7 Ways to Conquer your Child’s Boredom in Tuscaloosa
Create a lifetime of unforgettable memories right here in Tuscaloosa this summer. Kids are out of school, so the pressure is all on the parents to entertain the little ones! Lucky for you, we have an abundance of engaging activities for the whole family to enjoy- especially the young ones! Whether you end up crafting with a take-home pottery kit or indulging in a sweet treat like yogurt and fruit popsicles you (and your kids) are bound to have a wonderful time in the one and only Tuscaloosa!
SWEET TREATS
1. Summer Snow
Cool down with some shaved ice at this local hot spot. Kids will love the vast variety of flavors to choose from, and you will too! From dreamsicle to butterscotch, Summer Snow has a little something for everyone to enjoy in this phenomenal summer weather.
2. La Real Michoacana
This hidden gem is of Tuscaloosa’s best-kept secrets! La Real Michoacana has a wide variety of popsicles and is always working on new flavors! Try flavors like Key Lime Pie, or refreshing Peach. They also have chips and tamales if you are looking to snack on something a little more filling.
3. Steel City Pops
Get something fruity, creamy, or cookie-based, the choice is yours! All pops are gluten-free and made with natural ingredients. Steel City Pops rotates flavors based on the season, so you are guaranteed satisfaction with a light and refreshing treat that pairs perfectly with the toasty summer weather in Ttown!
4. Babes Doughnuts
This sweet spot has so many options to please the entire family! Babe’s doughnut flavors range from Fruity Pebbles to Maple Bacon. They also serve wraps, cold brew coffee, and signature lattes! If you’re avoiding lines, they are still taking orders over the phone. Give them a call and enjoy a delicious doughnut to kick start your day the right way.
CRAFTY/LEARNING ACTIVITIES
5. All Fired Up
This paint your own pottery studio in Tuscaloosa is the perfect place to spend some getting creative with your loved ones. If you’re not ready for a public outing, All Fired Up also has a wide variety of take-home pottery kits that includes a guide with tips and tricks to create the best final product. Whether you make a Dunder Mifflin Coffee mug or a set of 2 teardrop bud vases to decorate your home, All Fired Up has options to reflect any personality and style!
6. Children’s Hands-On Museum
The Children’s Hands-On Museum has something for every day of the week to make learning an interactive and enjoyable experience. Under new social distancing guidelines, CHOM has come up with CHOM at Home to keep your kiddo’s entertained and learning. Visit their website to see what interesting topics they have planned for this week and fun facts that will have the entire family entertained!
GET ACTIVE
7. Ice Cream Run Remote Run
Get rid of that cabin fever and get the whole family out for the Ice Cream Remote Run. This run Is taking place during the entire month of June and can be completed wherever you please, on your own time. This is the perfect opportunity to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and to create a bonding family group activity. What are you waiting for? Grab the whole family and head to the Riverwalk, UA campus, or visit one of the many trails Tuscaloosa has to offer. If that’s not enough, all participants will also receive a medal at the end of the month.
Get ready for crystal clear skies and sunny days this weekend in Tuscaloosa! Now is the perfect time to explore the unique, local gems of this incredible city. Whether you are savoring brunch at a local cafe, capturing a captivating view of Black Warrior River, or rocking out to some live music at your favorite bar, this town has what you need to make this weekend unforgettable.
The River Market
Visit the Tuscaloosa River Market Saturday for fresh, local produce and homemade goodies. Check out Savory Occasions table for warm bread pudding, or cool down with Tori’s Water Ice snow cones with flavors like tropical rainbow, green apple, cherry, pineapple, blue raspberry, and mango. Curbside pick-up is still available for select vendors. If you plan to attend, don’t forget your facemask! You will not be able to shop the market without it.
Live Music
Double down on tunes this weekend at Alcove International! Make plans Friday for the sweet sounds of SouthTown starting at 10 PM. They cover classic rock, blues, and dance songs. Saturday night get ready for some rock and roll performed by Non-GMO at 10 PM.
You can catch The Brick and Hubba Show at Rhythm and Brews tonight, and Carson Carlisle Saturday at 10 PM!
If you don’t feel like spending money, The Actor’s Charitable Theatre (ACT) will present a free concert in Capitol Park tonight at 7 PM! Come check it out for a night of live entertainment with your family and friends!
