Although the summer is coming to an end, more amazing events are here to make these final weekends a summer to remember. The final Live at the Plaza are this Friday with performances by Jake Austell and Matt Jones. Get your creative juices flowing and get ready for a Super Mario Blowout at Children’s Hands on Museum. Immerse yourself into the Super Mario game by dressing up as your favorite character and playing Mario games. Join local musicians Virginia Hutto and Eva Miller for the ACT 2019 Concert Series. Get ready for a barrel of laughs at the comedy event of the summer, Stand up for Sickle Cell featuring Jermaine “FunnyMaine” Johnson and Lamar Pullom. This event will benefit Sickle Cell Association of West Alabama. For a full list of events occurring this summer and later in the year, click here.
Live at the Plaza🎤🎸
The annual summer concert series is coming to an end this Friday, August 2. Get your blankets, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes ready for the last week of live music. Admission is always free and the food trucks surrounding Government Plaza offer a wide variety of delicious options. Jake Austell will perform from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and Matt Jones will close the night from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the summer concert series, click here.
Super Mario Blowout at CHOM🎮
Calling all Super Mario fans for a fun-filled day at Children’s Hands on Museum this Saturday, August 3. Get your game face on and prepare to immerse yourself into a Super Mario game with prizes and crafts. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Start preparing your costumes now and working on your gaming technique. For more information, click here.
Virginia Hutto and Eva Miller at the ACT Studio Theatre🎵
Get ready for a night filled with beautiful music from local musicians Virginia Hutto and Eva Miller. All revenue from ticket sales benefit the ACT and help to meet its operating costs to support its mission. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by clicking here.The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. You don’t want to miss this live music event benefitting a great cause. For more information about the event, click here.
Stand up for Sickle Cell at the Bama Theatre🎤
Laugh the night away while supporting a great cause at the Stand up For Sickle Cell comedy show. This event will take place at the Bama Theatre and will feature comedians, Jermaine “FunnyMaine” Johnson and Lamar Pullom. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here,or calling 205-758-1761. We can’t think of a better way to spend your Saturday night so purchase your tickets now. For more information, click here.
Later this summer
The Mercedes Benz Druid City Music Festival🎸
Tickets for DCMF 2019 are on sale now and you do not want to miss this opportunity! Big Boi, Turkauz, Break Science and Blackberry Smoke are a few of the talented artists that are coming to Tuscaloosa in August. To learn more about the festival and to purchase your tickets, click here.
Another summer weekend is approaching so are exciting events for all ages in Tuscaloosa! The annual Live at the Plaza continues this Friday, July 12 with a performance by The Orange Constant. For performing arts guru’s, enjoy a live performance of Grease July 12 through July 21. The summer movie series, Screen on the Green is returning to Midtown Village every Saturday night. Get ready for a night filled with laughs at the Bama Theatre. You don’t want to miss the annual comedy show, “Now That I Have Your Attention” by comedian Darrell Young on July 13. Bring your water bugs to Children’s Hands on Museum for Super Shark Saturday on July 13. With these exciting events upon us, there are many options to fill your summer days with fun. For a full list of events, click here.
Live at the Plaza 🎤
Join us for the weekly music series of the summer, Live at the Plaza. Food trucks and live music surround Government Plaza every Friday night beginning at 6:00 p.m. This Friday, July 12 The Orange Constant will be taking the stage. Admission is always free. You are always guaranteed a good time and good music at this event! For more information, click here.
Grease🎵
Grease is coming to Tuscaloosa! Journey through Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 and relive the romance of their summer nights. The musical is taking place July 12 through July 21 with various show times at the Bean-Brown Theatre. You don’t want to miss the hottest musical of the summer! For ticket information, click here.
Screen on the Green🎬🍿
Catch your favorite summer flick at Screen on the Green at Midtown Village. This free admission event takes place every Saturday at 8:00 p.m. from July 6 through August 3. This Saturday, July 13, Disney’s “Dumbo” will be on the big screen. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, click here.
“Now That I Have Your Attention” Darrell Young Annual Comedy Show🤣
Prepare for a barrel of laughs this Saturday night at the Darrell Young Annual Comedy Show, “Now That I Have Your Attention” at the Bama Theatre. The box office opens at 6:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the event, click here.
