Everyone’s favorite ogre is coming to Red Mountain Theatre: Shrek The Musical, live on stage June 2-25, 2023

Red Mountain Theatre is thrilled to present Shrek The Musical, a theatrical extravaganza for the whole family. Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film, the musical version takes the familiar story in new directions with witty songs, goofy dance numbers, elaborate sets and costumes, and the pizazz that can only come from live actors.

As Director Roy Lightner says, “Shrek is an iconic movie, and we hit all the same story beats. What’s fantastic about the musical is that the songs add even more feeling and humor to every scene. Shrek is this ridiculous tale that will make you laugh until your face hurts, but at its heart is a message of acceptance and understanding.”

The cast bringing the beloved characters to life is one of the most accomplished troupes seen at Red Mountain Theatre. Familiar faces to both RMT and Opera Birmingham fans, Caleb Clark steps into the title role, with Alie B. Gorrie taking the stage as Princess Fiona. The lead pair is joined by Dorian (Donkey), Halo Wheeler (Dragon), Blake West (Lord Farquaad), and a ensemble of gifted RMT veterans and exciting new talent. NYC-based Choreographer Sara Brians has enjoyed the camaraderie among the
cast. “The fun and creativity we cultivate in the rehearsal studio is reflected in the joy and brilliant storytelling you’re going to see on stage.”

However, adapting an animated movie to a three-dimensional stage version requires top talent behind the scenes too, with costuming, makeup, prosthetics, puppetry, and special effects in just about every scene. Says Lightner, “This is the largest musical we have produced in our new home, and I’m lucky enough to be collaborating with artists who make it look effortless!”

Performances run June 2nd through 25th. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now! To save $5 on tickets follow this link and use our special code: “PARFAIT” Tickets start at $32/adults and $25/child. The show is recommended for all ages.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

If you’re staying in town this Memorial Day weekend, the Birmingham Zoo is the perfect place to spend some time!

On Saturday, the Zoo invites you to join them for a very special Sea Lion Send Off! Longtime residents and fan favorites of your Birmingham Zoo, California sea lions, Farley and Giovanni (Gio) will be moving to the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts.

“While we are very sad to see them go, we are excited about this great opportunity for them,” explains Mollye Nardi, Birmingham Zoo’s General Curator.
Join our education team on Henley Lawn and learn more about sea lions, how to help marine life in the wild, and hear more about what it takes to transport animals to their new homes! The community will also be able to express their well wishes on a banner that will travel with Farley and Gio to the New England Aquarium where a larger habitat and colony awaits them. The New England Aquarium will collaborate with your Birmingham Zoo for future updates on how the pair are settling in this summer.
Location: Send-Off Celebration on Henley Lawn
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sea lion demos are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.*
*Weather permitting

In addition to the Sea Lion Send off Your Birmingham Zoo will be open on the Memorial Day holiday, Monday May 29th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In honor of the holiday, all active and retired military veterans, including their dependents (up to six) will receive FREE admission to the Birmingham Zoo throughout Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29, with proof of valid military identification.

Kids Bowl Free Offers Summer Fun in Birmingham!

When it comes to keeping the kids entertained during the summer, free activities are always a winner. And if you’re looking for a fantastic way to beat the summer heat while saving some money, look no further than Kids Bowl Free at Spare Time in Trussville!

The Kids Bowl Free program is back and runs now through August and allows registered children 15 years and younger to enjoy two free games a day Monday through Saturday. Bowling shoes must be worn during the game and are available for rent.

Spare Time Trussville offers luxury bowling lanes, a huge Game Zone arcade, full restaurant and bar, and a state-of-the-art laser tag arena! Plenty of fun for everyone!!

Where:
Spare Time Trussville
3600 Roosevelt Blvd · Trussville, AL 35235
205-655-4500

Who:
Registered Children Ages 2-15

Click HERE to register here before your first game!

Free and Discounted Movies in Birmingham Summer 2023

If you love movies, popcorn and saving money, this list is for you! Here’s where you can catch FREE or DISCOUNTED movies around Birmingham all summer. It’s a great way to beat the summer heat and get the kiddos out of the house!

