When it comes to Tuscaloosa it’s easy to find things to do no matter the time of year. Whether it’s attending collegiate athletic events, experiencing a theatrical performance at the Bama Theatre, dancing the night away at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, or spending hours exploring our great outdoors at one of our many parks, lakes, or rivers, our visitors are always welcome with open arms and warm hellos.
Below you’ll find information (and some discount codes!) for eight events in Tuscaloosa, taking place in 2023.
FIDDLE FEST – THE SOUTHEAST FIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIP
About the Fiddle Fest: Held annually on the campus of Shelton State Community College, this family-friendly atmosphere celebrates the rich sounds of bluegrass and its talented musicians. Old-time music and fiddle music have rich histories in West Alabama with many fiddlers such as Dix Hollis, Y.Z. Hamilton, A.K. Callahan, and more connected to the area. Open to the public to enjoy, contestants will compete for over $7,500 in prize money. The Fiddle Fest will feature music from Iron Horse and will also offer arts, crafts, and other activities.
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023
Website: https://thefiddlefest.com
VISIT TUSCALOOSA HALF MARATHON & 5K
About the Tuscaloosa Half: Now in its 11th year, the Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon and 5k will offer runners an exciting 13.1- and 3.1-mile course that traverses the streets of T-Town. Runners will enjoy a sampling of the rolling hills along the Black Warrior River, the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, portions of The University of Alabama campus (including a great view of Bryant Denny Stadium), and some of the City’s quaint historic downtown neighborhoods. Sign up today for the largest road race in West Alabama, taking place on Saturday, March 25.
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Website: https://www.tuscaloosahalf.com
DISCOUNT CODE: Receive $10 off with the registration code VisitTCL
Code expires Saturday, January 14, 2023
TUSCALOOSA GAUNTLET
About the Tuscaloosa Gauntlet: Join the Alabama Marines Foundation for their 2nd Annual Tuscaloosa Gauntlet obstacle course race. The racecourse is just a bit over the 5k distance (3.1 miles) and will feature 20+ obstacles, include a Marine regulation O-Course. This one-of-a-kind obstacle course race provides every participant a challenge worth celebrating and directly benefits the Alabama Marines Foundation. Check out this video promotion to learn more and register today!
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Website: https://www.tuscaloosagauntlet.com
DISCOUNT CODE: Receive $10 off with the registration code VisitTCL
DRUID CITY ARTS FESTIVAL (DCAF) PRESENTED BY CADENCE BANK
About DCAF: What started as a one-day arts festival put together by a group of Alabama students has become a staple in the Tuscaloosa community over the past decade. DCAF’s goal is to provide a quality arts and music festival, while also educating, engaging, and inspiring both youth and adults about the arts and humanities within the community. Many undiscovered artists who are now in textbooks, galleries, and museums have exhibited at DCAF over the years. Guests can expect a free two-day festival with live music, 70+ artists, and delicious local food.
Date: Friday, March 31 – Saturday, April 1, 2023
Website: https://www.druidcityartsfestival.com
TUSCALOOSA MAYOR’S CUP 5K FOR PRE-K
About the Mayor’s Cup: Since 2007, over 1,000 runners, joggers and walkers have joined together each year to support Pre-K in Tuscaloosa through this annual race. Having raised almost $325,000 to provide resources for preschoolers throughout the Tuscaloosa area, the Mayor’s Cup is a simple and fun way for the entire community to get together and get involved in supporting education. This 5k course highlights Downtown Tuscaloosa, parts of The University of Alabama including the Walk of Champions, and historic neighborhoods.
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023
Website: http://www.tuscaloosamayorscup.com
WEST ALABAMA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
About the West Alabama Food and Wine Festival: Benefiting the West Alabama Food Bank, the West Alabama Food and Wine Festival showcases the community’s best local restaurants with tasting tables that highlight signature dishes. Wine tastings are also provided by local distributors to introduce trendy and season varietals. After such significant growth in attendance over the years, the 2023 festival will now be held in Historic Downtown Northport. This community festival is great for both residents and visitors and is put together by a wonderful group of community volunteers. Tickets can be purchased online.
