Get Ready for the Perfect Shopping Combo: Tax-Free Weekend + Back-to-School! As summer comes to a close and the school bell begins to ring, it’s time to gear up for an exciting shopping extravaganza and this weekend, we have an incredible opportunity to save big while checking off all those back-to-school essentials, thanks to the much-anticipated Tax-Free Weekend!

Alabama’s 17th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, and ends at midnight Sunday, July 23, 2023, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, books and clothing free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax.

Here’s what’s included:

Clothing Items Included: ($100 or less per item)

Belts
Boots
Caps
Coats
Diapers
Dresses
Gloves
Gym Suits
Hats
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Neckties
Pajamas
Pants
Raincoats
Robes
Sandals
Scarves
School Uniforms
Shirts
Shoes
Shorts
Socks
Sneakers
Underwear

School Supplies List: (Sale Price of less than $50 per item)

Binders
Blackboard Chalk
Book Bags
Calculators
Cellophane Tape
Compasses
Composition Books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic & manila)
Glue, paste, and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index Cards
Index Card Boxes
Legal Pads
Lunch Boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paper (loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored
paper, poster board, and construction paper)
Pencil Boxes & Other School
Supply Boxes
Pencil Sharpeners
Pencils
Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Writing Tablets

Art Supplies:

Clay & Glazes
Paints
(Acrylic, Tempora & Oil)
Paintbrushes for artwork
Sketch and Drawing Pads
Watercolors

Computers: (A single purchase of $750 or less)

Computer Storage Media; diskettes, compact disks
Handheld electronic schedulers, except devices that are cellular phones
Personal digital assistants, except devices that are cellular phones
Computer Printers
Printer Supplies for Computers (printer paper, printer ink)

Calling all sweet-toothed families in Birmingham! Get ready to embark on a delectable journey as we celebrate everyone’s favorite day of the year: National Ice Cream Day!

This year, we’re dishing out the scoop on the best local ice cream spots right here in Birmingham. From traditional flavors to unique concoctions, we’ve curated a list of the city’s most charming parlors and creameries.

BEST ICE CREAM SPOTS IN BIRMINGHAM

Edgewood Creamery:

936 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
(205) 874-1999
Open Daily 11am – 10:30pm

Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe:

815 Shades Crest Rd, Birmingham
(205) 423-5055
Daily Hours Vary

Mountain Brook Creamery:

2715 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook
(205) 870-0092

Big Spoon Creamery:

Downtown Birmingham:
4000 3rd Ave S #104, Birmingham
(205)703-4712

Homewood:
927 Oxmoor Road
(205)637-0823

The Whole Scoop:

1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
205444-8000

K and J’s Elegant Pastries and Ice Cream:

2260 9th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 663-4827

Bendy’s Ice Cream:

3029 Pump House Rd Ste. 109, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Trussville: 220 Main Street, Trussville 35173

Neighbor’s West Homewood:

715 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
(205)518-5521

Freezy’s 

4025 Helena Road, Helena
205-922-3634

Get ready to make the most of your summer in Birmingham because July is here, and the city is bursting with incredible events and activities to keep you entertained all month long.

Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain
Food vendors, swimming, music, activities, and fireworks!

Gates open at 7 am! Come and spend the day with us! Grab a good spot on the beach and enjoy the day in the park as you wait for the show to start!

In the interest of public safety, a limited number of tickets will be sold for Fire on the Water. They cost $15, however, Pelham residents may purchase them at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket. Each ticket is valid for one vehicle carrying up to four people. A state-issued ID or utility bill is required for proof of residency.
Pelham residents also have the benefit of purchasing tickets a week before they officially go on sale. Pelham residents can buy tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1st, and sales open to everyone on June 8th.
No event tickets will be sold on July 3rd, and regular entrance fees will apply. Cash only at the gate.

Both gates will CLOSE to the public at 7 pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly!

Monday, July 3rd Activities start at 5pm, Fireworks start at 9pm sharp.

Birmingham Barons Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate your Independence Day with the Birmingham Barons as they take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas and enjoy a Fireworks show after the game.

Monday, July 3rd 6:05pm

Free Old Town Live July in Helena

Celebrate America’s birthday in style with Helena’s dazzling 4th of July fireworks show & a FREE Concert! A night of patriotic fun and a stunning display of pyrotechnics that will light up the sky. Free Family Event free event, grab a front-row seat, and get ready to be amazed by the firework show that will light up the sky. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of America’s independence!”

Monday, July 3rd Activities start at 4:30pm

Independence Day 1776 at American Village

Patriotic event happening throughout the day ending with fireworks. Music and dance, Games, food trucks, encounters with patriots of the past and more. $5 admission. Veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under are free.

