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Birmingham Area Fall Festivals and Happenings: Fall 2026

Posted on by Angie

Fall in Birmingham means one thing: there’s a festival for basically every weekend between now and November. Grab a calendar and start planning, because this list is packed.

Fall Festival Season Is Here — Your Full Birmingham Guide

September

Birmingham Artwalk — Sept 11-12, Downtown Birmingham
Free two-day arts festival with 100+ visual artists, live music, and a KidZone with hands-on crafts.

Tinglewood Festival — Sept 12, Orr Park (Montevallo)
Chainsaw carving, woodworking, a whittling contest, classic cars, and food trucks. Free.

Alabama State Fair — Sept 18-27, Birmingham Race Course
Classic fair rides, games, and exhibits for 10 days straight.

Homestead Hollow Harvest Arts & Crafts Festival — Sept 25-27, Springville
Pioneer demonstrations, blacksmithing, and handmade crafts. $10 for adults.

Picnic at Railroad Park — Sept 27, Railroad Park
Free family celebration with live music and kids’ activities.
1pm – 5pm

October

Fairyland Train & Haunted Hayride – October 1- 30th, Tannehill
Trail of Terror, Fairyland Train, & Haunted Hayride!
October 1–30 | Thursdays–Saturdays | 7:00–9:30 PM

Tannehill Trail of Terror (Thrill seekers)
The darkest, scariest walk through the woods.

Haunted Hayride (Campground cruise)
Climb aboard for a spooky ride through our decorated campground.

Fairyland Train (Kid-appropriate)
Our regular train dressed up for Halloween! Kid-friendly decorations and gentle seasonal fun

Birmingham Greek Festival — Oct 1-3, Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
53 years running — Greek dancing and food. Free admission.

🌟 Featured Event 🌟 

Moundville Native American Festival — Oct 1-3
A local favorite for learning and hands-on activities.
Moundville Archaelogiocal Park

 

Pinson Butterbean Days — Oct 2-3, Main Street, Pinson
Arts and crafts, a carnival, and a bean art show. Free.

Oktoberfest — Oct 3, Moody City Park
Arts, games, pony rides, and live entertainment. Free.

Pumpkin Junction — Weekends Oct 3-18, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (Calera)
Train rides, pumpkins, hayrides. $17-30.

Barber Vintage Festival — Oct 9-11, Barber Motorsports Park (Leeds)
Vintage motorcycles, stunt shows, and a kids’ zone.

Helena’s Buck Creek Festival — Oct 9-10, Helena Amphitheater
The famous rubber duck race, plus live entertainment. Free admission.

Cowboy Day at Old Baker Farm — Oct 10-11, Harpersville
Old West strolls and live shootouts. $15.

Haunted Hippie Art Festival — Oct 10, Warrior
50+ vendors, food trucks, live music. Free.

Old Baker Farm Columbus Day — Oct 12, Harpersville
Pumpkin patch and classic farm activities. $15.

Hoots & Howls — Last three weekends in October, Birmingham Zoo
Trick-or-treating, Monster Mash, and the Red Diamond Express Train — included with zoo admission.

Bash on the Bluff — Oct 17, Children’s Fresh Air Farm (Hoover)
Face painting, pumpkin patch, petting zoo. Free.

Haunt the Hills — Oct 17, Wald Park (Vestavia Hills)
Trick-or-treating, costume contest, and a movie screening. Free.

Old Baker Farm American History Weekend — Oct 17-18, Harpersville
Reenactments and living history experiences. $15.

Warrior Day — Oct 18, Downtown Warrior
Food, shopping, and inflatables. Free.

Birmingham Spooktacular Craft & Vendor Market — Oct 24, Riverchase Galleria
Indoor market with Halloween and fall décor. Free admission.

Halloween in the Heights and Witches Ride — Oct 24, Cahaba Heights
Trick-or-treating plus the annual Witches Ride. Free admission; ride is $30.

Mt. Laurel Fall Festival — Oct 24, Downtown Mt. Laurel
Food trucks, farmers market, craft fair, kids zone. Free.

Old Baker Farm Festival Weekend — Oct 24-25, Harpersville
Vendors, live music, and an 1800s-inspired carnival. $15.

UAB ArtPlay Halloween Family Day — Oct 24, Birmingham
Costumes, music, and hands-on art activities. Free.

