As you explore the MSSU campus and attend the fun events different organizations are hosting, you may also want to get to know Joplin as a whole, and can do so with a hallmark event that the town hosts every month: Third Thursday. A vibrant event full of tradition and culture that dates all the way back to 2008, Third Thursday is hosted by the Downtown Joplin Alliance and takes place in the center of town, right on Main Street.

Thousands of attendees from Joplin and surrounding areas have the opportunity to eat from different food trucks, listen to live music, purchase handmade artisan items, and learn about local organizations! This month’s Third Thursday will take place this week, on Thursday, September 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each one has a different theme, and lucky for you, this month highlights MSSU! Attending will allow you not only a chance to get acquainted with Joplin, but also an opportunity to learn more about clubs and organizations right on campus.

Many MSSU students and local Joplin residents have been going to the monthly Third Thursdays for years. Mai Dorgham, a junior living on Campus, has enjoyed attending since she was a freshman. “I come from Virginia, and there are always people outside exploring the city. Moving here was definitely a change, but Third Thursday reminds me of the bigger city feeling, and shows how much culture Joplin truly has despite being a smaller town. My favorite stall is the one that sells local honey. I buy a jar every time.”

Third Thursday is a tradition which anyone should experience in order to acquaint themselves with Joplin. Make sure to attend this week in order to listen to music, grab some food, look at handmade arts and crafts, and find out more about organizations in Joplin and (as a bonus) right here at MSSU!