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Birmingham Events Calendar: September 16th – 23rd

Posted on by Angie

Exciting things happening in and around Birmingham this week! Trucks by the Tracks at Railroad Park, Tigers for Tomorrow at Homewood Library, and LEGO Wars!!

Wednesday is Talk Like a Pirate Day! Celebrate with a free Doughnut at Krispy Kreme, if you go in and talk like a Pirate! Aargh!

Have a GREAT Week!

 

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 16th

Trucks By the Tracks – Railroad Park
The food truck phenomenon has taken Birmingham by storm! In an effort to support local food, music, and Railroad Park, the Junior Board of the Railroad Park Foundation is hosting the first annual Trucks by the Tracks event.  Join us for live music, entertainment, food trucks, and beverages.

Trucks by the Tracks is sponsored by Coca-Cola, B-Metro, Birmingham Mountain Radio, Vision Landscape, Alabama Furniture Market, State Farm and My Green Birmingham.
11am – 5pm

Bart’s Art Cart – Make a Pop Art Car – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by  to design your own sports car inspired by Andy Warhol and the Warhol and Cars: American Icons exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Monday September 17th:

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register
9:30am and 10:30am

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Tuesday September 18th:

Family Fun Night – Springville Road Library
Join Mr. Justin for stories and songs about the library. Everyone will also design and create their very own Library Card Man!
All ages welcome.
6:30pm

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am

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Wednesday September 19th:

Aargh Matey! It’s Talk Like A Pirate Day! If you use proper pirate lingo at participating Krispy Kremes (both Hoover and 280 are participating) you’ll get one free original glazed donut. And if you dress up like a pirate, you’ll get a dozen original glazed donuts for free!

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read The Pout-Pout Fish. Find out why there is a permanent pout stuck on Mr. Fish’s face. There will also be a craft and a treat from the Cafe.
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday September 20th:

Tigers for Tomorrow – Homewood Public Library
Join us as we welcome Sue Steffens, president of Tigers for Tomorrow, an exotic animal park and rescue preserve, which is home to over 100 animals. This program will provide an environmental educational program using live animals from the Legacy Living classroom. Join us for this family event, age appropriate for everyone.
6:30pm – 8pm

Talk Like A Pirate Day After Party – Homewood Library
Wear your best pirate gear and join swashbuckling Captain Chris for a seafaring good time.
6pm

Brookwood Live, StreetKar – Brookwood Mall
Join us on the street for great live music, family fun and dancing in the street. Feature musical talent is Flashbacks.
5pm – 9pm

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Friday September 21st:

Storytime with NeNe – Whole Foods
NeNe is back and better than ever! Join Whole Foods most Fridays’ for storyday! There will be storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am

Friday Night PE – Railroad Park
Friday Night P.E. is a mix of your favorite childhood games such as kickball, dodge ball, ultimate frisbee, musical chairs, Simon says and 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 Red-light to help you burn calories and improve your health. This class is perfect for groups. So if you want to socialize, have fun, get heart healthy and celebrate the the inner kid in you try Friday Night P.E., the reason people say, T.G. I. F. This class is FREE thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama!
6pm – 7pm

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Saturday September 22nd:

Scaredy Squirrel: Be Prepared – Hoover Public Library
Scaredy Squirrel is coming down from his tree to talk about emergency preparedness. Bees and sharks are discouraged from attending. Call 444-7833 to register
10:30am

Lego Wars – Vestavia Hills Library
We will have a different theme each month and our huge collection of Legos for you to use and create your Lego masterpiece! September’s theme is “Skyscrapers”and we will give out prizes for the best creation in different categories. Bring your creativity and build something! Intended for 2nd – 6th grade.
11am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in September to create a diorama (3-D scene) inspired by the Intimate Interiors exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Re-open again for the season! Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Marley Goes to School. It’s the first day of school and guess who goes along with Cassie? We will make a craft and have something delicious from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday September 23rd:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Rescue and The Last Reef

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Dora and Diego, Let’s Explore Exhibit
Get ready for adventure with Dora and Diego at McWane Science Center in the new exhibit Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along.

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Mamarazzi: Bikinigate

Posted on by Angie

By Harmony Hobbs:

Rock that Bikini, Baby!

Oh, Jessica Simpson. You never disappoint.