Fall-O-Ween — Oct 25, Pelham City Park
Bungee jumps, bounce houses, trackless train, and a Kids Market. Free.

Homewood Fall Festival — Oct 25, Homewood Central Park
Inflatables, costume contest, DJ, food trucks. Free.
2pm – 5pm

18th Annual Fall Fest — Oct 31, Alabaster City Hall
Carnival rides, hayrides, and a trick-or-treat trail. Free admission.

Tannehill Halloween Fairyland — Oct 31, Tannehill Ironworks
200+ trick-or-treat stops, moonwalks, and more. $10 adults / $5 kids.

November

Moss Rock Festival — Nov 7-8, Hoover Met Complex
Visual art, handmade crafts, live performances. Kids 18 and under free.

September Events in Birmingham Not to Miss

Posted on by Angie

Welcome to your ultimate guide to September in Birmingham! As the seasons change, our local calendar is completely bursting with fantastic activities, community festivals, and family-friendly outings across town. Whether you are looking to plan your weekends, find unique shopping markets, or discover local sports, we have compiled everything happening right here in one convenient place. Grab your calendar, dive into the listings below, and start planning your perfect September!

Movies at Avondale Park

Free outdoor movies every Thursday night in Avondale Park, Birmingham AL. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family. Music at 6:30, movie at sunset.

Avondale Park, 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham,
Thursday, Sept 3rd Beethoven
Thursday, Sept 10th A League of their Own
Thursday, Sept 17th School of Rock
Thursday, Sept 24th The Parent Trap

Birmingham Barons Final Home Stand

Time is running out to catch the Barons at home this season. Taking on Knoxville for this last home stand.

Regions Field 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham
Tuesday, Sept 8th 6pm
Wednesday, Sept 9th 11am
Thursday, Sept 10th 7pm
Friday, Sept 11th 7pm
Saturday, Sept 12th 6:30pm
Sunday, Sept 13th 2:05pm

Stay Awake!

Stay Awake gently introduces shapes and sounds through rhyme and playful repetition. BCT’s Theatre for the Very Young is made for your littlest ones — wiggling, giggling, and all. No shushing required. Bring your toddler for their first taste of live theatre magic!

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Wednesday, September 9th @ 9:30am
Saturday, September 12th @ 10:00am
Wednesday, September 16th @ 9:30am
Saturday, September 19th @ 10:00am
Saturday, September 26th @ 10:00am
Tickets available here

Art Walk

Two-day arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s downtown neighborhood into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100+ visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities.

20th Street North
Friday, Sept 11th 5pm – 10pm
Saturday, Sept 12th 10am – 6pm
Free to the public

Bham Legion

Cheer on the Black & Gold for a massive slate of home matches this September. Please note that due to stadium scheduling conflicts, the team will be splitting time between two different venues this month—so double-check your tickets before you head out!

Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Charleston Battery, Dunnavant Valley Fields (Shelby County) | 6pm
Wednesday, Sept. 16 vs. New Mexico United, Dunnavant Valley Fields (Shelby County) | 7:30m
Wednesday, Sept. 23 vs. Brooklyn FC, Protective Stadium (Downtown Birmingham) | 11am

We Love Leeds Day

Celebrate your love for your community!

Downtown Leeds
Schedule for the Day:
2:00-6:00 p.m. Vendor Market
6:00 p.m. Pep Rally on the Parkway
7:00 p.m. Spirit Sprint 5K Glow Run
Saturday, Sept. 12th | 2pm

UAB Arts Block Party

The biggest arts celebration of the season with music, art, food and fun for all ages. Free concert featuring Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience.

Alys Stephens Center 1200 10th Ave South
Friday, Sept 18th | 5pm
Free and Open to the Public

PJ Party at Sidewalk

Come cozy in your PJs and from 10am – 2pm enjoy light breakfast options for the whole family, plus a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar for the grown-ups.

Sidewalk Film 1821 2nd Ave. N. , Birmingham,
Saturday, Sept 19th | 10am – 2pm
Sunday, Sept 20th | 10am – 2pm
Tickets available at sidewalkfest.com

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

A high-energy musical that gives an old fairy tale a new look.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Saturday, September 26th @ 11:00am
Saturday, October 10th @ 11:00am
Friday, October 16th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, October 17th @ 11:00am
Tickets available here

Fiesta

Get ready for a day full of culture, music, food, dance, and fun for the whole family.

