2025 Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix: Family Fun at Full Speed

Start your engines! The 15th annual Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix returns to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham from May 2–4, 2025. This high-octane weekend blends world-class racing with family-friendly fun, all while supporting a great cause.

Event Details

Dates: Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4, 2025
Location: Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL
Main Race: Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 PM CT (1:30 PM ET)
Grand Marshal: Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard, a Vestavia Hills native ​

Racing Lineup
The event features the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst. Additional racing series include:​Log in or sign up to view+8Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix+8Log in or sign up to view+8

-INDY NXT by Firestone
-Porsche Sprint Challenge
-Radical Cup ​

Barber’s 2.3-mile, 17-turn road course offers 80 feet of elevation change, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.

Family-Friendly Activities

Beyond the track, there’s plenty for families to enjoy:​

Fan Zone: Interactive exhibits, food trucks, and a Ferris wheel
Kids Zone: Activities tailored for younger fans
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Hospitality Tent: All-inclusive trackside experience with food and drinks

Tickets & Parking

Screenshot

Gates Open: Daily at 8:00 AM
Parking: Limited on-site parking available on a first-come, first-served basis
Military Discount: Active, reserved, and retired military personnel receive complimentary General Admission on Friday and a 10% discount on Saturday and Sunday (with valid ID)

Proceeds from the event benefit Children’s of Alabama, the state’s only freestanding pediatric hospital. Attending the Grand Prix is a thrilling way to support vital healthcare services for children across Alabama.

Tickets can be purchased here

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello Comes to Birmingham This May

Families in Birmingham, get ready for a delightful day of singing, dancing, and fun! Sesame Street Live! Say Hello is bringing its all-new interactive show to the BJCC Theatre on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with two performances scheduled at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.​

Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends as they embark on a playful adventure, following Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide-and-seek. This engaging performance is designed to captivate young audiences and provide a memorable experience for the whole family.​

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM

Location: BJCC Theatre, 1001 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Ticket Prices: Starting at $27.50 (plus applicable fees)​

Please note: Children aged 2 and older require a ticket. The show includes flashing lights, haze (fog), and confetti effects.​
Purchase Tickets: https://rebrand.ly/SSL25bAL
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Sesame Street live on stage. It’s the perfect outing for families looking to create lasting memories together.

2025 Birmingham Area Summer Camp Guide

Looking for the best summer camps in Birmingham for 2025? Whether you need day camps, sports camps, STEM programs, arts camps, or outdoor adventure camps, we’ve got you covered! Our Birmingham Summer Camp Guide is packed with options to keep your kids active, engaged, and learning all summer long.

From music and drama camps to sports training, and nature exploration, there’s something for every age and interest. Summer camp spots fill up fast, so start planning now to ensure your child has an unforgettable summer!

Bookmark this page and check back often as we update with even more top-rated summer camps in Birmingham. Ready to explore? Dive into our guide and find the perfect camp for your child today!

FEATURED SUMMER CAMPS

BIRMINGHAM SUMMER CAMPS:

Acting Out Academy:

2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 125 | Birmingham | www.actingoutacademy.com
Camps starting June 2nd – Ages 6 and up

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

Alabama Ballet:

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

Junior Intensive:
Join the Alabama Ballet for a 2-week Junior Ballet Intensive for dancers 8-12 years of age. Students will take age appropriate ballet classes, learn modern dance and jazz technique, and take character and/or theatre dance classes. All students will study dance history and prepare for an end of the session performance. Family and friends are invited to join us for this performance.

July 7-18. Ages 8-12 $495 2 weeks

Tutus and Tiaras:
For one week, four hours a day, children ages 4- 7 will take age appropriate ballet and tap classes, create ballet-oriented crafts and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime. During these four hours, the children will also have a story time where they can learn the story of ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and other classical ballets. At the end of the week, parents are invited to observe as the children put on a performance.

