Where the Witches Ride in Birmingham

Posted on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 by Angie

It’s no secret the Witches Rides are growing in popularity and we think it’s a great way to have some Halloween fun while supporting a good cause. Originating 10 years ago in Homewood, with the Homewood Witches Ride, you can now find them all over the city. Bring the kids out and check out all of the themes, catch the pre party’s and line the streets to catch some candy and see the witches as they take flight!

Trussville Witches Ride

Saturday, October 22nd
5pm
MORE INFO

This year’s Trussville Witches Ride will take place at 5 pm and will benefit Caleb Wilson, a young boy in our community who is battling Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Mt Laurel Witches Ride

Sunday, October 23rd
5:15pm

Town of Mt Laurel

Bluff Park Witches Ride

Sunday October 30th
4pm – 7pm
MORE INFO

The Bluff Park Witches Ride is back! Get ready to fly (ride) through the street tossing out cackles and candy!

Homewood Witches Ride

Sunday October 30th
Fall Festival with Homewood Parks and Rec ‪starts‬ ‪at 2 pm‬
2pm to 5pm Food Truck (Uncle G’s Pizza , Hero Doughnuts, Pandys , and Urban Pops)
5:15 pm Performance by Homewood Spangles HHS Drumline
5:30pm Line up on Parkridge
5:45pm Witches Fly

MORE INFO

Star Lake Witches Ride

Sunday, October 30th
5:45pm
MORE INFO

Dress in your witchiest attire—and decorate your bike, too!—for the Star Lake Witch Ride in Hoover.

Birmingham Area Pumpkin Patch Guide

Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2022 by Angie

When it comes to celebrating Fall in and around Birmingham, we all know that pumpkin patches are the place to be! Offering fun for the whole family here you will find several in and around the Birmingham area that offer a little something for everyone!

If you’re looking for even more fun, make sure to visit our list of Fall Festivals and Special Events!

Old Baker Farm

Location: Harpersville just off Hwy 280
Open Now – October 31st.
Open weekdays 3pm – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Sundays 1pm – 5pm
ADMISSION COST:
$11 per person (children under 2 free)
Admission includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, and horseback rides.

Cowboy Day – Saturday October 8th, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 9th, 1pm -5pm.
Columbus Day – October 10th, Open 9am – 5pm
Festival Weekend – Saturday October 22nd and Sunday the 23rd 9am – 5pm both days

Great Pumpkin Patch

Location: Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit.
Open Now – November 6th
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.

See website for pricing

Bennett Farms

Location: Heflin – I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199.
Open October
Wednesday 2pm – 5pm
Friday 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

Hayride, petting farm, corn crib, hay maze, pipe slide, tire crawl, pipe swing, wagon train.

Visit their website to purchase tickets

4D Farm Farm

Location: 7182 County Road 703 | Cullman, AL 35055
Open now – November 5th
Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food! Located in Cullman… just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!

Helena Hollow

Location: 6027 Hwy 17 Helena
Weekends in October
Friday 9am – 4pm,
Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 6pm (*Sunday October 30th will close at 4pm)

Hayrides, a tire mountain, rope climbs and tire swings, hay maze and obstacles, petting zoo access, land slides, corn barn and silo playhouses.

See website for admission prices and to pre-purchase tickets

Griffin Farms

Location: West Blockton, AL
Opening weekend for pumpkin season October, 1st
Saturdays 10am – 6pm
Sundays 12pm – 6pm

General Admission $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free
Admission includes: 1 pumpkin per paid admission, animal farm, bouncy houses, corn maze, hay ride, slides, swings, hay mountain and much more!

Penton Farms

Location: 3595 County Road 59, Verbena
Open Monday – Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday – 9am – 6pm

Admission: $12.00 for 2 years old and up.

*The admission includes access to almost all activities as well as one pumpkin from the field.*

Wagon rides, corn maze, animal barn, cow train, super slide, hay mountain, concessions and more!

More Options for Pumpkins:

Simms Garden is Homewood

Location: 908 Highland Road & 913 Irving Road in Homewood, AL

Located in the Edgewood Neighborhood in Homewood, this garden offers a variety for every pumpkin patch goer. Whether it is small and unique-looking pumpkins and gourds, a traditional big pumpkin for carving, or some mums to complete your front porch decor you will find pumpkins from five to 50 pounds.