FREE AND DISCOUNTED SUMMER MOVIES IN BIRMINGHAM

Amstar Cinemas – Alabaster

Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. Admission is $5.00+tax per person, price includes Movie, Kids Drink and Popcorn. All movies will start at 10am. Seating is limited, first come first served. All movies are G or PG. For more info or pre purchase tickets

May 30th and 31st: Captain Underpants
June 6th and 7th: Home
June 13th and 14th: Chicken Run
June 20th and 21st: Madagascar
June 27th and 28th: Megamind
July 4th and 5th: Boss Baby
July 11th and 12th: Trolls
July 18th and 19th: The Bad Guys
July 25th and 26th: Kung Fu Panda
August 1st and 2nd: Over the Hedge

Free Friday Flicks – Railroad Park (please note the new location)

Outdoor movie series, every Friday night in June. Each movie is scheduled to start at dusk. The sun sets between 7:53 and 8:01 p.m. during the weeks the movies are scheduled. Food trucks and Kids zone are scheduled to return this season

June 2nd: Encanto
June 9th: Drumline
June 16th: The Princess and the Frog
June 23rd: Minions: Rise of Gru
June 30th: Back to the Future

Premiere Cinemas, Tannehill and Pell City

Summer Kids Fest. Wednesday and Thursday, 10am and 11am. Admission is FREE. Website

June 7th and 8th: DC League and Super Pets
June 14th and 15th: Hotel Transylvania 4
June 21st and 22nd: The Bad Guys
June 28th and 29th: Minions The Rise of Gru
July 5th and 6th: Paw of Fury
July 12th and 13th: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
July 19th and 20th: Lyle Lyle Crocodile
July 26th and 27th: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Regal Cinemas Trussville

Summer Movie Express. Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am. Admission is $2. Both Movies listed play both days. Website

May 23rd and 24th: How To Train your Dragon | Abominable
May 30th and 31st: The Croods: A New Age |Shrek Forever After
June 6th and 7th: Puss in Boots | Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
June 13th and 14th: Sing | The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
June 20th and 21st: Minions: The Rise of Gru | The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
June 27th and 28th: Sonic the Hedgehog | Dora and the Lost City of Gold
July 4th and 5th: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | Clifford the Big Red Dog
July 11th and 12th: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 |The Paw Patrol
July 18th and 19th: The Bad Guys |Playing with Fire
July 25th and 26th: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank |Sing 2
August 1st and 2nd: The Boss Baby: Family Business | Dolittle
August 8th and 9th: Kung Fu Panda 3 | Curious George
August 14th and 15th: Minions | How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
August 22nd and 23rd: Shrek | Kung Fu Panda
August 29th and 30th: Trolls World Tour | Despicable Me
September 5th and 6th: Despicable Me 3 | Spirit Untamed

Trussville Entertainment District/Ferus Ales

Free Summer Movie Series, 6pm

June 22nd: Jumanji (with a live mini exotic animal show)
July 27th: Finding Nemo (with a bubble party)
August 24th: The Incredibles (with a superhero costume contest)

**Please note: times and movies are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy.com, it’s always best to double check with the theater or the theater website to confirm. Outdoor movies are subject to cancelation due to weather, make sure to check social media/event pages before you go.

8 Birmingham Area Splash Pads to Cool you Down this Summer

As the temps heat up, it’s time to cool down with these Birmingham Area splash pads!

Photo via: Moody Splash pad

City of Clay Splash Pad

Behind the ballpark off of Old Springville Road
Thursday – Saturdays 10am – 6pm and Sundays 1pm – 6pm

Timed Entry—Maximum 4 hour time slots only. Payment for entry must be charged by card, no cash accepted on premises

Entry Fees
$2 for Clay Residents
$5 for Non-Clay Residents

Explore Splash Pad in Hoover

1060 RV Trace, Hoover, AL 35244
Open Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 7pm
Opens May 16th for the season

Gardendale Splash Pad

2191 Fieldstown Road
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – Dusk
May 1st – Sept 30th

Leeds Splash Pad

804 Park Drive
Hours Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed for maintenance (unless it falls on a holiday such as Memorial Day and Labor Day)
Opens Memorial Day 2023 (please note hours are from 2022 and have not been updated for 2023)

Moody Splash Pad

100 Civic Center Drive
Open Tuesday –Friday 10am – 6pm
Saturday – 10am – 5pm
Sunday – 1pm – 5pm
*hours may vary due to party rentals.
Opens May 3oth

Pinson Bicentennial Park Splash Pad

Sunday-Friday:- 1 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Entry Fee:
City Resident- $ 1.00
Police Jurisdiction- $ 1.00
Non-Resident- $ 3.00

Sicard Hollow Splash Pad

4851 Sicard Hollow Road
Open daily 9am –7pm
Open now for the season

Springville Splash Pad

75 Old Talledega Road
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am –  6pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm
Opens for the season May 20th

$2 Per Person
3 and under free
Season Pass Purchase available through your account
Groups of 15+ Must Reserve a Pavilion

And of course, we can’t forget about the Splash pad at the Birmingham Zoo. Included with the cost of admission!

