Tuscaloosa Tourism - Page 22 of 28

Friday begins another weekend in Tuscaloosa that offers something for everyone! Halloween season is in full swing so opportunities to visit haunted places abound. Band of Brothers offers up good music and good beer, and Alabama soccer is in action as well. You will also have a chance to experience Disney’s Aladdin Jr, or go to an antique and classic car show!

Tuscaloosa is one of the most haunted cities in the state of Alabama. Locations rumored to be hotspots for paranormal activity include the Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion, Old Bryce Hospital, and Capitol Park. Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours will lead you on a journey of discovery through these haunted locations and more. This includes a tour of the infamous Drish House, known for its ghost that lights candles for her lost love at night. Tickets to this event are available for the 7:00 and 8:30 tours, but they are going fast! Check out our blog for more information about these haunted locations before you go.

The party will be rocking at Band of Brothers Brewings as they host the Frayed Knot Band on Friday night beginning at 7:00 p.m. This local group plays 70’s and 80’s music, but they have some new songs up their sleeve as well. They pair well with a Band of Brothers’ IPA or their “Monk on the Radio,” and what could better than good beer and good music? Band of Brothers is just one of Tuscaloosa’s three breweries that is turning the city into a beer destination, so this event is great for music-lovers and beer-lovers alike.

Downtown at the Bama Theatre, you will be able to see a play based on Disney’s Aladdin. Based on this iconic animated film with an Academy Award-winning score, Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, but also has showings on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m, so you have all weekend to enjoy this wonderful performance.

Start your Saturday off with an antique and classic car show at The Word Community Church. This show is free to the public and will feature many different old-school cars. Car registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and viewing begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. There will also be food and craft vendors and a raffle. All proceeds benefit the East Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl, so this event is good fun for a good cause.

The Alabama soccer team is in action on Sunday, October 8 against their arch-rival Auburn. The Tide are currently 8-4-1 on the season including a big win over #6 Florida State, so come out and cheer them on as they try to keep their momentum through the meat of their conference schedule. The Iron Bowl of soccer kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Alabama Soccer Complex with FREE admission to all.

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. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!

Written by: Danny Owen

Everyone loves Taco Tuesday, so why not keep the celebration going today on National Taco Day? Check out some of these T-town gems to chow down on a variety of everyone’s favorite Mexican staple.

Central Mesa
From the owner of the Avenue Pub comes the newest addition to Tuscaloosa’s Mexican food scene, Central Mesa. Offering everything from classic tacos to Brisket and Grits, all of their dishes are prepared from scratch in house with fresh ingredients. Along with your favorite Mexican food staples, Central Mesa also boasts an extensive tequila selection as well as other liquors for margaritas, mojitos, and more.

Taco Mama
Located on University Boulevard just before downtown, you’ll find the always popular Taco Mama jam-packed with both locals and college students alike. This Birmingham based chain has expanded to eight different locations throughout Alabama and continues to grow, with a ninth location planned to open in Nashville in 2018. The fast-casual Mexican restaurant features signature tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, and also offers custom à la carte options. The festive atmosphere and fresh, diverse menu make Taco Mama a perfect place to celebrate national taco day.

Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ Tacos
Although not your traditional Mexican restaurant, Jim N Nick’s has given us another excuse to celebrate not only National Taco Day but also Taco Tuesday every week. Putting their own spin on the classic concept, Jim N’ Nick’s serves up a variety of barbecue-themed tacos every Tuesday, giving us everything from fried catfish to pulled pork to choose from.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
The Texas-based Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opened their first Alabama location in the heart of downtown next to Glory Bound last fall. The fast-casual chain was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, and has quickly grown to over 100 restaurants nationwide serving their addicting Baja style tacos that have gained a cult following. Fuzzy’s offers breakfast tacos all day as well as specials that change monthly along with specialty drinks such as their signature Fuzzy Driver.

Taco Casa
A true Tuscaloosa icon, Taco Casa’s history in town runs deep. Founded in 1974 by Alabama football alum and Wichita, Kansas native, Rod Wilkin, Taco Casa is where many Tuscaloosa locals tried their first taco, and it was love at first bite. Known for fast, friendly service and hot, delicious food made to order, Taco Casa has earned its spot in Tuscaloosa history. Be sure to stop by this local favorite to celebrate.

