December 1 is the undisputed start to the holiday season. Following Thanksgiving and all of the shopping that ensues in the week after, you can expect to see red and green all around the city. Downtown Tuscaloosa is already decked out in holiday decorations, and the events happening this weekend continue this theme. If you’re looking for something less holiday-related, be sure to visit Green Bar for a fun event with live music!
Green Bar Release Party 🎶
This Friday, Green Bar will be hosting Americana singer/songwriters Andy Branton and Megan McMillan for their joint EP/album release. Their sets will be independent, featuring Branton’s EP “47 Minutes Away” and McMillan’s debut album “Things That Change.” Find out more about Branton’s music here and more about McMillan’s music here. The show starts at 9 pm and the cover will be $5 at the door.
CandyLand Breakfasts with Santa & Mrs. Claus 🎅
The Children’s Hands on Museum is hosting an event for kids to have their Christmas dreams come true. Eat breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday from 8-9:30 am, 10-11:30 am or brunch from 12-1:30 pm. For this event, reservations are required, and admission is $20. Book early because this event is likely to sell out! Phone Reservations: Carla 205-349-4235 ex. 24. Email Reservations: Carla@chomonline.org. Online Reservations: www.chomonline.org.
2018 Holidays on the River ❄️⛸
What better way is there to celebrate the holidays than with ice skating? The ice rink at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater will be open all weekend, so don’t miss out on this fun opportunity for family and friends. For more information and their official schedule, visit their website here.
Pet Night on Tinsel Trail 🐶🎄
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Tinsel Trail along the Riverwalk, this Sunday is a great opportunity. Bring your four-legged friends to enjoy the 6th annual Tinsel Trail! Take your pet’s picture with Santa and meet local pet partners: Tuscaloosa Spay & Neuter Incentive Program, Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, Humane Society of West Alabama, The Canine Compassion Fund, Inc., and Callie’s Place. In accordance with city ordinances, please ensure all pets are on leashes, up-to-date on vaccinations, and owners clean up all waste.
43rd Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade ⛄️
The Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade is happening this Monday, December 3 in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The theme this year is “Festival of Lights.” Before the parade starts at 6:30 pm, there will be a Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:15 pm.
The Iron Bowl is here, which means Thanksgiving (and Auburn-hate-week) is almost over. If you are visiting Tuscaloosa for the big game, check here for restaurant recommendations. Before and after the game, celebrate your time in Tuscaloosa with fun events including live music and holiday attractions.
Alabama Football vs. Auburn 🐘🏈
It’s Alabama’s biggest rival. Join The Crimson Tide in Bryant-Denny Stadium for a 2:30 kickoff. With tailgating on the quad, the Million Dollar Band’s Elephant Stomp and many other gameday events, it is sure to be a great event. Check here for additional important gameday information.
2018 Holidays On The River ⛸❄️
With Thanksgiving coming to a close, it is officially time to start celebrating Christmas. What better way is there to celebrate than with ice skating?? The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater has officially opened for the holiday season. For the official schedule check here. In addition to the outdoor skating rink, there is also occasionally live music. Don’t miss out on this Tuscaloosa holiday staple.
Live Music at Green Bar 🎶
Back with a big night on Friday, Little Raine Band and Frazierband will be performing at Green Bar! Kick off your Iron Bowl Friday night right with good music, good drinks and good friends! Music starts at 10:30.
Show Your Spirit at CHOM! 🐘
This Saturday, a great family, gameday event is being held at the Children’s Hands On Museum in Downtown Tuscaloosa. This will be from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and all activities are included in admission. These activities include designing a spirit shaker, making a mascot mask, and playing tailgate games! All attendees are encouraged to wear their team colors.
Longtime USA Triathlon National Championships host to welcome nation’s best run-bike-run athletes
Tuscaloosa served as the host of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for triathlon, the 2009-10 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships and the 2007-08, 2011-12 and 2017-18 USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championships.
The venue for Duathlon Nationals is centered at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, similar to that of Age Group and Collegiate Club Nationals. The bike and run courses will take athletes on the Tuscaloosa River Walk along the Black Warrior River, before traversing Jack Warner Parkway and returning to the amphitheater for the finish. Specific race distances and course information will be shared on usatriathlon.org when available.
