Are we there yet? Many schools are kicking off the new school year this week and the heat is still sweltering, Hello August!
We still have some fun things going on around town and this weekend will bring the 2nd Annual Birmingham Arts and Musical Festival, complete with children’s activities that will be taking place at the McWane Science Center.
Lowe’s is hosting a back to school themed Build and Grow clinic and you can catch the Kids Fest going on at Alabama Adventure, all this week!
It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!
Sunday August 7th:
$5 Fun Days at the Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo invites the entire community to visit during Five Dollar Fun Days! Head this way to enjoy $5 admission, $1 hotdogs and FREE carousel rides. You won’t want to miss out on this experience plus several FREE activities and shows like the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show, Wildlife Show, Boma Encounter, Animal Keeper Talks and much, much more!
Jazz in the Park – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2nd annual Jazz in the Park concert series in Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Bring your picnic basket and lawn chair for an evening of Jazz featuring diverse group Birmingham area Jazz musicians. Jazz in the Park is a smoke-free event and healthy food vendors will be available including Jones Valley Urban Farm and West End Gardens.
5pm – 8pm
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Color and Joan Mitchell
Explore color on a large scale inspired by the painting of Joan Mitchell with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child, then stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm
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Monday August 8th:
Children’s Storytime – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Nature inspires creativity in children by engaging a full range of the senses. During Story Time we will stimulate the imagination by reading themed books about nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors. After the story, we make a craft that reflects the theme of the day. This program encourages a child’s limitless imagination. We will gather in the Tree Top Visitor Center’s Activity Hall for this Story Time adventure.
•$3/ $2 (member) •All children must be accompanied by an adult. •Suited for pre-school age. •Drop-ins welcome.
10am
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Tuesday August 9th:
Birmingham Barons $1 Days
Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Barons game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply.
7:05pm
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Wednesday August 10th:
Back to School Bash – Adamsville Library
Games Prizes and light refreshment with a chance to win some school supplies!
10am
Storytime Science – McWane
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for your early learner to experience science through literature. Enjoy an enriching story coupled with an intriguing science concept that is sure to spark the curiosity of your child.
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
10:30am
Wonderful Wednesday Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a reading of Wacky Wednesday. We will make some arts and crafts and play in our Toys & Games Department.
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 August 11th:
Free and Discounted Movies
Carmike Summit – Last Airbender
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Friday August 12th:
30th Annual I love America Summer Series – Wald Park Vestavia
Children’s activities, music by the Vestavia Hills High School Band and family movie.
Presented by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation Department. All events held at Wald Park.
6:30 – 9:00pm
BAAM Fest
Birmingham Arts and Music festival (BAAMfest!) is a celebration of Birmingham’s rich and diverse cultural arts scene. Transforming the local venues into destinations, BAAMfest! seeks to reintroduce the city to its community with an emphasis on local musicians, artists, experiences and performances. Taking a cue from SXSW, BAAMfest! encourages attendees to explore the city’s local businesses and engage them in a way they may not have engaged before. Interaction and exploration are the cornerstones to BAAMfest! We invite you to join us on our journey as we discover the hidden talents of our City.
New for the 2nd annual festival is addition of Experience Venues such as Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Center and Alys Stephens Center. Attendees to BAAMfest! will have the opportunity to take advantage of special events within these Experience Venus such as art shows, industry panels, children’s events and more.
For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.
Wild About Books Storytime – Birmingham Zoo
Join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo. We’ll talk about sheep, turtles, elephants, parrots; and we might even get a visit with a few of our furry friends!
10am
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Saturday August 13th:
BAAM Fest
Birmingham Arts and Music festival (BAAMfest!) is a celebration of Birmingham’s rich and diverse cultural arts scene. Transforming the local venues into destinations, BAAMfest! seeks to reintroduce the city to its community with an emphasis on local musicians, artists, experiences and performances. Taking a cue from SXSW, BAAMfest! encourages attendees to explore the city’s local businesses and engage them in a way they may not have engaged before. Interaction and exploration are the cornerstones to BAAMfest! We invite you to join us on our journey as we discover the hidden talents of our City.
New for the 2nd annual festival is addition of Experience Venues such as Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Center and Alys Stephens Center. Attendees to BAAMfest! will have the opportunity to take advantage of special events within these Experience Venus such as art shows, industry panels, children’s events and more.
For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.
Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard – Morgan Creek Vineyard
Enjoy the music of Bonus Round as Morgan Creek continues its annual summer concert series. Each Music & Fireworks event at Morgan Creek is family-friendly and includes parking, a winery tour, wine tasting, live music and spectacular fireworks. Guests are welcome to pack a picnic or purchase food on site. $10 per person
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Alabama Adventure Kids Fest
Get ready for school with a stop into Alabama Adventure’s Kids Fest. Meet some of this year’s show characters like Curious George, Bob the Builder, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. And they’re not all, stop in and meet Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and Hamburglar . There will be lots for the kids to do!