The Great Outdoors
Balance yourself and rent a paddleboard at Lake Nicol! What better way to soak up the rays? Tuscaloosa Paddleboard provides high-quality YOLO boards, and guaranteed fun. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and simultaneously get in a great workout! Plus, the view is a spectacular bonus. If you’d rather stay on dry land, check out their local trails and explore the beauty that Tuscaloosa has to offer. Pack a lunch and a picnic blanket to make the most out of these warm summer days.
Try Something New
Grab your brunch crew and head over to Another Broken Egg to enjoy their brand-new menu! Start off with sweet beignets with orange marmalade sauce, and a refreshing summertime cocktail. The Watermelon Cucumber Cooler is the perfect treat for a beautiful weekend!
If you are craving something a little more Southern and traditional, we’ve got the perfect place for you! Mae’s Southern Café uses authentic family recipes for every dish. Need help deciding what to order? Mae’s is famous for their fall off the bone ribs, smoked for 3 hours, and worth every bite! You can’t complete a southern meal without Mae’s sweet tea. Brewed, steeped, and sweetened to perfection every time.
June has officially arrived, and with it have also arrived the long, hot summer days that the South is known for. Thankfully, Tuscaloosa has plenty of things to help you make the most of this time! If you haven’t made any plans for this weekend, check out the options below to see how you can get a taste of what the city has to offer.
These aren’t the only ones open
Many local bars and breweries have reopened their doors to the public! Local hotspots like Loosa Brews, Innisfree, and Black Warrior Brewing Company are all open to customers this weekend. If you’re still looking to stay home, curbside pickup service is available from all three locations.
Get a Sweet Treat
Pick up some baked goods to enjoy this weekend! Tuscaloosa has a couple of standout options to satisfy your cravings. Edgar’s Bakery, Whimsy Cookie Co., and Mi Casita Bakery are a few excellent options if you’re looking to indulge in the sweeter side of things. If ice-cream is more up your alley, check out Las Piñas behind Bowlero.
Experience the Outdoors
If you’re interested in spending some time outdoors, Tuscaloosa has some beautiful parks for you to enjoy. Lake Lurleen and Lake Nicol are two local hotspots that have so much to offer. Enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking only a short drive from the city!
Take a Class
For our older readers looking to stay in this weekend, The University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI, is offering classes on a variety of subjects. With topics including architecture, international relations, and retirement, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Visit their website to learn how to sign up for one this weekend!
Stay Home
Still not comfortable leaving the house just yet? No worries! You can experience some of Tuscaloosa’s most historic locations thanks to virtual tours from the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Check out the Battle-Friedman House, The Old Tavern, and more from the comfort of your own home!
Sometimes the weekend is the perfect time to indulge in some self-care. Treat yourself to some Salt Soaks from Left Hand Soap Company and wind down. Scents like lavender or rosemary mint are guaranteed to help you relax. Salt Soaks are available online for shipping or pick up.
Summer is in full swing and the city of Tuscaloosa has plenty of opportunities waiting for you to enjoy this weekend! Can’t decide what to do? Don’t worry, we’ve already made the search simple for you with exciting options listed below.
The River Market
The Tuscaloosa River Market is back open on Saturdays from 7 AM-12 PM! Visit the open-air market on Jack Warner Parkway to choose from a selection of vendors with farm-fresh produce, dairy products, and so much more. Enjoy a cup of coffee, sample life-changing lotions, and check out the handmade jewelry! Curbside service is also still available during this time, and orders can be placed online.
Dining Out
We are so excited to share that multiple local restaurants have reopened their doors to the public with dine-in options! Central Mesa, DePalma’s, Rama Jama’s, and Evangeline’s are now open for both dine-in and takeout. Whether it’s with a Depalma’s Deluxe Pizza or Evangeline’s Shrimp and Grits, you deserve to treat yourself with a phenomenal meal to end the work week!
Enjoy Live Music
Rhythm and Brews is now open with live performances weekly! The Brick and Hubba Show will be performing on Friday, and Jason Miller takes the stage Saturday night. Visit the Rhythm and Brews Instagram page for more information and updates posted daily.
Relax and Pamper Yourself
The perfect way to ease tension and loosen up this weekend is to attend one of Tuscaloosa’s fantastic spas to let go of this week’s stresses. Shine Facial Bar is offering your first facial free, along with many discounted membership options. Another option, located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, is Chancee’s spa. They offer 10% discounts to all students and teachers with proof of an ID. If you want a hands-free option, Chancee’s has you covered with aqua massages, infrared saunas, and solar therapies!