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Website: https://westalabamafoodandwine.org
KENTUCK FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
About Kentuck Festival: Kentuck has a rich 52-year history as a nationally known crossroads of creativity and community. The two-day festival has its roots in folk art and features 270+ artists, live music, spoken word, activities for children, folk and contemporary craft demonstrations, food trucks, and local craft brews. This festival has been claimed as one of the “Best of Bama 2022” events by Alabama Magazine and has been featured in publications such as the Smithsonian Magazine, Southern Living, and more! Located in Downtown Northport, this is a festival that you just don’t want to miss.
Date: Saturday, October 14 – Sunday, October 15, 2023
Website: https://www.kentuck.org/the-festival
AHSAA SUPER 7 STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
About Super 7: Bringing the best Alabama high school football athletes to Tuscaloosa! The Alabama High School Athletic Association Super 7 State Football Championships are one of the most exciting and highly anticipated sporting events in the state. Over the course of three days, the final two teams from each of Alabama’s seven classifications will compete to be crowned as the new state champions, and in 2023 it’s taking place in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Date: Wednesday, November 29 – Friday, December 1, 2023
Below are additional resources to help you keep up with all of the fun events happening in T-Town.
- – Visit Tuscaloosa Events Calendar
- – The University of Alabama Athletics Calendar
- – Bama Theatre Calendar
- – Theatre Tuscaloosa Calendar
- – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Concerts
- – Druid City Music Hall Concerts and Events
- – Kentuck Events and Workshops
COMMUNITY ART NIGHTS:
Tuscaloosa and Northport’s art scene continues to grow. While there are many galleries and events throughout the year, each community is home to a monthly art night featuring artists, live music, local food, and more.
- – Kentuck hosts Art Night the first Thursday of each month.
- – The First Friday Art Walk is hosted the first Friday of each month at various locations in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
While this is just a highlight of events taking place in 2023, there really is no such thing as a timeout in Tuscaloosa County. Seated in the heart of West Alabama, the area offers something for sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, history buffs, foodies, and for the artists at heart. Ready to plan your next trip to Tuscaloosa? Request a visitor guide today!
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.
It’s summer in Tuscaloosa and locals and tourists alike are looking for ways to spend their free time. Luckily for us, The City of Tuscaloosa is hosting Live at the Plaza for the fourth consecutive summer. For those who are unfamiliar, Live at the Plaza is held every Friday night in June and July at the Government Plaza and features live music from local musicians. To prepare you for the excitement of this event, we’ve come up with 5 reasons why you should attend Live at The Plaza this summer.
It’s Free!
Live music, a great atmosphere, and a fun, new way to spend a Friday evening- for no cost! If you ask us, it doesn’t get much better than that. If you’re looking for a way to save money and still get the most out of your summer, this is a perfect opportunity for you. All you have to do is show up, bring a blanket or a lawn chair, sit back, and enjoy.
The music
There are two things in life that are pretty hard to beat: A well put on show and quality music. Live at the Plaza provides the opportunity for the community to gather together and enjoy the talent showcased not only from right here in Tuscaloosa but all over the South. The diversity of performances over the summer will satisfy music lovers few and far between. There will be a variety of music played from jazz, alternative, country, rock, and others. Some highlights from this year’s musical lineup include the Lamont Landers Band, The John Wilson Band and Orange Constant. For other bands check out our lineup list here.
The food trucks and vendors
Along with enjoying the performance, you will have the opportunity to shop and eat. Local vendors and food trucks can apply to have a space surrounding the lawn to sell their goods. Look out for local nonprofits and retailers that you’ve seen around town. And we can’t forget about the food! Although we don’t know exactly who will be there yet, we know it’s going to be good. Participants can count on some of the most popular businesses around our area renting out the space. Look out for some of your favorites, such as Local Roots or La Mexicana.
