The Weekend What’s Up: 4 Events Not to Miss in Birmingham This Weekend

Here’s your rundown on some weekend fun, weather it’s your last weekend before school starts or your first weekend back to school, you deserve to celebrate!

  • Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

Time: Friday 7:05pm | Saturday 6:30pm | Sunday 4:05pm (Family Day/ Kids run the bases)

The Barons finish up a home stand against Chattanooga with Family night on Sunday!

  • August First Friday

Time: Friday 5pm – 8pm

Location: Downtown Calera

Calera Main Street wraps up their First Friday festival season in Downtown Calera, with all things “Back to School.” Dozens of local vendors, a kid’s zone with face painting, plus several food trucks to include: D’s Soul Food, Gumbo to Geaux, Moe and Moore’s BBQ, Summer Snow, The Smith Station, and others. Parking can be found all around the downtown area from street parking on Hwy 25 and Hwy 31, to parking lots behind Fuzzy Buttz Pet Supply, Cowart Drugs, the Calera Police Department, Food Outlet and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, all within a short walk from the festival. Be sure to join in for all the fun in Downtown Calera.

  • Party on the Porch

Time: Friday at 6pm

Location: Alabama Outdoors Homewood

Summer is winding down and back-to-school is around the corner. Celebrate both at Party on the Porch!
Stop by from 6-8pm for a family-friendly event that’s sure to make you feel right at home. This event will benefit Homewood City Schools Foundation and celebrate the beginning of a new school year.
Devour some good grub from 1918 Catering and cool off with Frios Gourmet Pops and Ferus Artisan Ales. Sing along and enjoy the tunes from a local Birmingham bluegrass band, Mountain Grass Unit!

  • Cinderella at Red Mountain Theatre

Time: Shows happening all weekend

Location: Red Mountain Theatre

It’s your last chance to see Cinderella at Red Mountain. Show ends August 7th

Buy tickets here use code MOMMY5 to save.

 

 

Dragon Fest at McWane Science Center

Don’t miss out on this 21+ event at McWane Science Center, yes, parents, you deserve a night out and if you’ve never attended a 21 and up night out at McWane, you’re missing out!

McWane Science Center invites you to join them for Dragon Fest 2022 on August 19th from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Science exploration and dragon discovery is not just for the young squires. In fact, McWane Science Center is hosting this festival for their more seasoned characters.
Enjoy fancy lyrics, dancing, spirits, costume contests, Dungeons and Dragons and other gaming experiences, the Lost World of Dragons exhibit, and so much more.
Details:
August 19th
7pm-11pm
Tickets are $25 and includes: museum admission, access to the Lost World of Dragons exhibit, DJ and Dance Floor, brewery tastings, costume contests, Dungeons and Dragons and other board gaming experiences, and so much more.
Purchase Tickets Here

The Weekend What’s Up: 7 Events Happening in Birmingham This Weekend

Here are some events in Birmingham that will keep you and your kids busy all weekend!

  • Ross Bridge Back 2 School Bash (FREE) 

Time: Friday, July 29th, 4pm – 8pm

Location: Ross Bridge

Enjoy a free community event that supports local farmers, artisans, & more! There will be Live Music, Free Kid Activities, FOOD TRUCKS, and  local vendor shopping!  What a great way to spend a Friday evening!

  • Popsicle Party Finale

Time: Saturday, July 30th, 12pm

Location: Clay Public Library

Enjoy a sweet treat with the kids at the Clay Public Library popsicle party!

  • Sound of Music at the Alabama Theater

Time: Sunday, July 31st, 2pm

Location: Alabama Theater

Enjoy this lovely production with your whole family!

More Info:

  • Girls Rock Bham (FREE)

Time: Sunday, July 31st, 2pm – 4pm

Location: Cahaba Brewing

Friends of all ages can try out various instruments, write a song, participate in a jam session, make art, and more. Girls Rock looks forward to rocking with YOU!