Session I – July 14 – July 18,
SessionII – July 21 – July 25,
$250 weekly

Aldridge Gardens:

3530 Lorna Road | Hoover | 205.682.8019 | aldridgegardens.com
June 2nd– June 27th | 5k – 3rd Grade

June will be a full month long of excitement, entertainment and, of course, education at Aldridge Gardens. Camps are available for boys and girls entering kindergarten through 3rd grades. Whether your little campers like American Girl Dolls, Art, or S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), we have something they are sure to enjoy.

ArtPlay:

1006 19th Street South, Birmingham | 205-975-4769 | Website
Ages 6 – 18

ArtPlay presents award-winning visual arts camps and musical theater camps. ArtPlay’s Musical Theatre Camps provide an opportunity for kids to be part of a full production. Held at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, children get a chance to learn all the ins and outs of the world of musical theatre all while developing a character and rehearsing for a full staged musical production at the end of camp.

Artsy Studio:

194 Main Street Trussville | Website
Ages 5-12 | June 30th – July 2nd

3 Day drop off camp offering nostalgic summer vibes. Crafting dream catchers, frienship bracelets, fauz stained glass and more.

Birmingham Academy of Dance:

Hwy 280 | Trussville | www.badance280.com

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

Birmingham Botanical Gardens:

2612 Lane Park Road | Birmingham | 205.414.3950 | bbgardens.org
Multiple camp options offered from May 27th– July 21st | Ages 4 – 6th Grade

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

Birmingham Children’s Theatre:

Summer Camps will be held at Altamont School | 4801 Altamont Rd | Birmingham | 205.458.8181 | www.bct123.org
Camp Dates: June and July | Ages 4 – 18

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

Birmingham Fencing Club:

1581 Montgomery Highway, Suite 109 | Birmingham | 205.823.4448 | www.fencingclub.org
Camps run June 2nd – July 25th | Ages 7-13

Summer Camps introduce students to the basics of fencing. You have lots of choices, selecting activities for your children, and we offer a unique opportunity. The sport of fencing is gaining popularity. Each session is limited to 16 campers.

Birmingham Museum of Art:

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd | 205.254.2565 | www.artsbma.org/things-to-do/summer-art-camp/
Camp dates: June 2nd – August 1st | Grades 1st – 12th

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is excited to bring back our enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination.

Birmingham School of Music:

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

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

Birmingham Zoo:

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

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

Camp Fliptastic at Head Over Heels Gymnastics:

500 Caldwell Mill Trace | Birmingham | 205.981.2720 | www.headoverheelsgyms.com
Multiple camps running June 2nd – August 1st | Ages 3- 12

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

Camp McWane:

200 19th St N | Birmingham | 205. 714-8300 | www.mcwane.org
Camps Dates: June 2 – August 1st | Ages 4k -7th Grade

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

Camp VST at Virginia Samford Theatre:

1116 26th Street S | Birmingham | 205.251.1228 | virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/camp-vst
Camp dates: June 2nd-6th| June 9 – 13th | Ages 7-15 and 12-18

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

The Dance Foundation:

1715 27th Court South | Homewood | 205.870.0073 | www.thedancefoundation.org
Camp Dates: June 9th through July 31st | 4k – 12th grade

REGISTER NOW! for summer camps and weekly classes! Offering five unique half-day camp experiences for rising 4K through 12th grade and weekly classes June 3-August 3 for ages 12 months to adult.

Do It Yourself Crafts:

1909 Oxmoor Road |Homewood | 205-868-4346 | WEBSITE
2nd / 4th grade and up | 5 week long camps 1 week in June (new clay camp 4th grade and up ) and 4 in July

5 weekly sessions of camp, running Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.

It is perfect for kids going into 2nd grade and older, with space for 12 campers per week. You’ll send a lunch and a snack daily.

Each day, campers will explore their artistic side as they paint ceramics, mold pottery on a pottery wheel, and craft hand-built clay projects. They’ll also get hands-on experience with glass fusing and tie-dye, plus other exciting creative projects.

Fresh Air Family:

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

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

Girls on the Run:

Dates: June 9-13 | Times: 9am-12pm |  Levite Jewish Community Center | Registration
Rising 3rd-5th grade girls

Camp GOTR is a half-day camp designed for rising 3rd-5th grade girlsThe curriculum combines the best of Girls on the Run’s empowering lessons led by trained coaches with the fun of camp—physical activities, games, arts and crafts, and storytelling. Like Girls on the Run, Camp GOTR aims to build self-confidence, foster friendships, and teach valuable life skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.