“Tuscaloosa has welcomed USA Triathlon’s top elite, age-group and collegiate club competitors for many years, always presenting a first-class venue and invaluable city-wide support,” said Brian D’Amico, USA Triathlon Events Director. “The decision to bring a National Championship event back to Tuscaloosa in 2020-21 was an easy one, and we look forward to showcasing the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater to our nation’s top duathletes.”
“We are always excited to work with the team at USA Triathlon,” said Don Staley, President and CEO of Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports. “With 2019 being the Bicentennial year for our city, it not only feels like the end of one chapter, but the beginning of a new one. The relationship we have built with the USA Triathlon team has allowed us to produce first class events, and we hope to continue that well into the new centennial. The championships have continuously offered us the opportunity to introduce these world class athletes to Tuscaloosa and even welcome back many repeat athletes. We are looking forward to creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
The 2020 Duathlon National Championships will be held May 30-31, and registration will open shortly following the 2019 race in April. The dates for the 2021 edition are May 22-23.
Race weekend will feature national championships in the non-drafting standard distance (approximately a 10-kilometer run, 40-kilometer bike, 5-kilometer run), non-drafting sprint (approximately a 5k run, 20k bike, 2.5k run) and draft-legal sprint (approximately a 5k run, 20k bike, 2.5k run). The draft-legal format is similar to what is contested in elite International Triathlon Union (ITU) competition, and is gaining popularity at the age-group level.
Top age-group finishers in each race will earn the opportunity to represent USA Triathlon’s amateur Team USA at the ITU Duathlon World Championships, held as part of the ITU Multisport World Championships. For more information about qualifying for and representing Team USA, visit usatriathlon.org/teamusa.
Duathlon Nationals was held in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2018, welcoming more than 1,100 athletes to mark the third-largest field in the event’s history. The 2019 edition will return to Greenville on April 13-14. Prior to Greenville, Duathlon Nationals was held in Bend, Oregon, from 2016-17.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors – as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation – USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
Media Contacts
Caryn Maconi, Communications Manager
719-955-2828 | caryn.maconi@usatriathlon.org
Chuck Menke, Chief Marketing Officer
719-955-2827 | chuck.menke@usatriathlon.org
Longtime USA Triathlon National Championships host to welcome nation’s best run-bike-run athletes
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon today announced Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the host city for the 2020-21 USA Triathlon Duathlon National Championships. The city, a longtime host of USA Triathlon National Championship events and other premier triathlon competitions, will welcome the nation’s best run-bike-run athletes as they compete for national titles in three events.
Tuscaloosa served as the host of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for triathlon, the 2009-10 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships and the 2007-08, 2011-12 and 2017-18 USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championships.
The venue for Duathlon Nationals is centered at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, similar to that of Age Group and Collegiate Club Nationals. The bike and run courses will take athletes on the Tuscaloosa River Walk along the Black Warrior River, before traversing Jack Warner Parkway and returning to the amphitheater for the finish. Specific race distances and course information will be shared on usatriathlon.org when available.
“Tuscaloosa has welcomed USA Triathlon’s top elite, age-group and collegiate club competitors for many years, always presenting a first-class venue and invaluable city-wide support,” said Brian D’Amico, USA Triathlon Events Director. “The decision to bring a National Championship event back to Tuscaloosa in 2020-21 was an easy one, and we look forward to showcasing the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater to our nation’s top duathletes.”
“We are always excited to work with the team at USA Triathlon,” said Don Staley, President and CEO of Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports. “With 2019 being the Bicentennial year for our city, it not only feels like the end of one chapter, but the beginning of a new one. The relationship we have built with the USA Triathlon team has allowed us to produce first class events, and we hope to continue that well into the new centennial. The championships have continuously offered us the opportunity to introduce these world class athletes to Tuscaloosa and even welcome back many repeat athletes. We are looking forward to creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
The 2020 Duathlon National Championships will be held May 30-31, and registration will open shortly following the 2019 race in April. The dates for the 2021 edition are May 22-23.
Race weekend will feature national championships in the non-drafting standard distance (approximately a 10-kilometer run, 40-kilometer bike, 5-kilometer run), non-drafting sprint (approximately a 5k run, 20k bike, 2.5k run) and draft-legal sprint (approximately a 5k run, 20k bike, 2.5k run). The draft-legal format is similar to what is contested in elite International Triathlon Union (ITU) competition, and is gaining popularity at the age-group level.