  • Mcwane Members only Harry Potter event

Time: Sunday, July 31st, 5-6:30 pm

Location: Mcwane Center

Get your tickets to see Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone in Mcwane’s IMAX theater following the member event.

  • Heavenly Donuts Harry Potter trivia night

Time: Sunday, July 31st, 6pm – 8pm

Location: Heavenly Donuts

Test your knowledge of Harry Potter at Heavenly Donuts and win the house cup! Guest seats are limited, so get your tickets today!

  • Cinderella at Red Mountain Theater

Time: Show happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Use code: “Mommy5” to save on tickets.

Location: Red Mountain Theater

Red Mountain Theater offers a production of Cinderella that is inspirational, empowering, hilarious, and romantic. It’s the story you love with refreshing, new twists!

Here for more info: https://www.redmountaintheatre.org/cinderella-bhammommy/

Looking for even more fun this weekend, it’s not too late to check off some activities on our Summer Activity Guide! 

Free Things To-Do in Birmingham with Kids

Want to go do something with the kids but don’t want to break the bank? Check out this list of free things to do in Birmingham!

  • Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are a beautiful spot to take a stroll with the kiddos! The Botanical Gardens have so many options for exploring and walking around. The garden has small waterfalls, bridges, and a shady route to the Japanese gardens. All of these fun areas are also easily accessible for strollers.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens - 21st Century ABBA Tickets and Dates - See Tickets

  • Sloss Furnace

Sloss Furnace gives you an amazing insight into the historical background of Birmingham. A free video is available before you enter for some additional information. Take your kids on a self-guided tour for spectacular views of the furnace and to see lots of old architecture. 

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark - Birmingham, Alabama Sloss Furnaces

  • Playgrounds/Parks

Birmingham has lots to offer when it comes to parks and playgrounds. Check out our Birmingham Playground guide for favorite parks around town! 

Leeds Memorial Park

  • Birmingham Museum of Art

Explore a whole new world of creativity at the Birmingham Art Museum. It’s not every day you get to see beautiful pieces on display for completely free! The museum also has hands-on spaces for your kids to play around with activities that will keep them entertained for hours.

  • Murals/Sightseeing

Birmingham is known for its colorful murals scattered around everywhere you go. Here is our mural guide for a fun trip around town to find them all.

  • Citywalk

 Citywalk Bham is a newest addition to Birmingham’s free activities! City Walk offers 10 blocks of fun including a playground, skating rink, skatepark, and many other activity areas. The kids will love this new attraction.

City Walk BHAM is open

  • Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens is open from 8am – 7pm daily and is a great place too feed some geese and stroll around the lake. Picnic tables are available if you want to pack and lunch

Disney on Ice Presents: Let’s Celebrate! Tickets on Sale Now!

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

WHEN:
Thursday, October 20 7:00 PM
Friday, October 21 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 22 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, October 23 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

WHERE:
Legacy Arena at BJCC – 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, AL 35203

TICKETS:
Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

Sensory Friendly Performance of Cinderella

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH KULTURE CITY TO MAKE THE NEVERS POSSIBLE.

One in six individuals in the USA has a sensory processing need of some kind. RMT has undergone training to make our theatre accessible and welcoming to all people. We do this two ways:

Special sensory bags are always available at the box office to help individuals in their theatre experience.
We offer Sensory-Friendly performances that are modified to create a safe and welcoming theatre experience for patrons with any sensory needs.

NEXT SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH, 2022 AT 2 PM
The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Purchase tickets here 

DETAILS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a sensory-friendly performance?
Sensory-friendly performances are theatre productions modified to create a safe and welcoming theatre experience for patrons on the  autism spectrum, and those with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, or other cognitive or physical disabilities.

What changes can we expect for the sensory friendly performance
Accommodations for these performances include:

Audience size is limited
Lower sound levels, especially for startling or jarring sounds
Reduced strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience
The lights in the theatre will remain on at a low level during the performance
Patrons are free to talk, make noise and leave their seats during the performance
Space for standing and movement throughout the theatre
Limited crowds and visitors during the time of the performance
Designated quiet areas within the lobby if patrons need a break from the performance
RMT staff trained to be inviting and accommodating to patrons’ needs.

