Spring Festivals and Special Events in Birmingham

Spring is in the air, and Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes a season filled with vibrant festivals perfect for family fun! Whether you’re a local mom looking for a fun day out with the family or visitors searching for the best spring activities in the city, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got a list full of spring festivals in Birmingham that are not to be missed.

Cottontail’s Village festival

This spring market brings hundreds of arts, crafts, food, clothing and jewelry vendors and lots of fun for a three day show!

Friday, March 1- Sunday, March 3 at the BJCC

20th Annual Chili Cook Off

All you can eat chili, live music, and a kid zone all profiting the exception foundation!

Saturday, March 2 at the Brookwood village

13th Annual Holi Festival

This colorful, family-friendly event brings fun and festivity as well as an Indian tradition and celebration of good over evil.

Saturday, March 16, 11am to 5pm at the Birmingham Museum of Art

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

This festival showcases the beautifully rich Japanese culture as well as food, music, and even a martial arts demonstrations!

Saturday, March 30, 10am to 4pm at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Fido Fest

Get Ready to Unleash the Fun! Grab your furry friends and join us for the ultimate pet celebration at our 7th Annual Fido Fest.

Saturday, March 30th 11am – 3pm, Summit Shopping Center, AMC parking lot.

St. Elias Food & Cultural Festival

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

April 12- April 13

Mt. Laurel Spring festival

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

Saturday, April 13, 10am to 3pm

Patton Creek Art Festival

This art festival brings talented artist from all over for you to support and admire!

Saturday, April 13- Sunday, April 14

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 19-Saturday, April 20 at the Gardendale Civic Center

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 20, 12pm to 8pm at DeBardeleben Park

Spring Shopping festival

Shop all your favorite places at The Outlet Shops of Grand River for this one day shopping festival and marketplace!

Saturday, April 27 at The Shops of Grand River

Imagination festival

This festival allows kids to unleash their inner artist and creativity! Interactive workshops and projects immerse the kids in learning about art in a fun and cool way!

Saturday, April 29, 10am to 5pm

Sunday, April 20, 10am to 4pm

Sloss Furnaces

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 18, 10am to 4pm at Leeds Memorial Park

 

 

2024 Festival of Tulips at American Village

Opening weekend for the 2024 Season Festival Tulips will be February 24th!

The American Village Festival of Tulips will once again provide a fantastic outing for clubs, groups, and families. The event is perfect for motorcoach tours as well. The field of over 100,000 tulips, with replicas of some of America’s most historic places as a backdrop, creates a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity, so bring your camera! The Festival of Tulips at the American Village will be open Monday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 12-4 as long as the flowers are in bloom (depending on weather). The Village advises that you check their website (www.americanvillage.org) and Facebook page for current availability.

Admission to the Festival of Tulips is $5 per person, free to veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under.  *Enter the front gate and follow the signs to the parking lot directly beside the tulip field. You’ll pay admission and pay for the tulips you pick at the field. Tulips are $2.00 each, and include both flower and bulb.

*Admission to American Village is separate.

In addition to experiencing the tulips, there will be scheduled entertainment in the tulip field by American Village costumed historical interpreters. And food truck will be onsite each Saturday.

Saturday, February 24

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck

Nawlins Style Po Boys

Simone’s Kitchen ATL

Terrific Treatz

Saturday, March 2

Sunshine Lemonade

C’s Cake and Coffee

Parasol Treats

On the Run Concessions

Saturday, March 9

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck

Nawlins Style Po Boys

Stephen’s Hot Dog Wagon

Terrific Treatz

Cousins Maine Lobster

 

2024 Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook Off

Gear up, Birmingham families! The much-anticipated Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off is back and better than ever, marking its 20th anniversary. Join us on Saturday, March 2nd, at Brookwood Village for a day filled with fun, flavor, and philanthropy. Secure your tickets now for $15 in advance or $20 at the gate, and enjoy live entertainment, engaging activities for the kids, and unlimited chili tastings from over 145 cook teams.