Lynn Park 5th Ave North
Saturday Sept. 26th | 12pm – 9pm

Picnic at Railroad Park

Live music headlined by Birmingham favorite Alvin Garrett — Grammy-nominated songwriter and soul artist!
Add in food trucks, a Kid Zone, local makers and artists, and a whole lot of neighbors — it’s Birmingham’s favorite “front lawn” party, and it’s FREE.

Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S
Sunday, Sept 27 | 1–5 PM
FREE — everyone welcome

Our Escape Game Adventure

Posted on by Angie

Our crew recently tackled The Depths room at Escape Game at The Summit, and let’s just say — it did not disappoint. Between piecing together clues and racing against the clock, they made it out with 10 minutes to spare, which if you’ve ever done an escape room, you know is no small feat.

If  getting stuck in a submarine isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of room to explore — they’ve got 5 different escape rooms total, each running a full hour of game time. Group sizes vary by room too, so depending on which one you pick, you can bring anywhere from a smaller crew up to 8 or even 12 players. That makes it easy to tailor the outing to whoever you’re bringing along, whether it’s a couple of kids or a full birthday party.

The employees were friendly, and helpful when needed, but still let them work through the puzzles on their own. It’s the kind of activity that keeps kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) fully locked in the entire time.

It’s also conveniently located right next door to Great Big Game Show, which we visited a few weeks ago — [read about that trip here] — so if you want to make a whole afternoon of it, you’ve basically got two activities within a few steps of each other.

If you’ve got a group looking for something different to do — a birthday outing, a friend hangout, or just a fun way to spend an afternoon — this is one to check out.

Have you done an escape room with your kids before? Let us know your favorite room!

 

300 Summit Blvd
Suite 102
Birmingham, AL 35243
(659) 204-3116
Click for more information or to book your next adventure!

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Free Books for Alabama Kids

Posted on by Angie

Dolly Parton did so many incredible things in her life, and Imagination Library is one of the best. It’s a free program that mails an age-appropriate book to enrolled children every single month, from birth until their 5th birthday — at no cost to families, regardless of income.

My kids loved this program when they were little, and it’s one of those things every Alabama family with young kids should know about. Dolly’s legacy lives on through programs like this one, and enrolling your child is one small way to keep that going.

The program is available in all 67 counties in Alabama, thanks to a statewide expansion funded jointly by the state and local community programs.

How to Enroll

Registration takes just a few minutes online, and the program is free for eligible families. Parents can choose between English-only books or a bilingual English-Spanish option — a great option if you’re raising bilingual kiddos or want to introduce a second language early.

Why It’s Worth Signing Up

Right now, only 36% of eligible children in Alabama are enrolled — which means there are a lot of local kids missing out on free books showing up in their mailbox every single month. If you’ve got a little one under 5, this is about as easy a “yes” as it gets.

👉 Enroll your child at imaginationlibrary.com

Lunchtime Fun: Easy Back-to-School Lunch Ideas!

Posted on by Angie

The school bells are ringing, and it’s time to tackle the lunchtime challenge! As we gear up for another exciting school year, let’s put our creative hats on and whip up some lunchtime magic that will make your little ones excited for lunch!

Build-Your-Own Bento Bonanza
Who says lunches have to be ordinary? Let’s turn lunchtime into a delightful adventure with a Build-Your-Own Bento Bonanza! Grab a bento box or a divided lunch container and fill each compartment with a variety of colorful and tasty options. Slice up some veggies, add cheese cubes, and don’t forget the mini sandwiches or roll-ups.  For a touch of sweetness, include fresh fruit or a fun-sized yogurt. Let your kids become the lunchtime architects and watch their creativity soar!

Dippable Delights!
Ditch the boring and embrace the dippable! Fill those lunchboxes with a vibrant array of fresh-cut veggies, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and colorful bell pepper strips. Add some crunchy pita chips or whole-grain crackers for an extra treat. Pair these crunchy delights with hummus, tzatziki, or homemade ranch dressing for a dippable experience that’ll have your kids asking for more!

