Happy New Year! We hope you had a good 2017 and that your 2018 is even better. As we turn the page to a new year with new opportunities, make it a resolution to get out and experience the burgeoning arts, culture, beer, and food scene in Tuscaloosa. You never know what you may be missing out on, as Tuscaloosa has added some great restaurants and events over the past year such as Central Mesa, and several great coffee shops.
There are only 11 days left for ice skating at Holidays on the River, and this weekend cranks up the fun with Glow Crazy Night! What could be more fun than glowsticks and skating? The rink is open from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday for Glow Crazy Night, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, so catch Holidays on the River before it disappears like a warming snow.
Live music becomes a little harder to come by over the holidays in Tuscaloosa, but Band of Brothers Brewing has you covered. Friday night from 7-10 they will have Casie Jo & The No Joes at the brewery to kick off your weekend. This five-piece plays a mix of rock, southern rock, funk, and blues that pairs great with the Band of Brothers’ famous Monk on the Radio beer. The Battered Wild food truck will also be on site, so you can eat, drink, and enjoy good local music all night long.
Snow may not be in the forecast this weekend, but on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. the Children’s Hands-On Museum will be a winter wonderland when they host an indoor Snow Day. Kids of all ages will be able to have a “snowball fight,” cut paper snowflakes, make a hot chocolate cone, and more! If your kids haven’t gotten the chance to play in the snow, now is their chance!
Sunday nights at Druid City Brew have become a fun and relaxed place to wind down your weekend. You’ll find great beer and great people enjoying local music from great local artists. Drop by from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. for Acoustic Open Mic Night and recharge for the coming week.
Unfortunately, there will be no First Friday this month, but check back in February as Tuscaloosa’s art galleries gear up for another year. Also check out our website: visittuscaloosa.xyz for a full list of fun upcoming events.
The Alabama football team may be headed to New Orleans, but there is a lot going on in Tuscaloosa this New Year’s weekend. Both Alabama basketball teams begin conference play in Coleman Coliseum against ranked foes, and Holidays on the River gives you a chance to experience Tuscaloosa’s winter wonderland with ice skating and more. Don’t forget to tag @VisitTuscaloosa on Instagram when you post your holiday adventures around Tuscaloosa. We may use your photo and give you a shoutout!
It’s going to be another perfect winter weekend for ice skating and fun at Holidays on the River. If you haven’t tried ice skating before then now is your chance to experience something new and different. The rink will be open from 2 pm -10 pm on Friday and 11 am – 9 pm on Saturday. There will also be a New Year’s Eve celebration on Sunday. Buy your tickets at now at http://www.holidaysontheriver.com/
After an 8-4 start against non-conference opponents, the Alabama men’s basketball team begins SEC play Saturday with a visit from the #5 Texas A&M. The Aggies come into Tuscaloosa with an 11-1 record and looking like the team to beat in the SEC. An Alabama win would be huge for the program and the season, as the Tide have struggled toward the end of their non-conference schedule. This is one of the biggest games in Coleman in a long time. The atmosphere will be electric with the Tide’s 5-star talent trying to knock off a top 5 opponent. You won’t want to miss this one! Get tickets now at RollTide.com for this 5 pm tipoff.
New Year’s Eve is all about fun, and the Children’s Hands-On Museum wants to make sure kids get the full, festive experience. From 10 am – 12 pm on Saturday the 30th CHOM will host the New Year’s Eve for Kids and will pull out all the stops to make sure kids ring in the new year right. This includes hats, horns, tiaras, a balloon drop at 11 am, and a New Year’s toast. Go to CHOMOnline.org for more information, and Happy New Year!
The men’s basketball squad isn’t the only team entering SEC play this weekend. The women’s team will continue their special season against #16 Missouri on Sunday at 2 pm. Alabama is on a five-game winning streak and has posted a 9-3 record on the season thus far. They are a perfect 7-0 at home, so maybe that home cooking will help knock off the 12-1 Tigers. Come be a part of what could be a statement win of the 2017 season. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at RollTide.com.