How can I get tickets for the sensory friendly performance? What if I have specific seat questions or needs?
Tickets for these performances can be purchased online at redmountaintheatre.org or by phone at (205) 324-2424. If the performance is not sold out, tickets can be purchased in person through our Box Office beginning one hour prior to the show start time. For questions regarding tickets or seating, please contact Tori Penton, Box Office Manager. Tori can be reached by email at tpenton@redmountaintheatre.org or direct line at (205) 383-1718, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.

Who should attend these performances? Can people without sensory sensitivity attend these performances?
Individuals of all abilities and with any and all behaviors are welcome. Sensory- friendly performances are specifically catered to individuals with sensory input disorders, autism, or other development, cognitive and physical disabilities, and their families and caretakers. These performances are presented in a relaxed way with lower sound levels and reduced lighting effects, among other things, to ensure a comfortable environment. This is a judgement-free, fun experience for the entire family. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Caretakers and family members of individuals with special needs are encouraged to attend.

If my child/family member is not able to sit through the entire show or needs to take a break during the performance, will we be able to leave the theatre? Will we be able to return to our seats?
Yes. Ushers and staff will be helping any patrons to and from the theatre. Designated quiet areas within the lobby will be available if patrons need to take a break from the performance. The performance will be broadcasted to televisions in these areas so you and your child/family member can continue to watch the show. These areas are available throughout the duration of the performance, and can be used as often and for as long as needed. Re-entrance to the theatre is available at any time during this performance as well.

Is there anything I can do to help my child/family member prep for this new experience?
RMT provides multiple tools online, at redmountaintheatre.org, to help individuals, especially children, who have difficulty with transitioning into new environments.

Review RMT’s social story which is a step-by-step narrative about what to expect when coming to the theatre, also available in video.
Read the “More About…” for the production. This will include a plot summary, scene by scene guide, character guide, and potential content warnings. This is available under the event page.
Arrive early to find your seat, and meet our volunteers and staff.
If needed, you can schedule a time to “Meet Your Seat.” You can come to RMT prior to the performance to walk through the theatre and become comfortable with your seat and the event space. To schedule a “Meet Your Seat,” contact Dakota Patrick by email at dpatrick@redmountaintheatre.org or direct line at (205) 463-3627, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.
We encourage patrons to use these tools to prepare for the whole theatrical experience, from beginning to end.

Can I bring fidget toys, headphones, or other items that help my child/family member stay calm?
Yes. RMT encourages you to bring any items that might make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. A limited number of sensory bags will also be available for use and can be picked up at the Box Office beginning one hour prior to the performance. We require a photo ID be held at the Box Office while a sensory bag is being used.

My child/family member is deaf or hard of hearing. Will there be ASL interpreters at the sensory friendly performance?
No, but RMT does have assisted listening devices available upon request. Devices can be picked up at the Box Office beginning one hour prior to the performance. We require a photo ID be held at the Box Office while assisted listening devices are being used. Upon request, RMT does staff ASL interpreters for performances separate from the sensory friendly performance.

My child/family member is blind or has low vision. Can you accommodate us?
Yes. RMT will have large print programs available upon request. These can be picked up at the Box Office before the performance.

My family member is in a wheelchair. Can you accommodate us?
Yes. Both of RMT’s theatrical spaces offer accessible seating options, denoted online by a blue seat with a wheelchair icon, and green companion seat with a “C” icon. Accessible parking tickets are also available for the RMT Arts Campus lot.

Are service animals allowed in the theatre?
Yes, certified trained service animals as allowed by law. If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so an appropriate seat may be arranged.

Who can I contact if I have questions about RMT’s sensory friendly performances?
Please contact Patron Experience Manager Dakota Patrick, and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Dakota can be reached by email at dpatrick@redmountaintheatre.org or direct line at (205) 463-3627, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.

