Are you ready for an unforgettable football weekend in Tuscaloosa? Whether you’re a die-hard Alabama fan or just in town for the excitement, our city offers a perfect blend of sports, history and Southern charm. From iconic local eats to exploring sports legendary memorabilia, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your weekend.
1. Breakfast at Waysider
Kick off your game day with a hearty breakfast at The Waysider. This local favorite offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu packed with Southern breakfast classics. Try their famous biscuits and gravy or the fluffy pancakes—both are perfect for gearing up for the excitement of a football Saturday. You might even get lucky and get to sit at Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s favorite table. You’ll know which one it is. Look for the houndstooth hat.
2. Tour the Bryant Museum
Start your weekend with a deep dive into Alabama football history at the Paul W. Bryant Museum. Located on the University of Alabama campus, this museum is a tribute to Coach Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide’s storied past. Explore a treasure trove of memorabilia, including game-worn jerseys, trophies, and interactive exhibits that showcase the team’s greatest moments.
3. Shop at Alabama Vintage
For a unique shopping experience, visit Alabama Vintage in Downtown Tuscaloosa. This quirky store is filled with retro and vintage items, including old-school Alabama memorabilia, stylish apparel, and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s the perfect place to pick up a special memento of your Tuscaloosa adventure.
4. Grab Snacks at The Nut Shop
Every football fan needs a good snack, and The Nut Shop is the place to find it. Located conveniently in downtown Tuscaloosa, this shop specializes in a variety of nuts, candies, and other treats. Pick up some Tuscaloosa snacks to enjoy during the game or to take home as a tasty souvenir. Two Tide favorites are Bama Mix and Crimson Crunch!
5. Enjoy the Ryan Williams Special at The Standard
When lunch or dinner rolls around, make your way to The Standard. This popular eatery offers a range of delicious options, but the Ryan Williams Special is a standout. The Holly”Wood” Pie was created by the Tide Wide Receiver Ryan Williams! Here’s his creation: cheesy bread with bacon, sausage and pepperoni with an added ranch swirl. Sounds like a winner!
6. Rama Jama’s – Try the National Championship BLT
If you’re not in the mood for pizza, head to Rama Jama’s in the shadows of Bryant-Denny Stadium. This popular spot is a must-visit for fans, known for its hearty and delicious meals. Don’t miss the National Championship BLT, complete with 18 pieces of bacon- one for each of the Tide’s National Championship wins! We are hoping to add a 19th piece this year!
7. Sip on a Sabanade at Innisfree or a Yellowhammer at Gallette’s
No visit to Tuscaloosa is complete without a stop at Innisfree Irish Pub and/or Gallette’s.
At Innis, order a Sabanade, a refreshing drink named after former Alabama coach, Nick Saban. This pub has a lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax and mingle with fellow fans.
If you’re venturing to “The Strip” near Bryant-Denny Stadium, stop in for a Yellowhammer–and we don’t mean the state bird. This fruity adult beverage is iconically served in the bright yellow cups many students and fans collect long after their visits to the Tuscaloosa staple.
8. Indulge in an Oatmeal Creme Pie at Strange Brew
As a nod to Coach Nick Saban’s favorite snack, stop by Strange Brew next door to Gallette’s for an oatmeal creme pie. This local coffee shop is known for its delicious baked goods and strong coffee. Enjoy this sweet treat as you reminisce about Coach Saban’s impact on the storied program!
9. New for 2024: Champions Lane
New in 2024, the Alabama Crimson Tide will arrive for the stadium 2.5 hours prior to kickoff for the Walk of Champions tradition. Following the Walk of Champions, fans are encouraged to visit Champions Lane before the gates open, which is two hours prior to kickoff. Located just outside the northwest gates on the lawn behind the Tuska statue, Champions Lane is an extension of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing’s pregame fan fest. This season, it features a new shaded seating area, a 32-foot, two-story air-conditioned spectator suite with prime viewing of the stage and Walk of Champions, and a new entrance on University Blvd. Enjoy live music from country stars like Lauren Alaina and Easton Corbin, food trucks, a 21+ lounge, interactive displays, and more. For a full listing of performances and other updates, visit ChampionsLane.com.
