10 places to celebrate the July 4th holiday in and around the Magic City

Happy 242th Birthday America!!  Bham Now has compiled our top 10 list of 4th of July celebrations in and around the Magic City. This year, with the 4th landing on a Wednesday,  some communities are celebrating our nation’s founding  a week in advance.

We are cool with that. Heck, shouldn’t our nation’s birthday always be a week-long celebration! We all deserve it!!

Now to our list.

37th Annual I Love America Night

This annual event in Vestavia kicks off July 4th holiday week. There is swimming at Wald Park, a Children’s Area hosted by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church 6:00-8:00 pm, Pops in the Park Concert by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra 7:00 pm and the showing of the movie Despicable Me 3: 8:15 pm.

When: June 28, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Where: Wald Park
How Much: FREE

Fire on the Mountain at Oak Mountain State Park

Spend the day at Oak Mountain State Park with special event going on the entire day, including wildlife interpretation at the Alabama Wildlife Center. IMPORTANT TIP: Arrive before 7:00pm, if you wish to see the Fireworks. The gates will be closing then.

When:July 1, ALL DAY (Admission gates close at 7:00pm
Where Oak Mountain State Park
How Much: Regular Park Admission. Special $15 a carload after 5.

Birmingham Barons

Our hometown team the Birmingham Barons will be home on Independence Eve. playing the Mississippi Generals. There will several special promotions and the highlight of the evening will be Jake the Diamond Dog!

When: July 3
Where: Regions Field
How Much: Varies

Red, White and Brew! Food Truck Fest

Come out and support the Birmingham Education Foundation – ED – the day before the 4th of July. The all-ages event will boast live performances from Legal Limit, Remy Garrison, and Heath Green and the Makeshifters. Children’s’ activities like inflatables and face painting are certain to keep the kiddos busy. If you love Avondale Brewery and great food this is the place to be!

When: July 3, 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Where : Avondale Brewery
How Much:$5

American Village – July 4th Festivities

Independence Day 1776! from The American Village on Vimeo.

Want to go back in time to 1776? American Village activities and events scheduled all day long. Meet Thomas Jefferson, Martha Washington and Patrick Henry, just to name a few.

When: July 4, 11:00
Where: American Village in Montevallo
How Much: $5, Children under 4 are free

Thunder on the Mountain

The ‘Big Guy’ (Vulcan) atop Red Mountain will light-up Birmingham’s cityscape again this year with the most spectacular, thunderous fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Vulcan’s fireworks show is one of the oldest shows around central Alabama and people from all over the Birmingham area stake out the city’s best spots to view the show hours before it starts

Thunder on the Mountain, a 20 -minute show that begins at 9 p.m., is produced by Pyro Shows of Alabama and includes 2,500 vibrant colors and patterns that light up the night sky. The show is choreographed to a mix patriotic and pop music, and for the first-time this year can be heard on nine iHeart radio stations throughout the Birmingham area. The show also can be heard on La Jefa radio at 98.3 FM on your dial. WBRC Fox 6 (TV) also will broadcast the show live.

When:July 4, 9:00pm
Where: Where ever you can see Vulcan
How Much: FREE

UAB Summer Band Concert

Enjoy a free Fourth of July concert of patriotic music outdoors with the UAB Summer Band at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and then stay to watch the fireworks shot from atop Red Mountain.

When: July 4, 7:00pm
Where: In front of UAB’s Bartow Arena
How Much: FREE

69th Annual Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church 4th of July Festival at in Homewood

Bar-B-Que and Bingo! The A family-friendly way to spend your 4th of July in Birmingham! Games, food, and fun. All are welcome!

By the way Bingo at: 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center and do make sure to get some bar-b-que!

When: July 4, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood
How Much: $5 first 400 people (make sure to order the Bar-B-Que early!

July 4th Festival in Downtown Homewood

The City of Homewood and the Homewood Parks & Recreation Board will celebrate the 4th of July in Downtown Homewood. Two blocks of 18th Street South & one block of 29th Ave South will be blocked for pedestrian traffic in Downtown Homewood to make way for rides and attractions. The event is open to the general public.

When: July 4, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Where: Downtown Homewood
How Much: FREE – There is a $10 fee if you want to rides the rides.

Trussville Freedom Celebration

Want to get a little bit out of town for a 4th of July celebration? Try the Trussville Freedom Celebration.  There will be rides, food and music by Act of Congress.  And of course a fireworks show at 9:00. Here are the – DETAILS.

When: July 4, 5:30-9:00pm
Where: Trussville on the Mall
How Much: FREE

Did we mis anyone? Please let us know!  Meanwhile, have fun celebrating the 4th!