Your Guide to Birmingham Ice Cream Shops

Need a sweet treat to beat the summer heat? Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Birmingham with these local ice cream spots to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Edgewood Creamery

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

Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

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

Roll Up

Rolled ice cream

3015 Columbiana Road
Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Mountain Brook Creamery

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

Big Spoon Creamery

Contemporary counter serve for traditional & seasonal ice cream scoops, sandwiches & sundaes.

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

Homewood:
927 Oxmoor Road
(205)637-0823

The Whole Scoop

1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
205-444-8000

K & J’s Elegant Pastries and Ice Cream

Cheerful confectionery crafting sweet treats like cookies & cupcakes in bright surrounds.

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

Bendy’s Ice Cream

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

Neighbor’s West Homewood

715 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209

(205) 518-5521

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

219 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233

(205) 868-3416

 

Tax Free Weekend 2022

This weekend is the time to save big on back to school shopping! Alabama’s 17th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, and ends at midnight Sunday, July 17, 2022, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, books and clothing free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax.

Here is a list of clothing items that will be tax exempt.

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

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

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

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

Art Supplies:

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

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

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

Happy Shopping!

Birmingham Playground Guide

Do you ever find yourself at yet another boring park with only a grassy area and nothing to do? This list of 7 parks in Birmingham all have a playground to keep your kids entertained for hours!

Railroad Park – 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Railroad Park is known as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” providing 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. Railroad park also has many different play areas and play sets different from any park in Birmingham. 

Birmingham's Railroad Park - About Us

Homewood Central Park – 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209

Homewood Central Park is located in the heart of Homewood, right next to the Recreational Center. Homewood Park has an amazing playground with lots of structures to climb on and many swings. This park also has many pavilions with seating for a great place to find shade.

The Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Parks and Playgrounds

Avondale Park – 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Avondale Park is a beautiful park with tons of open space to play and run around. In the center of the park is a giant lake that is home to lots of wildlife. This park also has a play area seated right next to the water.

Birmingham- Avondale Park Amphitheater. Free | Avondale park, Senior pictures locations, Birmingham alabama

Leeds Memorial Park – 1159 Montevallo Rd SW, Leeds, AL 35094

Leeds Memorial Park has an extravagant play set that will keep your kids entertained for hours! This playset many levels, slides, and swings, making this easily of the best options on this list. This park also features a small lake and a giant pavilion for easy access to shade.

Leeds Memorial Park

Wald Park – 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Wald Park was recently remodeled, turning the completely wooden playset many Birmingham natives knew into the new and improved one we see today. This playset is one of the best options on this list.

Patriot Park (West Homewood) – 710 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL, 35209

Patriot Park is also one of the newest on this list, with its remodel in 2019. Patriot Park has an amazing play area and lots of open grass areas with a sidewalk path around it. This park is located across the street from the new ice cream shop, neighbors, for a convenient sweet treat. 

PATRIOT PARK - 21 Photos - Parks - 710 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL - Phone Number - Yelp

Veterans Park – 4800 Valleydale Rd, Meadowbrook, AL 35242

Veterans Park has another amazing option for a fun play set. Lots of open space and trails are another amazing feature of this park. It also has a beautiful lake next to it!

Hoover, Alabama: Veterans Park photo, picture, image | Park photos, Birmingham alabama, Alabama

Wild West Day at Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Kick up your boots and take a journey by train into the Wild West!

Watch the onboard and outdoor Western theatre reenactment story about a runaway, a gang of ruffians, a father’s pursuit and see if law and order can be reestablished onboard the train!

The train ride and outdoor theater performances down the tracks last approximately 75 minutes.

Food vendors, lawn games, and photo opportunities will be available on the Museum grounds for added fun!

Event Date
July 23, 2022
Departure times:
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.Just Added!
*All times Central

For more information: https://go.hodrrm.org/cpm