Written by: Katy Aspinwall

With autumn upon us and the arrival of October, temperatures will begin to fall as the foliage begins to transition. Classes at The University of Alabama are in full swing as well as the SEC football slate for the Crimson Tide. For most of us this time of year is filled with flannel, pumpkin spice and candy, however, others have an itch for the paranormal and haunting when Halloween rolls around.

If you are the type of person who loves scary movies, suspenseful interactions, and heart-pounding thrills we have an opportunity for you! The Friends of Drish are presenting Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours throughout the month of October. This 1.5-hour journey introduces you to 16 unique locations such as the Drish House, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and Capital Park. Provided below is an insight into a few of these locations and the haunting stories which make these places special, yet frightening.

Tuscaloosa’s Drish House on 17th street is considered one of the most haunted locations in the state of Alabama. It was built at the center of a 450-acre plantation in 1837 by Dr. John R. Drish. Rumors say Dr. Drish loved gambling and drinking, which contributed to his death in 1867 after falling from atop a stairwell. His wife, Sarah McKinney, became obsessed with her husband’s funeral, so much so that it became an extravagant event. She supposedly kept candles from the funeral hoping to eventually use them during her own. Her family searched for these candles following her death in 1884 but were able to find anything of the like. This is said to have angered Sarah so much that she has come back to haunt the house, even allegedly causing a fire in the third-story tower by lighting the candles. The Drish House has been featured in the short story “Death Lights in the Tower” in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s popular book of ghost stories, 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.

According to opacity.us, “the history of the Jemison Center, often called ‘Old Bryce,’ seems to be mired in half-truths and speculation on the internet. The earliest information found dates back to when the land was a plantation, called Crab Orchard back in the 1820s, due to the many crab apple trees located on the property. It was owned by William Jemison, who then passed it down to his son, Robert Jemison Jr., a successful politician and businessman. Jemison was a major advocate for the establishment of a hospital for the insane in Alabama and is considered a major influence to select the area as the site for the first asylum in the state – the Alabama State Hospital for the Insane (Bryce Hospital). By the 1920s the asylum had become severely overcrowded, and satellite institutions were created nearby to relieve the pressure, such as the Alabama Home for Mental Defectives (later known as Partlow State School). A mid-19th-century structure was also erected on the property, called the S.D. Allen Intermediate Care Facility; it was used as a nursing home until it closed in 2003.” Visitors claim to feel intense changes in temperature as well as seeing and hearing abnormal things. Supposedly some people have even seen the tail of a doctor’s coat traveling through the halls.

Halloween generates a unique desire to be frightened and spooked as we see examples of this throughout the United States with haunted houses, ghost tours, cemetery tours, scary movies and costumes gaining mass attention in the month of October. If you enjoy any of these or merely have a love for history then we recommend you check out Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours! Going on one of these tours will assuredly have you on the edge of your seat and provoke a heart-pounding thrill in time for the arrival of Halloween. Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours will be happening every Friday night in the month of October with tour times of 7:00, 8:30, and 10:00 pm each night. Costs of tours are as followed: $25 for adults (13+), $20 for students/military, and $15 for kids (8-12). Children under 8 years of age are not permitted and it is required for children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult. To purchase tickets or if you have any questions visit http://www.hauntedtuscaloosatours.com/.

References:
Kirsch, Tom. “Jemison Center: an Abandoned Psychiatric Hospital in Northport, AL.” Opacity, http://opacity.us/site245_jemison_center.htm. Accessed 25 September 2017.

Tilstra, Elisabeth. “Ghost Light in the Window: The Drish House Haunting.” The Lineup, https://the-line-up.com/drish-house-hauntings. Accessed 2 October 2017.

Written by Will Wyatt

National coffee day is here, and the one and only Tuscaloosa has no shortage of local spots to stop in and grab a cup to celebrate. No matter what type of atmosphere you’re looking for, Tuscaloosa has plenty of unique coffee shops to satisfy that caffeine craving.

Edelweiss

Located on Temerson Square, you can find Edelweiss tucked humbly in between the lively downtown bars. The quaint German café opened its doors in 2007 and boasts some of the best pastries in town, made fresh every morning. They also feature lunch specials, which are served Monday through Friday and are changed monthly. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or even just a coffee and a traditional German pastry.