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events at visittuscaloosa.xyz/events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements.
| Business | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day |
| 301 Bistro, Bar & Beer Garden | 11am-3pm | closed |
| Another Broken Egg | 7am-2pm | closed |
| Avenue Pub | closed | closed |
| Baumhowers Restaurant | 11am-4pm | closed |
| Broadway Pizzeria | 11am-7pm | closed |
| Buffalo Phil’s Wings | closed | closed |
| Central Mesa | closed | closed |
| Chuck’s Fish | closed | closed |
| Chuy’s Tex-Mex | 11am-3pm | closed |
| City Cafe | closed | closed |
| Cravings | closed | closed |
| Cypress Inn | closed | closed |
| Depalma’s Italian Cafe | closed | closed |
| Dreamland BBQ – Tuscaloosa | til 3pm | closed |
| Dreamland BBQ – Northport | til 3pm | closed |
| Edelweiss | 8am-12pm | closed |
| Evangeline’s | closed | closed |
| Five | 10am-3 pm | closed |
| Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | 10:30am-4pm | closed |
| Full Moon BBQ | til 3pm | closed |
| Glory Bound | closed | closed |
| Heat Pizza Bar | closed | closed |
| Hoo’s Q | closed | closed |
| Iguana Grill | regular hours | closed |
| Innisfree | closed | closed |
| Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill | 11am-3pm | closed |
| Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ | 10:30-3pm | closed |
| La Hacienda El Mexicana | closed | closed |
| Levee Bar & Grill | closed | closed |
| Miss Dots Tuscaloosa | closed | closed |
| Moe’s Original BBQ | closed | closed |
| Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes | unknown | closed |
| Mr. Chen’s | regular hours | closed |
| Mugshots Grill and Bar | closed | closed |
| Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza | 10:30-2pm | closed |
| Rama Jama’s | unknown | closed |
| River | closed | closed |
| Ruan Thai Exotic Thai Cuisine Rest. | closed | closed |
| O’Henrys Coffee | 7am-5pm | closed |
| Side-by-Side | 11am-9pm | 11am-11pm |
| Southern Ale House | closed | closed |
| Subs-N-You | closed | closed |
| Surin of Thailand | regular hours | closed |
| Sweet Home Food Bar | closed | closed |
| Swen Chinese Restaurant | closed | closed |
| Taco Mama | til 4 | closed |
| Taziki’s Cafe | 11am-3pm | closed |
| The Front Porch | closed | closed |
| Wilhagan’s | closed | closed |
| Zoe’s Kitchen (all locations) | closed | closed |
The big snow last weekend has really gotten into the holiday spirit. There are classic wintery plays being shown, ice skating and more to celebrate this special time of year with your friend and family. Don’t forget to tag @VisitTuscaloosa on Instagram when you post your holiday adventures around Tuscaloosa. We may use your photo and give you a shoutout!
The Actor’s Charitable Theatre presents the classic tale of adventure and magic with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe all weekend long. Come to the Bama Theatre and take a walk through the old wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia this Friday-Sunday. Times are as follows:
Friday- 7:30
Saturday- 2:00
Saturday- 7:30
Sunday- 2:00
Sunday- 7:30
Visit the www.theactonline.com for tickets and enjoy the show!
Alabama’s Women’s Basketball team is back in action this Sunday against out-of-conference foe SMU. The Tide is 4-0 at home this season so come be a part of what could be a special season for this team, who is building something special after wins over Lipscomb and Utah. The game tips at 2:00 in Coleman Coliseum and tickets are only $5.
There is nothing more perfect on wintery weekends than holiday events. Tuscaloosa’s Holidays on the River will be open this weekend with special events like a visit from Santa on Friday and Carriage Rides on Saturday. Plus you will have a blast skating at the outdoor ice rink. The rink schedule this weekend is as follows:
Thursday- 5-9
Friday- 5-10 with Visit from Santa
Sat- 11 am – 9 p.m. with Carriage Rides
Sun- 1-5
Go to holidaysontheriver.com for more information and a complete schedule of events for the season.