 

Gold Fish Swim School:

Jump start clinics | June through August | Hoover | WEBSITE

Goldfish Swim School Hoover provides swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12-years-old in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student to teacher ratio), shiver-free 90-degree pools, and a state-of-the-art water purification system.

In addition to weekly swim lessons, Goldfish Swim School also offers Jump Start Clinics during the summer months. This is our version of swim camp! Jump Start Clinics are four consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons that focus on everything from the fundamentals of water safety to fine-tuning stroke technique. Students make a month’s worth of progress in just a week!

Jump Start Clinics run from June-August. Students receive five consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons.

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

300 Snow Drive | Birmingham | Website
Camp Dates: Session 1 June 2nd – June 6th | Session 2 June 9th – June 13th

Camp is from 9AM – 4PM each day. Activities include animal interaction, presentations by guest speakers, crafts, games, etc. Campers will learn about shelter animals, Alabama wildlife, reptiles, animal behavior and body language, homes and habitats, and how conservation, shelters, and rescues work!

Critter Camp is a great option for children who love to help animals and is offered to students that have completed kindergarten through sixth grade.

Hammer and Stain:

1960 Braddock Drive, Hoover | 205.474.3677 | Website
Camp dates: SUMMER CAMP INFO COMING SOON

Highlands School Summer Camp:

4901 Old Leeds Road | Birmingham | 205.956.9731 | www.highlandsschool.org
June 2nd – July 25th (no camp June 19th or June 30th – July 4th) | Ages 4k – 11th grade

Art, sports, science and more.

High Point Climbing and Fitness:

4766 Hwy 280 | Birmingham | 205.981.9190 | www.highpointclimbing.com/camps/summer-camps-2
Half Day Camps June 2nd – week of August 5th There are no half day camps the week of July 4th.
This camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 1:00pm.

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

Hoover Met Complex Summer Sports Camps:

100 Ben Chapman Dr | Hoover | 205.739.7364 | www.hoovermetcomplex.com
Jine 2nd – July 25th – Ages 6-12

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

LJCC:

3960 Montclair Rd | Birmingham | 205.879.0411 | bhamjcc.org/summer-camp
May 21st – August 8th | Rising 1st though 7th graders

Camp LJCC program is open for rising 1st through 7th graders and includes everything from outdoor activities to singing and dancing, so your child is sure to have a good time. Day camps are offered each week along with sports and specialty camp options to fit any interests. For your convenience, camp weeks are a la carte, so you can sign up for one, two, or the entire summer!

Mason Music:

Bluff Park | Cahaba Heights | Greystone | Mountain Brook | masonmusicstudios.com
Ages 3 -18 | June 2nd – July 28th

Whether you are introducing your little one to music for the first time or looking for opportunities for your rockstar teenager to connect with other serious musicians, Mason Music has a summer camp for you. From our themed preschool music camps to Rock Band Camps, they have unique offerings that are education-focused to keep your kiddos doing something productive when school’s out.

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

Red Mountain Theatre Camps:

1600 3rd Ave South, Birmingham | Ages 4-18 | May 27th – August 15th | WEBSITE

RMTC classes are specifically tailored for all skill levels and welcome to all interested students ages 4 and up. Classes inspire an interest in the arts while teaching students performance skills (acting, dancing, singing) and life skills (creativity, collaboration, and confidence). The class curriculum aligns with developmentally appropriate practice and includes storybook drama, theme-based drama, technique classes, and advanced training.

Samford University: Academy of the Arts:

1939 South Lakeshore Dr | Birmingham | 205.726.2739 | www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/summer-camps/
Multiple camp dates available: June 2nd– July 18th

Art and music camps available.

Samford University: Bulldog Soccer Camps:

1939 South Lakeshore Drive | Birmingham | WEBSITE
Youth Camp dates:  June 9th – 12th | June 16th – 19th

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

Stick and Strum

106 David Green Rd, Ste A | Pelham | Website

Camps range from intro to music,to  arts and crafts for Pre-k and Up.

