walls residents get one last chance to speak at a town listening session. Here is what is happening across Southaven, Hernando, Olive Branch and Walls.
Friday, Oct. 23: Hockey Home Opener and Football
Mid-South Monarchs vs. Baton Rouge Kingfish, 7 p.m.
Professional hockey returns to the Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive in Southaven, as the Mid-South Monarchs host the Baton Rouge Kingfish in the first home game in franchise history. Doors open at 6 p.m. The new Federal Prospects Hockey League team arrives at 1-3 after earning its first win, 6-3, at Fresno on Oct. 17. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and the Landers Center box office. Read our full home-opener preview.
High School Football, 7 p.m.
Eight DeSoto County teams play in five games Friday night, according to MaxPreps listings:
Center Hill (5-2) at Olive Branch (3-5): a district matchup.
Lewisburg (3-4) at Hernando (5-2)
Lake Cormorant (7-0) vs. Saltillo (1-7): the unbeaten Gators keep their run going.
Southaven (1-5) vs. DeSoto Central (6-1)
Horn Lake (0-7) vs. Tupelo (8-0): Horn Lake faces the top-ranked team in the state.
Kickoff temperatures should be pleasant, with a clear sky and readings falling from the 70s into the 60s.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Things to Do in DeSoto County This Weekend
Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday is National DEA Drug Take Back Day, and two local departments are taking part. Residents can drop off old, expired or unused medications, no questions asked:
Getting unused pills out of the medicine cabinet helps keep them away from children and from people who might misuse them.
Walls Community Listening Session, 10 a.m.
Mayor Keidron Henderson holds the last of the Town of Walls community listening sessions Saturday morning. The sessions began after residents objected to a proposed industrial rezoning that they feared could bring a data center to town. Registration is required, and seating is limited. Call Walls Town Hall at 662-781-1282 to sign up and confirm the location. Read what residents said at Monday’s session.
Hernando Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Hernando Farmers Market, sponsored by Sky Lake Construction, sets up on the historic Courthouse Square at 497 W. Commerce St. The market runs only through October, so just two Saturdays remain. Because it is the last Saturday of the month, Saturday is also Children’s Day, featuring the market’s Power of Produce (POP) program for kids. Shoppers can use credit cards and SNAP/EBT at the market table, and SNAP customers can get up to $20 in matching Double Up Food Bucks for fruits and vegetables.
Saturday Absentee Voting, 8 a.m.-noon
The DeSoto County Circuit Clerk’s Office at the historic courthouse in Hernando will be open Saturday morning for in-person absentee voting ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Only voters who meet Mississippi’s absentee eligibility rules may vote early. The final Saturday session is Oct. 31. See our guide to the judicial races on the ballot.
Monarchs vs. Kingfish, Game 2, 7 p.m.
The Monarchs and Kingfish meet again Saturday night at the Landers Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Dru Hill With Ginuwine, Next and Troop, 7 p.m.
BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove, 6275 Snowden Lane in Southaven, hosts a night of 1990s R&B with Dru Hill, Ginuwine, Next and Troop. It is the last show on the amphitheater’s 2026 schedule. Tickets are sold through Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Read our concert preview.
Weekend Weather at a Glance
The National Weather Service forecast for Southaven calls for a dry, sunny weekend:
Friday: Sunny, high near 79. Clear Friday night, low around 53.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 78.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 76.
The dry stretch continues to keep fire danger elevated across north Mississippi. Anyone burning outdoors should use extra caution and check local rules first.
Event times and details can change, so check with organizers before heading out. Have an event we should include next weekend? Send it to DeSoto County News.