Top age-group finishers in each race will earn the opportunity to represent USA Triathlon’s amateur Team USA at the ITU Duathlon World Championships, held as part of the ITU Multisport World Championships. For more information about qualifying for and representing Team USA, visit usatriathlon.org/teamusa.
Duathlon Nationals was held in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2018, welcoming more than 1,100 athletes to mark the third-largest field in the event’s history. The 2019 edition will return to Greenville on April 13-14. Prior to Greenville, Duathlon Nationals was held in Bend, Oregon, from 2016-17.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors – as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation – USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
Media Contacts
Caryn Maconi, Communications Manager
719-955-2828 | caryn.maconi@usatriathlon.org
Chuck Menke, Chief Marketing Officer
719-955-2827 | chuck.menke@usatriathlon.org
Alabama Football vs. The Citadel 🐘🏈
It is nearing the end of the season, so don’t miss the home game this weekend at Bryant-Denny. The Crimson Tide is taking on The Citadel, with kickoff at 11 a.m. There are many fun gameday events happening throughout the day, so be sure to check here for more information on these events.
The Gift of Dance 🎄🎟
The holidays are a time for giving back, and the Academy of Ballet and Jazz is doing just this. They are presenting “The Gift of Dance,” which is their 2nd annual charity dance show. This event will benefit Toys for Tots, and is a great way to kickstart the holiday season. Visit their event page here for more information.
Live Music 🎶
If you are looking for some entertainment this weekend, Friday night has lots of live music for you to choose from. The Toubab Krewe will be at Green Bar at 10 p.m. For more information on location and this event, visit their event page here. Another option is the Velcro Pygmies at Rhythm and Brews at 11 p.m. Visit their event page here for more information on location and tickets.
Quirky Turkey at CHOM! 🦃 🍂
Thanksgiving is only a few days away! To help get into the holiday spirit, the Children’s Hands on Museum is hosting an event called “Quirky Turkey.” Saturday from 9-4:30 p.m., admission will include activities like making a football turkey and games like Roll-A-Turkey and pin your feather on the turkey. For more information on admission visit their website here.
Farmer’s Market 🍉
Tuscaloosa Farmer’s Market. The River Market hosts the Farmer’s Market as a public service to the city of Tuscaloosa. Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. you can find fresh produce, grass-fed beef, artisan crafts, and so much more for the entire family. Use your EBT card to purchase tokens which can be exchanged for food and other eligible items from our vendors. This is a great way to eat healthy while supporting local Alabama farmers. You can’t beat that combination.
Following a big win in Death Valley against LSU, Alabama football is back in Bryant-Denny Stadium this week to take on Mississippi State. This weekend, take some time to enjoy live music, visit the weekly farmer’s market and cheer for the Crimson Tide at the UA men’s basketball game.
Alabama Football vs. Mississippi St. 🐘🏈
Make sure you have warm clothes for the football game this weekend! The highs are in the mid-50’s, so it will be chilly. Kickoff is at 2:30 pm, which is the perfect time for tailgating in the morning and visiting some of your favorite Tuscaloosa staples after the game for dinner. Support the Crimson Tide as they look to continue their undefeated season. Find more information about game day here!
UA Basketball vs. Appalachian St. 🏀
Be sure to support the UA men’s basketball team in their third game of the season! This Sunday, the Crimson Tide is facing Appalachian State University at 6 pm in the Coleman Coliseum. Attendance is free for students at UA, with the use of an ACT card! For more information on tickets and the men’s basketball schedule, check here.
Live Music 🎶
There are multiple opportunities to enjoy live music this weekend in Tuscaloosa! Saturday at 9 pm, Martin McDaniel will be playing at Rhythm and Brews. Also, Universal Sigh will be at Green Bar Saturday starting at 10 pm. Sunday, Druid City Brewing Company is continuing their weekly Acoustic Open Mic Night. This will start at 6 pm, and is a great way to end your weekend with some fun.
Honor Our Veterans Day at CHOM! 🇺🇸
With Veteran’s Day on Monday, the Children’s Hands on Museum is having an event this Saturday to honor our veterans. From 9 am – 4:30 pm, admission to CHOM will include activities like making cards to send to the Tuscaloosa Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center. Additionally, cards can be made to give to any Veteran you may know.
