Held each year in August, the Starkville Area Arts Council's Starshine Dinner serves as a fundraising event for the Arts Council.

The two-day event include exciting events for arts and food lovers:

• Star Shine Cook-Off features local and regional chefs contending for the weekend's Best Food, Best Presentation and Best of Star Shine awards. Music and drinks are provided as attendees sample the entries before a panel of "celebrity" judges makes its decision.
• A featured Celebrity Chef is our guest for the weekend, hosting Saturday morning cooking classes for participants complete with hands-on instruction, a taste of the creations and recipes to take home. [Read about 2008's Celebrity Chef, Tim Creehan]
• A Four-Course Dinner by our guest Chef caps off the weekend in elegance beginning with a special meet-and-greet before the meal is served. Ticket-holders are treated to delictible culinary creations and wine parings.
• Artwork from local artists is displayed throughout the weekend and is available for purchase.