Try Something Brand New
Founded in 2017 as a food truck, Reggae Flava LLC has taken the Tuscaloosa food scene by storm with its unique flavor, delicious gourmet Jamaican cuisine, and variety of Caribbean dishes. Reggae Flava is now a Veteran-owned and family-owned restaurant located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The menu has a variety of options from curry chicken and brown stew pork to oxtail and curry shrimp. Vegetarian or Vegan? No problem! There are options available for you as well.
Staying in? Support the Bama Theatre from your living room couch!
If the restaurants, spas, and bars don’t appeal to you quite yet, we’ve got the perfect entertainment for you! The Bama Theatre is teaming up with Magnolia Pictures and the Arts Council to offer streaming opportunities from the comfort of your own home. When purchasing any of the streaming options on their webpage, 50% of the proceeds will go directly to the theatre and you will have a new movie ready to watch at your fingertips.
This Friday night, Dylan Scott is in town. This nationally known country star will be performing his ‘Causin’ A Scene’ tour at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key Dave’s Crimson Bar is having a paint, sip, repeat night at 6 p.m. Embrace your inner Picasso while enjoying some drinks with friends.
Start your Saturday morning off early at 7 a.m., sampling some of Sweet Home Chicago jellies and jam at the Tuscaloosa River Market! Later in the day, you can participate in the Druid City Pride Poker Run starting at 4 p.m. The Poker Run begins at Icon, and then you head out to other checkpoints (The Gray Lady, Tavern 1831, Nocturnal Tavern, and Catch 22) where you will draw a playing card and enjoy some drinks! If you’re 21, head over to the website to register. Later in the evening, the Black Jacket Symphony is presenting Journey’s “Escape.” Enjoy all of the greatest hits at Bama Theatre Galleries at 8 p.m.
Sporting Events at The University of Alabama
University of Alabama gymnastics take on Georgia at 7:15 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum. Celebrate senior night and Big Al’s birthday. University of Alabama baseball takes on Lipscomb all weekend at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. University of Alabama women’s soccer team takes on Tennessee at noon.
February 28th
– The University of Alabama Gymnastics team takes on Kentucky at Coleman Coliseum at 7:15 p.m.
– The University of Alabama Baseball team is taking on Harvard University all weekend long. Friday at 3 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
– The University of Alabama Softball team has five games lined up this weekend. On Friday the Crimson Tide takes on the University of Tennessee at Arlington at 4 p.m. and University of Arizona at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Bama plays UT Arlington at 1:30 p.m. and Arizona at 4 p.m. Sunday, the women take on McNeese at 1:30 p.m.
February 29th
– The 9th Annual Chili Cook-off Fundraiser for East Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl is happening at Hargrove Memorial United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Tasting begins at 5:30 p.m. Cooks should prepare a large crockpot of chili and bring to the event by 5 p.m. Free admission! Cooks must pre-register. Everyone is invited to cook or taste or vote. Condiments and drinks provided. Donations are accepted and encouraged.
– Alabama Men’s Basketball takes on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Cheer on the Crimson Tide stating at 7:30 p.m., after all, it is fan appreciation night.
– Tyler Farr at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. Grab some friends and enjoy some country music
– The 8th Annual Tuscaloosa African Film Festival at Central Highschool 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The event will feature four acclaimed movies from the African continent and the broader African Diaspora – two feature-length films and two short films. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students with an ID and are available online at Brown Paper Tickets
– Bama Bourbon & Beyond at the Historic Drish House. Sample bourbons and other spirits from the Yellowhammer State and all over the Southeast served for a penny per pour. Enjoy a complimentary cigar, catered hors d ‘oeuvres, a live band, and much more!
– Celebrate Leap Day at the Children’s Hands-on Museum. Spend the extra day with your kids making crafts and competing in leaping challenges.
– The 2nd annual Wheelhouse Crawfish Boil starts around 2 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. at Wheelhouse Sports Pub. $30 all you can eat, $10 for a single plate, and $5 doubles $10 domestic and Shock Top pitchers.
– The 3rd Annual Millennial Skate night at Super Skate is happening this weekend, with DJ Andy. Make sure you wear neon or white shorts, as they have installed black lights in for the event starting at 7 p.m.
– The Krispy Kreme doughnut challenge is happening this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Government Plaza. The challenge benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. The challenge is to walk or run a mile, eat a dozen doughnuts and then walk or run one mile to the finish line. Team up with friends or take on the challenge individually, kids can also participate in the challenge too, but don’t worry parents, and they only have to eat three doughnuts. Prizes will be given for the best team theme, best costume, and cash prizes will be given to the winners. Are you up for the challenge? Register here
March 1st
– Stephanie Kirkland x Sydney Gruber Pop-up Art Show. Join the artists for an afternoon of art, cocktails, and conversation from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Session Bar.