Kids Night Out: Exciting New Programming from ArtPlay

Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 by Angie

Imagine an evening immersing yourself in exciting entertainment presented by award-winning artists, without having to figure out childcare! We have you covered! ArtPlay’s Kids Night Out provides fun and enriching activities for children, ages 5-12. While the grown-ups enjoy a performance at the Alys Stephens Center, children will participate in hands-on arts activities.

Check out the following three options on how you can register for ArtPlay’s Kids Night Out:

Option 1: Friends & Family Membership
All Kids Night Out opportunities are free to Friends & Family Membership level holders and up (limit two kids per membership). Space is limited so sign up before it’s too late!

Membership Info

Option 2: Purchase As A Ticket Add-On
You can purchase ArtPlay’s Kids Night Out as a ticket add-on for any of the following performances. Just follow through with your ticket purchase and you’ll be prompted with the option to purchase Kids Night Out.

Price: $35 for the first child, $10 for each additional child

Option 3: Purchase Kids Night Out Only
You don’t intend to attend one of the ASC performances? No problem! You have the option to purchase Kids Night Out only! Click on the button below and select your date.

Price: $35 for the first child, $10 for each additional child

We would love for the adults to join us for the shows, but guardian attendance of the performance is not required for children to participate in Kids Night Out.

PURCHASE KIDS NIGHT OUT ONLY TICKETS

All Aboard for Fall Fun at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2022 by Angie

All aboard for fall fun at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum! There are 2 great ways to soak up fall this year at the Heart of Dixie Rail Road, The Pumpkin Junction, happening every weekend in October and if the changing of the leaves is your thing, take a relaxing ride on the Fall Foliage Special this November! Keep reading for everything you need to know and to purchase your tickets for both events!

The Pumpkin Junction: An Old-Fashioned Family Fun Event

Mark your calendars and gather up the entire family to ride the train to Pumpkin Junction! It’s more than just a place to purchase a pumpkin… the Junction is a place for outdoor family fun, food vendors, a hayride and more!

Spend Some Time at the Junction
Welcome to our big ‘backyard’ at the Junction. Enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities, games and seasonal crafts. Figure out the puzzle as you wander the pallet maze. And be sure to enjoy a delicious lunch and scrumptious snacks from the food truck and sweets vendors on the grounds throughout your stay.

This festive fall experience lasts approximately 75 minutes, including the time on the train and at the Junction. So bring your sunglasses, a smile and the whole family! This event is a quality pumpkin patch alternative for children with sensorial needs.

Event Dates:
Saturdays and Sundays in October
Departure times:
Saturdays
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Sundays
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.

Event Details:
Boarding begins 15 minutes before scheduled train departure.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online or may be purchased as available on the day of the event prior to boarding at the Calera Depot.
Ticket Prices
Adults Ages 12-64 – $18
Children Ages 2-11 – $18
Seniors Ages 65+ – $17
Infants – Free
Wheel Chair Seats – $18
Caboose Tickets – $28
Locomotive Tickets – $38
National Historic Railroad Society (NHRS) Members – $17

GET TICKETS

Fall Foliage Special

When the air becomes crisp and the green trees begin to turn crimson and orange, everyone in the South knows two things are coming: fall foliage and SEC football. Truly, autumn in Alabama brings the beauty of the season unlike anywhere else in the country. Come to Calera to ride the rails of the old Alabama Mineral Railroad and enjoy the season’s changing colors as you never have before.

The train ride lasts approximately 75 minutes. Wear your favorite team colors and quickly discover there simply isn’t a better way to enjoy the season. Y’All Aboard!

Event Dates:

Saturday: November 5
Saturday: November 12
Departure times:
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.

Event Details:
Expect to depart the Depot promptly on schedule.
Please plan to arrive on the Museum grounds at least 60 minutes prior to your selected ticket time in order to:Pick up your tickets from the Depot
Participate in the activities on the grounds.
Utilize the restrooms at the Giftshop
Boarding will occur approximately 15 minutes prior to each scheduled departure.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online or may be purchased as available on the day of the event prior to boarding at the Calera Depot.

Ticket Prices
Adults – Ages 12+: $18
Children – Ages 2+: $18
Seniors – Ages 65+: $17
Infants – Under 24 months: Free
Wheelchair spaces: $18
Caboose tickets: $28
Locomotive tickets: $38
Military/Veteran – With ID: $17
National Historic Railroad Society (NRHS) members: $17

Get Tickets!

FREE Entry to Alabama State Parks Saturday Sept 24th

Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 by Angie

Looking to enjoy the majesty of Alabama’s state parks for free? Well this weekend is the chance.

Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama State Parks will waive all entrance and parking fees, Saturday, September 24, 2022 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 and highlights the importance of public lands like Alabama’s State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas, Forever Wild Land Trust Tracts, and AL National Forests!

All entry and parking fees will be waived or all 21 state parks, including Wind Creek State Park.

Fees for park amenities such as canoe rentals and cave tours will still apply. There will be no cost for activities like hiking and mountain biking and enjoying day-use areas throughout the state parks system.

Click here for a list of Alabama State Parks

Alys Stephens Center Presents The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare

Posted on Monday, September 19, 2022 by Angie

Coming up October, 2nd don’t miss Lightwire Theatre’s The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare.

We begin with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and the Hare but continue the story, which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern-day distractions. Smartphones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences.

The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together, despite their differences, to find and save their children and overcome to make it to the finish line.

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling, and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new and brilliant light. Lightwire Theater had a very successful, well-attended show in the Jemison Concert Hall with “Dino Light’ in 2019.

Performance is suitable for all ages.

When: Sunday, October 2nd | 3pm
Where: Jemison Concert Hall

Purchase Tickets Here

TICKET INFORMATION
$15 Tickets – General Admission//Free for kids (ages 3 and under).

Tickets valid for performance date and time only.

No refunds. Exchanges subject to availability.

Late seating at discretion of house management.

All performances are subject to change.

UAB employee/student discounts are not valid for this performance.

Fall Festivals and Special Events In Birmingham

Posted on Monday, September 19, 2022 by Angie

Fall-llelujah!! Who is ready for some serious fall fun!?! And this list? It’s just the beginning! Here’s your rundown on all the festivals and special events happening around Birmingham this fall!

Fall Festivals and Special Events In Birmingham

St George Middle Eastern Food Festival

Experience a wide variety of Middle Eastern food including baked Kibbee, Hummus, Baklava, Greek chicken, and more!

When: Thursday, September 22nd – Saturday, September 24th | 11am – 8pm each day
Where: Saint George Melkite Catholic Church

Homestead Hollow

Arts & crafts vendors, food and more.

When: Friday September 23rd – Sunday September 25th | 9am – 5pm daily
Where: 1161 Murphree’s Valley Road, Springville
Price: $10 at the gate

Aww Shucks Festival

Bring out the entire family and your pups to, so you can enjoy the festivities! Cool things to do, vendors, and food truck, CHEAP EATS!

When: Saturday, September 24th | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Cahaba Brewing
Price: Free Admission

20th Annual Fiesta Birmingham

Music, dance, performing arts, visual arts, children’s activities, cultural education, authentic Latin food as well as community and health-related resources are all part of the event.

When: Saturday, September 24th
Where: Linn Park

Alabama Butterbean Festival

Vendors, food booths, crafts tables, music, cooking contests, children’s activities, fireworks and more.

When: Friday, September 30th & Saturday October 1st | 6pm – 10pm Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday
Where: Downtown Pinson
Price: Free

Whistle Stop Festival

Live music, food, vendors, children’s activities and more.

When: Saturday October 1 | 10am – 5pm
Where: 310 29th Street South, Irondale
Price: Free

Picnic at Railroad Park

Community event featuring music, food, children’s activities and more!

When: Sunday, October 2nd | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Railroad Park
Price: Free Admission

St Symeon Food and Culture Fair

Outdoor marketplace with food and gifts, choir concert, church tours throughout the event.

When: Saturday, October 8th | 9am – 3pm
Where: St. Symeon Orthodox Church, Clairmont Ave

Grand Riverfest

Get ready for the Fall Grand RiverFest with 80 vendors! Enjoy arts, crafts, fashion, food, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, and more!

When: Sunday, October 9th | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Outlet Shops of Grand River
Price: Free Admission

Greek Food Festival

Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event that offers an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine.

When: Thursday October 13th – Saturday, October 15th | 10:30am -9:30pm each day
Where: Holy Trinity-Holy Cross
Price: The open air festival offers free admission. Outside tented seating for dining will be available. Food plates are individually priced and the Greek pastries will be pre-packaged and sold in the food lines.

Mt Laurel Fall Festival

The Mt Laurel Fall Festival returns October 15th! Celebrate fall in the beautiful Town of Mt Laurel and enjoy a day shopping our vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, and strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods.

When: Saturday October 15th | 10am – 3pm
Where: Town of Mt Laurel
Price: Charge for Activities

Flicks Among the Flowers

The Addams Family will be on the big screen for his free family–friendly event, featuring a costume contest and trick-or-treating for the kids. Gates open at 5 p.m. Movie will begin at sunset (around 6:30 p.m.). Bring a blanket or a low profile lawn chair.