Thomas Andrew Art Summer Camp:

Ages 8-15 | Weekly in June and July| WEBSITE

Kids ages 8 – 11 years old will come in the mornings from 9 until 12 noon. Cost: $250 per week

YMCA Summer Camps:

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

It’s going to be a summer to remember at Y Day Camps. YMCA Day Camp is thrilled to welcome rising 1st through rising 8th graders at locations across Jefferson and Shelby Counties. They believe in inclusivity and diversity, ensuring every child finds their place under the sun. Incredible activities, from STEM-based projects that ignite curiosity to swimming and outdoor adventures that cool off the summer heat. Sports, games, and arts and crafts ensure that every day is a new journey of discovery and fun.

Bookend Your Spring Break Staycation with Action-Packed Fun

Looking for a high-energy way to spend Spring Break? Whether you’re planning a staycation or just want an exciting weekend activity, Birmingham is the place to be! Two action-packed motorsport events are hitting Protective Stadium—Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Monster Jam! Whether you have little adrenaline junkies in your house or just want a fun family outing, these events will have you on the edge of your seat.

Monster Energy AMA Supercross

Saturday, March 22, 2025
Gates Open / Practice & Qualifying starts at 11:30 AM
FanFest hours: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Opening Ceremonies at 5:30 PM
Racing starts at 6:00 PM
Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL

Details: Supercross brings heart-pounding, off-road motorcycle racing to town, featuring the world’s top riders tackling intense dirt tracks, jumps, and tight turns. Get ready for nonstop thrills! Plus, don’t miss the Monster Energy Supercross FanFest, an expansive festival outside the stadium that gives fans unprecedented access to the sport’s biggest stars, an up-close view of race bikes and team rigs, and the chance to jump between the paddock and the stadium to watch practice and qualifying. FanFest is a must for any motorsports enthusiast!
Get tickets here

Monster Jam

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Event Time – 5:00 PM
Pit Party open from 12:30 PM – 3:30PM (Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required
for entry)
Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
Details:

This isn’t just any event—it’s As Big As It Gets™, where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill. Get ready for non-stop excitement as Birmingham roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races, and plenty of big air! The world’s best drivers tear up the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in three competitions: Racing, Skills, and everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible. Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves.

Start the Fun Early at the Monster Jam Pit PartyThe day of fun starts at the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday, where families can get up close and personal with these massive trucks, snap a selfie, meet their favorite drivers, and collect autographs. It’s the perfect way to start a day of adrenaline-charged fun, packed with family-friendly activities.

Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside ExperienceArrive early and get revved up with Monster Jam Trackside, happening about an hour before the event. It’s packed with driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks, and epic giveaways that’ll get everyone pumped up before the action begins. Then, watch as the opening ceremonies set the stage for non-stop Monster Jam madness!

Meet the Superstars of Monster Jam!These aren’t just any drivers—they’re world-class male and female athletes who have mastered controlling these 12,000-pound beasts. Whether pulling off insane backflips, nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, or tearing up the track in all-out racing, these drivers are ready to wow fans with the most mind-blowing live motorsports action around. The competition is fierce as 12 top drivers battle it out for the Stadium Championship Series East title and a coveted spot in the Monster Jam World Finals® in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 4th weekend. Fans can cheer on their favorites, like Tyler Menninga in the legendary Grave Digger®, Armando Castro making his Stadium Championship debut behind the wheel of El Toro Loco®, Monster Jam World Finals High Jump champion Cynthia Gauthier in Lucas Stabilizer™, and more!

Why not bookend your Spring Break with these two incredible events? Kick things off with Supercross and wrap up the week with Monster Jam for an unforgettable family adventure in Birmingham. If you’re staying in town for Spring Break, this is the perfect way to make the most of your time off without having to travel far. Mark your calendars and grab your tickets before they’re gone!