Looking to get your kids in on the holiday action this weekend? Look no further than the Children’s Hands-On Museum. This Saturday from 10-4 will be a Holiday Hoopla! Kids of all ages will be able to go through gift creating stations to make something unique and special for a sibling, friend, parent, or other loved one. Don’t let them miss out on this fun holiday event.
The holiday season would be complete without experiencing the Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.” Theatre Tuscaloosa will be presenting the Romulus Linney version of this incredible story of a man who learns what Christmas is all about. Shows will run all weekend at the Bean-Brown Theatre at Shelton State:
Thursday- 7:30
Friday- 7:30
Saturday- 2:00
Sunday- 2:00
Visit Theatretusc.com for tickets!
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events below, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements
Another big weekend in the city of champions is around the corner, and we’ve got the low-down on all the fun events taking place. Friday is December 1, so that means First Friday Art Night will be taking over downtown T-town. Grab a drink from your favorite bar or restaurant and take a tour of the local art scene before seeing some live music at Green Bar.
First Friday Art Night in downtown Tuscaloosa has become a special monthly event to residents and visitors alike. Local artists and gallery owners showcase incredible works each month and this week will be no different. An entertainment district will be in effect until 10 p.m. so grab a drink from Catch-22 or your favorite bar or restaurant and head out to explore Tuscaloosa’s vibrant art scene. Galleries involved include:
– Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy 6-9 p.m.
– O’Connor Art Studios 5:30-8:30 p.m.
– The Paul R. Jones Gallery 5:30-7:30 p.m.
– Uperk 5:30-8
– Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center 5-8 p.m.
– Harrison Galleries 6-9 p.m.
These galleries would love the opportunity to host you, and some even provide hors-d’oeuvres. Best of all, the event is free, so you have no reason not to go, and you are guaranteed to stumble upon something that surprises and delights you.
When you’re finished taking in the local art scene on Friday evening, head over to Green Bar where Admiral Snackbar will be rocking all night. This Tuscaloosa band plays some of the best rock around and has been influenced by Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Rage Against the Machine. As Tuscaloosa’s music scene continues to develop its unique blend of sounds, keep an eye on Admiral Snackbar and their contributions. Bands like the Alabama Shakes and St. Paul & the Broken Bones used to play Green Bar, so you never know when you could see the next great Alabama band. The music starts around 11 and tickets are FREE!
Great local bands won’t just be playing downtown this weekend. Angela and the Able Brothers Band mix acoustic guitars, smooth bass, and incredible vocals for your listening pleasure. The band has seemingly played everywhere this year and this Saturday will take their show to Band of Brothers Brewing. It’s such a blast to watch a band perform next to the huge brewing equipment, and it makes Band of Brothers a special place to see Tuscaloosa’s best bands. Head over around 7 and get lost in the music.
It wouldn’t be a weekend in Tuscaloosa without Alabama sports. Coach Avery Johnson has the Crimson Tide Men’s basketball team off to a scorching 5-1 start, with the only loss being mostly a 3 on 5 game where young bull Collin Sexton scored 40 points, an Alabama freshman. You have got to see this team play in person, and Sunday at 1 p.m. against UCF is your chance. Tickets can be purchased at RollTide.com and are only $15, which is a steal to watch this squad.
There are always fun events going on around town, so visit our event calendar at visittuscaloosa.xyz/events for a complete list.
It’s another great weekend filled with exciting events in Tuscaloosa! Alabama football and basketball are in action, and there is live music and performances for those so inclined. The entertainment district downtown has gone so well that it has been extended. This Friday and Saturday you will be able to head downtown, grab a drink, and explore the wonderful shops and art galleries in the area so don’t miss out!
