4th of July Happenings, Birmingham

There will be Lots of ways to celebrate the 4th of July this year around Birmingham, not just on the 4th but all week long! Here’s what’s happening in the ‘Ham and Surrounding areas!

July 1st – Wald Park Vestavia
34th Annual I Love America Day

Free swimming begins at 6 p.m. Only regular Wald Park pool members will be admitted before 6 p.m. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at the pool. Pets are not allowed on the fields in Wald Park.

Festivities will include free swimming between 6-7:30 p.m., Pops in the Park by Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra at 7 p.m. and a movie: 8:15 p.m.

Event planners encourage residents to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and sunscreen in order to enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors. Sponsors and vendors will greet guests with refreshments, giveaways and other freebies.

July 2nd – Southern Museum of Flight
Independence Day Celebration

The Southern Museum of Flight will host an Independence Day Celebration with the US Air Force’s own Band of the West Concert Band.  The museum will open its doors for free starting at 4 pm before the performance at 7pm.  Jim N’ Nick’s will be on site with food and drinks – cash only.  Kid friendly STEM based aviation activities as well as face painting, balloon animals from Magic City Face Art.  Seating and parking is limited.  This is a rain or shine event!

The Concert Band is a 45-member ensemble that represents the Air Force by performing for formal military ceremonies, educational clinics, and public concerts throughout the Southern United States. At every performance they offer a wide range of entertaining music to their audiences. The band’s repertoire consists of music from the Renaissance through the present day, from symphonic band literature to Broadway musicals, and from Sousa marches to today’s popular hits.

The members of the band are all highly skilled professionals coming from colleges and universities all over the nation to serve in the U. S. Air Force. As part of Air Education and Training Command at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, the Band of the West is proud to represent the men and women of the United States Air Force. The Concert Band brings a uniquely motivating experience to military and civilian audiences throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida by combining pride in the Air Force story with a love for music and education.

The museum is dedicated to investigating, preserving, and promoting the rich stories of Southern Aviation and to providing enjoyable, experiential educational programming for people of all ages.

July 3rd – Oak Mountain State Park
Fireworks on the Water

From 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm: Food from Dreamland BBQ, McAlister’s, Frios, Publix; Wakeboarding Demo by FlipSide Watersports; Live Music. Fun for the entire family! Arrive early to get a good spot!
Fireworks show at 9:00 pm.
Normal Park admission applies before 5:00 p.m. After 5:00 p.m., pay $5 per car
Parking and Shuttle available at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater for $5 per car
No admission to park after 8:00 p.m.

July 3rd – Chelsea Park Subdivision.
The Big Kaboom

Entertainment will happen in the park area starting at 8 p.m., and the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. There will be some food vendors available.

The fireworks show will be visible from various places around the subdivision including a lot at Highway 440 and Highway 280 and the Publix parking lot. People should keep safety in mind if they park along Highway 280 to watch the fireworks.

July 3rd – Old Towne Helena
Helena First Friday

The Helena Business Association’s First Friday event in Old Town Helena will feature a massive fireworks show on July 3.

The First Friday gathering that attracts numerous vendors and visitors to the Old Town area will happen from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The fireworks show will follow First Friday’s conclusion.

July 3rd – City of Alabaster
Fireworks Show

The City of Alabaster is hosting its fireworks show on July 3 at a new location behind the old silo on Highway 119 between the Alabaster Post Office and the Publix shopping center.

The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. APH Radio will be playing music during the fireworks show on 99.9 FM.

July 4th – Southeastern Outings 4th of July Celebration
Picnic, Free Band Concert and Birmingham’s Firework Show
Bartow Arena Park

This picnic precedes the FREE 4th of July concert by the UAB Summer Band and the City of Birmingham Fireworks–all which can be enjoyed from the same spot in front of the Bartow Arena on the UAB Campus. 6:30pm

Band concert by the UAB Summer Band.  This large group of carefully auditioned and selected student and professional musicians is an outstanding concert band.  Please bring your own blanket or chairs.   Look for the SEO signs.  SEO people will assemble next to the concrete planter closest to the stage to the right of the dragon statue (as you face the band) right where the grass ends and the concrete floor leading to the entrance to the arena begins.  Look for the Southeastern Outings sign.  When the concert ends, conveniently enjoy clearly viewing the Birmingham City Fireworks from the picnic area.  Well-behaved, properly supervised children are welcome.
7pm

July 4th – Independence Day at the American Village, Montevallo

On this July 4th we honor the founders who pledged their “lives, fortune, and sacred honor” when they signed the Declaration of Independence. They boldly declared as self-evident “truths” that life and liberty are given to us by our Creator, not by government or man. They asserted the revolutionary principle that government is granted its powers only by the consent of the people.

Today we also honor those in each generation since who have upheld these principles by their service to and sacrifice for our country.

Costumed historical interpreters; Revolutionary Army drills; 18th century games; Independence Ball!

Admission is $5.00/person. Veterans, active duty military and children ages 4 and under FREE.
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. Events from noon to evening fireworks.

July 4th – Railroad Park
Jazz in the Park

There’s no better way to celebrate freedom than an evening of music under the stars. Jazz in the Park will feature the musical sounds of Darryl Evan Jones and the Birmingham Heritage Band
6pm

July 4th – Morgan Creek Vineyards
Music and Fireworks

Join us in the vineyard this July 4th for a dynamic concert event!  Enjoy wine tastings, winery tours, BBQ and spectacular fireworks! Special opening music by Jon Vogel begins at 5:00 p.m. The soulful Tekneek Band starts at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks will wow at 9:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and chairs for the perfect spot in the vineyard. $10 per person at the gate and ages 12 & under free. VIP tables are available for $30 per table and seat up to eight people.

July 4th – Thunder on the Mountain, 2015

For decades, Thunder on the Mountain, Birmingham’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, has been hailed as one of the largest and most extravagant Independence Day traditions in the state of Alabama, and this year will be no exception. On Saturday, July 4 at 9:00 pm, Thunder on the Mountain 2015 will once again illuminate the skies above Birmingham’s beloved iron man, Vulcan. Free to the public, this year’s show will last approximately 20 minutes and will feature a variety of firework shells that will brighten the sky with new colors and patterns. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack that will feature a mix of patriotic favorites and popular musical performances. Vulcan Park and Museum takes pride in organizing this highly-anticipated event each year; however, we rely on the community-at-large to help fund this outstanding show for residents of the greater Birmingham area and beyond to enjoy! Thank you for your support.

Helpful Hints / FAQ’s:

• Can I watch the fireworks from Vulcan Park and Museum?
  No. The fireworks are launched from the park grounds of Vulcan Park and Museum. For safety purposes, Vulcan Park and Museum and its surrounding 10-acre park will close to the public at 6:00 pm on July 4. At this time, the entire park grounds and parking lots will be cleared out and closed.
• Where is the best place to view the fireworks?
  For the best viewing experience, make sure you have a clear view of Vulcan! Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, UAB campus, among others. Based on growing crowds in recent years, organizers are advising spectators to stake out a viewing point well in advance of the 9:00 pm show.
• Will the show be cancelled in the event of rain?
  No. Thunder on the Mountain 2015 will continue rain or shine! However, the show may be cancelled in the event of severe weather conditions.