Monarch

One of the newest additions to Tuscaloosa’s growing coffee scene, Monarch opened its doors earlier this year and has already established itself as a local hotspot downtown. The community-powered coffee shop was founded by two UA alumni with not only a passion for a good cup of coffee but also a love for Tuscaloosa and its people. Even before opening its doors in 2017, Monarch was backed by the community through a Kickstarter campaign to help fund startup costs and make what was once a dream a reality. Although new to town, Monarch embraces the diversity of Tuscaloosa with an inviting, ‘come as you are’ atmosphere where all are welcome.

OHenry’s

Dr. Henry Bright founded OHenry’s Coffee in Downtown Homewood, AL in 1993, completely unaware of the landmark he just established. 17 years later, OHenry’s has grown to 5 locations and boasts over 30 different types of coffee. The Birmingham-based icon opened the doors of its new Tuscaloosa location last year and it has quickly become a favorite of both college students and locals alike.

Heritage House

As the original coffee house of Tuscaloosa, Heritage House has been serving up fresh baked goods and café breakfasts and lunches to its customers since 1994. The local favorite has seen three different owners and has grown just as much as the town itself, with a new location opening its doors at Riverfront Village last year. The easygoing rustic atmosphere makes this gem feel like a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, somewhere to warm your heart and also fill your stomach.

Written by Katy Aspinwall

Dressing up for gameday is a tradition in Tuscaloosa. Some people get more dressed up for the Crimson Tide than they do for church on Sunday. Saturdays in the fall are basically a fashion show, and the quad is the catwalk. There are thousands of variations of crimson, white, and houndstooth outfits on display during football season. Here’s a selection of stores in Tuscaloosa that offer Instagram-worthy outfits for gameday.

Midtown Village

This massive shopping center is home to more than 20 different clothing and shoe stores that offer a wide variety of styles. You won’t leave Midtown without finding at least one outfit, or maybe just a cute pair of shoes. Az Well, Bevello, Francesca’s, Lavish, and Soca are a few favorites of the ladies. There are several options for men as well, such as Alumni Hall, Kinnucan’s, and the Nike Factory Store. Each of these stores and boutiques can hook you up with the perfect outfit to show off in Bryant-Denny.

Downtown Tuscaloosa

Downtown Tuscaloosa is the perfect clothing destination because it is in walking distance of the stadium. So if you’ve waited until the last minute to look for an outfit (*cough* Men *cough*) then don’t worry because you can just snag an outfit on your way to the game. Effie’s and Lucca have super cute outfits for women, while the Pant’s Store and The Shirt Shoppe have great gameday options for both men and women. Any of these stores would be glad to help you find what you need to cheer on the Tide and bring in the Instagram likes.

The Strip

The Strip has several great places to find gameday outfits, but you might want to get there early. The Strip attracts thousands of people on Alabama Crimson Tide gamedays so naturally, the stores are filled to capacity. Ellie Crimson, Expeditions, and Alabama Express are several popular options to find outfits that will make you stand out of the crowd. So, although they are convenient you might want to visit those shops ahead of time because you don’t want to miss out on all the great clothing options they have. Your social media accounts will thank you.

Written by Rachel Horton

Buckle up for another exciting weekend in Tuscaloosa! The entertainment kicks off with local favorite, CBDB, returning back for a homecoming party. These purveyors of joyfunk got the wheels turning in Tuscaloosa and will be playing at Druid City Music Hall on Friday night. In case you were unaware or in need of something to do on Saturday, football is back in Tuscaloosa! The Alabama Crimson Tide is taking on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday night, hoping to improve to 5-0 for the second consecutive season. If your weekly dose of Bama football isn’t enough, Alabama volleyball takes on Missouri Sunday to conclude this weekend’s festivities.

Want to start the weekend on a high note? Look no further than Druid City Music Hall on Friday night as CBDB brings their progressive rock sound to where it all began, right here in Tuscaloosa! CBDB has shared the stage with a variety of acts including Blues Traveler, Tim Reynolds, Umphrey’s McGee, Moon Taxi, The Revivalists, among many others. The band, consisting of Cy Simonton, Kris Gottlieb, Glenn Dillard, Paul Oliver, and Mike Sinopole, has been touring all over the country and will assuredly bring the heat to a hometown show. Joining them is special guest Tesheva who will start the tunes at 9:00 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm and tickets can be purchased online as well as at the box office.