On Monday, Jessica made her first post-baby appearance on Katie Couric’s new talk show, which is aptly named “Katie.” I recorded it on my DVR for the sole purpose of seeing what she looked like – in case you aren’t aware, she has been following the Weight Watchers plan to lose the baby weight.

In an unexpected turn of events, it wasn’t Jessica’s figure that stole the show – it was her daughter’s. This photo of 4-month-old Maxwell, posing in what I would consider a fabulous bikini, has sparked quite a controversy.

Now … I’m not quite sure what the problem is here. Who has enough time on their hands to get upset over a baby in a bikini? You know who should really be pissed off right now? Nick Lachey and Vanessa Whats-Her-Name, that’s who. Everyone is so worked up over Maxwell, that no one really cared or noticed when their son, Camden John Lachey, was born. But I guarantee you, if they put that boy in a bikini, people would sit up and take notice.

About Harmony:

Harmony recently quit her job to stay at home with her two boys. Her sanity is in question. Visit her blog at www.modernmommymadness.com.

Storytime Spotlight: North Shelby Library

Posted on by Angie

Any Library that is home to Mr. Mac is alright in our book! North Shelby Library is located off of Hwy 119 and offers a variety of storytimes to choose from, including a Monday story! It’s not always easy to find something to do around town on Monday’s!

Toddler Tales –
Monday’s at 9:30am and again at 10:30am –  A story program for children and a caregiver. Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts make up a lively program designed especially for short attention spans. Best suited for ages 19 months to 3 years. Must Register

Baby Tales –
Tuesdays at 9:30am. A story program especially for babies and a caregiver. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to share with each other. 18 months and younger. Must Register.

Mr. Mac –
An All Ages Storytime every Wednesday at 10:45am that will not disappoint! Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. Truly a storyteller extraordinaire!

PJ Storytime –
Daytimes not good for your family? Check out the PJ Storytime happening every Thursday evening at 7:00pm. Bedtime stories for all ages. Wear your PJs and bring your favorite snuggly. We will provide the milk and cookies. Great for all ages!

In addition to these great storytimes, the North Shelby Library offers great children’s programming with special events happening year round. To keep up with all that they have going on, or to register for one of the above storytimes, visit their website.

Naptime Confessions: Consignment Chaos!

Posted on by Angie

I started out strong thinking I was going to be on top of things this year when it came to consignment season. I’m not. Am I the only one still feverishly hanging and tagging?

 

 

 

Raise a World Changing Child

Posted on by Angie

Raising a world changer is no easy task. Parenting is one of the most difficult, yet most rewarding positions there is! While raising a child with strong, healthy values, it’s important to keep in mind that being an intentional parent produces a great outcome. The same principles apply to child rearing.  What is put into raising, imparting and guiding a child in the present, will harvest a strong, forward-thinking world changer later.

Here are 5 tips to apply in your home:

1. STUDY YOUR CHILD –As the parent of a world-changer child, you must start with a vision. What are your child’s natural gifts? What are their interests? Sit down with each child in your household and ask them what they believe their gifts are and how do they want to use them to bring change into the world? Incorporate their answers with who you know them to be.

2. HAVE A STRATEGIC PLAN. Now that you have identified a few of your child’s gifts, talents and interests, now is the time to start taking action and putting those gifts into practice. Begin to set goals and a purpose with a desired outcome to keep you on track. Depending on the interest and/or gift, ask your child what he would like to do to bring about change in the world using his/her gifts. For example: if your son or daughter loves animals, together, come up with ways that his/her love for animals can change the world. Depending on the age of your child, volunteer at an animal shelter or dog sit for a friend. If reading is your child’s interest, bring her to read to seniors at a retirement community. It’s a great way to serve happiness and impact someone’s life for the better.

3. BE CONSISTENT – Consistency requires commitment and discipline. Consistency is going to be the glue that holds your child’s strategic plan together. If you are wishy-washy or don’t follow through, you can’t expect to gain the same results. Be intentional and have integrity with what you set out to do, so that you can be sure to keep your commitment.

4. ALLOW ROOM FOR EXPLORING – Experience is the best teacher!  When we create the space for our child/children to explore, learning and development takes place at any age. A child who explores their ideas, thoughts and beliefs through action gains the freedom to engage with others on a deeper level. Exploring helps us to discover who we are, what we like and what we don’t.  Can you imagine creating an environment for your child/children where “failure” is embraced? What a wonderful gift to give your child.