Fun with Fruit Kabobs
Let’s turn fruit into a playful snack with Fruit Kabobs! Grab some wooden skewers and thread a colorful assortment of fruit pieces onto them.  Watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, and grapes work wonders, but feel free to experiment with any favorite fruits! You can even add some mini marshmallows for a sweet twist. These delightful kabobs are perfect for little hands and add a burst of flavor and color to lunchtime!

Sweet and Savory Balance
Balance is the name of the game!  Create a balanced lunch by pairing a savory sandwich or wrap with a sweet treat. Opt for whole-grain bread or tortillas to amp up the nutrition, and stuff them with deli meats, cheese, and veggies.  For that sweet finish, include homemade granola bars, a trail mix of nuts and dried fruits, or even a mini cookie surprise!

With these easy and creative back-to-school lunch ideas, you’ll have your little ones eagerly unwrapping their lunchboxes each day!

Partners in Kids Health: Young Athletes and Nutrition

Posted on by Angie

Parents know how hectic life can be when a child is involved in sports. They are busy making sure their young athlete gets to practices, stays healthy, and attends games. But there’s another aspect that parents also need to pay close attention to proper nutrition. It plays an important role in the development and performance of young athletes.

“In general, you want to make sure your child is very well hydrated all the time, and water should be the drink of choice, not necessarily sports drinks,” said Darby McElderry, MD, a pediatrician at Greenvale Pediatrics- Brook Highland, a Children’s of Alabama practice. “With food, just good general nutrition with some carbohydrates, protein, and lean fat content for most meals.”

Click on the video below to learn more about what your child should be eating and drinking before, during, and after any sports activity.

 

Kids vs. Adults: Our Family Night at Great Big Game Show

Posted on by Angie

I’ll be honest: games aren’t usually my thing. I’m the mom standing on the sidelines while everyone else gets competitive. But when we got invited out to check out Great Big Game Show at The Summit, I figured it was worth a shot — and I’m so glad we went.

What Is Great Big Game Show?

Tucked right next to The Escape Game at The Summit, Great Big Game Show puts your whole crew on a live, host-led game show set. Groups of up to 14 get split into teams and go head-to-head in familiar, TV-style game show formats — think the kind of games you’d recognize from actual game shows, just live and in person.

Our Experience
Even as someone who doesn’t usually get into “game night,” I was laughing the entire time — and it was honestly more fun than I expected it to be. Our host split our group into teams, and we ended up doing kids vs. adults. (The adults won. Woot.)

Huge shoutout to our host, who was energetic, funny, and honestly made the whole night. A good host can make or break an experience like this, and ours nailed it.

Why It’s a Great Pick for Birmingham Families
It’s genuinely for everyone. Whether you’ve got game-night regulars or reluctant participants like me, the format pulls everyone in.

Great for groups. Birthday parties, girls’ nights, team outings — this is built for a crowd.
It’s indoors and air conditioned, which makes it a solid pick when the Birmingham heat (or a summer storm) has you looking for something to do inside. Right next to The Escape Game, so if you’re at The Summit for the afternoon, you’ve got two experiences back to back.

The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for something different to do with your crew — whether that’s a family outing, a birthday celebration, or just a “let’s do something fun tonight” kind of night — Great Big Game Show at The Summit is worth checking out. Even this non-gamer left already thinking about when we’ll go back.

Location: The Summit, 300 Summit Blvd, Birmingham

Beat the Heat 2026: The Ultimate Indoor Play Guide for Birmingham Families

Posted on by Angie

Birmingham summers don’t play around — and neither do we. Whether it’s a 100° afternoon or a pop-up thunderstorm ruining the pool day, here’s the full, updated list of indoor spots to keep the kids (and your sanity) cool this summer. A few new additions made the cut this year, so keep scrolling.

