Reviewed by: Gabby Gervais
11 brainy events to stimulate your mind this fall
Reading time: 5 minutes
Been a while since you learned something new? Then it’s time to fire up those neurons and attend these 11 brain-boosting events around Birmingham.
1. GirlSpring Meetings
Girls in 7th-11th grade, prepare to make history! Taking place the first and third Thursday each month at the Homewood Public Library, join GirlSpring to learn about meaningful topics, make like-minded friends and become empowered.
Bonus: refreshments will be provided!
When: Thursday, September 15 | 5-6PM
Where: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
Cost: Free
2. NextGen Bama Happy Hours
Meet new people and drink free beer every third Thursday this fall by taking part in NextGen Bama Happy Hours. Each event offers casual conversations and the chance to raise awareness on poverty, criminal justice and human rights. More info.
When: Thursday, September 15 | 5:30-7PM
Where: Good People Brewing Co, 114 14th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: Free
3. Surrounded by Enemies: The Historical Roots of Putin’s Propaganda Empire
Grab a beer with local professors as they discuss interesting topics in cool places during Discourse Bham’s public lecture series. On Thursday, September 15, you’ll hear from Dr. Margaret Peacock, Associate Professor of History at The University of Alabama as she discusses the historical roots of Putin’s Propaganda Empire.
Bonus: Get 50% off at checkout with discount code BHAMNOW.
When: Thursday, September 15 | 7PM
Where: Monday Night Brewing Co, 14 12th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: $15
Tickets
4. Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) joins museums, zoos and cultural centers across the US in this special annual event on Saturday, September 17.
On this unique day, you’ll get free access to the BCRI to learn about the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement and more important historic and prominent events.
When: Saturday, September 17 | 10AM-4PM
Where: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: Free
Register for your free Museum Day ticket
5. Black Girls Dream Conference
Reflect, rebuild, be revitalized and dream during the Black Girls Dream Conference on Saturday, September 17.
During the conference:
- Learn about the murder of the four Black girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing
- Honor + celebrate the resilience of Black girls and women in the South.
- Hear speakers and take part in workshops + interactive sessions.
When: Saturday, September 17 | 8AM-3PM
Where: The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: Free
Register
6. 1963 Civil Rights Experience – Black History Matters Tour
In 1963, Birmingham was being torn apart by segregation laws. Learn what it was like from guides who lived through this time by participating in a Black History Matters Tour.
During each tour:
- Walk in the steps of marchers and protesters and of the oppressors and oppressed.
- Take part in discussions of what hate + misunderstanding led to.
- Discover some of the most iconic sites.
When: Saturday, September 17 | 3-4:30PM
Where: A.G. Gaston Motel, 1510 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: $50
Tickets
7. Be Gentle with Black Girls
Enjoy a live reading of Be Gentle with Black Girls with author Tania De’Shawn, followed by a panelist discussion featuring:
- Moderator Ashley M. Jones, Alabama Poet Laureate
- DeJuana Thompson, President + CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Lauren Whatley, a Women’s Studies professor at The University of Alabama and an expert on race, gender + systems of oppression
- Queen daPoetess, local poetess and co-owner of Majesty Lounge
Attendees can also participate in an Oriki station—praise poems from a West African tradition that affirm oneself through relationships between kinship and destiny.
When: Thursday, September 22 | 6PM
Where: Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: Free
8. Lost Treasures of Alabama
Interested in local history and artifacts? Enhance your knowledge during this must-attend presentation with historian/artifact hunter Jim Phillips. During the presentation, Phillips will:
- Share interesting stories of local historical events
- Discuss the types of artifacts that have been discovered in the area.
- Display his mobile museum of 1700s + 1800s artifacts from Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Tennessee.
Bonus: After the event, Phillips will evaluate your artifacts, so bring your coolest items like paper money, old bottles, coins and tokens!
When: Friday, September 23 | Noon-1PM
Where: Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173
Cost: Free
Register
9. Project Learning Tree Certification Workshop
Hey teachers—join this hands-on learning experience you can translate to your very own classroom!
This workshop provides instructional materials via a highly-active, hands-on ZooTeach session. Participants will:
- Experience and model several PLT activities
- Plan how to integrate PLT into curriculum/programs
- Learn how to integrate environmental education into teaching
- Become comfortable teaching outdoors
When: Saturday, October 8 | 9AM-3PM
Where: The Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Cost: $25
Register
10. Alabama Workplace Evolution: Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use
If you’re a manager or HR Professional, this event’s for you. A one-day conference hosted by Addiction Prevention Coalition, you’ll learn how to help your employees address mental health, substance use and recovery in the workplace. More info.
When: Friday, October 14 | 8AM-4PM
Where: Jefferson State Community College, 4600 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham,35242
Cost: $97-$108
Tickets
11. Fall History Tour
Where can you go to discover some of Birmingham’s best history? Consider the Oak Stone Cemetery. This November, Oak Stone Cemetery returns for its first post-pandemic Fall History Tour.
When: Sunday, November 20 | 11AM-3PM
Where: Oak Hill Cemetery, 1120 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234
Cost: $20
Tickets
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