Birmingham Guide to Spring Festivals
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From great music to delicious food, Birmingham has a variety of festivals that are popping up this spring season. Most are family friendly and loads of fun. You’ll want to add these events to your calendar.
Alabama Asian Cultures & Food Festivals at the Zamora Shrine Temple
When: April 1st at 10:30 am
This multicultural event will be a day of fun exploration into Asian culture. You’ll get the opportunity to try delicious cuisine from at least eight different countries and watch live presentations of ceremonies such as the dragon dance group from Confucious Institute at Auburn University at Montgomery. For more information, click here.
Fido Fest at The Summit Shopping Center
When: April 1st from 11 am to 3 pm
Join the Summit for their second year of this dog-friendly event. There will be pet photo booths, kids activities galore, food trucks, live music, and some local vendors. The event is free for everyone. Animal lovers and their four-legged friends will be the life of this party. The festival will benefit Hand & Paw and The Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
7th Annual Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-Off at Railroad Park
When: April 8th, 2017 from 11 am – 2 pm
A festival for Cajun cooking? I think yes! Support Girls Inc. with this fun, family-friendly outing. Enjoy the day at Railroad Park taste testing some Cajun favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, and rice, etc. Of course, you’ll get to vote for your favorite dish.
Spring Food Truck Rally at Avondale Brewing Company
When: April 9th from 1 pm to 6 pm
This year’s Spring Food Truck Rally is going to be bigger and better than ever. With over 20 different trucks serving up your fave Bham cuisine, you will definitely leave a happy camper. Some participating trucks include Melt, Old Town Pizza, Tot Spot, Greg’s Hot Dogs, Fetch – Treat Truck for Dogs, and much more. You can buy your tickets here.
Turkish Food Festival at Istanbul Cultural Center
When: April 8-9th from 10 am to 6 pm
Always wanted to learn about Turkish culture? Now’s your chance at this year’s Turkish Food Fest. This free event will offer a dose of all things Turkish, from food to music to cultural pride. Of course, this family-friendly event will have kids activities as well as fun raffles for the adults.
Spoken Truth Poetry Festival at UAB Hill Student Center
When: April 15th from Noon to 8 pm
This festival is for the creative minds in Bham. Hosted by Real Life Poets, Inc. and Aura, there will be three workshops to help hone the gifts of those who attend and a featured poetry show. There will also be a poetry slam, where 20 students in high school and college will compete. To register for the event, click here.
19th Annual St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church
When: April 21st & 22nd from 10:00am to 9:00pm
Broaden your horizons and explore the Lebanese culture at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church. This event is definitely for everyone. Enjoy good food, live traditional dancing, silent auctions, and live entertainment.
12th Annual Gumbo Gala at Sloss Furnaces
When: April 22nd at 11 am
April must be the month of cooking competitions because on the 22nd you’ll get the chance to attend another one. The Gumbo Gala will feature sponsors cooking their best gumbo recipes for a good cause, the Episcopal Place. There will be over 60 teams fighting for the title of Best Gumbo and you won’t want to miss it.
The Magic City Art Festival at Linn Park
When: April 28th – 30th at 10 am
This spring tradition has been going strong for 34 years. 200 artists will take over Linn Park with their music, dancing, sculptures, and artistic expressions. Of course, there will be yummy food and special tastings, as well. Some of the amazing local artists that will be in attendance are Allison Dailey, Amber Orr, Bruce Holwerda, and Binx Newton.
Feast of St. Mark’s Italian Festival at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
When: April 29th at 3 pm
What’s better than a day of Italian food, family, and fun? Expect a big turnout because last year there were around 3,000 people who stopped by and enjoyed this Italian feast. Now you can add another day of live entertainment, amazing food, and family friend fun to your Bham calendar.
Funk Fest Birmingham at Legion Field
When: May 6th at 3 pm
Here’s a music festival for you to get your funk on. Hosted at numerous venues across the South, this event will be one for the books. Funk Fest Birmingham will host an array of artists from BabyFace to Juvenile right at Legion Field. You can get your tickets here.
Do Dah Day at Highland Avenue Parks
When: May 20th at 7:00 pm
Music, Fun, and Pets? That definitely sounds like a good time. The 39th annual Do Dah Day will host a parade, live music, and of course, tons of fun for kids and adults alike. You can even run for King and Queen of Do Dah Day! Wanna join the fun? Click here for more information.
8th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival at Debardeleben Park
When: May 20th, gates open at 11 am
8 years of BBQ and Blues. There is nothing wrong with that. Get a taste of some famous Bob Sykes BBQ while listening to some award-winning blues musicians. All you need is a chair or blanket and your set up for a day of relaxing.