 

8 Must-See Spring Festivals and Events in Birmingham You Can’t Miss

Spring is springing in Birmingham, and the city is bursting with exciting events and festivals for all ages! If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, outdoor festivals, or unique spring events to enjoy with your crew, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a local mom looking for the best spring activities in Birmingham or a visitor exploring the city, our list has everything you need. Check out our top picks for spring festivals in Birmingham that you won’t want to miss!

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

This free, family-friendly event will celebrate Japanese culture with exciting performances, Japanese culture activities, delicious food, and a beautiful Hanami (flower viewing) experience.

Saturday, March 29th, 10am to 4pm at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Fido Fest

Get ready to unleash the fun at The Summit’s 8th Annual Fido Fest! This FREE event brings together local partners and retailers to honor our pets and support community pet organizations.

Saturday, March 29th The Summit. AMC Parking Lot

Mt. Laurel Spring festival

The gorgeous town of Mt. Laurel is offering shopping at the street fair, great food from local restaurants and food trucks, art pop ups, and live music!

Saturday, April 5, 10am to 3pm

St. Elias Food & Cultural Festival

This festival provides plenty of family-friendly fun as well as live music and delicious food!

April 25- April 26 – St Elias Maronite Church

Magnolia Festival

The Magnolia festival is a family-friendly event bringing a carnival, car show, live entertainment, food vendors, kid activities, arts and craft vendors, and a pooch parade!

Friday, April 25-Saturday, April 26 at the Gardendale Civic Center

Imagination Festival

Create! Kids of all ages make art at Imagination Festival! Friday is for visiting schools. Saturday and Sunday is open to families. Take the littles ones out to Sloss Furnaces for the Spring Festivals 42nd Year!

April 25th – 27th

Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues festival

This family-friendly event has local barbecue, live music, kids activities and art vendors all at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park.

Saturday, April 26, 12pm to 8pm at DeBardeleben Park

Creek Bank Festival

This festival is great for the whole family, they’ll have lots of food, live music, shopping, arts and crafts, and a full schedule of entertainment!

Saturday, May 17, 10am to 4pm at Leeds Memorial Park (free admission, free parking)

 

Summer Camp Spotlight: Mason Music

Make This Summer Rock with Mason Music Camps!

Looking for a way to keep your kids entertained, engaged, and off screens this summer? Mason Music has the perfect solution with their education-focused summer camps! Whether your little one is just starting their musical journey or your teen is ready to take the stage, there’s a camp designed just for them.

From Preschool Music Camp to Rock Band Camp, each experience is packed with hands-on learning, creativity, and fun! But don’t wait—these camps sell out fast, and you won’t want to miss out.

CAMP OPTIONS INCLUDE:

Stars Preschool Music Camp (Ages 3-5) – A fun-filled introduction to music with singing, piano, percussion, crafts, and movement. Perfect for little ones exploring music for the first time!

Mason Music Camp for Beginners (Ages 6-9) – Try out multiple instruments—guitar, piano, drums, and ukulele—and discover which one is the best fit!

Guitar Camp for Beginners (Ages 10-15) – Learn to play real songs in just one week with beginner-friendly guidance on chords, strumming, and tuning.

Vocal Camp for Beginners (Ages 10-15) – Master vocal techniques, projection, and audition skills while creating a vocal portfolio to share with friends and family.

Rock Band Camp: Performance Edition (Ages 10-18) – Join a band, rehearse together, and perform live for family and friends at the end of the week!

Rock Band Camp: Recording Edition (Ages 10-18) – Get the ultimate pro experience with rehearsals, studio time, and a professionally recorded demo of your band’s music!

Spots are limited, and most camps sell out by mid-spring—sign up now to secure your spot!

Learn more and register on the Mason Music Website!

21st Annual Chili Cook Off

Get Ready for a Spicy Good Time!

Birmingham’s favorite chili showdown is back! The 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off, hosted by The Exceptional Foundation, is set to bring the heat with a day full of delicious chili, live music, and family fun—all for a great cause. Whether you’re a chili connoisseur or just love a good time with the community, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, March 1st 10:30am – 3:30pm at Brookwood Mall.