– The University of Alabama Women’s Basketball team has their Senior night this Sunday at 12:40 p.m. Make sure you go out and support the Crimson Tide as they take on Missouri.
The play, Inherit the Wind, is happening Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at Theatre Tuscaloosa. This play is based on the events of the Scopes Monkey Trials, Inherit the Wind pits two lawyers against one another as the state prosecutes a teacher for discussing the theory of evolution in the classroom.
The Easton Bama Bash softball tournament is happening all weekend. Alabama softball is taking on Wichita State at 5 p.m. and Penn State at 7 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide will take on Louisville at 2:30 p.m. and Penn State at 5 p.m.
The Servant of Two Masters is performing this weekend at the Marian Gallaway Theatre. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Watch a young man, Truffaldino, seize his opportunities among mistaken identities and disguises.
If you like southern jam blues, then check out Joey Fletcher and his band Friday night at Egans Bar. The performance starts at 10 p.m. elaborate on type of music. Joey is one of the most respected slide guitarists in the country and has performed all over the U.S. from dive bars to festivals.
Crunch Fitness is having an Open House on Saturday and Sunday, where you can check out the gym, workout, and listen to live music. This event is free for everyone, whether you are a member or not.
Get your kids together and celebrate Mardi Gras on Saturday at the Children’s Hands-on Museum. This family-friendly event lets the kids get crafty and try some king cake.
All Fired Up is having a clay penguin sculpting event on Saturday at 10 a.m. Each penguin comes with a scarf and an adoption certificate. $1 of every certificate will be donated to the Global Penguin Society.
It’s girl scout cookie season! Houndstooth is doing a Girl Scout cookie and whiskey pairing on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The chocolate, peanut butter, and graham cracker flavors highlight the whiskey notes.
Tomorrow we will be sharing all the spots you can watch the fight between Deontay Wilder and Fury.
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!
Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect way to celebrate your dad this year, we’ve come up with a few suggestions we hope will help.
1. Golf at Ol’ Colony Golf Course
What dad doesn’t love to golf? This Father’s Day hit the course with your dad and relieve a little stress. Spend the day bonding over 18 holes, and learn some pointers from the old pro. If 18 holes sounds like a bit too much, you and your dad can choose to enjoy 9 holes, or just a basket at the driving range instead. Either way, golf is a great excuse to spend time with your dad and pick up a few tips to improve your game.
2. Take a shot at Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports
Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports just opened in 2015 and has been a hit with Tuscaloosa’s residents ever since. The facility features driving ranges from 50 to 300 yards and 20 covered shooting positions. If this isn’t enough, there is also four handgun bunkers with two metal targets. Whether your dad is an expert with a firearm or just beginning, the range has everything he needs to sharpen his aim. This is the perfect way to enjoy a little friendly competition with your dad this holiday.
Let your old man take a break from the grill this Father’s Day and head over to The Avenue Pub for a meal cooked up by the experts. The Avenue Pub’s Bacon Burger has made headlines all across the state of Alabama and it will definitely entertain your dad’s taste buds this weekend.
With the relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and endless beer list, your dad will savor the opportunity to let someone else work the grill and pour the beer,
4. Fish for dinner at Lake Tuscaloosa
Lake Tuscaloosa is home to hundreds of aquatic wildlife and the perfect place to cast a line this Father’s Day. You and your dad can look for a secluded spot along the banks of the river or rent a canoe, kayak or even a pontoon boat to float in while you hunt for some dinner. Take your dad and take a break from the city crowds this holiday, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon catching fish and floating along.
5. Take a flight at Loosa Brews
Let your dad be the beer enthusiast that he is and take him for an enjoyable evening at Loosa Brews. He can choose from over 60 craft beers, most of which are brewed in Alabama. If he’s in the mood to try several he can order a flight, and if he really wants to heighten the experience, he can indulge in some competition with arcade games such as pinball, ring toss, and ping pong. At the end of the night, after he beats you in all the arcade games, you can reward him with a growler of his favorite beer.
And because we couldn’t just stop at five and leave out one of the best events of the entire weekend, we’ve added one more to the list.
6. Super Dad Day at Children’s Hands-on Museum
If you’ve got small kids and need a way to make Father’s Day special for both Dad and kids, this event is perfect. Take them to Super Dad Day where the kids can dress up in their favorite costumes, make gifts for Dad and meet Batman. This is the perfect event for Dad’s who just want to spend the holiday with their little ones.