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8 Must-See Spring Festivals and Events in Birmingham You Can’t Miss

Posted on by Angie

Spring is springing in Birmingham, and the city is bursting with exciting events and festivals for all ages! If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor festivals, or unique spring events to enjoy with your crew, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a local mom looking for the best spring activities in Birmingham or a visitor exploring the city, our list has everything you need. Check out our top picks for spring festivals in Birmingham that you won’t want to miss!

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

This free, family-friendly event will celebrate Japanese culture with exciting performances, Japanese culture activities, delicious food, and a beautiful Hanami (flower viewing) experience.

Saturday, March 29th, 10am to 4pm at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Fido Fest

Get ready to unleash the fun at The Summit’s 8th Annual Fido Fest! This FREE event brings together local partners and retailers to honor our pets and support community pet organizations.

Saturday, March 29th The Summit. AMC Parking Lot

Mt. Laurel Spring festival

The gorgeous town of Mt. Laurel is offering shopping at the street fair, great food from local restaurants and food trucks, art pop ups, and live music!

Saturday, April 5, 10am to 3pm

St. Elias Food & Cultural Festival

This festival provides plenty of family-friendly fun as well as live music and delicious food!

April 25- April 26 – St Elias Maronite Church

Magnolia Festival

The Magnolia festival is a family-friendly event bringing a carnival, car show, live entertainment, food vendors, kid activities, arts and craft vendors, and a pooch parade!

Friday, April 25-Saturday, April 26 at the Gardendale Civic Center

Imagination Festival

Create! Kids of all ages make art at Imagination Festival! Friday is for visiting schools. Saturday and Sunday is open to families. Take the littles ones out to Sloss Furnaces for the Spring Festivals 42nd Year!

April 25th – 27th

Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues festival

This family-friendly event has local barbecue, live music, kids activities and art vendors all at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park.

Saturday, April 26, 12pm to 8pm at DeBardeleben Park

Creek Bank Festival

This festival is great for the whole family, they’ll have lots of food, live music, shopping, arts and crafts, and a full schedule of entertainment!

Saturday, May 17, 10am to 4pm at Leeds Memorial Park (free admission, free parking)

 

21st Annual Chili Cook Off

Posted on by Angie

Get Ready for a Spicy Good Time!

Birmingham’s favorite chili showdown is back! The 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off, hosted by The Exceptional Foundation, is set to bring the heat with a day full of delicious chili, live music, and family fun—all for a great cause. Whether you’re a chili connoisseur or just love a good time with the community, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, March 1st 10:30am – 3:30pm at Brookwood Mall.

Purchase tickets here

Mardi Gras in the Magic City

Posted on by Angie

Join us for a lively celebration of Mardi Gras in the heart of Birmingham! This event will bring the energy of New Orleans and Mobile to City Walk BHAM with music, dancing, food, and more. Come dressed in your best Mardi Gras attire for a night of unforgettable entertainment!

Entertainment includes appearances from the Birmingham Squadron, an electrifying performance from Bone Yard of Brass (BYOB)—a powerhouse New Orleans brass band bringing bold trombones, deep helicon bass, and dynamic drums to the stage! And Magic City Disco, a high-energy, ‘70s Disco Performance Krewe. Featuring live performances and interactive line dancing for everyone to join in the fun!

Saturday, March 2nd 1pm – 3pm at Citywalk

Bring Mardi Gras Home with This Easy King Cake Recipe

Posted on by Angie

You might not be catching beads on Bourbon Street, but you can still celebrate Mardi Gras in sweet style with this simple and delicious homemade King Cake!

 

What You’ll Need:
1 (13.9-ounce) can refrigerated breadsticks
1 (1-inch) heatproof plastic baby
1 (12-ounce) can whipped cream cheese frosting
¼ cup heavy cream
Green, purple, and gold (yellow) sanding sugar

How to Make It:
-Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

-Unroll the breadsticks and press two together at the ends to form longer strips. Repeat until you have six long strips. Braid three together loosely and repeat with the remaining three.

-Shape the braids into a ring, leaving a small hole in the center. Press the ends together to seal.

– Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before carefully tucking the plastic baby between the seams.

-In a small pot, heat the cream cheese frosting and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cake, then top with green, purple, and gold sanding sugars.