1. McWane Science Center – Hands-On Learning & IMAX Movies

The McWane Science Center remains a top destination for families looking to combine education and entertainment. Explore interactive science exhibits perfect for kids of all ages, where they can touch, build, and experiment. Don’t miss the IMAX® Dome Theater for immersive films that transport you far beyond the everyday. Location: 200 19th St N, Birmingham Website: mcwane.org

2. Birmingham Museum of Art – Free Children’s Art Area

The Birmingham Museum of Art features ArtVenture, a vibrant, hands-on gallery space designed for children ages 2-12. Kids can explore light, color, texture, and creative projects that inspire artistic expression — admission to the museum is free. Location: 2000 Rev Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203 Website: artsbma.org

3. Spare Time Trussville – Kids Bowl Free All Summer

The venue also offers laser tag, an arcade, and a full-service restaurant for the whole family. Location: 3600 Roosevelt Blvd, Trussville, AL 35235 Website: sparetimetrussville.com

4. Indoor Play Centers & Adventure Parks

– Activate (Vestavia Hills): Indoor playground with obstacle courses, climbing walls, and toddler zones.
– Let’s Play (Hoover & 280): Soft play areas perfect for younger kids to jump, climb, and explore safely.
– Urban Air Adventure Park: Trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses for active fun.
– Altitude Trampoline Park, Pelham: Bounce and flip your way through this exciting trampoline park.
– Pump It Up Trussville: Inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses.
– Chuck E. Cheese: Classic arcade games and kid-friendly dining.
-NEW! Fun City Adventure Park: Large-scale indoor playground with a wide range of entertainment suitable for all ages, from young children to teenagers and even adults.

5. NEW! Indoor Mini Golf – Putter Up

Get ready to tee off indoors at Putter Up, a mini golf experience in Pelham. Perfect for a family outing when the weather isn’t cooperating! Location: 2408 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

6. NEW! K1 Speed – Indoor Go-Kart Racing

K1 Speed brought its high-speed, all-electric indoor go-kart racing to the Birmingham area. Race at speeds up to 45 mph on a fully air-conditioned track, then hit the arcade or Paddock Lounge between races. Great for birthdays, team outings, or just an adrenaline fix that skips the heat entirely. Location: 5421 Beacon Drive, Irondale (The Hill at Grants Mill) Website: k1speed.com

7. NEW! The Escape Game & Great Big Game Show

Two brand-new experiences side by side at The Summit. The Escape Game offers five uniquely themed 60-minute escape rooms, from heists to cosmic adventures. Right next door, Great Big Game Show puts your crew on a live, host-led game show set with 17+ rotating mini-games — think trivia, speed rounds, and giant block-stacking. Both make for a great group outing that’s 100% indoors. Location: The Summit, 300 Summit Blvd, Birmingham

8. Highpoint Climbing and Fitness – Rock Climbing Fun

Kids and adults can enjoy rock climbing at Highpoint, which features a dedicated Kid Zone designed for younger climbers to safely develop their skills. Location: 4766 US-280, Birmingham Website: highpointclimbing.com

9. Trussville Playstation – Roller Skating & Arcade

A classic spot for roller skating and arcade games, Trussville Playstation offers hours of active, indoor fun for families. Location: 411 Watterson Lane, Trussville, AL 35173

10. Dave & Buster’s – Huge Arcade & Dining

Birmingham’s Dave & Buster’s is the place for arcade lovers of all ages. Enjoy hundreds of games alongside a full-service restaurant and bar. Location: Galleria, Hoover Website: daveandbusters.com

11. Artsy Studio – Crafts & Art Play

Crafts and art play for kids and adults. Location: 194 Main Street, Trussville

12. Your Local Library – Storytimes and More!

Don’t forget your neighborhood library! Storytimes, arts and crafts, and summer reading incentives make libraries a valuable, free resource for families looking to keep kids learning and entertained indoors.

Final Tips for Summer Fun
Many of these venues offer special summer programs or discounts, so check their websites before you go. Staying cool and entertained this summer in Birmingham is easy with so many indoor options perfect for kids!

What are your favorite indoor spots in Birmingham to beat the heat?

Birmingham Area 4th of July Events 2026

Posted on by Angie

Looking for the best 4th of July celebrations in Birmingham, Alabama? Whether you’re into big fireworks shows, hometown celebrations, or family friendly festivals, we’ve rounded up a list of events happening in and around the Birmingham area for Independence Day 2026. This year is extra special as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday!

Always check event pages and social media before heading out as details are subject to change.

I Love America Day — Gardendale

📍 Bill Noble Park | 5895 Bill Noble Drive, Gardendale
📅 Thursday June 25th | 6:00 – 9:00 PM | FREE

Gardendale’s beloved hometown tradition is back and completely free to attend! Enjoy live music, food trucks, train rides, and a moving Armed Forces tribute capped off with an amazing fireworks finale. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of patriotic fun with thousands of your neighbors.