When: Friday, October 21st | 6:30pm
Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Price: Free ($5 Donation encouraged)

Harvest Festival

Celebrate Fall and welcome the beautiful Autumn colors that grace our Oak Mountain each year!
Hay Rides! Bounce Houses! Shopping with LOCAL Artists! Food Trucks! Pony Rides! Yard Games! Guided Hikes! Crafts! Educational Treetop Nature Trail Tours! Pet Friendly! MORE!

When: Saturday, October 22nd | 9pm – 4pm
Where: Oak Mountain State Park
Price: Age 3 and under are free | Age 4-11 are $2 each | Age 12-61 are $5 each | Age 62+ are $2 each *Military and Veterans FREE*
(Annual Passes are Valid)

Website

Barktoberfest

Dog-friendly activities, food trucks, vendors, hay rides, children’s activities, microchip clinic and more.

When: Sunday, October 30th |
Where: Helena Amphitheater
Price: $5, 18 and under free

Dia De Los Muertos

Commemorative altars, art installation, memorial roll call, food trucks, beer garden, music and more. Festival is inspired by traditions in Mexico, paying tribute to loved ones who’ve passed away. Hosted by Bare Hands Inc., a nonprofit organization.

When: Wednesday, November 2nd } 4pm – 10pm
Where: Sloss Furnaces
Price: $15 in advance | $20 at the gate | 12 and younger are free

Moss Rock Festival

The perfect outdoor eco-creative festival with a regional focus on art + design.

When: Saturday-Sunday, November 5-6 | Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM
Where: Hoover Metropolitan Complex, 5500 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244
Price: Advance – $10 | At Gate – 12 | Kids 15 + under – FREE

Website

Magic City Mac N Cheese Festival

Family/pet friendly outdoor event showcasing the ultimate comfort food: mac n’ cheese! Live music, kids’ zone, food & drink benefitting CGS.

When: Sunday, November 13th | 1pm – 4pm
Where: Back Forty Beer Company
Price: $15 Early bird | $20 Day of tickets | $5 children 12 and under | Children under 12 are free

The Weekend What’s Up! September 16th – 18th

Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2022 by Angie

Here’s what’s happening this weekend, Birmingham! What are you looking forward to most?

Alabama State Fair

Fun for the WHOLE family! Enjoy a petting zoo, circus and acrobat performances, and rides for all ages!

When:

Friday, September 16: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 17: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 18: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Birmingham Race Course

Grand Opening of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep Exhibit at McWane

Learn all about Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, the science behind animation and so much more

When: Opens Saturday, September 17th

Trussville City Fest

Trussville City Fest is a FREE, fun, family event in historic downtown Trussville!
Activities will be located at The Mall, Veteran’s Park, all along Main Street and at the new Trussville Entertainment District.

When: Saturday, September 17th | 9am until

Museum Day

Museum Day is a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Participants are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket provides free general admission on Saturday, September 17, 2022, for two people. For more information and how to get your free ticket GO HERE

When: Saturday, September 17th

Fido Fest

This {FREE} event will take place in the parking lot area near REI Co-op and will feature pet vendors, arts and entertainment, free giveaways and more. All animal lovers and leashed pets are welcome!
Proceeds to benefit Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

When: Saturday, September 17th | 11am – 3pm

Shear Genius at McWane Science Center

Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2022 by Angie

Are you ready for a new exhibit at the McWane Science Center? Opening this weekend, Wallace and Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep, Shear Genius!

The exhibit, which opens September 17th and was developed by Minnesota Children’s Museum, marks the first time Aardman’s animated worlds will be brought to life in a North American touring exhibit.

In this hands-on exhibit, visitors will step into the environments of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep – 62 West Wallaby Street and Mossy Bottom Farm – to explore the contraptions, antics and escapades of Wallace, Gromit, Shaun and other familiar Aardman characters through dramatic play and interactive opportunities.

Designed for children ages 3 through 9, Wallace & Gromit™ and Shaun the Sheep™: Shear Genius! builds on problem-solving themes found throughout both shows. Components and activities throughout the exhibit encourage children to playfully solve and talk about problems in fun, engaging ways.

Exhibit components and activities encourage children to playfully solve STEM-based and social-emotional problems in fun and engaging ways – from completing a circuit and to deciphering expressions, to fixing a machine and using the power of collaboration to help a farmyard friend.