And just like that, you’ve got a festive, homemade King Cake! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Where to Find King Cakes in Birmingham: The Best Local Spots for Mardi Gras Treats

Posted on by Angie

Mardi Gras season is here, and that means one thing—King Cake! Whether you’re keeping the tradition alive or just looking for a delicious, cinnamon-filled treat, Birmingham has plenty of local bakeries and shops offering these festive cakes. From classic flavors to unique twists, we’ve rounded up the best places to find King Cake in Birmingham so you can celebrate in true Mardi Gras fashion. Keep reading to discover where to grab your slice of the season!

Hero Doughnuts

Let the good times roll this Mardi Gras with HERO’s homemade King Cakes Get yours today and celebrate the season with a slice of sweet tradition

Pre-order Here

Edgars Bakery

When the beads are flying, you know it’s king cake time. Traditional king cake is $30, flavored king cakes are $35, and miniature king cakes are $10. Stopy by your favorite location and grab yours today!

Homewood Gourmet

Order now and let the good times roll… right to your taste buds! Once you taste this King Cake you will know why they were nominated for The Homewood’s Best Awards Best Chef! Your last day to order one of their famous King Cakes is March 4! Whether you’re craving that classic cinnamon swirl or one of our signature flavors, this is your moment to make the season extra delicious.
Regular King Cakes $35.00 serves 15-20 people
Cream Cheese Filled King Cakes $45.00 serves 15-20 people

Please allow 2 days notice for king cake orders.  You can order online through their website under seasonal or you may call at 205.871.1620 to place an order.

Savages Bakery

Their king cake is a traditional New Orleans-style cake glazed and sprinkled with purple, green and gold.
Call (205) 871-4901  to place your order.

Continental Bakery

King Cakes are back, mes amis! From now through Mardi Gras (March 4), Continental Bakery is serving up our two signature flavors: Frangipane-filled King Cakes with a delicious almond cream filling and Cinnamon Sugar-filled King Cakes. Both come with rich, colorful icing and (of course) a toy baby you might choose to hide among the flaky, buttery layers.
King Cakes come in petite ($15) or large ($25) sizes. Order yours today by calling 205-870-5584 or visiting their site. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Birmingham Breadworks

This soft spiced brioche is filled with cinnamon cream cheese and topped with vanilla glaze, creating a totally unique flavor that is loved by many.
Each King Cake comes with a plastic baby for you to hide yourself, a strand of beads and a 2oz pack of freshly roasted Creole Coffee for that true New Orleans experience!
(205) 202-3207

The Heavenly Donut Company

Mardi Gras donuts are available for preorder or limited availability in the case daily through Mardi Gras.

YMCA of Greater Birmingham Earns Accreditation for Child Abuse Prevention Practices

Posted on by Angie

As parents, safety is always our top priority.  That’s why it’s great to see the YMCA of Greater Birmingham earn Praesidium Accreditation®, proving their commitment to child protection and abuse prevention.

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

To achieve  Accreditation, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham underwent a rigorous process to  implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s successful implementation of these standards. The Y will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.

Praesidium Accreditation® provides solid proof of sound risk management practices and the honor distinguishes Organization Name from others in their industry. “We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our care—for any reason,” said Rhonda Elmore, Vice President of Youth Development. As an entire organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from sexual abuse.”

About Praesidium: Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally.

About the YMCA of Greater Birmingham: The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is a charitable organization dedicated to making our community a healthier place to live. Throughout the Greater Birmingham area, the Y is engaged in every neighborhood, nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving the community’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support others. That’s why we focus on our work in three areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Learn more about the YMCA of Greater Birmingham at ymcabham.org 

Summer Camp Spotlight: Summer Camp Fun at Aldridge Gardens!

Posted on by Angie

Searching for an unforgettable summer experience for your child in Birmingham? Aldridge Gardens offers the perfect blend of fun, learning, and adventure! Their beloved summer camps are back, offering engaging and hands-on experiences for kids entering kindergarten through 3rd grade. But don’t wait—spots are limited and fill up fast!

Why Choose Aldridge Gardens Summer Camps?
Each camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, giving your child a fun-filled morning of creativity, discovery, and adventure. Plus, mid-morning snacks and water are provided, or you can send your own.

With a variety of camp themes—including American Girl Dolls, Art in the Gardens, and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)—there’s something to inspire every young explorer!

Camp Details & Pricing
Cost: $130 for Aldridge Gardens members | $150 for non-members
Pro Tip: A $50 annual membership can save you money if registering multiple kids or attending multiple camps—and it comes with other great perks! [Join online here.]

Camp Schedule – June 2025
American Girl Doll Camps
June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27

Art in the Gardens Camps
June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27

S.T.E.A.M. Camps
June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27

Spots are filling up quickly—don’t miss out! Click [here] to register today and give your child a summer full of fun, learning, and adventure!