I Love America Night — Vestavia Hills

📍 Wald Park, Vestavia Hills
📅 Thursday June 25th | 6:00 PM | Fireworks at 8:45 PM | FREE

A Vestavia tradition the whole family looks forward to every year! Free swimming at the Aquatic Complex, sponsor booths, children’s activities, a live concert, and a spectacular fireworks grand finale. Free shuttle service available. Arrive early — parking fills up fast!

ChelseaFest and The Big KaBoom

📍 271 County Road 440, Chelsea
📅 Saturday June 27th | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | FREE

One of the largest and most spectacular fireworks shows in Alabama! Live music across multiple stages, a massive variety of food trucks, inflatables, and a family fun zone. This year’s celebration is extra special as Birmingham marks America’s 250th birthday. Fireworks blast off at 9:00 PM.

Hueytown Cityfest and Red White and Boom

📍 104 Forest Road, Hueytown
📅 Saturday June 27th | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | FREE

TWO of your favorite events are coming together for ONE unforgettable celebration! Red, White & Boom meets City Fest. Live music, Delicious food trucks, Family-friendly fun, And a FIREWORKS SHOW

Freedom Fest — Hoover Met

📍 Hoover Metropolitan Stadium
📅 Wednesday, July 1st | Gates open 5:00 PM | FREE

Kids Zone, Car Show, live music from the Blind Boys of Alabama at 7:30 PM, and a spectacular fireworks display you won’t want to miss. One of the best free Fourth of July events in the Birmingham area!

Alabaster Independence Day Celebration

📍 Thompson High School, Alabaster
📅 Wednesday July 1st | 6:00 – 9:00 PM | FREE

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Alabaster! Food trucks, live music, and kids activities on the Thompson High School campus followed by a massive fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

Birmingham Barons Game and Fireworks

📍 Regions Field, Downtown Birmingham
📅 Friday, July 3rd 7pm and Saturday, July 4th 6:30pm

America’s pastime meets Independence Day! The Barons host a home game followed by a family friendly fireworks show over downtown Birmingham.

Fire on the Water — Oak Mountain State Park

📍 Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham
📅 Friday, July 3rd| Gates open 4:00 PM | Fireworks at 9:00 PM

$15 per vehicle | $10 for Shelby County residents with ID

One of Birmingham’s most unique holiday experiences! Flip Side Watersports brings jaw-dropping wakeboarding entertainment starting at 5:00 PM followed by fireworks over the lake at 9:00 PM. Food and beverage vendors on site from 4:00 PM. A stunning setting for a holiday celebration.

Old Town Live Independence Day Celebration — Helena

📍 Helena Amphitheater | 4151 Helena Road, Helena
📅 Friday, July 3rd | Gates open 4:00 PM | Fireworks at 9:00 PM | FREE

Live concerts, food trucks, and a massive fireworks display at the beautiful Helena Amphitheater. A perfect small town Independence Day celebration for the whole family.

Trussville Freedom Celebration

📍 Same location as last year — Trussville
📅 Saturday July 4th | Food, live music, fun and fireworks at 9:00 PM

Trussville’s annual Fourth of July celebration with local food vendors, live music, family fun, and fireworks to close out the night.

Stars and Stripes Train Ride — Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

📍 Calera
📅 Saturday, July 4th| 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM rides

A patriotic themed train ride the whole family will love! Active military and veterans ride free with a paid passenger. A unique and memorable way to kick off the holiday season.

American Village Independence Day Celebration

📍 3727 Highway 119 S, Montevallo
📅 Friday and Saturday July 4th  & 5th | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

. The two-day “Sweet Home 250” festival features live music, food, historical reenactments, and a fireworks display over Independence Hall.

Downtown Homewood Independence Day Celebration

📍 18th Street South, Homewood
📅 Saturday July 4th | Starts 5:00 PM | FREE to attend

Two blocks of 18th Street South transform into a family fun zone with rides, inflatables, DJ music, and interactive activities. Wristbands $10 for rides. All proceeds go to Homewood High School band. Prime viewing spot for Thunder on the Mountain!