Tuscaloosa Farmer’s Market 🍉
Tuscaloosa Farmer’s Market. The River Market hosts the Farmer’s Market as a public service to the city of Tuscaloosa. Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. you can find fresh produce, grass-fed beef, artisan crafts, and so much more for the entire family. Use your EBT card to purchase tokens which can be exchanged for food and other eligible items from our vendors. This is a great way to eat healthy while supporting local Alabama farmers. You can’t beat that combination.
Celebrate the end of another work week by attending some fun events in Tuscaloosa this weekend! The 2018 Alabama Open is a great event for the whole family. Take a relaxing stroll in downtown Tuscaloosa at the First Friday Art Walk, and then visit Green Bar for live music from Graystone.
2018 ALABAMA OPEN 🎾
The 4th annual Alabama Open is finally here! This is part of the 2018 UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour. The event will begin Friday and continue all weekend starting at 9 a.m. every morning. Make sure you don’t miss the final event on Sunday, as it has FREE admission, FREE food and the first 50 people will receive a FREE t-shirt. Check out this website for more information.
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/
Graystone Band at Green Bar 🎶
Family, friends, & music lovers, Graystone would love to have you come rock with them at Green Bar this Friday. This local Tuscaloosa band plays ’60s & 70s rock and always know how to get down. The show begins at 7 pm and runs until about 10. Visit Greenbarttown.com for contact and location information.
Storm Science at CHOM! 🌧🌪
For more family fun, this weekend the Children’s Hands On Museum is hosting Storm Science! Saturday from 9-4:30 p.m., have fun with interactive learning about storms. There will be activities such as creating hurricane art, adopting a pet cloud, making a tiny tornado and experiencing a storm in a jar. All activities are included in admission. Visit this website for more information.
It’s the weekend before Halloween, which means there are plenty of spooky events happening in Tuscaloosa! This weekend is full of family-friendly fun, live music and events benefitting the community to get everyone ready for the holiday.
Putting the “Pub” in Public Radio🍺 📻
We are putting the “Pub” in Public Radio this Saturday at 2pm! Don’t miss your chance to get out to Druid City Brewing for live music from Della Ray and The Pollies, catering from Southern Ale House, and more. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and come with a commemorative t-shirt and pub glass. This event is a great way to support WUAL, your local branch of Alabama Public Radio. Check out their Facebook event page to purchase tickets and for more info.
ArBOOretum 🕷👻
For a fun, educational event, the UA Arboretum will host the second annual ArBOOretum from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday. This year’s theme is the biological diversity of Alabama. Trick or treaters will be able to learn about spiders, walk with experts, and collect candy on the spooky trails. Extraction of chemicals from native plants will be featured at the pavilion laboratory. There will be many other activities including nocturnal animal sounds, microscopes with water samples and leaf collections/imprints. Visitors are asked to park at the running park/former golf course parking lot where they can walk the trail or ride a shuttle van to the Arboretum pavilion. This event is free and sponsored by the University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences.
Pilates on the Plaza ☀️
Get fit while benefitting Sweetwater Outreach! Saturday, join EW Motion for Pilates on the Plaza. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa. The class will be led by Angel Davis of EW Motion Therapy. The cost is just a $10 donation (or more if you’d like) and you can register at: www.sweetwateroutreach.org/fundraisers. Sweet Water Outreach is dedicated to water purification in third world countries. Pilates is great for strengthening and toning with a focus your core and for increasing your flexibility and perfect for groups or personal fitness!
Community Fall Fun Day 🍿
Support the Tuscaloosa community at the Fall Fun Day Saturday from 12-6 p.m. There will be activities such as face paint, cotton candy, bouncy houses, popcorn, various games and more! Come out and have fun with the whole family while benefitting small businesses in Tuscaloosa.
Live Music 🎶
As always, there is live music this weekend! Start off at Green Bar Friday night at 7 p.m. to hear Southtown. This is a classic rock and blues band, sure to entertain! Sunday, be sure to visit Druid City Brewing Company for an Acoustic Open Mic Night starting at 6 p.m.
Even though Alabama football is traveling to play at Neyland Stadium this week, there are many other exciting family-friendly events happening in Tuscaloosa to celebrate the end of Tennessee Hate Week. From live music to the Kentuck Art Festival, it should be a fun weekend!
The 47th Kentuck Festival of the Arts 🖼 🎨
With over 270 artists from 29 states, representing 29 countries, The Kentuck Festival of the Arts is back with fun for the whole family! This is a two-day festival that features artists from a variety of disciplines, from traditional and heritage craft artists to musicians and spoken word. There will also be several kid-friendly spaces! The event was voted #5 in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, so be sure to stop by. It is this Saturday and Sunday in Kentuck Park. For tickets and more information check out their website here!