Alabama rolls into its last home game of the season with at least ten wins for the tenth straight season, but this team is hungry for more against a Mercer team that gave Auburn fits earlier this year. Saturday is senior day in Bryant-Denny Stadium, so come and support the seniors who have compiled an incredible career record of 50-4 with a chance to cement their legacy with these accomplishments: a 55-4 record, four straight SEC titles, and two national titles. Don’t miss a great opportunity to come cheer on JK Scott, Rashan Evans, Hootie Jones, Tony Brown, Da’Shawn Hand, Levi Wallace, and Shaun Dion Hamilton. The game kicks at 11:00 so come out and enjoy a nice day in Tuscaloosa afterward.
Green Bar does a great job of hosting great bands every weekend, and this Saturday night they present a three-piece homegrown Tuscaloosa band King’s German Legion that will blow your socks off. This blues-rock band puts you in the mind of the Black Keys with a heavy base and distorted, finger-blistering guitar work. Tickets are $5.00 at greenbarttown.com and the music starts at 10:30.
Moundville Archaeological Park and the Office of Archaeological Research are hosting an event this Saturday at Moundville Park! They invite you to come and help catalog and wash real artifacts that have been found recently at Moundville. You never know what you might get your hands on! The event runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. There will be light snacks and water provided. The event is free with park admission ($8).
Wind your weekend down by taking in one of the most famous American plays of all time presented by UA Theatre and Dance. August: Osage County is a story about one of the most dysfunctional families you will ever encounter. It will hopefully make your own family seem tame by comparison when you are sitting around the Thanksgiving table arguing about politics next week, and you’ll be glad to have the perspective. The show begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Marian Gallaway Theatre on Alabama’s campus. You can get tickets here: https://theatre.ua.edu/productions/august-osage-county/
Alabama has rocketed off to a 2-0 start with wins over Memphis and Lipscomb. The Tide’s young freshmen look as good as advertised and could lead the Tide to a special season in 2017-2018. The next opponent in their way on their journey to the top is Alabama A&M. Collin Sexton and John Petty are two players you have to see to believe, and your next chance is this Friday night at 7:00. Don’t miss the best basketball squad Alabama has had in 13 years!
There are always fun events going on around town, so visit our event calendar at visittuscaloosa.xyz/events for a complete list.
Black Friday or Bust: A Guide to Holiday Shopping in Tuscaloosa
Thanksgiving has come and gone and people all over Tuscaloosa are gearing up for the holiday season. Everyone knows the deal for Thanksgiving weekend: feast on a delicious meal, spend time with your loved ones, watch some great football, and of course shop till you drop on Black Friday. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or others this year, the One and Only has you covered for where to shop on Black Friday.
Midtown Village
It’s hard to miss Midtown Village in Ttown, with everyone popping in and out of this massive shopping center on an almost daily basis. Midtown is home to over 60 different stores and restaurants and is sure to have something for everyone on your list. Stop in a boutique like Soca, Lavish, Az Well or South to grab something for your favorite lady. There are plenty of options for men, too, including Kinnucan’s and Alumni Hall. Don’t forget the little ones on your list with a new toy from Crazy 8! No matter who you’re shopping for, Midtown Village will have it all.
Downtown
Downtown Tuscaloosa has you covered for almost every type of gift, and some great food options too. Make a trip over to Effie’s, Lucca or Pause for a cute holiday outfit for women. For men, you can’t go wrong with something classic from The Shirt Shop or the Locker Room. Or check out the Pants Store for both men and women, or maybe just a new pair of shoes! If you get hungry along the way, make a pit stop at one of the awesome downtown coffee shops like O’Henry’s, Heritage House or Monarch for your daily caffeine kick.
The Strip
If it’s Alabama gear you’re looking for, look no further than The Strip! With stores like Bama Stuff, Alabama Express, and even Expeditions, you’re bound to find the perfect thing for every Alabama fan, big or small. Hop across the street to Ellie Crimson to find that perfect Iron Bowl outfit, or make a quick stop in The Trunk to look for something for your favorite Greek gal or guy. Conveniently located right next to campus, make sure to stop by these great shops on Black Friday!