Purchase tickets here

Mardi Gras in the Magic City

Join us for a lively celebration of Mardi Gras in the heart of Birmingham! This event will bring the energy of New Orleans and Mobile to City Walk BHAM with music, dancing, food, and more. Come dressed in your best Mardi Gras attire for a night of unforgettable entertainment!

Entertainment includes appearances from the Birmingham Squadron, an electrifying performance from Bone Yard of Brass (BYOB)—a powerhouse New Orleans brass band bringing bold trombones, deep helicon bass, and dynamic drums to the stage! And Magic City Disco, a high-energy, ‘70s Disco Performance Krewe. Featuring live performances and interactive line dancing for everyone to join in the fun!

Saturday, March 2nd 1pm – 3pm at Citywalk

Bring Mardi Gras Home with This Easy King Cake Recipe

You might not be catching beads on Bourbon Street, but you can still celebrate Mardi Gras in sweet style with this simple and delicious homemade King Cake!

 

What You’ll Need:
1 (13.9-ounce) can refrigerated breadsticks
1 (1-inch) heatproof plastic baby
1 (12-ounce) can whipped cream cheese frosting
¼ cup heavy cream
Green, purple, and gold (yellow) sanding sugar

How to Make It:
-Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

-Unroll the breadsticks and press two together at the ends to form longer strips. Repeat until you have six long strips. Braid three together loosely and repeat with the remaining three.

-Shape the braids into a ring, leaving a small hole in the center. Press the ends together to seal.

– Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before carefully tucking the plastic baby between the seams.

-In a small pot, heat the cream cheese frosting and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cake, then top with green, purple, and gold sanding sugars.

And just like that, you’ve got a festive, homemade King Cake! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Where to Find King Cakes in Birmingham: The Best Local Spots for Mardi Gras Treats

Mardi Gras season is here, and that means one thing—King Cake! Whether you’re keeping the tradition alive or just looking for a delicious, cinnamon-filled treat, Birmingham has plenty of local bakeries and shops offering these festive cakes. From classic flavors to unique twists, we’ve rounded up the best places to find King Cake in Birmingham so you can celebrate in true Mardi Gras fashion. Keep reading to discover where to grab your slice of the season!

Hero Doughnuts

Let the good times roll this Mardi Gras with HERO’s homemade King Cakes Get yours today and celebrate the season with a slice of sweet tradition

Pre-order Here

Edgars Bakery

When the beads are flying, you know it’s king cake time. Traditional king cake is $30, flavored king cakes are $35, and miniature king cakes are $10. Stopy by your favorite location and grab yours today!

Homewood Gourmet

Order now and let the good times roll… right to your taste buds! Once you taste this King Cake you will know why they were nominated for The Homewood’s Best Awards Best Chef! Your last day to order one of their famous King Cakes is March 4! Whether you’re craving that classic cinnamon swirl or one of our signature flavors, this is your moment to make the season extra delicious.
Regular King Cakes $35.00 serves 15-20 people
Cream Cheese Filled King Cakes $45.00 serves 15-20 people

Please allow 2 days notice for king cake orders.  You can order online through their website under seasonal or you may call at 205.871.1620 to place an order.

Savages Bakery

Their king cake is a traditional New Orleans-style cake glazed and sprinkled with purple, green and gold.
Call (205) 871-4901  to place your order.

Continental Bakery

King Cakes are back, mes amis! From now through Mardi Gras (March 4), Continental Bakery is serving up our two signature flavors: Frangipane-filled King Cakes with a delicious almond cream filling and Cinnamon Sugar-filled King Cakes. Both come with rich, colorful icing and (of course) a toy baby you might choose to hide among the flaky, buttery layers.
King Cakes come in petite ($15) or large ($25) sizes. Order yours today by calling 205-870-5584 or visiting their site. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Birmingham Breadworks

This soft spiced brioche is filled with cinnamon cream cheese and topped with vanilla glaze, creating a totally unique flavor that is loved by many.
Each King Cake comes with a plastic baby for you to hide yourself, a strand of beads and a 2oz pack of freshly roasted Creole Coffee for that true New Orleans experience!
(205) 202-3207

The Heavenly Donut Company

Mardi Gras donuts are available for preorder or limited availability in the case daily through Mardi Gras.