And one hour before kickoff, you can catch the Elephant Stomp on UA’s Quad. This is a pre-game pep rally featuring Big Al, the Million Dollar Band and cheerleaders,
10. Cheer on the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium
Finally, it’s time for the main event. Head to Bryant-Denny Stadium to witness the action live. The field, now named Nick Saban Field, is where the Crimson Tide makes their magic happen! Witness history as part if the sea of crimson and cheer on Alabama as they take the field during Coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season!
Bonus: Hey Coach with Kalen DeBoer and Crimson Kick-Off with Coach DeBoer
Consider arriving a little earlier in the week to catch some exciting events like Hey Coach with Kalen DeBoer or Crimson Kick-Off with Coach DeBoer. These events provide a great opportunity to hear from coaches and get pumped for the game.
Crimson Kickoff Luncheons will take place on five select Fridays this fall. Programming for the upcoming season will feature a sit-down interview with head coach Kalen DeBoer, hosted by Chris Stewart, as well as the opportunity to hear from several special guests throughout the year. Purchase tickets at rolltide.com.
‘Hey Coach’ is a radio show produced by Crimson Tide Sports Network on Thursday nights at Baumhower’s Victory Grille. Fans fill the tables at Baumhower’s to watch the live broadcast and (if they’re lucky) snag a pic with Coach!
With these ten must-do activities, your football weekend in Tuscaloosa will be packed with excitement, delicious food, and hopefully an Alabama win! And remember–these are just some of the football fun you can get into while you’re in town! Roll Tide!
Thank you to our partners at Buffalo Rock for sponsoring this content!
Tuscaloosa is rolling into a season of change as new Alabama Football Coach Kalen DeBoer prepares to make his Crimson Tide coaching debut in the annual spring A-Day game on April 13, 2024. DeBoer has big shoes to fill after legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban announced his retirement following a dominant 16 season career at the Capstone. Tide fans from across the country are expected to flock to the Druid City for the most highly anticipated A-Day game since Saban’s first in 2007.
So, if you’re one of those people coming into town, we have a lot more “new” for you to experience while you’re here! Here are five new things to do in Title Town since last year’s spring game:
Cocktail Collection: If you roll into town Friday evening before the game on Saturday, chances are you might need a drink after your travel day… and do we have a treat for you! Cocktail Collection is a new speakeasy that opened along University Boulevard in late 2023. The upbeat lounge hides behind a vintage Pepsi door! This is where guests put in a code provided via social media to gain entrance into the speakeasy. Cocktail Collection offers a casual outdoor atmosphere as well as swanky, leather couch indoor seating. Appetizers are also offered alongside the craft cocktails! Find them on Instagram at @cocktail_collection_tcl .
Ben’s Bread: There’s no doubt you’ll need a hearty breakfast to get you ready for the big game! We’re sending you to Ben’s Bread! While his delectable breads and treats are not new to our area, Ben Rosairo recently opened a brick-and-mortar location at 3510 Loop Rd in Tuscaloosa. He and his family moved to Tuscaloosa in 2016 from England. West Alabamians have been picking up their favorite baked goods from Rosairo at the weekly Tuscaloosa Farmers Market for years, but now he’s excited to have a storefront where customers can come to enjoy his creations! Ben’s naturally leavened sourdough breads, bagels, croissants and donuts have never tasted better than they do from the patio of his new location. Follow him at @bensbreadtuscaloosa .
Zaria: If you’re looking for just the right A-Day ensemble, check out Tuscaloosa’s newest boutique, Zaria. Tucked away just across from Government Plaza in the heart of Downtown Tuscaloosa, Zaria offers clothing, accessories, and footwear. They just opened in March of 2024! Owner Mira Milburn says she created her boutique with inspiration from Zaria, the Slavic goddess of beauty usually represented as a triad of goddesses: dawn, mid-day and dusk. The Zaria team will help you create transitional looks, so you feel confident from morning to night. Follow them on Instagram at @shopxzaria .
Popstroke: We hope you’re not “sportsed” out after the A-Day game, because our next new stop is definitely above par. The Tiger Woods-backed concept merges miniature golf, technology and casual dining into a fun-filled experience for the entire family. You’ll find an expansive variety of craft beer, wine, ice cream, and food to enjoy on or off the courses. PopStroke infuses technology within the golf experience to create an interactive and competitive atmosphere for all participants. Unique to PopStroke is the PopStroke App and jumbotron leaderboard. Each guest keeps a PopStroke TaylorMade commemorative ball with their round of golf. Follow them on Instagram at @popstroke .
