Valentine’s Day

Saturday

All Weekend

At Home

Get artsy at home

Spa night at home

– Treat each other to some face masks and massages. Customize your spa night to meet yours and your partner’s needs. If you need face masks, oils for massages, or supplies for pedicures, you can pick up your supplies at Target or Sally Beauty.

Bake-off

– Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose your favorite sweets and get competitive in the kitchen. See who makes the better cake, cookies, pies, or bread. Or showcase your decorating skills with dipped strawberries, pretzels, or peanuts.

Stargaze

– Grab a bottle of wine, a blanket, and find somewhere quiet to check out the stars. Clear skies are in the forecast for Friday night, so this could be a great opportunity.

Nerf-Gun war

– All is fair in love and nerf war. Grab some nerf guns and plenty of darts for a fun-filled competitive night.

Board games and puzzle Night

– Round up all of your favorite childhood board games for a game night.

Drink Tasting at Home

– Cravings is the place to pick up some beer, wine or sodas and then do a homemade tasting at home.

Out on the Town

Pottery Night

– Check out All Fired Up. You can reserve your spot ahead of time for $14 a couple for an hour and a half. Paint some pottery together or something for each other.

Waffle House

– Waffle House is dimming the lights on Valentine’s Day. This is the only night Waffle House accepts reservations.

Buy outfits at the thrift store for each other

– Put the responsibility in your partner and let them pick the direction your outfit is going in. See which side of the spectrum your significant other gets your outfit, whether it be cute or crazy.

Lake Laureen

– Pack up a picnic and head to Lake Laureen for a picnic. Don’t forget your cutlery and drinks!

Opening day baseball

– The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team’s opening night is this Friday at Watch the Tide take on Northeastern at 3 p.m.

Roller skate

– Skate your way through valentine’s day at Super Skate. Open from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Monster Hunting

– Wander around Tuscaloosa for the monsters. These monsters were designed by elementary students and created by artists around town. Check out the website.

Brick and Spoon

Swing by for some southern food with an upscale feel, yet still casual. Brick and Spoon also allows you to customize Bloody Mary’s with their unique mix, to have the bartender fix it just the way you like. Brunch is served every day from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Some of the special items on the menu are the breakfast tacos and the stuffed French toast.

Sweet Home Food Bar

New York flare meets Tuscaloosa at Sweet Home Food Bar. On Saturday’s they open at

8 a.m. and on Sundays at 10 a.m. Check out the breakfast nachos or try out the pancake of the day. For cocktails, they offer mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and sangrias. Be sure to get there before they close at 3 p.m.

Another Broken Egg

Open every day from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Another Broken Egg offers sweet, savory, and sensible breakfast options, as well as a gluten-free menu. They offer signature cocktails like a peach bellini or a brunch old fashioned. You can also get a mimosa, with over six different flavors to mix in.

Avenue Pub

Brunch is from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on Sunday’s there is live music from noon until 4 p.m. Avenue Pub puts a southern twist on their breakfast options, like their chicken biscuit and gravy. Avenue Pub balances the possibilities of breakfast choices and lunch choices to suit your taste.

FIVE

Brunch is 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. FIVE offers a Bloody Mary bar, so you can customize and create your drink exactly the way you like. FIVE also doubles as a coffee shop on Saturday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Start your meal off with some beignets or avocado toast and then take a pick from one of their five amazing entrees.

301Bistro

Brunch begins at 11 on Saturday and Sunday. 301 offers a varying menu, with staples like their breakfast casserole and chicken waffles. Sunday is jazz brunch featuring the voodoo saints, a local jazz band, with a New Orleans sound. Specialty craft cocktails like the tipsy tea or a gypsy rose lee are just a few of the craft cocktails at 301.

World of Beer

From donut bites to avocado toast, you can munch on any kind of breakfast classics, but if someone in the group isn’t up for brunch, they also serve lunch during this time. World of Beer also presents a signature twist on a mimosa by offering a beermosa, a white wheat beer with orange juice. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m.

River

Brunch starts at 10 a.m. and goes to 1:30 p.m. River offers some unique and delicious options like their prosciutto and egg flatbread or their fried oyster benedict.  If you are looking for something a little bit lighter, River also offers house-made granola with fresh fruit.

Side by side

Brunch is served Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Side by Side features a 20-foot Bloody Mary Bar, so you can only imagine all of the possibilities of your Bloody Mary. Check out the menu featuring southern favorites.