This event is not just about savoring the best chili in Birmingham but also supporting a great cause. Every ticket sold contributes to funding programs for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Birmingham parents to enjoy a family-friendly outing while making a difference in the community.

Don’t miss out on this beloved Birmingham tradition. Grab your tickets today and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable chili experience. Let’s come together to support the Exceptional Foundation and make this 20th Chili Cook-Off the most memorable one yet!

Follow this link to purchase tickets: https://exceptionalfoundation.instagift.com/

Big Machines Day at McWane science center

Big machines day is back at the McWane science center! Big machines day showcases the largest and most captivating heavy machinery up close. This event creates a fantastic opportunity for all ages to learn about engineering and the machinery put on display. Craneworks is putting on a fascinating showcase of a crane, dump truck, backhoe, scissor lift, and telehandler all for kids to interact with and enjoy! This event will be hosted at the McWane center on February 24th from 10am to 5pm, and is free with the purchase of general admissions. It will be truckloads of fun!

Jump Into Fun! World’s Biggest Bounce Park is Coming To Birmingham

Jump into the excitement at the World’s Biggest Bounce Park! Spanning an impressive 25,000 square feet, this bounce paradise is packed with thrilling attractions and activities designed to entertain guests of all ages. From the towering 26-foot slide to the challenging ninja wall and the adventurous mountain challenge, there’s endless fun to be had.

Secure Your Tickets Today!

Ready to jump into the action? Tickets will be available to PURCHASE AT  funbox.com/birmingham. Jump sessions will fill up fast. This is a limited-time event, with FunBox making its Birmingham appearance at The Shops of Grand River from March 1st to May 20th. Limited tickets may be available for purchase onsite but it’s HIGHLY recommended that you reserve your spot online, as time slots do sellout.

*Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult or adult carer. No exceptions. Children 5 and under must be accompanied into the inflatable by a parent/carer. A parent/carer must remain at FunBox while their children are at FunBox, no exceptions.

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE HERE–> https://funbox.com/birmingham

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kids Consignment Sales to Shop Spring 2024 In Birmingham

Birmingham Area Children’s Consignment Sales Spring 2024

Birmingham:

Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale 
Asbury United Methodist Church

Open to the Public:

Friday February 9th, 8am – 6pm
Saturday, February 10th, 8am – 12pm
Sale Info:

Gardendale:

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt.Vernon United Methodist

Public Sale Dates:
Thursday, February 29th 8am – 7pm
Friday, March 1st 8am – 6pm
Saturday, March 2nd 7am – 12pm (1/2 most items)
Sale Info

Hoover:

Bargains on the Bluff 
Bluff Park United Methodist

Public Sale:
Friday, March 1st 9am – 6pm
Saturday, March 2nd 9am – 2pm (discount day)
Sale Info 

Tried N True (Riverchase TNT Sale)
Riverchase United Methodist

Public Sale:
Wednesday, February 28th 9am – 3pm and 5pm – 7:30pm
Thursday, February 29th 9am – 3pm and 5pm – 7:30pm
Friday, March 1st 8am – 11am (select items 50% off)
Sale Info

Irondale:

Kids Market and Mom
Irondale Civic Center

Open to the Public:

Saturday, March 2nd 9am-6pm
Sunday, March 3rd 12pm-5pm
Monday-Thursday, March 4th-7th 9am-6pm
Friday, March 8th 9am-8pm *50% discount day
Saturday, March 9th 8am-4pm *50% discount day
Sale Info

Mountain Brook:

Sweet Repeats Children’s Consignment 
Mountain Brook Community Church

Friday, February 23rd  9am – 4pm
Saturday, February 24th 9am – 12pm
*Saturday select items will be reduced to 1/2 price!!
Sale Info

Trussville:

