30 Days of Fiesta via Fiesta Birmingham’s Facebook

Birmingham is adjusting to our new normal and still finding ways to support local businesses and causes. Many restaurants are reopening for dine-in (like Iron City Grill who got a menu makeover) and supporting events again—the virtual ones and the socially distant kind. Fiesta Birmingham, a personal favorite, will go virtual this year, expanding a one day celebration into a month long one. Here are five events to keep on your radar for the upcoming week and next to get you back in Birmingham!

Fiesta Birmingham

Fiesta Birmingham has celebrated hispanic heritage at Linn Park for the past 17 years, but this year the fiesta comes to you! Fiesta is selling “Fiesta in a Box” for $18 in honor of the 18th Fiesta celebration, and all proceeds go toward the Fiesta Scholarship Fund! This 10×14 commemorative box is designed by a local Latina artist and filled with festive goodies.

For Fiesta Birmingham 2020, there will be “30 Days of Fiesta” from Sept 15th-Oct 15th with virtual events every day, every week. Mondays educate on wellness and resources, Tuesdays are cooking and mixology classes, Wednesdays explore the various latin cultures, Thursdays honor the impact and history of Fiesta, Fridays teach fiscal responsibility, Saturdays celebrate the arts, and Sundays are dedicated to families. You can order your own “Fiesta in a Box” and keep up with their virtual events posted on their Facebook and Instagram @FiestaBham and at their website.

Cooking with Culture

Cooking with Culture brings Italy to Birmingham! Classes led by Benard Tamburello and Giuliana Russo-Skinner teach participants how to make various fresh pastas, light desserts, crafted cocktails, and more with cultural fun facts each Saturday. Tickets include the ingredients, class, full meal, and the recipe. Classes are $35 and offer the option for a socially distanced in person class or cooking kit pick-up for an online Zoom class. Cooking with Culture will be held at Vecchia or Moss Rock Tacos respectively depending on the cuisine. For the month of September, these classes are still taking students:

Carbonara on Sep 17, 6:30 pm
Tortelli on Sep 19, 10 am
Bolognese on Sep 24, 6:30 pm
Focaccia dolce on Sep 26,10 am
Salsa and guacamole on Sep 30, 6:30 pm.
Get a full course meal and learn how to make one at home! Purchase tickets at cookingwithculture.com, and text or email questions to (205) 623-6004 or info@cookingwithculture.com

Drive Out ALS Cruise-In

Cruise-in to the Outlet Shops of Grand River to end ALS! Miss Leeds Area’s Outstanding Teen Emma Terry put on this fundraiser for the Alabama ALS Association Community of Hope Fund. Terry’s grandfather enjoyed restoring antique cars and showing them off at cruise-ins before ALS complicated these simple joys. ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurological disease that affects muscle control and complicates many everyday movements like walking, eating, and breathing. In honor of him, the proceeds from this event will help the ALS Association purchase equipment and supplies for families in need. The event is Sept 19th 11 am-2 pm, and there is a $10 entry fee per car. You can register at the event by calling (205) 702-8360, emailing contact@shopsofgrandriver.com, or on site the day of the event.

Black Joy Bazaar

Hosted by Elevators and Urban Impact Birmingham, Black Joy Bazaar celebrates radical joy! Join them on the 21st at 4th Ave Mini Park in the heart of Birmingham’s Historic Black Business district. From 4 pm-8 pm, you can enjoy food trucks, a scavenger hunt, and local Black owned businesses. Urban Impact Birmingham will kickoff a new panel series focused on this district’s contributions to Birmingham’s culture and economy. According to their site, Elevators “fosters equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems” through developing business strategies that are focused on “..build[ing] community and capacity for BIPOC creatives and institutions integral to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Urban Impact is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the historic 4th Ave business district and Civil Rights Monument district. Black Joy Bazaar encourages social distancing and wearing masks for a joyful night!

Zoo Brews: Drafts at a Distance

Support the Birmingham Zoo’s Animal Emergency Fund and various Alabama breweries all in one night! The favored Zoo Brews is back in a socially distanced edition. This 21+ only event is held on Sept 25 between 5 pm-8 pm at the Birmingham Zoo. Enjoy beer samples from different breweries for just a penny! Full Moon BBQ and Pazzo Big Slice Pizza’s food trucks will cater to your cravings, and you can always buy a full size beverage if that sample isn’t enough. Penny redemption booths are located at each vendor to exchange larger coins for pennies so you can keep sampling through the evening. All pennies collected go toward the Animal Emergency Fund.General admission is $30 and member admission is $25. Designated Driver admission is $15. Make sure to bring your ID and your mask! Learn more.

Share your adventures and experiences with us @bhamnow on Facebook & Instagram!