5. BE YOUR CHILD’S CHEERLEADER! Your words hold power and your position has long-lasting influence. Make the decision to support and encourage your child throughout the trials and tribulations of parenthood.  Be careful with your words; choose them wisely. Be a parent that your son or daughter can trust with their innermost secrets and fears. If your child trusts you, he or she will give you their heart and you will gain access to walking with them along their journey to changing the world!

About Christy Little Jones:

Christy is a highly sought after national speaker that passionately expresses her love, joy and experience as a single woman, wife and mom in a very real and engaging way.

With a successful father hailed the NFL Football Hall of Famer, Class 2010 (Floyd Little: Denver Broncos) and a mother graced as one of the first black models in Seventeen and Mademoiselle Magazines in the early 1960’s, Christy has maintained that invigorating entrepreneurial spirit and ventured into the world of marriage and relationship coaching.

For More Information on Christy Little Jones, please visit www.myrelationshiprevolution.com and viewhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-B3eVRxy8A&feature=plcp.

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 9th – September 16th

Posted on by Angie

Cooler temps are here BirminghamMommy’s, at least for now, and we plan on enjoying them!! Lots of fun happening around town!

Make sure to stop by the McWane Center, the Dora and Diego exhibit will leave for good on Tuesday. Friday storytime is back at Whole Foods, or you can check out Oktoberfest Saturday in Trussville.If you’re a food truck fan, then Railraod park is where you want to be on Sunday for Trucks by the Tracks!

Have a great week everyone!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 9th

Happy Grandparents Day!

Celebrate Grandparents Day at Splash Adventure Waterpark
Children can always count on a little extra love from their grandparents. This weekend Splash Adventure Waterpark provides yet another golden opportunity to shower the grandkids with something extra special as they celebrate Grandparent’s Day. Grandparents get one free admission with the purchase of a $19.99 junior ticket.  Celebration Street has been bursting with fun all summer long.  Don’t miss one of your last chances to soak up the fun and make some long-lasting family memories.

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in September to create a diorama (3-D scene) inspired by the Intimate Interiors exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

Mala Making and 108 Meditative Chants – Villager Yoga
Malas are beaded garlands that are used during meditation to help still the mind. Join us to make your very own mala with 108 beads, after which we will learn how to use them during a group meditation of 108 chants led by Shannon Andrews Skipper and Terri Heiman.  $20 per person; partial proceeds benefit Sweet Om Alabama and Alabama Possible
Register at villageryoga.com or call 262-2012
6:30pm

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Monday September 10th:

Character Kids – Gardendale Library
A fun interactive program for kids K5, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Ms. Molly uses character development through games, stories, science, and more.
3:30pm

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Tuesday September 11th:

Last Day to visit the Dora and Diego Exhibit at the McWane Science Center!

Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am

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Wednesday September 12th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read It’s Time for Preschool. It’s time to have fun, meet new friends and learn something new. There will also be a craft and a treat from the Cafe.
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday September 13th:

Oragami for Kids – Bessemer Public Library
Kids ages 5 to 10yrs old can learn basic origami. Parents please SIGN UP in the Youth Department to ensure your child’s place at the program. Space is limited.
4:30pm

Cocktails in the Gardens – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Tickets to Birmingham’s Most Beautiful Happy Hour are $5 for non-members and free to members. Admission includes entrance to the event and live entertainment from Birmingham’s own The UnKnamed Band, Jeff Otwell Duo and India Ramey. Drinks and food are available for purchase, but are not included with admission. All proceeds from Cocktails in The Gardens benefit The Gardens educational programs, including its flagship Discovery Field Trips.
4:30pm – 7:30pm

Brookwood Live, Flashbacks – Brookwood Mall
Join us on the street for great live music, family fun and dancing in the street. Feature musical talent is Flashbacks.
5pm – 9pm

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Friday September 14th:

Storytime with NeNe – Whole Foods
NeNe is back and better than ever! Join Whole Foods most Fridays’ for storyday! There will be storyboards, songs and snacks!
10am

