15 events you won’t want to miss this August-September
Reading time: 9 minutes
We all remember when Birmingham’s event scene suddenly went silent due to COVID. Happily, things are ramping back up—safely, of course. Here’s what’s coming up in August and September.
August 2020
1. #My54
Honor the legacy of John Lewis and Rev. CT Vivian by participating in #My54—a civic action that encourages people to commit to moving 54 miles over a 30-day period. Why 54? It’s the distance marched from Selma to Montgomery that many risked everything for on March 7, 1965.
There are two key parts to the action:
- Move 54 miles over 30 days: walk, run, bike, work out, paddleboard, do sun salutations—whatever strikes your fancy.
- Commit to engage in change. If you don’t yet know what issues are most important to you, you can use the first week to get clear.
Date: Now-August 28
Register here
2. Chalk It Up
McWane Science Center is back in action and with its recent reopening comes an exciting outdoor event—Chalk It Up to Science.
This colorful event lets you show off your sidewalk chalk skills while creating cool art on McWane Science Center’s outdoor plaza. Bring your own chalk or use prepackaged chalk offered by McWane Science Center.
Be sure to grab a swag bag when you leave—it includes take-home instructions on how to make your very own sidewalk chalk at home using common kitchen items.
This is a free event. Tickets are only required when visiting the museum inside. Masks are required during the event and inside McWane Science Center.
Where: McWane Science Center
Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 10AM-3PM
3. Mix + Flix: Virtual Movie-Inspired Cocktail Party and Fundraiser
Build up your excitement for the Sidewalk Film Festival coming up in August with the Mix + Flix Cocktail Party and Fundraiser. The event takes place on Saturday, August 8 via FaceBook Live and features:
- Movie trivia
- Drink demos
- And more!
Preorder a movie-inspired home bar kit—on sale now through August 7.
Where: Facebook Live
Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 5-7PM
4. St. Elias Food Festival
Scrumptious food awaits you during the 22nd annual St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival. Taking place Friday-Saturday, August 7-8, this year’s festival will drive-thru and take out only. Virtual events including a silent auction can be found here.
The festival’s menu is limited—but still incredible!—and includes three options:
- #1 – Deluxe plate (3 pieces of kibbee, spinach pie, beans, rice, bread) – $16
- #2 – Meat Pie plate (2 meat pies, beans, rice, bread) – $14
- #3 – Vegetarian plate (2 spinach pies, beans, rice, bread) – $12
A dessert sampler ($25) is available for purchase with an assortment of sweets.
Don’t forget the swag! There will be souvenir cups, shirts, hats and cookbooks available for purchase.
This is a no cash event. Bring your credit/debit card to pay.
Where: St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church. 836 8th Street S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Date: August 7-8
Time: 10AM-7PM
5. Faith Chapel Blood Drive
Since the pandemic began, there’s been a decrease in donors, specifically in the African American community. To help this increased demand, Faith Chapel is hosting a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Click here to make your appointment via the American Red Cross. Registration ends Friday, August 7.
Where: The Bridge at Faith Chapel. 100 Mike Moore Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35224
Date: August 10
Time: 11AM-4PM
6. Fairytales and Frogs: The Royal March
Love a good fairytale? Be part of one during Fairytales and Frogs: The Royal March. Taking place at The Birmingham Zoo, attendees visiting the zoo on this day are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume for a magical morning as Royal Guests from The Enchanted Princess walk and wave to all admirers. This is a socially distant event, so please wave from afar.
Where: The Birmingham Zoo. 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 10AM & 11AM
Price: Included in daily admission
Tickets
7. Art from the Heart Virtual Art Auction benefiting Studio By the Tracks
Prepare to bid, Birmingham! Studio By the Tracks is hosting an Art From the Heart Virtual Auction this August.
This exciting event will feature 200+ art pieces that range from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and printmaking. Works featured are created by some of Studio By the Tracks very own artists along with artists from across the country.
Where: Online
Date: August 20-23
Time: Noon-8PM
Price: General Admission Access – FREE | Advanced Viewing Access – $20
8. Sidewalk Film Festival
Drive-in movies just got better. This year’s sidewalk Film Festival will take place at The Grand River Drive-In in Leeds—and it’s gonna be awesome!
Each night of the festival will feature films on four different screens, so prepare for a full night of entertainment. Check out 12 can’t miss films at the festival.
For 15% off tickets, use discount code BHAMNOW15.
Where: Grand River Drive-In. 1451 Grand River Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
Date: August 24-30
Time: Gates tentatively open each evening at 6:30PM with the start of the first films of the night scheduled to begin at 8PM.