Big Bad Breakfast: To fuel up for your trip home, you’re gonna’ need to start your day off strong with a good breakfast! Here’s where one of our newest restaurants enters the chat. Big Bad Breakfast lives up to its name. Located at 520 19TH Ave in downtown Tuscaloosa, their meals are BIG and bad—in the best way. BBB, which opened its doors in February of this year, serves up breakfast and lunch classics with their own southern flare! Follow them on Instagram at @tuscaloosa_bigbadbreakfast .
While on your way out of town, we hope you’ll reflect on a weekend of good food, new shopping, fun experiences, and football that meets the Alabama standard! Remember, this is just a short list of the many new and wonderful things happening around our community! To keep up with the latest buzz in Tuscaloosa County, follow Visit Tuscaloosa on social media! Facebook: Visit Tuscaloosa Instagram: @visittuscaloosa TikTok: @visittuscaloosa
Welcome to Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town!
We’re excited for a fun SEC matchup, and we’re glad you’re making the trip from Tuscaloosa. An evening kickoff means you have all day to experience everything Starkville has to offer – from the Cotton District to the Community Market.
Kickstart your morning at one of our popular breakfast spots. NutriGroove is a local favorite for delicious smoothies, teas, bagels, wraps and toasts. The, you can head to The Coffee Depot for one of their signature lattes or espressos. They also serve smoothies, cookies, and other sweet treats.
(NUTRIGROOVE)
Next, it’s time to shop for fall weather essentials at some of the South’s finest boutiques. Stop by B-Unlimited for t-shirts and accessories with Starkville flare or find the perfect gameday outfit at LA Green, a lifestyle boutique offering the latest in women’s fashion.
(LA GREEN)
Before you make your way to The Junction for tailgating, stop by the Cotton District to refuel with food and beverage. Little Dooey’s has been a staple in our community for over 25 years. You’ll find some of the best barbeque, burgers and catfish around – as well as an experience you won’t forget.
(LITTLE DOOEY’S)
There are plenty of bars to choose from in Mississippi’s College Town. Tucked in an alley behind Restaurant Tyler, The Guest Room might be Starkville’s best kept secret. They offer an intimate, seated experience, and feature one of the largest bourbon selections in the state. If you’re more of the cold-beer-and-pizza type, look no further than Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern.
(Dark Horse Tavern)
No weekend in Starkville is complete without tailgating and visiting Mississippi State University. Make sure to head to The Junction, directly across from Davis Wade Stadium. Have a sweet treat at the MAFES Sale Store (or get some cheese to-go), less than a five-minute walk from the stadium. We recommend the muscadine ripple ice cream and Edam cheese!
We’re so glad to have you in Starkville for the weekend. Our home is your home – and we hope to see you again! For more information on where to shop, eat, play and stay, visit us online at https://www.starkville.org, and connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Be sure to download the Visit the SEC pass to check in and earn points towards prizes while you are in Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town!
Editor’s Note: This blog is part of the SEC Blog Exchange facilitated by the Cities of the SEC partnership. You can enjoy all of the communities SEC schools call home and earn prizes. Check out VisittheSEC.com to find out more.
If you’re traveling to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama / Auburn football game on Saturday, November 30, check out the details in the images below for Alabama Gameday info. For more information, you may also visit uagameday.com.
We hope that you enjoy your stay in Tuscaloosa and encourage you to come back and visit us again!
The ultimate gameday experience in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home to The University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide, offers one of the most electric atmospheres that college football has to offer. Sometimes called “The City of Champions,” Tuscaloosa is a vibrant community filled with local restaurants to satisfy every palate, a walkable downtown complete with live music, outdoor spaces to explore, and a destination that’s easily accessible – no matter what direction you’re coming from.
For a true taste of the game day experience, kick off the weekend with a trip to the Bryant Museum, where you’ll find exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia that traces the long history of The University of Alabama football. Once you’re done taking in the knowledge of Alabama Football’s legendary past, it’s time to enjoy the beautiful campus. From the museum, walk over to the Quad for what will become a tailgating experience you won’t soon forget. Hundreds of tents are filled with friends and family as they join in fellowship, indulge in great food and drinks, and cheer on other football teams across the nation as they await Alabama’s kickoff.