Alabama returns to action under the lights of Bryant-Denny as they go up against the Rebels of Ole Miss. This highly anticipated matchup is sure to bring some excitement as Alabama continues to roll through the schedule. Ole Miss enters the contest off of a bye week at 2-1 with victories over South Alabama and Tennessee-Martin, while the Crimson Tide is coming off a walloping 59-0 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville. You can also enjoy events like the Elephant Stomp, the Walk of Champions, and check out the Bryant Museum or grab a “Yellowhammer” at Gallettes while you’re in town for the game! Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm so be sure to pace yourself throughout the day. Alabama enters the matchup as a 28 point favorite.

Saturday also has events for the kids! A great way to get out of the sun is by taking your young ones to the Children’s Hands-On Museum for the Kid’s Tailgate Party. The event lasts from 10 am – 4 pm and allows children to participate in activities such as creating a mascot mask and decorating a spirit cookie. This is the perfect opportunity to make gamedays fun for the entire family!
Conclude the weekend by witnessing high caliber volleyball as Alabama takes on Missouri at 1:00 pm at Foster Auditorium. Alabama (12-4) enters the contest after a thrilling win against Arkansas on Wednesday night. The action starts at 1:00, but make sure to arrive early to grab a bite to eat from the concession stand or snag a picture with Big Al!

Written by Will Wyatt

The Crimson Tide is on the road this weekend as they take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville, however, big things are happening here in Tuscaloosa! Band of Horses headlines a captivating weekend in the Druid City as well as other fun activities such as the Homegrown Alabama Farmer’s Market and Family Fun Day at Children’s Hands-On Museum.

Weekend activities begin on Friday night with the band Soul Mechanic at Green Bar. This can’t miss act is known for their harmonies, melodies and intricate funk-inspired rhythms. Of course, Green Bar not only brings in talented bands but also has a great atmosphere and drink menu, a perfect place to ease into the weekend following a long work-week. Doors open at 8:00 pm and music starts around 10:30 pm.

Events on Saturday get started with Homegrown Alabama’s Farmer’s Market! Over 30 local farmers and artisan vendors bring home grown and local products, such as ripe red tomatoes and famous Chilton County peaches. Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in, and freshly brewed iced tea is for sale to help battle the heat. Additionally, local food trucks, bakers, artists, and craftsmen gather here to sell their gourmet grub, fresh-baked yeast rolls, homemade jams and jellies and hand-carved cutting boards. The River Market opens at 7 am and the event lasts until noon!

Tuscaloosa has a variety of fun activities for children to participate in as well! The Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM), located on University Boulevard, is hosting a Fall Family Fun Day! Children can participate in leaf rubbings, painting watercolor leaves, and even make their own s’mores snack! Family Fun Day begins at 10 am and runs until 4 pm.

Grammy-nominated group, Band of Horses, will conclude a fantastic weekend as we begin to gear up for fall. Tuscaloosa is the third stop on the fall tour for these indie rock darlings who released their latest album, “When Are You OK,” in the summer of 2016. This can’t miss show is happening at Druid City Music Hall, an intimate spot boasting acts such as Kenny Chesney, The Avett Brothers, Maroon 5, and local artists CBDB over its years as a music venue. Doors will open at 6:30 with music starting at 8:00, tickets are currently available online and can also be bought at the door prior to the show.

Written by: Will Wyatt

Five reasons to attend the Soul of America Film Tour at Band of Brothers.

Acclaimed English Film Maker Nic Askew (Soul Biographies Series) has set out to find and document the ‘Soul of America’ in these divided times. On Wednesday, September 20th he will be live on location at Band of Brothers to tell the story of ‘The Soul of America’ and of how the Human Soul might be witnessed by anyone willing to stand still enough. This film lives in exploration. The event will mix also feature live music from Matt Jones’ new album ‘Redemption’. The event begins at 5:30 and runs until 7:30.