Written by Katy Aspinwall
LSU weekend is always a special weekend in Tuscaloosa, and this year is no different. There are tons of exciting things to do beginning on Friday at 5:30 with Tuscaloosa’s First Friday Art Walk. Due to the success of the entertainment district the past few weekends, it will once again be in effect on Friday and Saturday from 9am-10pm each day. So get out, grab a drink, and explore the shops and art galleries that Tuscaloosa has to offer while you’re in town for the game.
Tuscaloosa’s local art scene comes alive on Friday night for the First Friday Art Walk. Experience the vibrant Tuscaloosa downtown area with drink-in-hand as you visit Harrison Galleries, the Paul R. Jones Gallery, O’Connor Art Studio and more! Check out the First Friday website and map your personalized art crawl. You may even stumble on an original Salvador Dali like we did!
Alabama has its biggest home game of the season on Saturday night when the 19th-ranked LSU Tigers come to town. Alabama is a 21-point favorite, but this is a rivalry where truly anything can happen. Alabama has beaten LSU six games in a row –including the national title game in 2011 – and LSU will once again be looking for revenge under the lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and will be televised by CBS.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to brew your own beer? Join Band of Brothers Brewing on November 4th at 1: 00 p.m. when The American Homebrew Association will be on site for Homebrew day! Learn to Homebrew Day brings together thousands of people from all over the world, and we encourage anyone who enjoys beer—from brewing beginners and hobbyists to professionals, to get involved,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association.
The Children’s Hands-On Museum always has something for the kids on Saturday, and this weekend is no different. Join them for River Discovery Days Saturday, November 4, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as “Riverboat John” Ferguson performs with songs and stories about life on the River! Kids will learn about careers on the river, how to be a Captain, Navigator, Deckhand and more as they trace U.S. rivers, learning and having fun along the way.
Alabama football isn’t the only sport in action this weekend. Come cheer on the Alabama volleyball team as they take on Georgia Sunday at noon. The Tide are looking to bounce back from a loss to Auburn against a good Georgia team that they’ve already beaten once this season, so it’s a good opportunity to get their mojo back. The match will be in historic Foster Auditorium which is a great venue to watch Crimson Tide volleyball.
We have tons going on during the upcoming holiday season, so make sure to check out our great upcoming events and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
Also, check out our Gameday Fashion Blog for some great places around town to pick up your perfect gameday outfit.
Alabama football has a bye week and the weekend off, but the fun never stops in the one and only Tuscaloosa! There will be plenty of music, entertainment, and thrills for the kids to fill your Halloween weekend. You do not have to travel to catch a Rocky Horror show, we have one here! On Friday night, the Dexateens will be back in Tuscaloosa to bring the workingman’s blues consisting of high decibels of classic country, garage punk, and mainline folk. Furthermore, due to the success of the entertainment district over the course of the year, it will once again be in effect on Friday and Saturday from 9am-10pm each day. So get out, grab a drink, and explore the shops and art galleries Tuscaloosa has to offer!
On Friday night, Green Bar will host the triumphant return of Alabama rock-n-roll collective, the Dexateens. This “super group” has spanned Alabama’s punk and rock scenes over the last two decades while managing to maintain their own unique sound. The Dexateens are exactly what rock and roll has been missing, back to stake a claim on what they helped begin. These Tuscaloosa natives have returned to fill the void, gladly taking one city at a time, one venue at a time, one fan at a time. Make sure you do not miss this wholly Tuscaloosa band as they kick off an exciting weekend! Doors open at 8 p.m. and music starts around 10:30.
The Children’s Hands-On Museum always has something for the youngsters on Saturday, and this weekend is no different. In the spirit of Halloween children will be able to go on a Monster Walk Scavenger Hunt from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Children of all ages will have a blast following the clues to win the prize at the end!