Friday Night PE – Railroad Park
Friday Night P.E. is a mix of your favorite childhood games such as kickball, dodge ball, ultimate frisbee, musical chairs, Simon says and 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10 Red-light to help you burn calories and improve your health. This class is perfect for groups. So if you want to socialize, have fun, get heart healthy and celebrate the the inner kid in you try Friday Night P.E., the reason people say, T.G. I. F. This class is FREE thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama!
6pm – 7pm

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Saturday September 15th:

Oktoberfest Trussville – Holy Infant of Prague
Family fun for ALL ages! Traditional German food, Polka music, & desserts PLUS arts & crafts, cash raffle ($1750 cash plus a raffle for a FREE set of braces – up to $4500 – transferable to family member or charity) & door prizes. There is a hay ride to the pumpkin patch where you pick your pumpkin to take home, plus other fun activities including bingo, silent auctions and a white elephant auction. Lots of vendors, gift items, organic homemade jams, jellies and preserves, cookies, cakes and delicacies plus free orthodontic screenings, balloon animals, face painting, kid games, bingo, bargains, ponyrides, Swinging Bridge, Pepsi Toss, GIANT LEGO DISPLAY, and inflatables like the Bouncy House and others! This is a jam-packed day of fun and festivities for the whole family!
9am – 3pm

Red Panda Day – Birmingham Zoo
Come to the Zoo and participate in Red Panda Day! Join others all around the world in the Red Panda Games, where kids will have the chance to become a Red Panda Ranger. A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to those who become experts on these fascinating animals by completing three of the five Red Panda Games and share their knowledge with others. During the event, kids can have their faces painted, create their very own red panda masks, discover the threats these animals face, learn what red pandas eat and enjoy a special photo opportunity. Join the Zoo in raising awareness of red pandas and celebrating their uniqueness.

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Face Painting
1:00 pm: Red Panda Enrichment and Keeper Chat
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Raffle Ticket Sales – Sponsored by the American Association of ZooKeepers (AAZK). (Tickets cost $1.00. All proceeds will benefit the Red Panda Network)
2:00 pm: Red Panda Training and Keeper Chat
3:00 pm: Raffle for red panda keepsakes

Read and Romp Birmingham – Railroad Park
A free family event for children 3-5 years of age. At Read and Romp-Birmingham, children will be engaged in fun, learning-based activities themed around favorite children’s books. Children will leave the event with goodies that they have created from an activity at each station, along with a stamped passport and books. For example, children will be playing Hopscotch at the Books-A-Million station and hearing the story of a familiar Dr. Seuss book, Hop On Pop.  Also this year one of the stations will be providing and fitting bicycle helmets for children.
9am – Noon

Bart’s Books _ Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart selects one book each month about art that he thinks 4–7 year olds will enjoy. This month’s selection is Clever Jack Takes The Cake by Candace Fleming.
11am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in September to create a diorama (3-D scene) inspired by the Intimate Interiors exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Re-open again for the season! Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Biscuit is coming for a visit! Join us as we welcome this lovable character and read about his adventures. We’ll make our own paw prints today too!
11am

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Sunday September 16th:

Trucks By the Tracks – Railroad Park
The food truck phenomenon has taken Birmingham by storm! In an effort to support local food, music, and Railroad Park, the Junior Board of the Railroad Park Foundation is hosting the first annual Trucks by the Tracks event.  Join us for live music, entertainment, food trucks, and beverages.

Trucks by the Tracks is sponsored by Coca-Cola, B-Metro, Birmingham Mountain Radio, Vision Landscape, Alabama Furniture Market, State Farm and My Green Birmingham.
11am – 5pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Rescue and The Last Reef

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Dora and Diego, Let’s Explore Exhibit
Get ready for adventure with Dora and Diego at McWane Science Center in the new exhibit Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along.

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Pinspired Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Bacon Chicken and Crockpot Corn Chowder

Posted on by Angie

I love chicken and corn together. Throw in a crockpot to make it easy! This made a hearty meal that left us with yummy leftovers.

Sweet & Spicy Bacon Chicken

4 chicken breasts cut in thirds
12 slices of bacon
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder
chili powder
brown sugar

Cut each breast into 3 pieces, season all the chicken with the spices, then wrap a bacon slice around each piece, roll in brown sugar and place into an oven proof dish….make sure you have some olive oil in the dish too, like 2 or 3 tablespoons is fine {I skipped this since I grilled them.  I honestly think you could coat your dish with nonstick cooking spray instead to save a few calories}.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is nice and brown and crispy.  Delicious served with mashed potatoes with some of the gravy from the chicken drizzled on top.