1. Film! Have you ever wanted to be in a film or experience the film making process? English Film Maker Nic Askew will be on site filming footage for his upcoming project “The Soul of America.” This could be your opportunity to get on screen as a part of Askew’s experimental film making style and share your thoughts about the division in America. Anyone remotely interested in film and the process of creating a film will enjoy this unique experience.
Music! Local musician Matt Jones will perform live beginning at 5:30. Jones is a singer/songwriter from Tuscaloosa. He has recorded four albums and is currently touring to promote his latest project, Jones’ website describes his music as “beautifully paints pictures with words through melody over the landscape of his southern roots.” This is a great opportunity experience some of the best local music Tuscaloosa has to offer.
Food! Local Roots will be on site in their food truck until 8pm. Local Roots offers delicious meals made entirely from locally sourced ingredients. You haven’t experienced Tuscaloosa until you have dined on Local Roots’ Bacon-Egg-Lettuce-Tomato or their Gulf Shrimp Tacos. Their food also pairs well with our next reason to attend…
The Beer! If you haven’t tried Tuscaloosa’s very own Band of Brother’s craft beer then you are missing out. These guys have perfected the art of brewing and are kind enough to share it with the rest of the world. “Monk on the Radio” and “Voodoo Mild” are two of their best offerings and provide a unique taste of Tuscaloosa.
All of the above! This is a unique event that showcases the best music, food, beer, and people that Tuscaloosa has to offer. The combination of these elements will create an unforgettable experience for you and your friends that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

Another big weekend in Tuscaloosa is around the corner. Eric Church, The Black Jacket Symphony, and Alabama football headline a slate of exciting events. An entertainment district will be in effect in the downtown area on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., so feel free to grab a drink and visit some of Tuscaloosa’s great downtown shopping locations.

You can kick off your weekend this Friday at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater with country music mega-star Eric Church. Church will be continuing his tour playing hits like “Springsteen” and “Talladega”. The event will take place rain or shine and will be one big party, so get ready for a good time.

The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater isn’t the only ones putting on a concert on Friday. The Bama Theatre is presenting the Black Jacket Symphony as they perform a note-for-note rendition of the Grateful Dead’s classic album American Beauty. You are sure to hear favorites like “Friend of the Devil,” “Truckin’,” and “Brokedown Palace.” The Black Jacket Symphony will begin at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Between these two concerts, downtown Tuscaloosa will be an exciting place to be on Friday night.

Kids will have plenty of exciting things to do this weekend as well. The Children’s Hands-On Museum will kick off Saturday with Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special games and fun activities will be available throughout the museum for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Bryant-Denny stadium will turn on their lights Saturday evening as Alabama faces the Colorado State Rams in a 6:00 night game. Alabama comes in 2-0 after decisive victories over #10 Florida State and Fresno State. The Crimson Tide are a 28.5 point favorite, but the Rams have an offensive system that keeps Alabama on their toes.

Wrap your weekend on Sunday up with University of Alabama soccer action as the #19 ranked Crimson Tide square off against Chattanooga. The 7-1 Tide are on a five-game winning streak after a win over Tennessee Tech and will look to keep rolling this Sunday evening. The match will begin at 5 p.m. on inside the Alabama Soccer Complex.

We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!

We’re gearing up for another great weekend in Tuscaloosa! Start your weekend early tonight across the river at Kentuck Art Center! Kentuck is hosting their monthly Art Night! This month will feature the opening reception of “The Seven Deadly Sins” and artist talk with fiber artist Yvonne Wells in the Museum Gallery! You can lose yourself to dance as a band plays throughout the night, eat a cob oven pizza, and then top it off by learning more about Charlie Lucas as he discusses his art and answer questions!

It wouldn’t be a complete weekend in Tuscaloosa without a great artist coming through town! Clint Black will be performing at the Bama Theatre Friday night! You can enjoy a rare, intimate evening with the man who has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. Raised in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, Clint Black is the youngest of four brothers. He began performing with brother, Kevin at the family’s backyard barbecues. After high school, he worked construction for a year and spent 10 years on the local nightclub circuit. He auditioned for a Nashville recording contract in 1988 and has been playing nationally ever since!