Chophouse

Sunday brunch starts at 10 a.m. with menu items like crab cakes and veggie burritos. Be sure to try out the milk punch or a French 75 along with other brunch classics like a Bloody Mary or mimosa when cocktail service starts at noon.

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

First Friday is here! Downtown Tuscaloosa’s Art Walk is a night full of art, music, and more. This is a great opportunity to check out all of the galleries and shows Tuscaloosa has to offer. All of the galleries are within walking distance of each other, so it is a great experience for a local night out.

Start your morning off by taking your kids to the Children’s Hands-On Museum for ‘Be My Valentine’ starting at 9 a.m. Here kids will explore Valentine’s Day through science, technology, engineering, art and math projects, and challenges. The kids can also get a head start on creating their Valentine’s Day cards!

The Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cookoff is happening this weekend at Bryant Conference Center at 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Take part in sampling over 30 chili recipes and cast your vote for your favorite, to help determine a winner. This event also features live entertainment, children’s activities and free ice-cream, chili dogs, and cheese biscuits. This event costs $10 for adults, and children under 6 are free. Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa will donate all funds to several projects, including Youth Development, the Exchange Club’s work in child abuse prevention, and community service.

If you want to kick start your Valentine’s Day, World Market has a ‘Sweets & Treats’ event from noon until 5 p.m. This free event allows you to sample chocolates, berries, candies, and bubblies. Plus, World Market is sharing a unique dessert recipe that everyone will love. Pick out your favorites and be all set for Valentine’s with your significant other or Galentine’s with your friends.

Elevation of Art is going to be at the third annual Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival. Embrace the diverse cultural heritage of Tuscaloosa through art exhibitions at this free event. This festival will take place at the McDonald Hughes Center from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The ninth Annual Interactive Family Night at the museum will be at the Natural History Museum in Smith and Lloyd Hall on the University’s campus. Family Night is free from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Don’t miss out on interactive activities as well as door prizes and free food.

If you are looking for live music, cap your Saturday night off at Druid City Brewing.  ‘When Particles Collide’ will be performing starting at 8 p.m. ‘When Particles Collide’ is a must-see band starring a jazz drummer and choral vocalist that tour all over the U.S. and Canada.

Don’t forget the Farmers Market at Tuscaloosa River Market takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon all year!

Be sure to tag us in your social media posts using #weekendsinttown.

This Friday at Druid City Music Hall AFTM will be performing with the Revelries at 8 p.m. AFTM is an Athens, GA established band. This six-piece unit has a distinct and energetic sound. The Revelries are a band of four boys, who have been jamming together since 2016. Both bands have a unique style that combines all your favorites from guitar-rock to alternative-rock. You are guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind experience!

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama presents Firebringer: The Musical at Eat My Beats on Friday at 7 p.m. Take yourself back to pre-historic times and watch as a tribe of cave-people overcome the hard trials of life and change the world forever. This musical is rated R and admission is $15.

Start your Saturday morning off by going to the Farmers Market at Tuscaloosa River Market. The Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon, all year. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or artesian crafts, there is something for the whole family. Saturday afternoon there is a Margarita Crawl from 2 p.m. till 8 p.m. starting at the Lookout Rooftop Bar at Hotel Indigo. Be sure to grab a ticket in the link below to secure your spot for discounted drinks at multiple venues. Don’t forget your ID! https://www.facebook.com/events/2353557071374184/

On Saturday night you can go watch The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team take on the Arkansas Razorbacks at Coleman Coliseum at 5 p.m. Come cheer on the team to help them bounce back from a loss at LSU, this past Wednesday. If you’re looking for live music, Ashley McBryde will be performing with Lainey Wilson at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. These Nashville based country music stars are sweeping the U.S. on “The One Night Standards Tour.” Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!

Don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts using #weekendsinttown

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

Do you ever get hungry late at night and feel too tired to cook? Here are a few spots around Tuscaloosa that can satisfy your late-night craving.

1. Whataburger is open 24 hours. You can get a burger or chicken sandwich whenever you desire. They also serve their breakfast menu from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. every day. Also featured on their menu are classic milkshakes and malts if you’re looking for something sweet. You can truly get it all, at any hour.

2. If you’re looking for some Mexican food, look no further than Moe’s. Open until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. Get yourself a burrito or a bowl made exactly how you want. If you’re looking for a lighter snack you can also order some chips with queso or guacamole.