Don’t worry, Saturdays are for the adults too. Do you like to run? Do you like to drink beer? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, then we have an event for you! Run The Breweries will be taking place on Saturday, October 28th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The event begins at Wagner’s Runwalk footwear store where they will be doing giveaways prior to the start of the run. Participants will begin by running to Band of Brothers Brewing Co. to sample some tasty craft brews. After spending some time at Band of Brothers, the run will continue on to Druid City Brewing Co. and eventually end at Black Warrior Brewing Co. If you are unable to make the start of the run you are more than welcome to join in at any of the participating brewery locations. Following the conclusion of the event, participants are welcome to hang around at Black Warrior — they have several dining options available for delivery. It is important you have your ID and coordinate a proper ride home for when you leave Black Warrior. Friday is National American Beer Day, what better way to celebrate than with the first official Brew Run in Tuscaloosa!
Another event happening on the night of the 28th is Pink Box Burlesque’s Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Bama Theatre. This will be their ninth year presenting the show, so it’s safe to say they have gotten pretty good at it. You won’t want to miss their tenth installment this Saturday night. Doors open at 7 p.m, so come dressed as Frank, Rocky, Janet, Magenta, or your favorite character for a costume contest at 8:30. The show starts at 9, which we’ll give you plenty of time to build up your antici….pation.
We have tons going on during the holiday season, make sure to check out our great upcoming events and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
Written by: Will Wyatt
In the One and Only Tuscaloosa, there are so many places to go and things to see. These 10 things are popular among the locals and won’t break the bank. So take a chance and try something new!
1. Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM)
This museum has been providing children with fun activities and events since 1984. There are three floors of fun for children of all ages. The Great Pumpkin Party and the Monster Walk Scavenger Hunt are two events that are happening soon. Admission is less than $10! CHOM is a great place to take the kids and enjoy a day of fun!
2. Paul W. Bryant Museum
This museum is a blast from the past! Check out over a hundred years of Crimson Tide memorabilia and football history. Visit the Paul W. Bryant museum to see what it takes to be “nothing but a winner.” Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.
3. Arboretum
If you’re a dog lover then the arboretum is the place for you! The arboretum is sixty acres of the great outdoors. Check out the dog park, community garden, as well as the hiking trails. The best part is that it is completely free!
4. The Waysider
Take a trip to Paul “Bear” Bryant’s favorite breakfast destination. It truly is the breakfast of champions. The restaurant is packed with decades of Alabama memorabilia. The Waysider offers made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy all for just under $3!
5. Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market
Edit: We regret to inform you his event will no longer happen. If you are interested in farmers’ markets in Tuscaloosa then check out the Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market at the River Market.
6. Babes Donuts
A family-owned breakfast, brunch and coffee business located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The menu features gourmet doughnuts unlike anything else you’ll find in town. Flavors include: bacon maple, sourdough, Reese’s Peanut Butter, Heath Bar sprinkle, Captain Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, S’mores, red velvet, blackberry cream cheese and others. Seasonal offerings can range from King Cakes during Mardi Gras to candied blood oranges. Stop by and grab a treat for under $10.
7. Steel City Pops
Nothing is better than a Steel City Popsicle on a hot Alabama summer day. They have many flavors to choose from, so there is a flavor for everyone. Flavors include: Arnold Palmer, Bosc Pear with Honey, Champagne White Tea, Cinnamon Apple, Cranberry Orange, Lime, Plum with Rosemary, Pomegranate, Strawberry Fig, Strawberry Lemonade, Avocado, Buttermilk, Carrot Cake, Chocolate, Coconut, Coffee, Maple Bacon, Bourbon, Pumpkin, Toasted Marshmallow, Vanilla Bean. All popsicles are $4.49 and under.
8. Black Warrior River
The Black Warrior River is absolutely stunning and the perfect place to go on a hot summer day. You can cast a line and catch some fish or bring your own boat and cruise the water. The Black Warrior is also perfect for paddle boarding or just floating down the river. Don’t feel like getting in the water? That’s fine because the Tuscaloosa River Walk runs along the river and offers beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect place to get some exercise or take your dog for a walk.