Super Shark Saturday at CHOM🦈
It’s Super Shark Saturday this Saturday, July 13 at Children’s Hands-On Museum. Bring your little ones for a fun-filled day with activities such as making a swimming shark and shark games. All activities are included with admission! The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about the adventure-filled day, click here.
Later this summer
The Mercedes Benz Druid City Music Festival🎶
Tickets for DCMF 2019 are on sale now and you do not want to miss this opportunity! Big Boi, Turkauz, Break Science and Blackberry Smoke are a few of the talented artists that are coming to Tuscaloosa in August. To learn more about the festival and to purchase your tickets, click here.
The weekend has rolled around again with lots of exciting events happening around the city. Friday kicks the weekend off with Live At The Plaza at Government Plaza downtown, and Hank Williams Jr. at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Saturday is Hogwarts Day at CHOM. Bring all of your young witches and wizard for a day they will for sure enjoy. On Saturday night enjoy a concert benefitting The Actor’s Charitable Theatre. Also, on Saturday head to The Lookout Rooftop Bar and enjoy a night supporting Equality On The River!
Live at the Plaza 🎶
The very popular fifth annual Live At The Plaza FREE summer concert series is back to rock you in 2019! This Friday, Chaquis Maliq (6:00-7:15 p.m.) and Jus Gruv (7:30-9:00 p.m.) will be featured in the family-friendly atmosphere of the Government Plaza, adjacent to the downtown Intermodal Facility parking deck behind City Hall. Enjoy great music every Friday night in June and July from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Bring your quilts, lawn chairs, kids, and dogs.
Hank Williams Jr. 🎤🤠
Hank Williams Jr. is the next act up in the Coca-Cola Concert Series at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater this Friday, June 14th.The show starts at 7:30 p.m. What better way to spend a Friday night than with friends at the Amphitheater? For more information visit https://www.tuscaloosaamphitheater.com/
Hogwarts Day at CHOM! 🧙♂️
If your family loves the Harry Potter series this event is for you. Hogwarts Day is Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Attend classes, design a wand, try magical sweets, and more. All activities are included with admission. For more information you may visit http://www.chomonline.org
The Actor’s Charitable Theatre Concert Series 🎭
Join local musicians Royce Garrison and Maggie Butler for a concert benefiting the Actor’s Charitable Theatre (ACT). ACT is a community theatre that depends upon partnerships and events like this one. Admission will help the ACT meet operating costs to support its mission. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m., at The ACT Studio Theatre in Northport. For more information you may visit http://theactonline.com
Equality On The River 🌈
Join Druid City Pride as they celebrate equality in West Alabama. Admission is FREE, but you will want to purchase tickets and participate in the silent auction-style raffle! There will be light hors d’oeuvres, a full cash bar, and great entertainment. The event will be held at Hotel Indigo’s The Lookout Rooftop Bar starting at 6:00 p.m. For more information please visit https://www.druidcitypride.org.
Later this summer ☀️
The Mercedes-Benz Druid City Music Festival 🎶
Excited about the incredible lineup of Big Boi, Blackberry Smoke, Turkuaz, Break Science and others for the Druid City Music Festival? Purchase your tickets NOW! To read more about this exciting event as well as buy your tickets, please visit the website here.
This weekend in Tuscaloosa is filled with a variety of events that are sure to appeal to visitors and residents of all ages. The Alabama Blues Project Art Exhibit’s last day is this Friday, May 31. The exhibit offers unique paintings, jewelry, and crafts from local artists. Get ready for a kid-friendly weekend with fun events at Children’s Hands-On Museum and a Family Fun Day at the YMCA. Make sure you don’t miss out.
Alabama
Blues Project Art Exhibit 🎶🎸
The Alabama Blues Project Exhibit will host its last day of the fund-raising
exhibit this Friday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibition features
paintings, jewelry, and crafts donated from local artists. The pieces are
selected from the Blues Project fundraiser, with art by Emily Pickert, Mojo Fabrics
& Quilts, Bruce Andrews, and Kim Deals. All sales will benefit the Blues
Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes and preserves the Blues as a
traditional art form with focus on Alabama’s musicians. For more information, click
here.
