Spring time is a great time to get out and enjoy the weather. There’s a lot going on in Birmingham and surrounding areas this time a year. Lots of food, music, dancing and just plan fun! The only problem you’ll have is trying to figure out how to fit them all in!
Spring Festivals in Birmingham
Mt. Laurel Spring Festival
Mt. Laurel Town Square
April 8th, 10am – 3pm
As the flowers bloom in the beautiful Town of Mt Laurel, the Mt Laurel Spring Festival returns, offering you the opportunity to soak up the sunlight, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, and enjoy a day strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods.
The Mt Laurel Spring Festival has something for everyone, including shopping the many artisans and crafts vendors and farmers in the Town Center; watching live music on the Bryson Square Stage sponsored by Mortgagebanc; and savoring delicious eats at Birmingham food trucks such as Jim N’ Nicks BBQ, Cantina on Wheels, and Urban Pops. Browse handcrafted artwork, home décor items, jewelry, and pottery from local artisans and pick up fresh produce from participating farmers.
In the middle of the Town Center, the Bryson Square Stage will host entertainment for the entire duration of the festival. Special thanks goes to Mortgagebanc for sponsoring the expanded entertainment on the Bryson Square stage.
Local Birmingham bands such as Good Fellows Jazz Duo, Steve Wingo and Melanie Rogers, and Fiddlers in the Park will perform. At noon, up and coming Nashville based singer-songwriter Andrew Tufano will take the stage presenting his blend of folk and pop melodies.
The festival now extends to Mt Laurel’s beautiful Olmsted Park to allow for an expanded Kid’s Park area. Children of all ages will love the petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, and rides in the idyllic Olmsted Park.
The expanded festival area will allow for more arts and crafts vendors, allowing visitors to shop from the best local vendors. From jewelry, art, and handcrafted goods to home décor, clothing, soaps, and more, every “locally-made enthusiast” will find something to take home. The season’s best produce will be available from area farmers, with baked bread and candies from mom-and-pop shops and homegrown bakeries.
Darter Festival
April 9th, 2pm – 6pm
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
The Darter Festival has become a much-anticipated annual event in Birmingham, Alabama. It is a family friendly, festive way to support Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, so come out April 9th 2PM – 6PM to join us for BIG FUN! Good People providing Darter Ale and live music by Future Primitives and Dead Fingers.
IndiaFest Family Day
April 9th, 2pm – 5pm
UAB Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts
Bring the kids and enjoy an afternoon of fun for the entire family! Activities will take place between AEIVA and the Alys Stephens Center and will include visual arts projects for children, Indian mandala coloring for all ages, Indian rangoli making in the Art Plaza, Uma Srivastava’s “Hindu Culture Mythbusters” game, a film screening of Sita Sings the Blues, a violin and tabla demo by Ajay Patel, and an Indian dance demo, food trucks, and MORE! Full activity schedule: www.alysstephens.org/events/family-day
Spring Food Truck Rally
April 9th, 1pm – 5pm
Avondale Brewing Company
Please join B’ham Food Trucks for the second annual Spring Food Truck Rally at Avondale Brewing. More than 20 food trucks will gather for this family-friendly event featuring live musical entertainment, kid’s activities and more!
$5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children ages 5 – 12 are $2 and children under 5 enter free.
12th Annual Gumbo Gala
April 22nd, 11am – 2pm
Sloss Furnaces
Join Birmingham’s best Professional and Backyard Gumbo chef’s as they compete for the bragging rights to the title of Birmingham’s Best Gumbo. Enjoy great music, a kids zone, incredible gumbo and a great time all for a great cause.
Episcopal Place provides seniors and disabled adults with restricted income a safe and affordable housing option and access to related services in a home-like environment.
Admission charged.
19th Annual Lebanese Food Festival
April 21st – 22nd, 10am – 9pm (both days)
St. Elias Maronite Church
Two day event featuring food and culture of Lebanon. Authentic food including kibbee, grape leaves, tabouleh, grilled chicken, homus, baklawa and more. Dancing by our children performed on stage throughout Friday evening and Saturday. For more information and a complete menu go to www.stelias.org
Free Admission
16th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival
April 21st – 22nd, 5 pm – 10 pm (Fri) | 9 am – 5 pm (Sat)
Gardendale Civic Center
150 booths, with 3 stages of live entertainment. Kids zone, Art classes, Food, Car show and much much more!
Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival
April 29th, 3pm – 10pm
Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
For years, many people in the community have hoped for such a “festa” or feast celebrating Italian culture in traditional Italian style. After the success of the inaugural event in 2012, anticipation and excitement for each year’s festival has continued to grow. Every year since, FOSM has been a sold out event to an overwhelming 3,000 Italian loving visitors!
Adults $25 | Children $10 | Ages 5 and Under, Free
Magic City Art Connection
April 28th – 30th, 10am – 6pm (Fri & Sat) | 10am – 5pm (Sun)
Linn Park
The 34th annual show and Birmingham’s largest festival will transform Linn Park with its blast of fresh artistic talent, sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas. #MagicCityArt spotlights 200 artists both locally and nationally and mixes in music, dance, kids art experiences, sculpture installations, plus food, special tastings & more. Livability.com honored Birmingham as one of the Top 10 Best Downtowns in 2014 where Magic City Art Connection was cited among the accolades. We are in awesome company and eager to keep a great spring tradition going strong.
Festival Admission: Adults $5, Kids 12 & under free
Pay at the Gate – No Advance tickets for the festival
8th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival
May 20th, 11am – 8pm
DeBardeleben Park in Downtown Historic Bessemer
Gates open at 11am. You can expect to hear talented award winning national and local blues musicians. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day. Van Sykes, the festival organizer and owner of Bob Sykes Bar B Q says “We are looking forward to another successful year. Each year the festival grows and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and the support of the community. We’ll also be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Bob Sykes Bbq Restaurant! Patrons come from all over the Southeast for a fun party. The festival was chosen by Al.com for numerous years as one of the top food festivals in Alabama. There is something to do for the entire family including a large kids corner with activities and games. Children twelve and under are free with a ticketed adult. The festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, legendary Bob Sykes Bbq, and a diverse selection of food vendors offering tempting bites. General admission and VIP Tickets can be purchased at www.bobsykesblues.com or at Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant. A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit Ady’s Army a non-profit organization that serves special needs families.
General Admission Ticket prices beginning at $15 | VIP Tickets available for purchase
Do Dah Day
May 20th, 11am – 7pm
Caldwell Park
he South’s craziest parade kicks off at 11:01 a.m. on the streets of Highland Avenue in Birmingham’s Southside. Then, spend the day in Caldwell and Rhodes Parks with friends, pets, arts & crafts, kid’s activities, and a lineup of great bands. Oh yes, we have plenty of food and beverages, and collectible Do Dah Day t-shirts. Free admission for spectators and festival attendees.
All proceeds benefit local animal charities.
23rd Annual Creek Bank Festival
May 20th, 10am – 5pm
Leeds Memorial Park
Join us for fun and fellowship for a full day of festivities with plenty of shopping at arts and craft booths, a full schedule of entertainment, and food provided by food vendors.
If you’re looking for another fun way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, make sure to check our list of U-Pick Farms and Orchards.