Trussville Methodist Consignment Sale 
Trussville Methodist Church

Friday, March 15th 10am – 9pm
Saturday, March 16th 8am – 2pm (many items are 50% off)
Sale Info

Vestavia:

Whale of a Sale 
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

Thursday, February 22nd 4pm – 8pm
Friday, February 23rd 9am – 1pm (half of sale)
Sale Info

Jurassic World Live Tour Roars Into Birmingham

Jurassic World Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that brings the wonder and thrills of Jurassic World to generations of fans, will be roaring into Birmingham playing Legacy Arena at the BJCC for six action-packed performances from February 9-11, 2024.

With unrivaled arena production quality, Jurassic World comes to life against a backdrop of captivating scenery where dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and the Tyrannosaurus rex, take the stage. The production features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, with scale, speed and ferocity, operated by animatronics and performers. Fans of the popular Netflix animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous will also recognize Bumpy, the friendly and food motivated dinosaur, as she goes from baby to adult fairly quickly.

Jurassic World’s unmistakable score combined with projection and practical scenery transforms the arena into the dense jungles of Isla Nublar, where real Gyrospheres roll through the valley and scientists work to unravel a corrupt plan and save a new dinosaur from a terrible fate. With pulse- pounding stunts and an original, authentic storyline, Jurassic World Live Tour is guaranteed to make memories that will last another 65 million years.

Guests will be able to start the adventure early with a special Pre-show Experience included with all  ticket purchases. By arriving one hour before showtime, audience members can see their favorite Jurassic World dinosaurs and vehicles up close and personal, including fun photo opps with Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Baby Bumpy, and the iconic Jurassic World Jeep and Gyrosphere.

Check out the Jurassic World Live Tour Sneak Peek; Extended Look video content here.

WHEN:

Friday, February 9 7:00 PM

Saturday, February 10 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 11 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

WHERE:

Legacy Arena at the BJCC – 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd North, Birmingham, AL 35203

TICKETS:

Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue box office during open hours on event days.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

Send Valentine’s Day cards to patients at Children’s of Alabama

You can share some love and make Valentine’s Day memorable for Children’s of Alabama patients.

Now through Feb. 14, you can send free greeting cards to patients at the hospital. The process is simple. Visit give.childrensal.org/valentinesday and select one of four Valentine’s Day card designs. Hospital staff will print and distribute the cards to patients on Valentine’s Day.

“Being in the hospital can be hard for a child, especially during a fun holiday like Valentine’s Day,” said Mindy Wald, community development manager at Children’s of Alabama. “These cards, which are coming from community members, bring a smile to their faces.”

The card drive is sponsored by Spire, a proud sponsor of Children’s since 2017. Spire will also match donations made by donors during this card drive up to $5,000.

“I’ve seen firsthand the joy the medical play program brings to the patients and families at Children’s of Alabama,” Joe Hampton, president of Spire Alabama, Mississippi and Gulf Coast, said. “That’s why all of us at Spire are excited to once again support this special Valentine’s Day campaign.”

Children’s can’t accept any in-person gift donations, handmade cards, food or candy, stuffed animals, toys depicting violence, religious items, crotched/knit items and gently used homemade items due to infection control protocols.

For more information about donating to Children’s of Alabama patients, visit childrensal.org/foundation.

 

East Asian Heritage Festival: Year of the Dragon

In conjunction with the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation the BMA invites you to celebrate the rich heritage of East Asian cultures and traditions for its free-of-charge East Asian Heritage Festival. Take a cultural journey that honors the depth and beauty of East Asian heritages through art, crafts, music, dance, and culinary delights. Experience captivating performances ranging from Chinese dancing, melodious choir sessions, a vibrant fashion showcase, taiji demonstrations, to the rhythmic beats of performances, and many more. Savor delectable dishes from a diverse array of Asian countries and immerse yourselves in art activities designed to enlighten and entertain. Join us for a day of discovery, celebration, and unity as we honor the legacy and contributions of East Asian cultures.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 20th