Playing
with Fire 🔥
Only a few days are left to enjoy local artist Daniel Livingston’s Raku
ceramics and his two-dimensional artwork at the University Gallery located in
the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. The display is featured on Friday,
May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, click here.
McClain’s
Summer Daze & Alpha Male Nights 🏈
Join former Tide and Baltimore Ravens standout Le’Ron McClain and guests for a
celebration of life, honoring the late Brandon Washington, and raising money
for the Benjamin Barnes YMCA. The event will take place the Tuscaloosa River
Market, Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, click
here.
Babypalooza
LIVE! Baby & Maternity Experience 👶
New and expectant parents will not want to miss out on this opportunity.
Babypalooza LIVE! is an event hosted by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama on
Saturday, June 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m,. at the Bryant Conference
Center. Babypalooza is free event filled with mini-parenting conferences, pre-
and postnatal health information, and opportunities to test advanced products
geared for babies. Exhibitors include health and fitness, preschools, financial
services, photographers, as well as baby and maternity boutiques. Admission is
free but parents should make sure to register for the event. For more
information and registration, click here.
Junior
Explorers at CHOM 🗺
Join Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM), Saturday, June 1, for a Junior Explorers
Day. Attendees can make their own binoculars, play the poisonous matching game,
and go on an exciting scavenger hunt throughout the museum. Bring your little
explorer for an adventurous summer day! All activities are included with
admission. For more information, click here.
Later this Summer
The
Mercedes-Benz Druid City Music Festival 🎶
You have likely seen by now the incredible lineup of Big Boi, Blackberry Smoke,
Turkuaz, Break Science and others for the Druid City Music Festival, but did
you know that you can purchase tickets NOW? To read more about this exciting
event and buy tickets, please visit the website here.
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.
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!
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 Will Wyatt
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.
According to reliable sources, there are almost 20% children living among the Tuscaloosa population – which is more than you think! The city has countless schools and daycares, so we know where the little ones spend their time while the parents are at work, but what about the more fun parts of the day, free time and weekends? Playing in the own backyard or doing sports activities is already fun, no question. Now, how about something more special for your kids to spend their precious free time? Tuscaloosa provides tons of amazing places and activities that are children-friendly!
It should be pretty safe to say that all children love animals. Maybe yours are lucky and have a dog or a cat around the home, but when do they have the opportunity to experience all kinds of other animals, too? There is a unique and amazing place in Tuscaloosa that makes it possible: The Tuscaloosa Barnyard! At this petting and fun farm 30 minutes outside of town, you can get in touch with bunnies, ducks, lambs, ponies, pigs and many other cute animals! It also provides a pool, a splash pad, wagon rides and more. During the summers, the Barnyard even turns into a summer camp!
2. The Children’s Hands-On Museum
You can’t start early enough to introduce your kids to arts and culture! “CHOM” is where children explore, create, and discover every time they visit. This 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!
If you are looking for some indoor fun instead, you should check out the bowling alley Bama Lanes on 15th Street! They help kids of all ages to get familiar with the balls, even the very little ones. Whether you rent a couple of lanes for a birthday party or just play on a random day, there’s always a good time ahead at the bowling ally! And if anybody gets hungry, just grab something to eat right on site. Pause your game to enjoy burgers, wings and more at their amazing grill, or take your snack popcorn to the lane and let it support you while you take on your kids for 10 frames!
As the days are getting hotter, it’s a good idea to look for some water to cool off! Did you know that there is a great beach just a few miles outside of town? The beautiful Lake Lurleen offers not only campsites, fishing, and paddling board rentals – it also provides a sandy beach that children love! The water is clean and refreshing, and there is a sectioned off zone in which it is absolutely safe to splash and swim. The sand is also a perfect playground! On site, you can also find bathrooms and some picnic tables to rest, eat and gain some new energy. Drive out and enjoy a one-day beach vacation!
Last but not least, go back to that old-school excitement of childhood summers bouncing around at Upsurge. Jump from each trampoline inside the giant warehouse with obstacle courses and deep foam pits to try to escape. Not only will your kids love it, but they will also wear you out as you jump along with them! It’s the ultimate adventure for you and your children and right down the road!
Written By: Katharina Horvath – Intern