It’s fun for everyone
One of the greatest aspects about Live of the Plaza is that anyone can go and enjoy their time. It’s the perfect opportunity to get the family out of the house and spend quality time together. Kids and adults alike will love the lively atmosphere of the concert. And you can bring your pets! Additionally, it’s the perfect way to enjoy time with friends, or a date night. Although you can’t bring your own alcohol, you are allowed to purchase drinks from surrounding bars and restaurants and stroll around the Plaza while enjoying the music and atmosphere. They’ve got it all covered: the food, the drinks, the music. How much better does it get?
The location
The Government Plaza is right in the middle of all the Downtown action. There’s retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants and bars all within walking distance. And its outside! Even though it can get hot here in the summer, the concerts are at night which will cool things off. You can bring a picnic blanket or a lawn chair as you enjoy the show. The atmosphere of Live at the Plaza is hard to beat- and something you won’t want to miss.
Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect, it’s time to get excited. Tell your family and friends so they can look forward to it as well. Live at the Plaza is going to be a hit, just as it has been in the summers before. We hope this has helped you know what to look forward to, and we hope to see you there!
Written by Anna McAbee
Live at the Plaza Concert Lineup
The City of Tuscaloosa has scheduled the musical acts highlighting the diverse musical offerings of Tuscaloosa area for the fourth annual Live at the Plaza concert series in Government Plaza every Friday night in June and July.
Each week’s free concert will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature a local band in the family-friendly atmosphere of Government Plaza, adjacent to the downtown Intermodal Facility parking deck behind City Hall.
The scheduled acts, which are subject to change, are:
June 1: John Wilson Band
June 8: Orange Constant
June 15: Jake Austell (of the J’s ) Trio and then 4G
June 22: Druid City Songwriters and then Mulligan Brothers
June 29: Lamont Landers Band
July 6: The Kemistry Project
July 13: Alabama Blues Project and then Earl “Guitar” Williams
July 20: Corey Nolan and then Plato Jones
July 27: Tim Few and then Sweet Home Symphony
New this year is the addition of exhibitor space on Government Plaza during each concert. Local non-profits, organizations and retailers are encouraged to rent exhibitor space for just $25 at each performance. Food trucks and catering vendors may also apply to serve at each performance. Food vendors and exhibitors may apply at tuscaloosa.com/latp.
This year’s shows will coincide with the downtown entertainment district. Under the new entertainment district, alcohol can be purchased from participating restaurants and bars within and on the district boundaries and taken to Government Plaza and other areas within the district, which includes several surrounding blocks.
To hear music from local Tuscaloosa artists like Lamont Landers, check out our Spotify playlist below.
It is officially springtime in the One and Only and we are celebrating with a weekend full of events. Alcove International Tavern is kicking off the weekend with live music from H.A.R.D. and Seismos. Get your running shoes on because the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon is in town this weekend. Band of Brothers Brewing Co. is hosting the Alabama Blues Project. Tuscaloosa’s roller derby squad the Druid City Dames begin a new season battling the Mississippi Brawl Stars. Wrap up the weekend with Brantley Gilbert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Downtown Tuscaloosa will be an entertainment district on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. so grab a drink and walk over to the Government Plaza for live music and much more Friday night!
H.A.R.D. with Seismos at Alcove International Tavern
H.A.R.D. (Have a Rad Day) hails all the way from Nashville, TN. Fresh off their recent single release, “Bellyacher,” they’re traveling south to deliver their patented brand of sweet guitar harmonies, denim jackets, and leg kicks! Come spend your Thursday evening with these talented good old boys as they blow the roof off of Alcove International Tavern. Local Support will be provided by Tuscaloosa’s own, Seismos, and the cover is only $5. The music starts at 8:00 pm.
Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Expo and Race
• Come enjoy Tuscaloosa’s government plaza the night before the big race for an expo with food trucks, live music, kid zone featuring activities from the Children’s Hands-On Museum, and local beer! The expo is 4-8 p.m. on Friday night. Kick off the weekend with some fun for the whole family. You can pick up your race packet here, or if you aren’t running the “half” just come hang out and enjoy live music by Tarred and Feathered from 6-8 p.m.