Crimson Tide football is back in Tuscaloosa this Saturday as Alabama takes on Fresno State! After a big win in Atlanta against Florida State, Alabama will be looking for a tune up before getting into SEC play. Alabama football, which was inaugurated in 1892, ranks as one of 10 winningest programs in US history and they don’t plan on changing that anytime soon. You can also enjoy events like the Elephant Stomp, the Walk of Champions, and check out the Bryant Museum or grab a drink at Gallettes while you’re in town for the game!

Finish your weekend off at the 5th Street Vintage Market! 5th Street Vintage Market is now held four times a year, rain or shine. Markets are Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free and concessions are available on site. Curated by This Ol’ Thing Vintage, Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy, and DJ Tom Kat Kitten, 5th Street Vintage Market brings a one of a kind shopping experience to the area. We will feature many dealers from the region who specialize in vintage and handmade items, artworks and vinyl records! Prices for market goods can range from a few dollars to several hundred. While some vendors can accept credit cards, most require cash payments.

There are great events all over Tuscaloosa this weekend! You can start your weekend early by heading to Green Bar tonight! Exit 27 comes all the way from South Carolina to deliver some Rock to Tuscaloosa! Of course, Green Bar not only brings in great bands but also has a great atmosphere and drink menu. Located right next to Wilhagans, it is the perfect place to ease into a great weekend!

The month of September starts this Friday and with it comes the First Friday Art Walk! Local galleries, businesses, and restaurants are open in the evening for the community to experience what downtown has to offer! Venture into local galleries and businesses like the Canterbury Episcopal Chapel, and others to see their currently running exhibits like “Faces And Places Of Rabbit Holes” or “Small Curious Wonders” at University Medical Center. Take note that Art Night at Kentuck Art Center will take place next week on the 7th. As a part of their Art Night, Kentuck will be opening an exhibition by Kathryn Mayo titled “We are Selma: The Selma Portrait Project by Kathryn Mayo”.

Crimson Tide football is back this Saturday and with it comes all of the exciting festivities! The Children’s Hands-On Museum is hosting a Kid’s Tailgate Party where they can make mascot faces, spirit cookies, and will even have a concession stand! The unique museum in downtown is tailor made for the little ones, to introduce them to arts, crafts, and exciting exhibits in an interactive and exploring way! It provides fun for kids of all ages and they will never ever get the idea of calling a museum boring afterward!

You can wrap up your weekend Sunday evening at Black Warrior Brewing Company. Not only are they now pouring the One & Only Pale Ale, but they’re also hosting Jerry Robbins for some live smooth jazz and blues! There is no better way to put a bow on the perfect weekend than with smooth jazz and a One & Only beer!

There are always plenty of ways to spend your weekend in Tuscaloosa! You can kick off the weekend early and join the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art tonight for “Art with Friends”. Every third Thursday the museum opens their doors to art lovers for some light hors d’oeuvres and drinks to go with their short program on a work in the collection!

Get a kick out of Friday by heading to the University of Alabama’s Soccer Complex! Cheer on the Tide as they take on Jacksonville State University for their first regular season game! All Alabama Soccer events are free to the public and love having a crowd watching them play. Expectations and goals are set even higher this season for the team and plan to be fighting for the SEC championship this year! Be on the lookout for even more games as the season rolls on.

Take your kids out for a good time at the Children’s Hands-On Museum. National Potato Day is sure to be a hit with the kids. Activities revolving around potatoes like potato chip taste testing, creating a potato clock, and Mr. Potato Head will keep them busy for hours! All activities are included in admission to CHOM so once you’re in the fun begins! With three different floors, there is plenty for children of all ages to do!

Wrap up your Saturday at Band of Brothers Brewing Co. as they host the Johnny Shines Blues Festival! This will be a family and pet-friendly event featuring various artists, food, vendors, and fun for everyone! Last year the festival brought in about 300 people and it was the first year that Band of Brothers hosted it! The event starts at 11 AM and will last until 10 PM!

Our last event actually takes place on Monday, but is absolutely worth mentioning! On August 21st Tuscaloosa will be part of the 2017 solar eclipse! Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority and the City of Tuscaloosa will be presenting “Midday Moon Solar-bration” where people can go and view this incredible phenomenon! Since the event is expected around 1:30 it makes for the perfect lunch event and will be completed with food trucks providing a variety of lunch fare. The first 500 people will receive a free pair of “eclipse glasses”! The next eclipse won’t take place until 2045 so this is truly a can’t miss event!