Another stop you won’t want to miss is the Walk of Champions and the Coaches Walk, located at the north end of Bryant Denny Stadium. The Walk of Champions includes granite tablets commemorating the school’s title seasons. But what makes it so special on game days takes place two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff. The Alabama team buses drop the players and coaches off at the walkway where thousands of fans greet them with smiles and roaring cheers to watch some of college football’s most elite walk to the locker room.
After cheering on the Tide, it’s time to experience the energetic nightlife in T-Town. While there are many options to select from, be sure to check out options located along The Strip, Downtown, or in Temerson Square, as well as a variety of other locations throughout the city. Many restaurants and bars feature live music, especially throughout game day weekends.
Whether you arrived to town early or have time before returning home, consider exploring the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail. This self-guided, 18-stop trail includes many stories to help you understand Tuscaloosa’s place in civil rights history, but most importantly, highlights the history of how Tuscaloosa’s color barrier was broken by the courageous efforts of many black and a few white foot soldiers.
When planning your trip, search visittuscaloosa.com for all things Tuscaloosa. We welcome you with open arms and know you’ll make legendary memories to last a lifetime while here. Roll Tide!
A Game Day Must: Don’t miss out on a Denny Dog (aka Stadium Dog). Quite possibly the next best thing outside of the game itself and sold in Bryant Denny!
Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics
December has arrived in Tuscaloosa and there are tons of fantastic things to do all around town to safely celebrate the holiday season together with friends and family! Don’t let the chilly temperatures deter you from all there is to do safely around town! From art shows and exhibitions to holiday celebrations, this upcoming weekend is full of holiday cheer and good times. See below for a list of a few local happenings around town perfect for family get-togethers, date nights, or more!
First Friday & Art Night
First Friday is still rolling through the holiday season and will be hosted throughout Downtown Tuscaloosa on Friday, December 4th throughout the evening. The First Friday Art Walk is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy fabulous works of art with friends and family while enjoying the backdrop of Downtown Tuscaloosa. Visit the First Friday website to learn more about participating art studios and admission information!
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Courthouse
The annual lighting of the Tuscaloosa Christmas tree at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse will be happening the night of December 4th at 6 p.m. Information about the Christmas Tree Lighting Event can be found in their press release available here.
Super 7 State Football Championships
Friday will be the final night of the 2020 Alabama High School Super 7 State Football Championships, featuring the championship matchups of the 4A, 2A, and 6A divisions of high school football teams. These teams have battled their way to the opportunity for glory inside Bryant-Denny Stadium and will be giving it their all! For more information about the competing teams and ticket information, visit the Super 7 website specific to the Tuscaloosa event.
8×8 Holiday Art Show
This weekend, Tuscaloosa is home to the Fifth Annual 8×8 Holiday Art Show, an art show developed to support local Tuscaloosa-area artists. This art show has an interesting twist, however! All available artwork is required to be 8×8” and is sold at a retail price of $88! 100% of the proceeds go directly to local Tuscaloosa artists! This year’s art show will take place on the evening of December 4th and 5th and requires ticketed admission for entry – visit the ticket page of the 8×8 Holiday Art Show for more information. In addition to the in-person art show, the 8×8 Holiday Art Show will also be hosting a virtual marketplace where patrons can browse through art pieces and make purchases from the comfort of their own homes!
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!
Football has returned to Tuscaloosa, and with it a ton of great events to give you a fun-filled weekend in the city of champions. We have live music, art events, musicals, and more! Get ready to enjoy a special weekend in Tuscaloosa!