Which Splash pad is your favorite?

Our Favorite Farmer’s Markets in Birmingham

Do you love fresh fruits and veggies and all things local? Then you’re going to want to save this list! Just in time for summer, here’s a list of all our favorite Farmers Market’s in and around Birmingham!

Alabama Farmers Market

Open seven days a week, year ’round,  with the majority of vendors open from 6am-5pm. Located at 344 Finley Avenue, the Alabama Farmers Market has been in its current location since 1956-making it the longest running farmers market in the Birmingham area. See their vendor list for further details on which growers you can find there each week.

East Lake Farmers Market

Open Saturday 8am – 12pm
Amazing produce and a variety of jams and relishes, honey, live music, and Children’s activities.
Located at 7753 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL

Farmer’s Market at Brock’s Gap

Alabama farmers, makers, bakers, and artists at Brocks Gap Brewing. Every Saturday morning. 7am – Noon. Follow their Facebook page for updates

Gardendale Farmers Market

Located at the Gardendale Civic Center, you can find this market open every Thursday from 12pm – 4pm. Visit their Facebook Page for the latest updates.

Market at Pepper Place

This Market is overflowing with gorgeous produce, treats, home essentials & one-of-kind favorites. Open Saturday morning’s 7am- noon in Pepper Place.

Pinson Fresh Farmers Market

Located in the parking lot the Pinson Public Library and open every Friday from 2pm – 6pm. Vendors selling fruits and veggies,  local honey, cakes, fried pies, fresh coffee and more!

Ross Bridge Farmers Market

Open every Friday 4pm – 8pm. Enjoy & shop from local farmers, vendors, and food trucks at the market! Keep up to date on food trucks, vendors and the latest information on their Facebook Page

Trussville Fresh Farmers Market

Located at 90 Parkway Drive. They are open Saturdays 8Am-12pm, and Tuesdays, 1pm – 5pm.. keep up to date with vendors and information by visiting their Facebook Page

West Homewood Farmers Market

The West Homewood Farmer’s Market opens June 6th and will run on Tuesdays at 5pm, throughout the summer.
160 Oxmoor Road.

*Please note that hours are subject to change without notice to BirminghamMommy. Please make sure to check the market pages before heading out especially if the weather looks ify

A.Skate Foundation at CityWalk

Askate Foundation is an organization that allows children with autism to be a part of our social world through skateboarding.  They hold clinics for children with autism at no cost to the families, give grants to children with autism for skateboard gear, as well as promote awareness and educate families about the skateboard industry.  In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data.

They will be back in Birmingham on Sunday, May 21st at the CityWalk Skate Park.

Parents – REGISTRATION IS OPEN and spots are limited!

10am skate session
11am skate session
•both neurodivergent, child and siblings must be registered individually to participate.
Register at Askate.org/events

Transition stations include: food, games, art, jewelry making, music, crafts, prizes

Volunteers are also needed needed for the following:

•skate instructor volunteers
•non-skate volunteers
Register at Askate.org/events
•arrive at 9am

Thomas Andrew Summer Art Camps

It’s not too late to get in on these Summer Art Camps at Thomas Andrew Art Studio!

Thomas Andrew will be offering week-long sessions, and the week is all about art education and creation. Your child will learn about the life and styles of artists such as Bob Ross, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, and more. They will be working with paint on canvas, wood, fabric, stone and tar-paper. Moreover, they will  help create a wall mural and have some extra fun time in the splatter room! At the end of the week there is gallery-style event, and parents are invited to see what their child has learned and created.

Because Thomas Andrew is an actual professional artist, their program is a cut above the rest for creative minds. A variety of artists will help lead the sessions, and each teaching artist will be trained by Thomas Andrew. Week long sessions are limited to 12 kids ONLY.

Ages: 7 – 12 years old
Time: Monday – Friday 9am until 12 noon
Cost: $250 per week, which includes all art supplies, snacks, drinks, a camp T-shirt, splattered beanie, and portfolio bag to store their artwork.

**For returning campers, the projects have changed from last year!**

Ages: 7 – 12 / $250 / SIGN UP HERE 
Dates: June 5 – 9
Dates: June 12 – 16
Dates: June 19 – 23
Dates: June 26 – 30

Ages: 7 – 12 / $250 / SIGN UP HERE
Dates: July 10 – 14
Dates: July 17 – 21
Dates: July 24 – 28

Planet Fitness High school Summer Pass 23′

It’s back! Starting May 15th, teens between the ages of 14-19 can work out for free all summer long! Plus, they’re giving away $200,000* to high schools and students! Teens who register can help win a grant for their school and participate in a video contest for a chance to win a scholarship. Don’t wait, pre-register today.

