The signs are correct – 1^st Avenue South between 14^th and 18^th Streets South is closed this weekend. It doesn’t, however, mean that the same is true for Railroad Park. It will, in fact, host two fairly large events as its new neighbor across the street, Regions Field, prepares for its first real close-up next Wednesday.

Part of getting this part of the Five Points South neighborhood ready for April 10 involves installing a brick walkway along the park’s southern edge, repaving of 1^st Ave., S., and the creation of marked parking spaces along this stretch of pavement. The fan page maintained by the park on Facebook even has pictures of the work being performed. These improvements will not keep those two events previously mentioned from taking place, though folks attending will probably want to plan to allow time to find a spot.

Saturday sees the Southern Environmental Center holding its second ever Darter Festival, complete with the debut of a Darter ale by the folks at Good People Brewing Company, kites, and entertainment throughout the day. Proceeds from the sale of the beer will go towards the restoration and preservation of the watercress darter.

Sunday’s arrival brings with it the Pop Up Bazaar, an event organized by Junior Achievement. It’s actually this year’s installment (and the fourth overall) of Hot Biz in the City, a chance to shop small businesses located throughout metro Birmingham while benefiting the organization’s Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund and their JA Be Entrepreneurial program.

As shared by organizers for both events (SEC, JA), alternative parking options exist, and they’re plentiful. Parking at meters along 18^th Street, 2nd Ave., S., and elsewhere in the area is possible, and free. Those attending either or both events may also use the Birmingham Parking Authority’s Lot D, located directly across the street from the park’s 18^th St.; it will cost $2 to do so with payment possible using quarters or bills.