9. City Café
For decades, locals and students alike have enjoyed the homemade cooking served up at City Café. At lunchtime, this restaurant is packed with locals stopping in for a tasty meal at a reasonable price. Stop in and enjoy a meat and three for under $10. You won’t be disappointed, it’s just like mama makes it.
10. Gallette’s Yellowhammer
Stop by Gallette’s and sip on a Tuscaloosa favorite. People from all over the United States have enjoyed Yellowhammer’s from the One and Only Gallettes while in Tuscaloosa. The Yellowhammer is a staple on gameday at the University of Alabama. Their yellow cup is a popular accessory for the Crimson Tide fans walking around the quad. Visit Gallette’s and try one for yourself.
Written by Rachel Horton
The Third Saturday in October. Tuscaloosa natives and Alabama fans alike understand this to mean Alabama vs. Tennessee. This historic meeting dates back to 1901 in Birmingham, Alabama, where the two teams played to a 6-6 tie and a rivalry was born. Saturday’s game is significant because it will be the 100th meeting between the two universities. However, Tuscaloosa has more than a major SEC football game on this thrilling fall weekend, there are many more events which you can take part in! The Bonaires and Muscadine Bloodline kick off the weekend with shows at The Lookout, Hotel Indigo’s rooftop bar, and Druid City Music Hall respectively. The 46th Kentuck Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and wrapping up the weekend is Grammy-winning Kings of Leon, who will be performing at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre on Monday night. There is plenty of fun to be had on this exciting October weekend.
If you’re searching for a place to get your groove on over the weekend, Hotel Indigo’s rooftop bar, The Lookout, is the place to be. The Bonaires will be performing beginning at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., totally free! The Bonaires hail from Tuscaloosa, AL and feature some of the city’s most well-known and seasoned musicians. The music they provide offers a wide variety of genres and styles including R&B, blues, rock & roll, and folk/country. Playing tunes that are familiar and danceable, count on the Bonaires to delight and appeal to all ages!
The music never stops in Tuscaloosa! Muscadine Bloodline is an up and coming contemporary country duo from Mobile, Alabama. Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton combined their talents in 2016 and have been continued their rise to the top of the country music scene ever since. Their sound is “unapologetically Alabama” as they put on a live show which includes southern rock jams and country crooners. You don’t want to miss them Friday night at Druid City Music Hall at 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:30).
For the 100th time, Alabama and Tennessee will square off on the gridiron as the Crimson Tide looks to extend its ten-game winning streak against the despondent Volunteers. Alabama opened as a 34-point favorite, the largest in series history, and is looking to improve their record to 8-0 on the season. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m., so be on the lookout for the inevitable haze to envelop Bryant-Denny around 6:00 p.m. For those who don’t know, a 60-year tradition surrounds the Third Saturday in October – the victory cigar. Alabama’s head athletic trainer, Jim Goostree, began handing out cigars following a victory over the Volunteers in the 1950’s. This long-standing tradition had to be kept secret for many years due to NCAA rules concerning extra benefits and tobacco products. However, every year since 2005, the winning squad knowingly violates and self-reports the violation in order to honor the tradition.
A great local spot to go pick out the perfect victory cigar is R&R Cigars, located at 2703 6th street. They offer a wide variety of cigars for all taste preferences, whether a beginner or connoisseur. After finding the cigar of your choice hang around and catch up on all the day’s action in sports, get up to date on the news, or simply enjoy conversation over a cigar. This is a perfect place to relax and recharge after a long day.
The 46th annual Kentuck Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (both days) at Kentuck Park in Northport. This historical music and art celebration showcase nearly 300 local, national, and international artists and craftspeople. With experts performing live demonstrations of their skill, kids will be able to participate in hands-on craft making; one of the many reasons why the Kentuck Art Festival is a great time for all ages! Don’t miss this unique community cultural event, get your tickets HERE.