• The Tuscaloosa Half Marathon is part of a three-part rivalry series. Experience running through these beautiful cities with rich football history and receive your one of a kind Half Marathon Rivalry Series bling when you run all three races. After you complete the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon you will receive your Half Marathon Rivalry Series medal at the finish line!
Alabama Blues Project: Evening of Art & Blues 2018 at Band of Brothers Brewing Co.
Come out on Saturday, March 24th at 7 pm at Band Of Brothers Brewing Co. and enjoy another cultural explosion at the 11th annual Alabama Blues Project fundraiser! Blues and art enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this special occasion to support the preservation of Alabama Blues. This event will feature a silent auction, performances by Caroline Shines (daughter of the Legendary Bluesman Johnny Shines), and ABP Advanced Band, former students and instructors. Tickets are $25 and children 10 years old and under are free. You can purchase a ticket for the event at Band of Brothers Brewing Co., Oz Music, and Manna Grocery. For more information contact info@alabamablues.org.
Druid City Dames Roller Derby vs. Mississippi Brawl Stars
Tuscaloosa’s roller derby squad the Druid City Dames are gearing up to do battle against the Mississippi Brawl Stars. This family-friendly event is Saturday night at the Super Skate on McFarland Boulevard. Doors open at 4:45 pm and the bout begins at 5:30 pm. There is limited seating, but you are welcome to bring a chair. Tickets are $10 online and $13 at the door. Visit druidcitydames.com for more information. Come out and support our hometown team!
Brantley Gilbert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Brantley Gilbert will be at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Saturday night. The music begins at 7:00 pm with Aaron Lewis and Josh Phillips opening the show. Brantley Gilbert is an American country singer, songwriter and record producer from Jefferson, Georgia. He was originally signed to Colt Ford’s label, Average Joes Entertainment, where he released “Modern Day Prodigal Son” and “Halfway to Heaven.” He is now signed to the Valory division of Big Machine Records where he has released three studio albums—a deluxe edition of Halfway to Heaven, Just as I Am, and The Devil Don’t Sleep. He also wrote Jason Aldean’s singles “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem.” Visit TuscaloosaAmphitheater.com to purchase tickets to this amazing concert!
Follow us on social media (@visittuscaloosa) to stay up-to-date on important events. Tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured on our social media accounts. We love seeing Tuscaloosa through your eyes!
This weekend is packed with fine arts in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! Tonight you can head across the river to Kentuck for their Art Night! This event will serve as the official opening reception for Chris CHUB Hubbard’s show “20 Years of Heaven and Hell: Current Works and a Look Back”! Not only that, but there will be pop-up shops for local artists, demonstrations, cob oven pizza, and live music! Art Night has been a staple for the first Thursday night of each month!
On Friday, it’s downtown Tuscaloosa’s turn with the First Friday Art Crawl! Galleries, studios, and businesses across downtown will be open and participating in the art crawl including Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Harrison Galleries, and Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy. First Friday is completely free to everyone and is filled with excitement! There will be live music at different venues and some incredible works of art!
On Saturday morning you can swing by the Tuscaloosa River Market for the Farmer’s Market! Vendors set up ripe red tomatoes and famous Chilton County peaches. Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in, and 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.
If you’re more of a music person, head over to Government Plaza for the concert series “Live at the Plaza” where the Matt Jones Trio will be playing! Matt Jones is a local artist who beautifully paints pictures with words through melody over the landscape of his southern roots. With an arsenal of original and cover music, he’s surely an act you won’t want to miss!
Finally, wrap up your night by heading to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater for Soundgarden! Soundgarden achieved its biggest success with the 1994 album Superunknown, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard chart and yielded the Grammy Award-winning singles “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman”. As if you need another reason to attend, VH1 ranked Soundgarden at number 14 in their 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock!
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!
Written By: Barrett Elder – Digital Media Specialist