Tuesday, July 4th
11am

4th of July Family Festival at Railroad Park

Live music, food vendors, kid’s activities & more! At 9 PM you’ll have an amazing view of the fireworks at Vulcan Park and Museum!

Tuesday, July 4th, 5pm – 9pm

Thunder on the Mountain

The state’s largest 4th of July celebration will again ignite the sky atop red mountain with an array of fireworks in honor of both the cities’ sesquicentennial and our nation’s birthday. Find a spot around town where you can see Vulcan and you’ll be able to see the show!

Tuesday, July 4th
9pm

Trussville Freedom Celebration

Food, fun and fireworks on the mall in Trussville.

Tuesday, July 4th on the Mall in Trussville
6pm -9pm

McWane Science Center 25th Anniversary 

The ultimate birthday bash celebrating McWane’s 25th Anniversary.

Saturday, July 8
10am – 4pm

Sidewalk Summer Series

Summer movies at Sidewalk Cinema

Finding Nemo: July 6th – 9th
Ratatouille: July 13th – 16th

For more information, movie times or to purchase tickets visit their website. 

Twilight Tours at the Birmingham Zoo

As the sun goes down, the fun is just beginning. Twilight Tours give you an inside look on what goes on at the zoo as night falls. Join one of our education team members as we explore the Zoo and learn about our crepuscular and nocturnal residents.

July 14th, 7:30- 9pm

Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

vs Pensacola Friday July 14th, Friday Night Fireworks. 7:05pm
vs. Pensacola Saturday, July 15th, 90’s Night. 6:30pm
vs. Pensacola Sunday, July 16th, Family Day, kids 12 and under run the bases after the game. 4:00pm

vs. Chattanooga Tuesday, July 18th, Two’s-Days, $2 select menu item. 7:05pm
vs. Chattanooga Wednesday, July 19th, Wet nose Wednesday, 7:05pm
vs. Chattanooga Thursday, July 20th, Thirsty Thursday, 7:05pm
vs. Chattanooga Friday, July 21st, Friday Night Fireworks, 7:05pm
vs. Chattanooga, Saturday, July 22nd, Entertainer Series, 6:3pm
vs. Chattanooga, Sunday, July 23rd, Family Day, kids 12 and under run the bases after the game. 4:00pm

Outdoor Day at Back Forty Beer Company

Free concert featuring Connor Patrick, The Hams, Goat Hill String Band and other outdoor activities. All ages welcome!

Saturday, July 15th 11am – 9pm

We’re expected to get some excessive heat this week here in Birmingham which is going to leave us looking for some ways to beat the heat while keeping the kiddos entertained… Here are some ideas:

Dave and Buster’s- If arcade fun is your jam, Dave and Buster’s is the place to be. Go on Wednesday’s for 1/2 price games all day, every Wednesday throughout the summer.

Take advantage of a free or discounted movie in a cool theater! Hit up one of the local theaters for their Free or Discounted movie day and it’s a win/win, stay cool way saving a little cash!

McWane Science Center. The Science Center has lots to do year round and and their new exhibit Brickologyo opens July 1st. McWane is great for all ages, and if you’re up for a movie, check out the IMAX, BONUS! They have covered parking which is great on rainy summer days.

Check out the Indoor Play Places: Urban Air, Defy, Surge Trampoline Park, Chuck E Cheese, and Let’s Play.

Sparetime in Trussville – Lasertag, arcade and Kids Bowl Free!

Your local library! As you know, your library can be a great resource for so many things, including storytimes, arts and crafts and more, plus they’re all offering some fun summer reading incentives!

How will you be beating the heat this week?

Where to Celebrate 4th of July in Birmingham

Are you searching for the best places to celebrate the 4th of July in Birmingham? Look no further! We’ve got your run-down of family fun in the Magic city for this Independence Day! So mark your calendars because the fun kicks off later this week!

I love America Night at Wald Park

I Love America Night is a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate the independence of our country! Enjoy FREE swimming at the Aquatic Complex, sponsor booths, children’s activities, a live concert and a spectacular Grand Finale! Shuttle service will be available from Walmart Neighborhood Grocery, Southminister Presbyterian Church, the former Sprouts, Library in the Forest and City Hall.

June 22nd, 6pm

Calera First First Friday

The community is invited to celebrate Independence Day with a Bang on Main Street. Guests can expect an outstanding firework display after dark. There will be even more vendors, food, fun and games. Those in attendance are encouraged to bring chairs to sit, eat and enjoy the live music of Bob Marston and the Credible Sources and stay after dark for all the explosive fun.