Chris Stapleton’s All American Road Show 🎶
Thursday, October 18 is the next show in the Coca-Cola Concert Series! The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater will be hosting Chris Stapleton this week. This country music singer has won multiple Grammys and CMA Awards for his hits including “Traveller” and “Broken Halos.” He will be joined by Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb. Purchase your tickets now!
The Struts at Druid City Music Hall 🎵
Druid City Music Hall is hosting live music again this weekend! Sunday at 7 p.m., The Struts will be performing. This band has opened for legendary bands such as The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue, with huge success. With hits including “Body Talks” and “Everybody Talks,” this rock band is sure to have a good show. Purchase tickets here!
Children’s Hands On Museum Events 🎃 👻
CHOM is hosting two events this weekend that will help you and your kids get into the Halloween spirit! The 13th Annual Halloween Spooktacular is Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wear your costume and bring a food bank item for admission! There will be carnival games appropriate for multiple ages. On Saturday, CHOM will be hosting “The Human Body at CHOM!” From 9-4:30 p.m., have fun learning about the human body by making x-rays, creating a spinal cord and touching “blood cells.” For more information about both of these events, check out their website.
T-Town Witches Ride 🚲
Tuscaloosa will begin a whimsical Halloween tradition with local “witches” flying through the streets on their “broomcycles” to raise money for The Arc of Tuscaloosa County and the 300+ individuals it serves in our community. Women 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the first annual T-Town Witches Ride. Family and friends of all ages are encouraged to line the sidewalks to view the parade of witches flying by. After the ride, there will be a “Black Cat Block Party” with entertainment, raffle prizes, kids activities and awards for the winners. Registration is $25 per witch! So ladies, get your most creative witch costume ready, decorate your broomcycle and get ready to fly! To register and get more information, visit this website.
Alabama Football vs. Missouri🐘🏈
This weekend, the Crimson Tide will be hosting the Missouri Tigers, in the first home night game of the season. The weather should be perfect for football, sitting around 60 degrees, so come out and support the #1 team in the nation!
UA Homecoming👑
It’s homecoming week at the University of Alabama! That means tons of fun events for the whole family. Friday night at 7 p.m., visit the quad for a pep rally and bonfire. There will also be a Step Show sponsored by NPHC at Coleman Coliseum at 8:30 p.m., buy your tickets here! Before the game on Saturday, make sure to get a good spot to watch the Homecoming Parade.
Live Music🎶
There are many venues hosting live music in downtown Tuscaloosa all weekend! Friday and Saturday visit Green Bar for live music including Bronzi Blonde and an Alabama v. Missouri after party with Opposite Box. The Pygmies will be at Rhythm and Brews Friday night at 11 p.m. Finish off the weekend by visiting Druid City Brewing Company for an acoustic open mic night at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Creepy Science at CHOM!👻
For a fun children’s event, check out the Children’s Hands on Museum in downtown Tuscaloosa. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., they are hosting a Creepy Science event! There will be vanishing ghosts, jack o’ lantern volcanos and pumpkin gut slime, all included in admission. Have fun while learning about science at CHOM this weekend!
Samantha Trade Day, Tractor Show & Fish Fry🚜
Take a step back in time and enjoy shopping the way your ancestors did – with the art of bartering. At the Samantha Trade Day, Tractor Show and Fish Fry, there will be vendors, exhibitors and bargain-hunters. Browse and trade items like antiques, tools, tractor seats, homemade jelly, quilts and needlepoint pillows. The tractor show aims to promote the collection and restoration of any equipment of historical value, but you can bring any of your favorite machines to Samantha Trade Days! Live music will also be at the event.
Below is a roundup of some great restaurants, bars, breweries, and venues in Tuscaloosa. We hope you enjoy your gameday weekend!
It all starts with BBQ
Dreamland: This is one of Tuscaloosa’s original claims to fame. It’s now a major regional chain, but the original is in Tuscaloosa and serves some incredible Carolina bbq ribs (might not be true Carolina, but it’s the closest comparison). Someone may want you to go to the Northport’s location, but that would be a crime considering the original is right across town. You can get a slab of ribs, white bread, and a sweet tea here, and it will be the best day you’ve had all week.