3. The ever-faithful Waffle House offers southern staples 24/7. From hash browns to patty melts, you can get your filling any way you like. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, every day! Whether it is after a night game or a long day of work, check out your local Waffle House.

4. Little Italy is open until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday through Saturday. If you’re looking for a slice of pizza, a calzone, or maybe some pasta, Little Italy is a great place to satisfy your Italian cravings. It is located right across from the strip in University Town Center. It is just a short walk from the bars or a quick drive from the library.

5. Philly Boyz is open until midnight on Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Swing by for a Philly cheesesteak or some pizza fries. They also serve several flavors of frozen wine, making this a great place to cap your night off.

6. A classic here in Tuscaloosa, Quick Grill, is open from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday and open until midnight on Sunday. You can order their legendary messy fries or classic burgers. However, they also serve amazing veggie burgers as a vegan option.

7. Cookout is another late-night spot open until 3:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced but if you’re looking for a good deal, get their cookout tray; served with 1 entrée, 2 sides, and a drink.

8. If you’re looking for a midnight sushi deal, Surin of Thailand offers great deals Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant reopens at 11 p.m. and you can order sushi, crab rangoon, or some teriyaki chicken with rice all for a great price.

9. For a healthier alternative, Pita Pit on the strip is a viable option. With a wide range of choices, you are guaranteed to find what you are craving on the menu. Open until 2 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

10. If you don’t feel like going out to get anything both Domino’s and Papa John’s deliver late! If you’re a student at The University of Alabama, you’re in luck, both places accept dining dollars as a form of payment. Domino’s is open until 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on the weekends. Papa Johns is open until 1 a.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekends.

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

This weekend, Tuscaloosa is packed full of entertaining events for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a good concert, a workout, or events for the family, here’s everything you need to have a fun-filled weekend.

Friday

Kick start your weekend at Egan’s on Friday night. D. Scott Riggs, a Panhandle Roots and Blues singer, will be performing live. This is a great dive bar, located on the strip and with recent renovations, Egan’s is a great spot for entertainment.

Saturday

This Saturday Alabama Men’s basketball team will be taking on the Kansas State Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum. Tip-off for the SEC-Big 12 matchup is at 5 p.m.

Shawn Williams, an alt-rocka country billy blues singer, will be performing at Egan’s at 10 p.m. No cover.

Mitchell Tenpenny, a Nashville based country singer will be performing at Druid City Music Hall starting at 8 p.m. Check out the link to purchase tickets in advance! https://www.druidcitymusichall.com

Liverpool Legends, the only Beatles Tribute Band with a direct family link to the original four Beatles, will be performing at Bama Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For tickets go to https://liverpoollegends.com/upcoming-concert-shows/

Bring your kids to the Children’s Hands-On Museum, to ring in the Chinese New Year. Upon admission, kids will be able to make a paper drum and design a Chinese fan!

Sunday

Start your morning off at 9:15 a.m. with ‘Barre at the Bar.’ A free workout at World of Beer, hosted by Pure Barre. Be sure to bring a mat and some water and after the workout, you can hang around and get some brunch as well!

The 17th annual Classic Bridal Show will be held at Bryant Conference Center, from 2-5 p.m. Discover bakers, caterers, florists, musicians, event planners, photographers, bridal attire, travel and more. Find all your wedding needs under one roof!

Swing by Crunch Fitness at 4 p.m. for ‘Pound for Australia.’ This event is open to the public, so you don’t need a membership to help raise funds for BlazeAid, an Australian charity that helps people affected by natural disasters, including this year’s catastrophic bush fires.

Share your experiences on social media with #weekendsinttown to be featured on our account!

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

Here are seven date-night ideas to help you and your partner make the best of your time together. We’ve crafted unique approaches to a fun date night, with so many options to choose from, there is something for everyone.

1.    Escape Tuscaloosa

Test your collaborative capabilities between you and your partner in a physical and mental adventure game at Escape Tuscaloosa. Whether it is the first date or the hundredth date, take on a new experience and follow the clues, hints, and riddles to escape the room within 60 minutes.

2.    Bowlero

The retro-themed bowling alley offers blacklight bowling, interactive arcade games, and signature cocktails. If you’re looking for a good deal, check out ‘Monday Mayhem’ starting at 8 pm, pay $13 for unlimited bowling with shoes included.