Spring Break Camps and Classes In Birmingham: Spring 2025

Posted on by Angie

SPRING BREAK CAMPS IN BIRMINGHAM 2025

Looking for fun and engaging ways to keep the kids entertained over spring break? Birmingham has a variety of spring break camps to choose from! We’ve rounded up the best options for 2025 so you can find the perfect fit for your family. Check out the full list below and get ready for a stress-free spring break!

Red Mountain Theatre Spring Break Camps

RMT’s Theatre Camps give kids an outlet to use their creativity in dramatic ways, at all ages and skill levels. Countless studies have shown arts education improves children’s development and academic success. It’s not just about singing and dancing. It’s about teaching them teamwork, time management, focus, discipline, confidence and so much more!

Whole day and half day camps are available. Most camps end with a short performance for parents and friends. There are also before or after care options to add on as desired. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Please click here for more details on financial aid.

Did your child attend one of our camps in 2024? Email education@redmountaintheatre.org to get your 10% discount code as a returning camper!

All camps will have a travel theme, from our Play Making camps (Bluey’s Adventures and Moana’s Voyage; ages 4-6), to our Triple Threats “Vacation, All I Ever Wanted” (ages 6-8), and a world-traveling script for our Blast Camp (ages 9-14). Sing, dance, and imagine the whole world at RMT!

Sign Up Here

Schools Out Camp – YMCA

Join the YMCA for fun games and activities that keep kids having fun and learning. They can make new friends and engage in indoor and outdoor activities in a safe, positive environment. School’s Out Camp is available on most scheduled school breaks. Dates, times, and prices vary by location. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend, so invite your friends.

Alabaster YMCA
Ages: 3-5 year olds (1/2 day) |  K-7th grade
Hours of Operation: 9:00AM – 1:00PM (1/2 day for 3-5 years old)| 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Dates currently offered: March 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Cost: YMCA Members: $30 per day per child | Non-Members: $50 per day per child

Greystone YMCA | Hoover | Pelham | Shades Valley | Trussville
Ages: K-6th grade
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Dates currently offered: March 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Cost: YMCA Members: $30 per day per child | Non-Members: $50 per day per child

Spring Break at the Birmingham Zoo

Our ever-changing world is always creating new pressures on wildlife. Discover ways humanity impacts wildlife and brainstorm solutions on how we can lighten the load we put on animals in the wild.

Schedule
Monday, March 24 – Habitat Loss
Tuesday, March 25 – Pollution
Wednesday March 26 – Invasive Species
Thursday, March 27 – Illegal Wildlife Trade
Friday, March 28 – Solutions

Register Here

Camp McWane

Looking for an awesome way to spend your Spring Break? Camp McWane Spring Break Camps are packed with fun, hands-on learning activities for kids in 4K to 6th grade!

Camp Features:

Safe, indoor environment
Expert instructors
Hands-on STEM learning
Exploring the science center
The deadline for registration for Spring Break camps is Wednesday, March 19.  Half and Full Day Camps Available

Register HERE

Birmingham Area Children’s Consignment Sales, Spring 2025

Posted on by Angie

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your kid’s wardrobe and gear. If you’re looking for great deals on gently used kids’ items, Birmingham is home to lots of children’s consignment sales where you can score everything from clothes to toys at a fraction of the cost. Here’s your guide to all the upcoming sales in the area, so you don’t miss out on the savings!

Gardendale

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mtn Vernon Baptist
805 Crest Drive, Gardendale, AL  35071

Public sale dates:

Sunday, February 23rd 1pm-6pm- Drop off for anyone
Monday, February 24th 8am-6pm- Drop off for anyone
Thursday, February 27th 8am-7pm- Sales open to public
Friday, February 28th 8am-6pm- Sales open to public
Saturday, March 1st 7am-12pm- Sales open to public (half off MOST items)
Saturday, March 1st 4pm-6pm- Pick up and pay for sellers
Sale Website 

Birmingham

Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale
Asbury United Methodist Church

Public sale dates:

Friday, February 14th 8am-6pm
Saturday, February 15th 8am-12pm (some items half off)

Hoover:

Bargains on the Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist

Public sale dates:

Thursday, February 20th- Preview sale
Friday, February 21st 9am-6pm- Public sale
Saturday, February 22nd 9am-2pm- Public sale (select items half off)

Tried N True (TNT Consignment)
Riverchase United Methodist

Public sale dates:

Wednesday, February 12th 9am-3pm and 5pm-7:30pm- Public sale
Thursday, February 13th 9am-3pm and 5pm-7:30pm- Public sale
Friday, February 14th 8am-11am- Public sale (some items half off)

Irondale:

Kids Market and Mom
Irondale Civic Center off Ratliff Road

Friday February 21st, Saturday February 22nd and Monday February 24th – Receiving
Tuesday and Thursday, March4th and 6th  Contributors shop
Saturday, March 8th 8am-6pm – Any contributor and guest pass will shop
Friday, March 7th 2p, 4p and 6p – Parent’s Night Out

Public Sale Dates:

Saturday, March 8th 10pm-6pm
Sunday, March 9th 12pm-5pm
Monday-Thursday, March 10th-March 13th, 9am-6pm

Discount Days (50% off many items)

Friday, March 14th 9am-7pm
Saturday, March 15th 8am-4pm

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment
Mountain Brook Community Church

Public sale dates:

Friday, February 21st 9am-4pm- Public sale
Saturday, February 22nd 7th 9am-12pm- Public sale (some items half off)

Trussville:

Trussville Methodist Children’s Consignment
Trussville Methodist Church

Pubic sale dates:

Friday, March 14th 10am-8pm- Public sale
Saturday, March 15th 8am-2pm- Public sale (many items half off)

Vestavia

Whale of a Sale
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

NO SPRING SALE

** Please remember that all dates and times are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy. Please make sure to double check the sales website and/or Facebook pages for the most current and up to date information. If you have a sale you would like to see on our list, email us at contact@birminghammommy.com

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: The Greatest Show on Earth Returns to Birmingham!

Posted on by Angie

Get ready, Birmingham! The Greatest Show on Earth is making a triumphant return January 31st. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show promises an unforgettable experience with all-new jaw-dropping performances, incredible acrobatics, and thrilling entertainment for the entire family.

Experience the thrill of a lifetime as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® returns with a reimagined edition of The Greatest Show On Earth® produced by the worldwide leader in live entertainment experiences, Feld Entertainment. This iconic production, designed to entertain today’s families, brings together 75 performers from 18 different nationalities, showcasing over 50 exhilarating circus acts in a fast-paced, action- packed two-hour show. The all-new Ringling will only be performing at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham from January 31–February 2, 2025.

This isn’t just any circus. This is The Greatest Show On Earth that blends breathtaking stunts, high-energy performances, and laugh-out-loud moments that keep everyone on the edge of their seats. This all-new Ringling production is for everyone, from kids to grandparents, making it the perfect family entertainment experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the circus, there is no other show like this to create lasting family memories.

Fans can expect to be fully immersed in a 360-degree viewing experience that brings the action to life all around them. The arena floor becomes the ultimate playground, where gravity-defying stunts and thrilling performances unfold right before their eyes. Audiences will leave the show feeling inspired and believing that anything is possible. They’ll witness real people who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their talent, performing acts unique only to Ringling such as:

  • The never-before-seen triangular highwire and the crisscross flying trapeze adds layers of complexity to traditional circus acts, allowing fans to see more action and more performers simultaneously.
  • A high-energy BMX bike stunt scene, where bikes and riders flip high above the arena on ramps and trampolines is an adrenaline rush for the crowd.
  • Live music performances add a vibrant energy to the show and encourages audience participation.
  • The Double Wheel of Destiny pushes the limits with four daredevils executing daring leaps and somersaults on two spinning apparatuses, 30 feet above the ground while moving at incredible speeds.
  • Fans won’t want to miss Wesley, the One Wheel Wonder, a Guinness World Record-setting performer riding the world’s tallest unicycle at 34.6 feet.
  • Human juggling, where a performer flips and twists high and fast in the air, propelled by his partner’s feet—a must-see sight.

“Over the past two years, we’ve innovated and deepened the connection between performers and the audience, creating an unforgettable experience,” says Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO and Producer of The Greatest Show On Earth. “At the heart of every Ringling show is a sense of wonder and authenticity. No matter the generation, every audience member will find moments that resonate, delivering the thrilling and inspiring experience only Ringling can offer.

The tour launched in September 2023 and will travel to over 50 cities across North America, bringing this incredible show to fans everywhere. It’s nonstop fun at family-friendly prices:

Don’t miss out on The Greatest Show On Earth! Tickets are available now at www.Ringling.com.

WHEN: Friday, January 31 7:00 PM

Saturday, February 1 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM &; 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 2 1:00 PM &; 5:00 PM

WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC – 1898 9 th Ave North, Birmingham, AL. 35203
TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at

Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

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