Here’s how it works!

Sign up with a parent/guardian either online or in-club.
Pre-Register by following THIS LINK or visiting your nearest club. Once you’re signed up, download their app for your digital keytag and club pass, they even have on demand workouts to help get the kiddos started.

Now, pack those gym bags and check out your home club. Get ready for a Fitacular summer!

Birmingham Area Summer Camp Guide, Summer 2023

Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to start planning for summer camps! If you’re a Mom in Birmingham looking for a fun and exciting way to keep your kids entertained this summer, then you’re in luck. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to summer camps in Birmingham, so you can easily find the perfect camp for your child. From sports and outdoor adventure to science and technology, we’ve got it all covered. So grab your flip flops and let’s dive in to explore the best summer camps in Birmingham!

Acting Out Academy:

2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 125 | Birmingham | www.actingoutacademy.com
Camps starting June 5th

The summer’s biggest and best on-camera training program is going to be bigger than ever!
Acting Out Academy set out three years ago to create a camp to give kid actors the best and most well rounded on- camera TRAINING for kids to WORK in film and TV and introduce them to top regional and national agents.

Alabama Ballet:

2726 First Ave South | Birmingham | 205.322.4300 | www.alabamaballet.org

Junior Camp:
Students will take age appropriate ballet classes, learn modern dance and jazz technique, and take character and/or theatre dance classes. All students will study dance history and prepare for an end of the session performance. Family and friends are invited to join us for this performance.

July 17th – 28th.  Ages 8-12  $285 weekly / $475 2 weeks

Tutus and Tiaras:
Does your little one dance around the house pretending to be Cinderella or the Sugarplum Fairy? Is “Barbie Swan Lake” in heavy rotation on your DVD player? Then Tutus & Tiaras is for you! For one week, four hours a day, children ages 4- 7 will take age appropriate ballet and tap classes, create ballet-oriented crafts and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime. During these four hours, the children will also have a story time where they can learn the story of ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and other classical ballets.
Session 1 | July 17th – 21st
Session 2 | July 24th – 28th
$250 weekly / $425 both weeks

Aldridge Gardens:

3530 Lorna Road | Hoover | 205.682.8019 | aldridgegardens.com
June 5th– June 30th | 5k – 5th Grade

June will be a full month long of excitement, entertainment and, of course, education at Aldridge Gardens. Whether your little campers like American Girls, art, or building and engineering They have something they’re sure to enjoy!

Birmingham Academy of Dance:

Hwy 280 | Trussville | www.badance280.com

Over 200 summer class options for ages 2-19! Inverness and Trussville locations.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens:

2612 Lane Park Road | Birmingham | 205.414.3950 | bbgardens.org
Multiple camp options offered from May 30th– July 24th | Ages 4 – 6th Grade

Programs are designed to actively promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

Birmingham Children’s Theatre:

2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N | Birmingham | 205.458.8181 | www.bct123.org
Camp Dates: June and July | Ages 4 – 18

One of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, Birmingham Children’s Theatre produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families.

Birmingham Fencing Club:

1581 Montgomery Highway, Suite 109 | Birmingham | 205.823.4448 | www.fencingclub.org
Camps run May 29th – July 28th | Ages 7-13

Summer Camps introduce students to the basics of fencing. You have lots of choices, selecting activities for your children, and we offer a unique opportunity. The sport of fencing is gaining popularity.

Birmingham Museum of Art:

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd | 205.254.2565 | www.artsbma.org/things-to-do/summer-art-camp/
Camp dates: June 5th – 21st | Grades 1st – 6th

The BMA is excited to bring back their enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination.

Birmingham School of Music:

800 Old Towne Road | Birmingham | 205.969.8763 | birminghamschoolofmusic.com
Camp Dates: June & July dates available | Classes available for ages 5 and up

Summer Beginner Music Camp is a great way for students age 5 to 8 to try different instruments. Students will be introduction to a different instrument each day. This camp is limited to 10 participants.

Birmingham Zoo:

2630 Cahaba Road | Birmingham | 205.879. 0409| www.birminghamzoo.com/education/zoocamps
Ages Kindergarten up to grade 12

Zoo Camps at the Birmingham Zoo are educational and encourage active learning through games, age-appropriate, hands-on science, animal encounters, and nature play! Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills. Learning has never been so WILD!

