Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
America250: 5 ways to celebrate in Birmingham—art, food + more
Reading time: 4 minutes
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In case you haven’t heard, the United States is turning 250-years-old this year. Places and businesses across the country are pulling out all the stops—events, discounts and even limited-edition products.
It’s no secret that here at Bham Now, we love anything local, so we rounded up a few places that are either celebrating the nation’s big birthday or just give “America” vibes. As we took our all-American tour of greater Birmingham, we grabbed a few Coca-Cola x America250 commemorative bottles to refresh us and lift the patriotic mood.
Keep reading for our full list of places, prepare for a tour of your own and let us know where you’re headed!
1. Walk through history at American Village in Montevallo
American Village boasts replicas of historic landmarks. (Bham Now)
American Village is a unique educational attraction where visitors can experience American history through interactive exhibits and landmark replicas. We made our rounds through versions of Mount Vernon, the Liberty Bell and the Oval Office—all with our Coke bottles in tow.
Plus, American Village has a huge two-day Fourth of July celebration coming up: Sweet Home 250, complete with live music, arts, food and a history-themed celebration.
- Location: 3727 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL
- Summer hours: Tuesday-Satuday, 9:30AM-4PM
- Sweet Home 250 details + tickets
2. Honor artists + storytelling at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
As the U.S. commemorates 250 years, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is unveiling Is This America?, an exhibit reflecting on what America is and who it’s for.
Curated by Birmingham artist Willie Williams, Is This America? is inspired by the legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer—on display now through July 18.
- Location: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-5PM
- Exhibit details
3. Admire the views at Liberty Park
If you’ve driven on Interstate 459, you’ve probably seen the replica of the Statue of Liberty. Just off 459’s Liberty Park exit, navigate to The Urban Center at Liberty Park—home to the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Around the area, there’s an Alabama Eagle Wall, a giant bronze Bald Eagle and, famously, the 36-foot-tall Statue of Liberty replica.
We brought a (very patriotic) picnic and had a fun afternoon in the sun with refreshing snacks to keep us cool, like watermelon and plenty of all-American Coca-Cola.
Bring your favorite picnic foods and soak up the patriotic vibes in Liberty Park for a few hours:
- Location: 516 Liberty Pkwy, Vestavia Hills, AL
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5PM
Coca-Cola x America250 commemorative bottles are the perfect addition to your picnic. You can find them at local grocery stores and gas stations—grab yours before they’re gone.
4. See Alabama’s past + present at Vulcan Park & Museum
Vulcan was officially introduced at the World’s Fair in 1904. And 122 years later, he still looks over the Birmingham sky—kind of like our own Statue of Liberty…right?
Vulcan Park & Museum is full of Birmingham and Alabama history, especially now via the Revolutionary Roots: Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History and Natural Beauty exhibit, which honors individuals from across Alabama whose courage and resilience helped shape both our state and the country.
Check it out for yourself and learn something new:
- Location: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday, 10AM-9PM
- Exhibit details
5. Catch a fireworks show on the 4th of July across Birmingham
All celebrations peak on America’s actual 250th birthday: The Fourth of July. If you’re looking for community-wide celebrations (more specifically, fireworks), there are plenty happening around town.
Here are a few:
- Fire on the Water @ Oak Mountain State Park | 9PM
- Sweet Home 250 @ American Village | 9PM
- Thunder on the Mountain @ Vulcan | 9PM
- Trussville Freedom Celebration @ Trussville Mall | 9PM
Your turn, Birmingham! How are you celebrating America250? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know where you’re stopping on your All-American tour—but don’t forget your Coca-Cola commemorative bottle!
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