Friday, June 30th, 5pm – 10pm

Alabaster Fireworks Show

Food Trucks, Bounce Houses, Games including Corn Hole, Badminton, Bocce Ball, Lawn Bowling, Crossnet, and more.
Coca Cola Music Truck, There will be Light Up toys for sale including swords, rings, balls, and wands.
Activities listed above are subject to change.
Fireworks at 9pm

Viewing areas will include all parking areas on school property and the open meadow areas in front of the school depending on how wet the grounds are.
Absolutely NO parking allowed on any grassy area on school property!
Parking will be prohibited on State and County road right of ways during the show.
Kent Dairy Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit from Kent Dairy Road to and from THS at all times.

Saturday, July 1st, Activities start at 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm

ChelseaFest and the Big Kaboom

ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom features great music on the main stage, food from many different food trucks and, of course, one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama!

Saturday, July 1st, Activities start at 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm

City of Hoover Fireworks Show

Sunday, July 2nd
9pm
Hoover Met Parking lot. Set up a chair by your car and get ready for the show! Music broadcast on 87.9

Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain

Food vendors, swimming, music, activities, and fireworks!

Gates open at 7 am! Come and spend the day with us! Grab a good spot on the beach and enjoy the day in the park as you wait for the show to start!

In the interest of public safety, a limited number of tickets will be sold for Fire on the Water. They cost $15, however, Pelham residents may purchase them at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket. Each ticket is valid for one vehicle carrying up to four people. A state-issued ID or utility bill is required for proof of residency.
Pelham residents also have the benefit of purchasing tickets a week before they officially go on sale. Pelham residents can buy tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1st, and sales open to everyone on June 8th.
No event tickets will be sold on July 3rd, and regular entrance fees will apply. Cash only at the gate.

Both gates will CLOSE to the public at 7 pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly!

Monday, July 3rd Activities start at 5pm, Fireworks start at 9pm sharp.

Birmingham Barons Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate your Independence Day with the Birmingham Barons as they take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas and enjoy a Fireworks show after the game.

Monday, July 3rd 6:05pm

Free Old Town Live July in Helena

Celebrate America’s birthday in style with Helena’s dazzling 4th of July fireworks show & a FREE Concert! A night of patriotic fun and a stunning display of pyrotechnics that will light up the sky. Free Family Event free event, grab a front-row seat, and get ready to be amazed by the firework show that will light up the sky. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of America’s independence!”

Monday, July 3rd Activities start at 4:30pm

Independence Day 1776 at American Village

Patriotic event happening throughout the day ending with fireworks. Music and dance, Games, food trucks, encounters with patriots of the past and more. $5 admission. Veterans, active military and children ages 4 and under are free.

Tuesday, July 4th
11am

4th of July Family Festival at Railroad Park

Live music, food vendors, kid’s activities & more! At 9 PM you’ll have an amazing view of the fireworks at Vulcan Park and Museum!

Tuesday, July 4th, 5pm – 9pm

Thunder on the Mountain

The state’s largest 4th of July celebration will again ignite the sky atop red mountain with an array of fireworks in honor of both the cities’ sesquicentennial and our nation’s birthday. Find a spot around town where you can see Vulcan and you’ll be able to see the show!

Tuesday, July 4th
9pm

Trussville Freedom Celebration

Food, fun and fireworks on the mall in Trussville.

Tuesday, July 4th on the Mall in Trussville
6pm -9pm

Eating out with kids can no doubt put a strain on the budget, but we’ve done a little legwork and put together a list of places around Birmingham where kids eat free!

Where Kids Eat Free In Birmingham

Monday:

Moss Rock Tacos: one kid eats free per $10 adult purchase
Huddle House – get one free kid’s meal with every adult entrée purchase of $6 or more (dine-in only)

Tuesday:

Baumhowers – one free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entree of $10 or more
Vecchia – one kid’s meal per adult meal purchase
Big Whiskey’s – kids eat free all day
Moe’s Original BBQ – one free kid’s meal per adult entrée after 5:00 p.m.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – kids eat for $2.99 all day
Huddle House – get one free kid’s meal with every adult entrée purchase of $6 or more (dine-in only)
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux (Stadium Trace) – kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree

Thursday:

Tazikis – kids eat free from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Brusters Ice Cream – half price banana splits when you provide your own banana (Offer may vary. Participating stores only)
Friday
Ruby Tuesday – kids eat free with adult purchase all day

Saturday:

Steak ‘n Shake – one free kid’s meal for every $9 spent

Sunday:

Steak ‘n Shake – one free kid’s meal for every $9 spent
Moe’s Southwest Grill – kids 12 & receive one kid’s meal free with purchase of an adult meal (locations may vary)

Every Day:

Bruster’s Ice Cream – free baby cone to anyone under 40″ tall

Please note these specials may vary by location and are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy, please always check with the location prior to your visit for details.