Camp Fliptastic at Head Over Heels Gymnastics:

500 Caldwell Mill Trace | Birmingham | 205.981.2720 | www.headoverheelsgyms.com
Multiple camps running June 6th – July 28th | Ages 3- 14

Daily Themes, fantastic staff, creative crafts, circus arts and plenty of gymnastics

Camp McWane:

200 19th St N | Birmingham | 205. 714-8300 | www.mcwane.org
Camps Dates: June 5 – July 28

McWane Science Center offers 7 weeks of summer fun and learning!

Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder for hands-on, minds-on, science and fun this summer! Summer camps offer further inquiry into science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) topics for children 4 to 13 years old. Campers can learn about the deep oceans, journey into outer space, build robots or spend time with our McWane animals. Join us for these and many more engaging camp themes.

Camp VST at Virginia Samford Theatre:

1116 26th Street S | Birmingham | 205.251.1228 | virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/camp-vst
Camp dates: June 6-10th | June 13th – 17th | June 20th -24th  | Ages 7-18

Summer theatre intensive designed to give children the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre. Acting, singing, dancing, stage makeup, improv, stage-combat and more.

The Dance Foundation:

1715 27th Court South | Homewood | 205.870.0073 | www.thedancefoundation.org
Camp Dates: June 5th through August 5th

REGISTER NOW!  for our summer camps and weekly classes!  All camps are led by caring, enthusiastic professional staff and are held in our Community Arts Center in Downtown Homewood.  An early drop-off option is available for full-day camps.  All campers should bring a lunch each day.  Snacks will be provided twice daily.  Full-day camps will culminate with a brief sharing for family and friends.  All campers receive a T-shirt.

Fresh Air Family:

Gross Out Camps | Various Locations around Birmingham | www.freshairfamily.org/gross-out-camp
June and July

Hands-on field biology along with science experiments. Outdoor lessons in nature. Learning so much fun, they will never know it! Live animal shows, exploring in creek beds, exploring the woods, under rocks and digging for decomposers, and Roly Poly races.

Highlands School Summer Camp:

4901 Old Leeds Road | Birmingham | 205.956.9731 | www.highlandsschool.org
June 5th – July 28th (no camp June 19th or 4th of July week) | Ages 4k – 8th grade

Art, sports, science and more.

High Point Climbing and Fitness:

4766 Hwy 280 | Birmingham | 205.981.9190 | www.highpointclimbing.com/camps/summer-camps-2
Memorial day – 2nd week of August

High Point camps teach kids 5-14 years old about rock climbing. Our enthusiastic instructors will teach climbing skills and equipment usage, and facilitate warm-up and team building games to keep your young athlete engaged, moving, and having fun!

Hoover Met Complex Summer Sports Camps:

100 Ben Chapman Dr | Hoover | 205.739.7364 | www.hoovermetcomplex.com
June 5th – July 28th – Ages 6-12

Build the foundation for physical skills and teamwork with sports including, basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball

LJCC:

3960 Montclair Rd | Birmingham | 205.879.0411 | bhamjcc.org/summer-camp-2/

Camp LJCC program is open to children entering kindergarten through 8th grade and includes everything from outdoor activities to singing and dancing, so your child is sure to have a good time. Day camps are offered each week along with sports and specialty camp options to fit any interests. For your convenience, camp weeks are a la carte, so you can sign up for one, two, or the entire summer!

Mason Music:

Bluff Park | Cahaba Heights | Greystone | Mountain Brook | masonmusicstudios.com
Ages 3 -18 | May 30th – July 29th

Guitar, Piano, voice drum and violin lessons for all ages.

Samford University: Academy of the Arts:

1939 South Lakeshore Dr | Birmingham | 205.726.2739 | www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/summer-camps/
Multiple camp dates available: June 12th – July 28th

Art and music camps available.

Samford University: Bulldog Soccer Camps:

1939 South Lakeshore Drive | Birmingham | www.bulldogsoccercamp.com/day-camps.aspx
Camp dates: May 12th -13th | June 12th – 15th | June 19th – 22nd | July 21st-22nd

Designed to develop young players technical skills through a series of fun yet challenging activities.

YMCA Summer Camps:

Rising 1st – 8th Grade | www.ymcabham.org/summer-day-camp

There is no place like Y Day Camp. A home away from home where your children laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids discover not just the wonders of day camp but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group.  That’s why more than 1900 kids in the Birmingham area attend the Y’s summer day camps – to belong, achieve and build relationships.

Wondering about sending your kid to camp? Here are 5 good reasons you should!