**Also great on the grill!  No juices to drizzle on anything, but still delicious!

Crockpot Corn Chowder

6 slices bacon, fried until crisp
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed *I only used 1 potato*
2 cups fresh or frozen corn
16 oz. cream corn
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup water, cream, broth, milk, or half and half (or any combination)

Combine all ingredients in the crock pot except the cream. Cook on high for 3-4 hours. Add in the cream (or liquid of choice) until heated through.

For more Pinspired recipes and ideas, make sure to follow our boards on Pinterest.

Storytime Spotlight: Homewood Public Library

Posted on by Angie

With several options to choose from when it comes to storytimes, Homewood Public Library is another one of our favorite places to stop in and hear or story or just play around in the Children’s Department.

Here is a list of their weekly storytimes:

All Ages Storytime –
Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:30am.

Mommy and Me Storytime –
Every Thursday at 10:30am. A Story Time for our younger patrons (birth-30 months) and their lap partner.

Leaps and Bounds –
Every other Friday at 10:30am. A movement class for our friends who are 2 1/2 to 4 years old with an adult. Registration Required, call 332-6619.

In addition to their great storytimes, you can catch a movie every other Monday at 3:00pm or join them for cartoons and cereal every other Saturday morning at 10:00am

For more information on all of the great programming and special events happening at the Homewood Public Library, visit their website.

StyleMommy: Ready for fall fashion? Belk is!

Posted on by Angie

We are! A few weeks ago we attended the Belk fashion preview show. When you’re a mom, you don’t have time to stay on top of every little trend, so we’ve highlighted the biggies for this season.

Color is big. Modern southern style. Day to dinner fabrics with a pairing of day and evening.

Color blocking and pattern mixing. Feminine form but not too tight. Nude shoes and Peter Pan collars. Unpredictable earrings and single sole pumps. Platforms are not going away. Whether you like them or not. We suggest embracing them.

Ankle boots and shine and sheen. Mixing of metals in jewelry.

And my most favorite thing… red Frye boots. They were so amazing!

From the Town and Country Style Statement (One of our favorite collections!)

Madison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belted long sweater vest with pockets
Bow Blouse and Ponte Pant

From the My Fair Lady Style Statement:

SophieMax Sleeveless

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophie Max sleeveless dress with lace trim. Exclusively at Belk.

The Mod Modern Style Statement was another favorite (We had a lot of favorites when viewing these collections)

Jessica Simpson Jewelry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica Simpson jewelry – linear pave earring and collar necklace

If you would like to see more of what Belk is going to have to offer this season, and we highly recommend that you do! Make plans to attend their Fashion Night out this Thursday, September 6th at the Summit. Party with Belk as they present an entire evening of fashion-centric activities. During their celebration of New York’s Fashion Night Out. Birmingham’s own Megan LaRussa, style coach and stylist from Southern Femme, will be on hand to present the hottest looks for fall! 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the Statements Shop at Belk.

So gather up your girlfriends and get ready to find out what you’re going to need to update your wardrobe for this fall!

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: September 2nd – September 9th

Posted on by Angie

We hope you are enjoying a long Labor Day Weekend with your family! We have some fun things on the calendar for you to choose from on Monday. Meet Dora and Diego at the McWane Center, SpongeBob at Splash Adventure or, if you’re a fan of Moon Pies, check out the Labor Day celebration and Moon Pie eating contest at Tannehill State Park.

Storytimes start back up at many local libraries this week, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite programs over the nest couple of weeks, first up in our storytime spotlight is Hoover Public Library, make sure to check that out and see all of their programming.

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday September 2nd

Meet Dora and Diego at the McWane Science Center
Spend the day with Dora and Diego! Meet and greet the beloved Nickelodeon stars, then have a blast as you take on the many adventures of the Dora & Diego: Let’s Explore exhibit. This will be your last chance to see the exhibit at McWane so you won’t want to miss it. And don’t forget your camera—it is sure to be a day to remember.

Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
1:00 PM and 3 PM

Meet SpongeBob Squarepants – Splash Adventure Waterpark
Join us for a Meet & Greet with Spongebob at Splash Adventure!
11:30am-7pm

Admission Info:

Adult General Admission Ticket: $25.99 (42″ and above)
Junior General Admission Ticket: $19.99 (anyone under 42″).
Children 3 and under are FREE
Senior General Admission Ticket: $19.99

Alabama State Fair – Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Come ride the rides, eat your favorite fair food, and see some fantastic shows. Vegas style thrill shows; Kids, bottle feed baby farm animals; Be part of the action with our interactive roaming circus; Exotic petting zoo; And monkeys riding dogs.
Admission Info:
Adult:                  $9.00
Kids ages 5-12:  $6.00
Kids 4 & Under   Free

Wristbands for Rides: $20.00 Ride all day. Cannot be purchased in advance or at the gates. Wristbands purchased at wristband booths on the grounds. Everyday is a Wristband Day at the Alabama State Fair.
Noon – Midnight

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in September to create a diorama (3-D scene) inspired by the Intimate Interiors exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Monday September 3rd:

Labor Day!

Good Luck to all of the Color Runners!

Meet SpongeBob Squarepants – Splash Adventure Waterpark
Join us for a Meet & Greet with Spongebob at Splash Adventure!
10:30am-7pm

Admission Info:

Adult General Admission Ticket: $25.99 (42″ and above)
Junior General Admission Ticket: $19.99 (anyone under 42″).
Children 3 and under are FREE
Senior General Admission Ticket: $19.99

Meet Dora and Diego at the McWane Science Center
Spend the day with Dora and Diego! Meet and greet the beloved Nickelodeon stars, then have a blast as you take on the many adventures of the Dora & Diego: Let’s Explore exhibit. This will be your last chance to see the exhibit at McWane so you won’t want to miss it. And don’t forget your camera—it is sure to be a day to remember.

Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
11:00am, 1:00 PM and 3 PM

Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eating Contest – Tannehill State Park
Participate in Alabama’s largest moon pie eating contest and compete for prize money in both children and adult categories. Across the park, the United Mine Workers hold their annual Birmingham District Labor Day celebration. There’s also plenty of good BBQ and some “picking and singing” too.

Day-Use Admission: $3.00 Adults (12 years and older) $2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older) $1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Parking lots, restrooms and hiking trails are open every day.Hours for the Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama are from 9 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m.– 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Say Good Bye to the Lion Cubs – Birmingham Zoo
We’re so sad to see them go but the Birmingham Zoo has been advised by the AZA to find new homes for our “baby” lions.

The Zoo invites you to come say goodbye to the five African lion cubs during Labor Day weekend. During the weekend, there will be special send-off Predator Zones at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm for the cubs.

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Tuesday September 4th:

LEGO Mini Build – Riverchase Galleria
LEGO Owl – Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only
5pm

Storytime is back at Homewood Public Library!
Join us for the best part of your week with stories that make you laugh and songs that make you dance! Join us for the fun of it! All ages welcome. For large groups, a call to 332-6619 is nice.
10:30am

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Wednesday September 5th:

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Grumpy Cat. Once there was a cat who lived alone, then he heard a meow. There will also be a craft and a treat from the Cafe.
11am

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday September 6th:

Brookwood Live, Rock Candy – Brookwood Mall
Join us on the street for great live music, family fun and dancing in the street. Feature musical talent is Rock Candy.
5pm – 9pm

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Friday September 7th:

Artwalk – Birmingham’s Loft District
Artwalk is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft 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.
5pm – 10pm

Alabama State Fair – Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Come ride the rides, eat your favorite fair food, and see some fantastic shows. Vegas style thrill shows; Kids, bottle feed baby farm animals; Be part of the action with our interactive roaming circus; Exotic petting zoo; And monkeys riding dogs.
Admission Info:
Adult:                  $9.00
Kids ages 5-12:  $6.00
Kids 4 & Under   Free

Wristbands for Rides: $20.00 Ride all day. Cannot be purchased in advance or at the gates. Wristbands purchased at wristband booths on the grounds. Everyday is a Wristband Day at the Alabama State Fair.
4pm – Midnight

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Saturday September 8th:

Free Family Day – Birmingham Museum of Art
Zoom in to the BMA for a day of fun with a focus on cars. Bart is celebrating the bright, bold, pop art of Andy Warhol and his love for cars. Cruise through the Museum on a scavenger hunt. Drive in to see the film Cars 2. Create your own cool car with a POP, enjoy POPcorn refreshments, and much more! Visit www.artsbma.org for more information and a full schedule.
11am – 3pm

Family Mala Making and Meditation – Villager Yoga
Family mala making and meditation (for ages 4+)
Malas are beaded garlands that are used during meditation to help still the mind. Each family member will make a wrist
mala for themselves and one to be sold at Global Mala on September 22 to benefit Sweet Om Alabama and Alabama Possible.
After we craft our malas, we will use them during a group meditation on peace and happiness.
$20 per family (up to 4 people), $5 additional family member; partial proceeds benefit Sweet Om Alabama and Alabama Possible
9:30 – 10:15am

Register at villageryoga.com or call 262-2012

Alabama State Fair – Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Come ride the rides, eat your favorite fair food, and see some fantastic shows. Vegas style thrill shows; Kids, bottle feed baby farm animals; Be part of the action with our interactive roaming circus; Exotic petting zoo; And monkeys riding dogs.
Admission Info:
Adult:                  $9.00
Kids ages 5-12:  $6.00
Kids 4 & Under   Free

Wristbands for Rides: $20.00 Ride all day. Cannot be purchased in advance or at the gates. Wristbands purchased at wristband booths on the grounds. Everyday is a Wristband Day at the Alabama State Fair.
Noon- Midnight

Artwalk – Birmingham’s Loft District
Artwalk is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft 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.
noon – 6pm

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in September to create a diorama (3-D scene) inspired by the Intimate Interiors exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am

Saturday Market – Pepper Place
Re-open again for the season! Pepper Place Saturday Market brings the best local growers, food producers and artisans to you each Saturday morning. Rain or shine!
7am – Noon

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Storytime as we read Under the Ocean. We will make a craft and have a treat from the Cafe.
11am

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Sunday September 9th:

Alabama State Fair – Oak Mountain Amphitheater
Come ride the rides, eat your favorite fair food, and see some fantastic shows. Vegas style thrill shows; Kids, bottle feed baby farm animals; Be part of the action with our interactive roaming circus; Exotic petting zoo; And monkeys riding dogs.
Admission Info:
Adult:                  $9.00
Kids ages 5-12:  $6.00
Kids 4 & Under   Free

Wristbands for Rides: $20.00 Ride all day. Cannot be purchased in advance or at the gates. Wristbands purchased at wristband booths on the grounds. Everyday is a Wristband Day at the Alabama State Fair.
Noon – Midnight

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Stop by in September to create a diorama (3-D scene) inspired by the Intimate Interiors exhibit!

Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Rescue and The Last Reef

The Tornadoes of April 27th – Looking Back — Moving Forward, a new exhibit at McWane Science Center, reflects on the experiences of the April 27th, 2011 storms. The exhibit shares personal stories from those who experienced the devastation of the storms firsthand, while emphasizing the importance of tornado preparedness and explaining the science behind tornadoes.

Photos and stories from The Birmingham News help tell the story of the storms and the affect they had on survivors, volunteers, and the community as a whole. Students from Daniel Payne Middle School also help tell the story of their school and community through photos and artifacts from the storm for the exhibit. UAB students worked with the children from Daniel Payne Middle School to create short documentaries that can be seen in the exhibit as well.

In addition to sharing the personal stories from that day, the goal of this exhibit is to inform the community about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of tornadoes and stressing awareness.

With vivid displays, the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the scientific side of tornadoes. Graphics within the exhibit illustrate tornado formation and anatomy, educating visitors on how such extreme weather conditions develop. Additionally, the exhibit displays statistics and disputes common myths concerning the destructive storms.

Guests can watch live video from the storms that rolled across our state on April 27th, 2011, including the
weather forecasts from that day and actual images of the tornado as it made its way through our area provided by FOX6 WBRC. The exhibit is located in the City Gallery on Level 2 of the museum this summer.

Be Ready Alabama Exhibit Presented by:
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
www.readyalabama.org

Dora and Diego, Let’s Explore Exhibit
Get ready for adventure with Dora and Diego at McWane Science Center in the new exhibit Dora & Diego—Let’s Explore! The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along.

This new, interactive traveling exhibit, was created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon, and presented by the WellPoint Foundation.

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

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