Price: Tickets are priced per car. 1 Person Car- $15 | 2 Person Car – $26 | 3 Person Car – $35 | 4 Person Car – $42 | 5+ Person Car – $47
Tickets
9.Tee Off Fore Tanner
Love to laugh? This is the virtual event for you, my friend. On August 27, tune in to Tee Off Fore Tanner, Silly Swings Edition—a golf-inspired, totally hilarious fundraiser benefiting the Tanner Foundation.
Similar to America’s Funniest Videos, participants will send in their new or old golf videos—the sillier the better! Video categories include:
- Funniest Golf Video
- Most Creative Golf Outfit
Those at home can tune in live to see videos live and cast their vote for their favorite.
Video Deadline: August 14
Proceeds from the event help the Tanner Foundation continue to raise awareness and serve individuals and their families with MS, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and other complex neurological conditions.
Where: Online
Date: Thursday, August 27
Time: 5-8PM
Price: FREE
Donate here
10. Journey of Hope
Take part in an evening of inspiration, achievement and entertainment during United Ability’s Journey of Hope “at home” fundraiser. The event will honor the remarkable staff at United Ability and pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Gary Edwards.
Your support will help provide medicine, rehabilitation, therapies, technology and more for the more than 5,700 children and adults living with disabilities served by United Ability.
Where: Online
Date: August 29
Time: Live stream begins at 6:30PM | Live Program begins at 7PM
Price: $50
Donate here.
September 2020
11. 2nd Annual Patriot Ruck 2020
Saturday, September 12 is the day to take on one of the most difficult physical challenges ever—the 2nd annual Patriot Ruck.
Created in honor of our nation’s military men and women, Veterans, First Responders and their families, this is a 22 kilometer walk/run that will bring awareness to PTSD and Suicide Awareness within the Veteran community.
Where: Good People Brewing Co. 114 14th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 8AM-1PM
Price: FREE
Register
12. “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”
Have your favorite wish at the ready, Birmingham. Netflix Star and Cookbook Author Samin Nosrat is hosting “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”—a virtual event no foodie will want to miss.
With an impressive resume rich in cooking and writing, Nosrat will speak live about food, art, culture and cooking and even join Pardis and Frank Stitt (yeah, that one!) in a live Q+A discussion.
Where: Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
Date: September 13
Time: 4PM
Price: $29
Tickets
13. CCA Birmingham Crawfest 2020
Get ready to down some seafood during the Birmingham Crawfest benefiting the Coastal Conservation Association (CAA).
This tasty gathering features all sorts of food and entertainment, including:
- Crawfish + shrimp
- Cajun Buffet by Crazy Cajuns
- Open bar
- The Winston Ramble Band
- Silent Auction
- Raffle
- Door Prizes
Where: The Birmingham Zoo. 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Date: Thursday, September 24
Time: 5:30PM
Price: Individual – $80 | Couples – $150 | Youth (13-18 years old) – $50 | Kids (12 and under) – FREE
Tickets: Available soon.
14. A Night of Big Stars benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters
If you enjoy drive-in entertainment, you’re gonna love this event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. Littles in the program will take to the stage—virtually!—to perform a one-of-a-kind show which will be viewed drive-in style. Yep, guests will watch the virtual action from their cars. Dinner and auction packages are provided.
Can’t make it? Donate here.
Where: Pepper Place. 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Date: September 26
Time: Saturday, 6PM
Price: $300
Tickets
15. Cahaba River Fry-Down Virtual Event
Do you have a fish dish that will wow a crowd? Provide it during the 11th annual Cahaba River Fry-Down. Benefiting the Cahaba River Society this beloved catfish cook-off festival will be virtual with entertainment like:
- Cooking demos
- Insider Cahaba fishing tips
- Cahaba adventure videos
The best part of it all—you can watch the demonstrations for free via the Fry-Down website, right from the comfort of your couch.
So how do chefs and teams demonstrate recipes virtually?
Chefs and teams will register to take part in the action. They’ll then submit demonstration videos of them preparing their favorite recipes for fish and side dishes. Each video will be viewed by professional judges in a variety of categories including:
- Presentation
- Best side dish
- Most creative use of ingredients
The winner of the coveted “Champion of the Cahaba” award will go to the contestant/team who raise the most donations in support of Cahaba River Society.
Where: Online
Date: September 29-October 4
Price: Community Team – $50 to enter | Corporate Cook Team – $200 to enter | Viewers – watch for free!
Registration: Competitors must register by midnight on August 29 | Videos must be submitted by September 8.
Register to compete.
Which event are you most excited about? Show us your photos from those you attend, both in-person and virtually on social @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