3.    Sip n Paint class at Uptown Art.

Uptown Art will provide the painting supplies and step-by-step instructions to create your very own masterpiece. While you are there, you can purchase wine and beer while enjoying one-on-one time with your significant others. Check out the website to see what classes are offered each week.

http://sites.cimplebox.com/events/calendar.aspx?c=2440&s=4274

4.    Happy Hour at Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter

You and your partner can check out an approved dog between the hours of 12-4 PM on Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday. Whether you guys are considering adopting or just want to provide yourselves and the dog a stress-free time, it is a rewarding experience.

5.    Lake Nicol outer cliff trail

Get out and enjoy the fresh air by taking a hike on this 1.1-mile trail. This trail is accessible year-round and offers a beautiful outdoor setting. The best part, it’s free.

6.    Terrific Tuesday at Cobb Theatre

$5 movie tickets! All seats, all day, all shows. If there’s a movie you and your partner have been wanting to see, go on Tuesdays and pay less than half the price for a ticket.

7.    Civil Axe throwing

Looking for a new competitive adventure?  Break out of your comfort zone and have some fun at Civil Axe throwing. No need to stress, the ax professionals will teach you all the techniques.

Written By: Alexandra Morrissey

We are kicking off the new year the right way here in Tuscaloosa with all kinds of amazing events you are bound to enjoy! There will be plenty of opportunities to catch some live entertainment and watch the tide roll.

SoDown in T-town 
This Thursday, start your weekend with a bang and see SoDown live at the Druid City Music Hall. SoDown is an electronic music producer, DJ, and saxophone player that is guaranteed to show you a good time. His music is unlike anything you’ve ever heard, so you do not want to miss this!

Last chance for Holidays on the River 
Don’t miss out on one of the final opportunities to ice skate with Holidays on the River. This Friday or Saturday, come and enjoy precious times with friends and family as you skate the night away. Holidays on the River will officially close on January 20, so now is the time to join in on the fun.

Tide on top
The Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics team will be hosting a meet at Coleman Coliseum this Friday against the highly-ranked Oklahoma Sooners at 7:45 p.m. Watch our Division I gymnastics team represent Tuscaloosa as they take on their first meet at home this year.

On Saturday at 2:30 Alabama’s men’s basketball team will face Missouri at Coleman Coliseum at 2:30 p.m. Come watch this electric basketball team dominate and experience the sweet taste of victory with the Crimson Tide.

We have a lot going on throughout the next few months in 2020 and are excited to share more. Be sure to follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!

This weekend is going to be one for the books in the One and Only Tuscaloosa. This Friday you can enjoy ice skating and music at Holidays on the River- 80’s Glow Night with DJ Chuckie. Dance/skate the night away with your favorite tunes. If this doesn’t satisfy your love for music, stop by Egan’s Bar for some live entertainment by Rev 662.

Also on Friday, the Cultural Collateral: Selections from the Permanent Collection art exhibition will be open. Come enjoy over 1,600 works from the 1950s of contemporary art by international, national and regional artists. If this isn’t enough, there is also an exhibit on the Bank of the State Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series: Civil War and Reconstruction. This exhibit highlights the history of the city and the changes that affected Tuscaloosa during and after the war.

On Saturday, Yancey Hill will be playing at Egan’s Bar. Enjoy a drink, socialize with friends and listen to some great music. For the kids, Children’s Hands-On Museum will be hosting Treble at the Museum. Come try a variety of instruments and jam with CHOM musicians. Join the fun and enable your child to cultivate a musical interest that could stick with them for a lifetime.

On Sunday, educators of pre-K to Grade 12 can enjoy 25% off most books, toys, games, movies, music and more at Barnes and Noble. There will also be a fundraiser for the American Heart Association at All Fired Up. Mention the 2020 Heart Walk at check out and 20% of the proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

There is so much more going on in town so be sure to check out some of our great upcoming events and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Spread the news to your friends and family about the exciting things taking place in town and we can’t wait to see you around!

The holiday season is in full swing here in Tuscaloosa! This weekend you can enjoy live entertainment while you ice skate at Holidays on the River, experience Christmas Around the World at the Children’s Hands-On Museum, Bowl with Santa at Bowlero, and enjoy Tuscaloosa’s night-life with Christmas parties all over town!

A Kip Tyner Christmas

‘Tis the season of Christmas classics! Join City Councilman Kip Tyner this Friday for an evening of live entertainment and Christmas cheer, hosted by the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and Holidays on the River. Come celebrate with family and friends while enjoying live performances, ice skating, music and more! You can buy tickets to ice skate at holidaysontheriver.com. This event will be fun for the whole family!