Auditorium Performances (11 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 2 PM):

Japanese Sword Demonstration: Experience the precision and discipline of Shinkendo, a traditional Japanese swordsmanship form. Dance Performance by Jasmine Dance Ensemble: Enjoy the elegance and storytelling of Chinese traditional dances.
Chinese Qipao Show: Admire the beauty and history of the qipao in this fashion showcase.
Korean folk song “Arirang” sung by Southside Korean Baptist Church members
Taiji Performance: Witness the harmonious and meditative art of taiji.
Cafe (10 AM – 2 PM):

Food Tastings: Sample delicious East Asian dishes like kimbap rolls, Korean dumplings, and more while supplies last.
Information Tables: Explore cultural insights from the Japan-America Society of Alabama, Birmingham Chinese Festival Association and the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation.
Miss Iwate Display: Discover the story of Miss Iwate, a symbol of friendship between the children of Japan and Birmingham.
Asian Galleries (10 AM – 2 PM):

Flutist Performance: Soothing traditional Japanese music by flutist Geni Skendo at 10:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 1:15 PM.
Member’s Room (10 AM – 2 PM):

Origami Workshop: Learn the intricate art of origami with the Japan-America Society of Alabama at 10:45 AM, 12:45 PM, and 1:45 PM.
Museum Parking Lot (1:45 PM):

Dragon Dance: A vibrant performance symbolizing good fortune and strength.

Ultimate Guide to Indoor Play in Birmingham

Are you ready to explore Birmingham’s Best Indoor Play Places for Endless Family Fun? We’ve got your back with a roundup of the top indoor play places in the Magic City! Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot for toddlers or an action-packed adventure for older kids, we’ve pulled together a list of Birmingham’s most exciting indoor play destinations. From imaginative play zones to interactive exhibits, these spots guarantee smiles no matter the weather!

Your Ultimate Guide to Indoor Play in Birmingham

Ready Set, ACTIVATE! Activate a new way to play! Activate Birmingham offers high-tech games that test your team’s physical and mental agility across a wide variety of challenges. Once inside, you and your team choose from hundreds of combinations of games and difficulty levels, each lasting less than 3 minutes.

Located at 1425 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 173 | Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Let them climb! Try Birmingham Boulders or the Kid Zone at Highpoint Climbing and Fitness for a little rock climbing fun.

Birmingham Boulders 136 Industrial Dr. | Birmingham
Highpoint Climbing 4766 US-280, | Birmingham

Birmingham is home to lots of Indoor Play Places, try one of these for a mix of bouncing and climbing and overall indoor fun!

Urban Air Adventure Park
800 Green Springs Highway | Homewood
3695 Roosevelt Blvd | Trussville

Let’s Play
5025 US-280 #102 | Birmingham
5623 Grove Blvd | Hoover

Defy Trampoline Park 
6009 Tattersall Drive | Birmingham

If you’re looking for some arcades, roller skating and/or bowling, try one of these:

Trussville Playstation 
Roller skating, arcade and laser tag.
411 Watterson Ln | Trussville

Sparetime in Trussville 
Lasertag, bowling and arcade
3600 Roosevelt Blvd | Trussville

Skates 280
Roller Skating
7043 Meadowlark Dr. | Birmingham

Dave and Busters 
The largest Arcade in Birmingham
700 Galleria Cir Ste 110 | Birmingham

Hooligans Arcade
Hooligans Arcade provides fun for all ages. One of the largest arcades in the state! Pinball, Fighting Games, Classics, Rhythm Games and more! $12 per person for fun all day!
519 1st St SW | Alabaster 

And of course everyones favorite:  McWane Science Center. The Science Center has lots to do year round, for all ages, including the IMAX, and BONUS! They have covered parking.

What are some of your favorite activities to keep the kids busy on these cold winter days?