10:30am – 8:00pm
Tickets:
Included in park admission:
General Admission $35.99 ($30.99 ONLINE)
Junior/Senior (Under 48″ or over 62 years) $25.99
Children 3 and under get in free FREE
One Day Parking $10.00
Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
School House Photo Holder
10am
Matinee – Alabama Theatre
Alabama Theater – National Velvet
$7 adults $6 sr. citizens and children under 12. Available at the box office 1 hour before show time.
Saturday Market – Pepper Place
7am – Noon
Helena Market Days – Helena Amphitheater
Buy Fresh, Buy Local” at Helena Market Days this Summer! Helena Market Days seeks to provide the citizens of Helena with an alternative source for locally grown foods and locally made products. Products Vegetables, flowers, honey, pottery, bread, coffee and breakfast treats.
6am – Noon
Mt Laurel Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair
Activities, music and family fun
8am – Noon
Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Homewood
Just farmed produce to specialty food vendors and creative artisans.
7:30 – 12:30
Saturday Storytime– Barnes and Noble Summit
Can you read with your eyes shut? The Cat in the Hat can! Come see how in this classic Dr. Seuss story. Create arts and crafts, and sip on something sweet from our Cafe. Then, play in our Toys & Games Department and take a look at NOOK!
11am
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Sunday August 14th:
BAAMfest
Birmingham Arts and Music festival (BAAMfest!) is a celebration of Birmingham’s rich and diverse cultural arts scene. Transforming the local venues into destinations, BAAMfest! seeks to reintroduce the city to its community with an emphasis on local musicians, artists, experiences and performances. Taking a cue from SXSW, BAAMfest! encourages attendees to explore the city’s local businesses and engage them in a way they may not have engaged before. Interaction and exploration are the cornerstones to BAAMfest! We invite you to join us on our journey as we discover the hidden talents of our City.
New for the 2nd annual festival is addition of Experience Venues such as Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Center and Alys Stephens Center. Attendees to BAAMfest! will have the opportunity to take advantage of special events within these Experience Venus such as art shows, industry panels, children’s events and more.
For tickets and more information on where to be and win, visit their site.
Alabama Adventure Kids Fest
Get ready for school with a stop into Alabama Adventure’s Kids Fest. Meet some of this year’s show characters like Curious George, Bob the Builder, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. And they’re not all, stop in and meet Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and Hamburglar . There will be lots for the kids to do!
10:30am – 7:00pm
CDF Community Fest – Children’s Dance Foundation
A creative and interactive celebration for all ages!
CDF Community Fest is a free event, with activities and performances for the entire family to enjoy….
an interactive drum circle led by Get Rhythm Program’s John Scalici, kids’ craft zone, face-painting, outdoor moonwalk,
world dance performances, food and drinks, instructional line dancing and a silent auction full of family fun!
2:00pm-5:00pm
Tickets:
Included in park admission:
General Admission $35.99 ($30.99 ONLINE)
Junior/Senior (Under 48″ or over 62 years) $25.99
Children 3 and under get in free FREE
One Day Parking $10.00
Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
Color and Joan Mitchell
Explore color on a large scale inspired by the painting of Joan Mitchell with Bart! The Museum now offers a fun and free drop-in art program for kids and families! Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to discover great art and create some art of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month highlights a different gallery and features a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child, then stop by and make art with Bart!
1pm
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Local Attractions Open Daily!
McWane Science Center:
Imagination Lab – This summer, McWane Science Center invites you to discover the power of your imagination in a collection of new exhibits called The Imagination Lab.
Dive right into the Bubble Room where you can discover the science of suds when you step inside a giant bubble. Try your hand at making all kinds of bubbles in this unique area including square and triangular bubbles.
The Imagination Lab’s zip line offers an exciting experience for adventure seekers of any age. Parents and children alike can fly through the air on the new zip line and have a safe landing at the end of the line! Learning lurks around every turn inside a giant maze in the exhibit as you find your way around dead ends and wrong turns. With a few lessons learned, you will find your way to the end in no time.
The new Imagination Lab also features a Messy Art Studio. Splatter paint, mix colors and experiment with a variety of materials to create masterpieces of your imagination.
Inside the lab you can use giant foam building blocks to construct forts, tall towers, and more.
Eat Well, Play Well – What is in the food we eat? Are fruits and vegetables important? Can everyday activities burn calories? Visitors will find the answers to these questions by exploring nutrition and fitness in this summer’s traveling exhibit called Eat Well, Play Well. This highly-interactive exhibit encourage healthy living by teaching the science of making healthy-food choices and helping children and adults discover that there are many fun and interesting ways to stay active. Visitors will discover what an appropriate serving size looks like, see first hand what it takes to burn off calories, test their flexibility and balance, review the latest clinical research and realize that they can reduce their risk of disease with healthy choices that are within their reach!
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.
The Sidewalk Film Festival is just around the corner and in case you didn’t know, it’s a very family friendly event! Mark your calendars now and use this lineup below to decide what you’ll see with your kiddos!