Thunder on the Mountain — Vulcan Park

📍 Vulcan Park and Museum | 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham
📅 Saturday July 4th | Fireworks at 9:00 PM | FREE

Birmingham’s largest and most iconic fireworks show and this year it is extra special as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday! More than 2,500 fireworks shells and effects in a 20-minute show synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack broadcast on iHeartMedia Birmingham stations including 102.5 The Bull, 103.7 The Q, Magic 96.5, and News Radio 960 WERC. The show airs live on WBRC 6 News.

Thunder on the Mountain is visible from multiple vantage points across downtown Birmingham and Homewood. Arrive between 7:00 and 8:00 PM to secure a good spot!

Tips for a Great 4th of July Weekend:

Arrive early to all events — crowds are bigger than ever this year with the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations!
Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray for outdoor events
Check each event’s social media the day of for any weather related changes
Free events fill up fast so plan to arrive at least an hour early for the best spots
Thunder on the Mountain can be seen from many spots across Birmingham — If you can see Vulcan, you can see the Firewroks

Follow BirminghamMommy for more family fun guides and everything worth doing in Birmingham all summer long!

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is Coming To Red Mountain Theatre

Posted on by Angie

If you have been looking for a show to add to your summer plans, this is it. Disney’s The Little Mermaid opens June 12th at Red Mountain Theatre and it is exactly the kind of production that reminds you why live theatre is so special.

This love story for the ages enchants all ages with irresistible songs, rich costuming, and amazing stagecraft. Follow Ariel as she makes a dangerous bargain with the sea witch Ursula to trade her aquatic life for one up on land. Can her friends Flounder the Fish, Scuttle the Seagull, and Sebastian the Crab help her win Prince Eric’s heart before the sun sets on the third day?

Whether your kids grew up watching the original Disney film or are discovering Ariel for the first time, this production is going to blow them away. Red Mountain Theatre consistently delivers professional quality performances right here in Birmingham and The Little Mermaid is no exception.

Show Times

Evening performances run at 6:30pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 1:00pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. The show runs through June 30th so you still have plenty of time to plan your visit.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets start at $40 for adults with discounts available for children ages 2 through 12. Use discount code TRITON5 to take $5 off adult tickets in Price Level 1, 2, and 3 seats. The code expires June 30th and cannot be used on the sensory friendly performance.

A Special Note on the Sensory Friendly Performance

One thing I really love about Red Mountain Theatre is how they make sensory friendly performances a priority. The Little Mermaid is no exception and the June 30th performance is one Birmingham families truly need to know about.

On Tuesday June 30th at 6:30pm Red Mountain Theatre will host a sensory friendly performance of The Little Mermaid specifically designed for patrons on the autism spectrum and those with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, or other cognitive or physical disabilities.

“Theatre is for everyone. We want to help create a welcoming space for everyone in the community to enjoy the arts.” – Jennifer Jaquess, RMT Executive Director

Here is what families can expect at the sensory friendly performance:

  • An introduction to the characters and warnings about any scary moments before the show begins
  • The lights in the theatre will remain on at a low level throughout the performance
  • Patrons are completely free to talk, make noise, and leave their seats at any time
  • Space for standing and movement throughout the theatre
  • Limited crowds and designated quiet areas available in the lobby if anyone needs a break
  • Every RMT staff member is trained to be welcoming and accommodating to every patron’s needs
  • Ample space for wheelchairs in the theatre

“This is a judgment-free, fun experience for the entire family. Because of the lighting in the theatre, it’s one of the rare shows where actors on stage can see the joy on the audience members’ faces. And that just makes it so special for everyone.” – Dakota Patrick, RMT Operations Manager

If you have been wanting to share the magic of live theatre with your child but have been hesitant about how they might respond in a traditional setting, the June 30th sensory friendly performance is your answer.

Tickets for the sensory friendly performance are $24 for adults and $14 for children ages 2 through 12. This performance is general admission and wheelchair accessible. It is recommended to arrive by 6:00pm so staff can make sure everyone is properly accommodated.

Tickets and FAQs are available at redmountaintheatre.org/sensoryfriendly

How to Get Tickets for Regular Performances

Head to redmountaintheatre.org to purchase tickets. This show closes June 30th so don’t wait too long!

Red Mountain Theatre | 1600 3rd Ave South, Birmingham

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