Archibald’s: The thing that makes Dreamland so special is their sauce. Some locals will tell you that Archibald’s has the actual best ribs in town, but both restaurants are incredible and unique. Their original location on MLK Blvd. in Northport smokes their ribs to perfection and their sauce is nearly as good as Dreamland’s. Their mix plate with pulled pork and ribs is my go-to when I can’t decide what to eat. You won’t be disappointed!
Fast Casual
Hooligans Restaurant: This is a Mediterranean restaurant but is also always in the conversation for the best cheeseburger in town. They are also known for their unique mint sweet tea.
Rama Jama’s: Literally in the shadow of Bryant-Denny Stadium, Rama Jama’s is home to the National Championship BLT and the National Championship Burger. Seemingly changing yearly, the BLT has 17 strips of bacon stacked and the burger is 17 oz. the walls are filled (and I mean FILLED) with Alabama memorabilia. They also make great milkshakes!
Casual Dining
Avenue Pub: According to Yelp, Avenue Pub has the best burger in Alabama. I tell people that you can throw a dart at the menu and be happy with your meal. I personally believe that their bacon burger is the best cheeseburger in the southeast. This place is known for incredible food, a great atmosphere, and a good selection of local craft beer and mixed drinks. Avenue Pub. Try going there on Friday or Saturday night and getting the burger special. It’s a strawberry sriracha goat cheese burger. I promise you’ve never had anything like it.
River: This could almost fit in the fine dining category for Tuscaloosa, but you will see a mix of well-dressed and casual-dressed patrons. They serve pretty standard items (salad, steak, salmon, chicken, etc.), but they do it extremely well. It’s located right on the river with a great patio overlooking the Riverwalk.
Depalma’s Italian Café: This is our best Italian restaurant with great pasta, pizza, and calzones. For an underrated steak try the Gorganzola Filet.
Heat Pizza Bar: Heat serves individual pizzas and is extremely popular for their good pizza, great drink specials, and awesome patio overlooking government plaza in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
FIVE Bar: This place is unique because it only serves five of each thing: five entrees, five appetizers, five red wines, etc. They always have a great crowd and Nick Saban has mentioned that this is a favorite place of his to eat in town. You will also catch Kirk Herbstreit and the Gameday crew in here when they come to town.
Nick’s Filet House (Nick’s in the Sticks): Fancy steakhouses are nice, but Nick’s is known for their bacon wrapped filet that hits the spot. It’s cheap and delicious and you can wash it down with their signature drink: the Nicodemus.
Fine Dining (not necessarily five stars, but definitely a pricier selection)
Chuck’s Fish: Chuck has his own fleet of fishing boats in the gulf and has his fish freshly shipped to the restaurant daily. They not only have incredible fish, but they serve the best sushi in town and also have some incredible pizza
R. Davidson Chophouse: This spot is more casual for lunch, but for dinner, it is a white tablecloth establishment with the best steaks in town (people also say this about Chuck’s Fish). They serve a standard menu that you can find at many other steakhouses.
Evangeline’s: This place is tucked away in the Tuscaloosa Galleria and has a great atmosphere. Their duck is the best I’ve had in years, but they also have fine dining standard meals cooked to perfection. A girl from the gym named Elo works there most nights and I recommend asking for her as your server!
Meat & 3 (Soul food)
City Café: Located in Downtown Northport, this is a staple of the Tuscaloosa community. Known for cheap food, quick service, and their unique seating process. You can dine at their long bar or you can get in line for a table in one of their three dining rooms (the line goes quicker than it looks). They also have a great breakfast!
The Brown Bag: this restaurant is over in Northport pretty far off the beaten path. It’s a family-oriented restaurant that is high on quality and high on ratings. BBQ, Catfish, & variety of Vegetables.
Innisfree Irish Pub: I just got their meat and 3 yesterday. This is a popular bar with UA Students by night but serves a solid meat and 3 for lunch.
Wings (Smoked and Buffalo)
Archibald & Woodrow’s: Archibald partnered up with his son-in-law to create Archibald & Woodrow’s. The only reason they’re on the list with the original Archibald’s is that they serve up some incredible wings. They’re tangy and not quite bbq wings, but they’re a must try.