Christmas Around the World at CHOM!

On Saturday, find out how different cultures celebrate Christmas Around the World at the Children’s Hands-On Museum! There will be special games and crafts throughout the museum that explore different regions of the world. The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa creates an environment where children can explore, design, and discover every time they visit. When you hear “hands-on,” they really mean it! Learning through play is what the exhibits are all about, and kids are encouraged to touch, feel, and play in the displays. Three floors of fun wait for families and offer newborns through 13 year old’s a space perfect for them.

Bowl with Santa

Bowlero is a new bowling ally in Tuscaloosa that features fresh lanes, a state-of-the-art arcade, a huge bar, and an incredible menu. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can enjoy all of the amenities Bowlero has to offer and meet Santa! Catch the man himself while he’s in Tuscaloosa to map out his route!

Christmas Parties in Tuscaloosa

If you’re in the mood to celebrate, you’re in luck! You can find Christmas parties all over Tuscaloosa, all weekend long. Here is a list of bars you can find them at:

Jingle Bar: Pop-Up Holiday Happy Hour Experience
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
1831 Christmas Party
Tab & the Mojo Rockin’ Country Christmas
Roxy’s Holiday Party

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming fall months and are excited to share more. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!

The Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Commission has been hosting celebratory events since the city’s 199th birthday on December 13th, 2018. Everything has been leading up to this weekend! We are thrilled to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime commemoration of 200 years of history, progress, and future promise. Below is a list of events you can find during the weekend of celebration. Check the bottom of this email for a list of even more events happening around Tuscaloosa!

200 Voices: Tusca200sa Sings

Join the Bicentennial for a musical extravaganza tonight at 7 p.m. in the Moody Music Building on the UA campus. Tusca200sa Sings is a free concert featuring West Alabama’s most talented singers in a unique celebration of our city’s 200th birthday. Sponsored by the School of Music at the University of Alabama, the program features performances ranging from classic spirituals to contemporary country hits. We will also debut a new piece written in honor of Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial by Kirsten Hicks. “Tuscaloosa Song” will be an enduring anthem for our city. Learn the lyrics before you go HERE. No tickets are necessary! This is a family-friendly event and the perfect way to kick off the Bicentennial celebration.

Dedication of the Bicentennial Sculptures & Time Capsule

On Friday morning at 10 a.m. The University of Alabama will unveil two sculptures that are gifts to the citizens of Tuscaloosa from the University.

The Walkway honors Tuscaloosa’s 200-year history from 1819 to 2019. A replica of the route of the Black Warrior River from Demopolis to Tuscaloosa, it traces milestones in our city’s existence and survival, but it twists and turns, ebbs and flows have mirrored our city’s past. The sculpture was created by Craig R. Wedderspoon.

Minerva is the Roman Goddess of wisdom and adorns the institutional seal of The University of Alabama. She serves as a symbol of the strength of the University as it creates, translates, and disseminates knowledge. The towering and majestic sculpture was designed and created by Caleb O’Connor. Declared by Ovid as “the Goddess of a thousand works,” Minerva will beautify Manderson Landing as a reminder we are all one community with a shared vision of impacting the world through teaching, research, and service.

The Time Capsule seeks to answer “What was life like in Tuscaloosa during the year 2019?” A Time Capsule Committee was formed and the group compiled submissions for ways to represent life in Tuscaloosa during this Bicentennial year. From traffic cones to Alabama football memorabilia, the contents describe a full picture of life in 2019. The capsule will be opened when Tuscaloosa celebrates our 250th birthday in 2069.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Bicentennial Christmas Parade

The celebrations continue Friday evening with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. The public ceremony will begin at 5:15 and officially kicks off the holiday celebrations.

PARA’s 44th Annual Christmas Parade will celebrate Tuscaloosa’s 200th birthday. The 2019 Grand Marshals are the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial’s Co-Chairs Tim Parker, Cathy Randall, and Harrison Taylor. As written in the nomination, “Each is deserving of the recognition individually but together they make up the Dream Team.” Find out more information about the parade at PARA’s website here.

Fireworks will begin at the amphitheater following the parade!

More Events

Star Wars Theme Trivia

Vulcan Eejits! Live at DCBC!

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963

Georgia Dish Boys at Alcove Tavern

Little Raine Band at The Booth

Christmas Parade Bama Belle Cruise

Holiday Whiskey Course

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming fall months and are excited to share more. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!