Category Archives: Festival

5th annual Art in Avondale Park, Avondale Park

This event keeps getting bigger and better. Come to the corner of 41st Street South and 5th Avenue South with the kids for an art-filled day in the park. There will be lots of hands-on activities, pony rides, music and dance, booths full of well-known and emerging artists, and a silent auction featuring work by Larry Langford, Birmingham’s mayor-elect. One of the event’s highlights is the children’s parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade leaves Avondale Elementary and takes a route through Forest Park Village, down 39th Street and into the park. These kids are cute so come cheer them on. The fun continues after 4 when the Avondale Business District opens its doors for an evening Open House Tour featuring food, entertainment, prizes, hayrides and carriage rides. Rain date is October 28. You can find more information and pictures from last year, here.

Don’t have weekend plans yet?

Well, it’s Friday, which means that Christina’s got some ideas for you over on Timetable, including a couple of reasons to venture into the city center and one reason to consider fighting traffic tomorrow even if you’re not going to the game.

13th Annual Magic City Reggae Festival & Jamaican Jerk Chicken Cook-off, 18th Street & 1st Avenue South

The sounds of the Caribbean will be wafting through the city’s Southside! Come out and help crown the Caribbena King and Queen of Birmingham, enjoy arts and crafts, take part in a knitted Jamaican hat contest and enjoy the sounds of Mentholly Ill, Turpo Dawg and Small Head.

Cost:

Weekend Pass $60.00
One day pass $25.00
Cook-off entry   $200.00
     

*Weekend passes include a Jerk Chicken Dinner

Location:
18th Street & 1st Avenue South

Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, 4th Avenue Historic District

During this weekend of festivals, head on over to the  4th Avenue Historic District for the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival. From our own Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band to the smooth sounds of Dee Lucas to the legendary Foxxy Fatts (1998 Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee), there’s bound to be something for everyone, where you’re a jazz aficionado or not.

Cost: $0

Location:
4th Avenue Historic District, Downtown Birmingham (directions)

Whistle Stop Festival, Downtown Irondale

Just down the road from downtown Birmingham in downtown Irondale, will be the annual Whistle Stop Festival, named for  “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” by Fannie Flagg. The festival will have arts and crafts, memorabilia from the city’s past and  of course, fried green tomatoes along with other Southern foods, free music, rock climbing, a moon walk, face painting and a dog show among other things.

Cost: $0

Location:
Downtown Irondale, AL (Google Maps)

Paws Across the Parkway, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

This outdoor festival will include music, rescue groups, adoptions, exhibitions, mobile low-cost pet vaccinations, on-site veterinary experts and much more! The event is being hosted by the business community to promote positive efforts in animal welfare.

Cost: Free

Location:
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
980 Huffman Road

Random Shots: Go check out the cars at Rickwood

Attendee Checking Out Cars At Rickwood Field

Photo credit: André Natta

You may even run into an American Idol. That’s the word from out at We Love West End Day at Rickwood Field. You’ve got to get out there today and check out the cars. If you happen to see this in time, you may be able to get to Birmingham’s west side to see former American Idol Ruben Studdard (estimated time of arrival – 2:30 p.m.). His grandmother is a neighborhood officer and an organizer of today’s event. Check out our listing for the event for additional information.