Moe’s Original Bar B Que: Their BBQ is pretty good, but not worth putting them in the same category as Dreamland or Archibald’s. Their smoked wings, on the other hand, are something to behold. (the best-smoked wings I have ever had in my life came from Saws Soul Kitchen in Birmingham, AL)
Baumhowers: This is a great sports bar that serves some incredible wings as well as everything else a sports bar should serve. Tons of TVs and beers on tap.
Breweries & Brewpubs
Located on University Blvd. in downtown Ttown, Black Warrior Brewing will make you feel right at home. They always have a small batch, so you can try something different, or keep it traditional with their Apricot Wheat. Signature beer: Crimson Ale
The one that started it all in Tuscaloosa. Druid City Brewing blazed the beer trail in Tuscaloosa and remains a great spot to relax, grab a beer, and throw on an old vinyl record. Signature beer: Downtown Northporter
Band of Brothers was started by three friends after they got out of the military, and have been making great beer together ever since. They always have great live music and a great space to hang out with friends. Signature beer: Monk on the Radio
Loosa Brews has a wide selection of craft beer, ping pong table, arcade games, pinball, and an outdoor patio. Head here if you want a variety of Alabama beer and other southern favorites.
Gameday bars on the Strip
Gallettes for a Yellowhammer is a tradition for a lot of Tide fans. It is always packed with students on gameday so get here early and prepare to pay a cover.
The Houndstooth is also on the Strip near the stadium and has a big patio and a lot of TV’s inside.
Rounders is where the party will be after the game. They have a rooftop area and the “Boom-Boom Room” which is as fun as it sounds.
Downtown Bars
Catch 22 has a ton of great infused liquor such as the Peach Bourbon. Try the Coffee Drink for something sweeter.
Copper Top anchors an area of bars downtown that is popular for students and Tuscaloosa residents alike. will have live music going
Green Bar is a great live music venue that gets a lot of great regional acts. Bands like the Alabama Shakes and St. Paul and the Broken bones have played here before they became larger national acts.
Parking
For gameday parking, there is a parking deck downtown that the police patrol during the game. They do shuttle rides for either $1 or $2 that drop you off right by the stadium near Rama Jama’s. It is a short walk to the Quad or Bryant Museum or bars on the Strip after that. You can shuttle ride back, but it’s not a bad walk down to those same bars after the game and then back down to the parking deck. https://www.tuscaloosa.com/live-play/parking-and-transportation
Follow @VisitTuscaloosa on your preferred social media accounts and go to https://visittuscaloosa.xyz/ and check out the Dine and Play pages.
If you want to find out what an atlatl is, then come to the 30th annual Moundville Native American Festival this week!
On October 3-6, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park will be celebrating Native American culture through performers, craft vendors, teachers, food and music. Learn more about specific activities below!
Festival Admission: $12 for Adults, $10 for Students and Seniors. Group rates are available with early registration! Pre-registered groups of 10 or more are $8 per person.
Native American Stage
The Native American Stage will feature storytellers, renowned dancers and musicians, such as GrayHawk Perkins. Both traditional and contemporary performances will be featured throughout the festival. Listen to ancient native stories and legends, the haunting harmony of flutes and the heartbeat of native music in drums and rattles.
Living History
With authentic sights, sounds and smells, the Living History Camp brings the past to life. Reenactors will be dressed in period clothing, with items teaching about the importance of the fur trade in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Listen to the stories about their lives during this time, while learning about their culture.
Kids Activities
There are many activities intended for kids of all ages, including experiences playing native games and making crafts. Kids will learn how to play stickball, throw an Indian football and try their hand at Indian Twister. Other activities include making shell bead necklaces and dressing up like Southeastern Indians.
Arts and Crafts
There are two ways to participate with the arts and crafts at the Moundville Native American Festival! Learn about native skills, such as pottery being pit fired, making rivercane baskets and carving wooden longbows, in the Arts and Crafts Arbor. At Knapper’s Corner, visitors will be able to watch toolmakers from around the country reproduce ancient work, including “flintknapping.” Purchase authentic art prints, musical instruments, toys, books, jewelry and other souvenirs in the Trader’s Circle or the Arts Market
Jones Museum
Take a tour of the Jones Archaeological Museum! Here you will find state-of-the-art exhibits that tell a story about the nobility who once lived in Moundville. There are stunning artifacts, recreated scenery and a special effects theatre to help teach about Native American culture.
School, church, scout, and other groups can be booked by emailing Lisa Rasco at llrasco@ua.edu.