Art Night at Kentuck
Just over the river from downtown Tuscaloosa rests Kentuck Art Center, the centerpiece of the local art community. One the first Thursday of each month they host a quaint little shindig to help you relax and explore their unique scene. They have live music, light hors-d’oeuvres and a chance to interact with a local artist and even purchase some of their beautiful art. Art night lasts from 5-8 on Thursday, but it will be the best three hours of your month, guaranteed. Check out their Facebook event to share this information with your friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/366189450947666/
First Friday Art Walk
The first Friday of the month is a special evening in downtown Tuscaloosa. Local art galleries open their doors late and invite the public in for a night of fun and exploration. With downtown being an entertainment district on Friday evenings, you can now grab your favorite drink from a local bar or restaurant and dig the local art scene. Galleries on your tour include Harrison Galleries, the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, and local artist Caleb O’Connor’s studio. For more information and hours visit http://firstfridaytuscaloosa.com/
Alabama Football vs. New Mexico State
The Crimson Tide how the New Mexico State Aggies in the Tide’s first home game of the 2019 season. Alabama dominated Duke last week to the tune of 42-3, and look to build on that success before heading on the road for its first conference game of the season against South Carolina next week. Kickoff is at 3:00 p.m., and it will be a great day for some early tailgating before watching the Tide roll. Tickets are still available at rolltide.com. For more game day information, visit https://uagameday.com/gameday-information-2018/.
Fly By Radio at Rhythm & Brews
Fly By Radio has spent years traveling the southeast playing fraternities, sororities, special events, festivals, corporate, and weddings. From Motown to current jams, and everything in between, FBR will have you singing along to all the hits at Rhythm and Brews this Friday, September 6 beginning at 10 p.m. If you like Guns n’ Roses, Metallica, and AC/DC, then this will be a great way to kick off your gameday weekend in Tuscaloosa. For more info visit https://www.rhythmnbrews.com/.
The Actor’s Charitable Theatre presents “Cats.”
“Jellicle Cats come out tonight, Jellicle Cats come one come all.” Join the Actor’s Charitable Theatre for their magical and moving production of Cats the Musical September 6-9 at The Bama Theatre. Based on T.S. Eliot’s whimsical collection of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical brings together a tribe of Jellicle Cats on a moonlit evening, who must make the “Jellicle choice” to decide which of them will ascend to the mysterious Heaviside Layer to be reborn. Featuring such celebrated standards as the haunting “Memory,” “Cats” was an international phenomenon and its original production is still the fourth-longest-running show on Broadway with a new revival that opened in summer 2016. You have plenty of opportunities to experience this musical over the weekend. This includes shows on Friday and Saturday, as well as two showings on Sunday. Visit http://theactonline.com/cats/ for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Autumn is almost here, and that means football and fun in Tuscaloosa. When you aren’t watching the Tide roll (or your favorite team), head out to see some live music or enjoy some fun activities with the kids.
Drew Ellis at Rhythm & Brews
Rhythm and Brews was packed with people to see Farmer’s Daughter last weekend as part of the Druid City Music Festival, and they are keeping the great music going again this weekend. Drew Ellis will take the stage Saturday, August 31, playing his brand of traditional and outlaw country. The American veteran is a singer/songwriter of heartfelt songs that are influenced by war as well as everyday life. Drew lives what he sings, and that’s why you won’t want to miss him Saturday night at Rhythm & Brews. For more info visit this Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/rhythmtuscaloosa/
The 9th Annual Johnny Shines Blues Festival
Tuscaloosa’s got the blues this weekend at the Johnny Shines Blues Festival. This day-long event will have you singing and enjoying great live music from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. This family-friendly event will have games and face painting for kids, The Little Miss Johnny Shines Beauty Pageant, food and lots of fun. Doors at 8 a.m., with a motorcycle contest from 9-10; Little Miss Johnny Shines 10-11; children’s carnival from 10 to noon; church choirs at 3:30 p.m.; Drum Nation at 4; ABP at 4:45; Country Gold 5:15; Earl “Guitar” Williams 6:15; DuChaine 7:15; Carroline Shines and Impulse Band 8:15; and Little Jimmy Reed 9:15. For more information contact Carole Taylor At The McAbee Activity Center at 205-562-3235. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the event.
Jazz in the Park
Jazz in the Park is a free concert series for the public that travels each weekend to various communities throughout the state of Alabama. This Sunday, September 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m experience live jazz music in lovely Capitol Park courtsey of Magic City Smooth Jazz. This organization has put on over 125 free concerts to the public around Alabama. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a Sunday evening full of jazz.
Children’s Hands-On Museum
It’s a conundrum of a weekend this Saturday at the Children’s Hands-On Museum with Brain Games. Kids will solve puzzles, be confounded by riddles, and can solve all the mysteries to win a prize. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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.
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.
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