Three-time Grammy-winning group Kings of Leon will conclude the wonderful weekend when they take the stage at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. Kings of Leon is embraced for resurrecting and reinventing Dixie-style rock & roll. The band is currently on a North American tour promoting their seventh album – WALLS. This will be the final show of the season for the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, so do not miss out on this incredible band!
An October weekend in Alabama is like none other, let alone when it includes the Third Saturday in October. Make sure you get out and enjoy these fall temperatures around the One & Only Tuscaloosa! We have a ton going on throughout the fall months and are excited about the upcoming holiday season. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events!
References:
“Alabama/Tennessee to Commit NCAA Violation This Saturday.” Bleacher Report. Accessed October 19, 2017.
Dunnavant, Keith (2006). “The Missing Ring.” The Missing Ring: How Bear Bryant and the 1966 Alabama Crimson Tide Were Denied College Football’s Most Elusive Prize. Macmillan. p. 170. ISBN 978-0-312-33683-7
https://thebonaires.net/. Accessed October 19, 2017.
“The Third Saturday in October.” Associated Press. 2006-10-21. Accessed October 19, 2017.
Contributors: Will Wyatt and Danny Owen
Tomorrow begins a big weekend in Tuscaloosa! Bama football returns for homecoming, Druid City Pride weekend runs through Sunday, and the Children’s Hands-On Museum always has something fun for the kids. The entertainment district will be in effect in Downtown Tuscaloosa again this weekend, so take the opportunity to get out, grab a drink, and explore Tuscaloosa’s unique downtown area and events.
On Friday night downtown Tuscaloosa will be buzzing with excitement and activity. In addition to the area being an entertainment district from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Druid City Pride will host a block party from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m on 22nd Avenue between Alcove and Grace Aberdeen. Druid City Pride is a local organization dedicated to celebrating, serving, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Tuscaloosa. Great drinks from Alcove and Monarch, cornhole, and live music by incredible blues musician Janelle Frost will give you and your friends a fun place to unwind and kick off a great Pride weekend in Tuscaloosa. Come out and enjoy a good time!
The Crimson Tide returns home under the lights of Bryant-Denny this Saturday night to battle divisional foe Arkansas for homecoming. Alabama will kick off at 6:15 as a whopping 30.5-point favorite and will be looking to Coach Saban and the fans to make sure they haven’t been affected by the “rat poison” that comes along with beating SEC teams 66-3. If you haven’t purchased a ticket yet, don’t worry. There are still some tickets left on rolltide.com. There are several special homecoming activities happening this weekend, such as a step show on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and parade on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Get out and enjoy the best gameday experience in all of college football.
The Children’s Hands-On Museum always has fun events for the kids, and this weekend is no exception. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. things will get spooky as Halloween takes over for the Goblin Gala. Kids will enjoy treats, activities, and games in a fun Halloween setting. The Children’s Hands-On Museum is always providing fun things for kids to do in the One and Only Tuscaloosa. Stop by before the homecoming game on Saturday and get into the Halloween spirit.
Join Band Of Brothers Brewing Sunday, October 15th for Trucks By The Tracks with your favorite local food trucks. Band of Brothers is hosting Pastor’s Kitchen, Simple Southern Cuisine, Get MIX’D, Lolly’s Sugar Shack and more. This event is your chance to experience great beer, live music, and good company. What could be better? The brewery opens at 1:00 p.m. with food trucks arriving at 1:30. Live music performed by the Tarred and Feathered Band will begin at 2:00. It’s going to be a large time!
The Alabama Crimson Tide soccer team is in town on Sunday afternoon taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at 5 p.m. Both teams are coming off of loses and will be fighting hard to get their schedule back on track. The Crimson Tide’s record is 9-6-1 and the Bulldogs are 7-3-3. Sporting events at The University of Alabama are always a good time. As always, admission is free so it is a great event to take the whole family to.
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events below, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements.
Contributors: Danny Owen & Rachel Horton