ArtBreak: Inside the Monet to Matisse smartguide
2026-05-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a special ArtBreak led by Dr. Tray Ridlen, Art History Professor at Jacksonville State University. Dr. Ridlen will discuss his scholarly work and the development of the Monet to Matisse smartguide, offering insight into how digital interpretation enhances visitor engagement with the exhibition. The presentation will be followed by a guided tour of Monet to Matisse: French Moderns, 1850–1950, presented by PNC Bank, in the Jemison Galleries.
Please note that this ArtBreak will be held in the Monet to Matisse exhibition, therefore the registration fee of $19.51 covers the cost of an exhibition ticket.

Register to Attend

$19.51

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Image caption: Marie Bracquemond (1840–1916), Petite vue de Sèvres (Small view of Sèvres), 1885–1895, oil on canvas, 5 1/2 × 8 1/2 × 5/8 in. (14 × 21.6 × 1.6 cm); Museum purchase, 2025.12

Promenaders (Square Dancing)
2026-05-20 13:15 - 15:15 | Pelham Senior Center – 50 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham AL 35124
https://www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/calendar.aspx?EID=7457

Co-Ed League
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00
Co-Ed League: Join us at the Pink Pickleball Courts from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ($10). You must be registered to play. You do not have to have a partner to register.

Brick’d Up Step Aerobics
2026-05-20 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-22 18:30 - 19:30
Get ready to sweat and groove with BRICK’D UP HIIT Step Aerobics at City Walk Bham. Join us at the Blue Block from 6:30–7:30 PM.

Pickleball Clinics
2026-05-21 - 2026-05-22, 2026-05-23 - 2026-05-24
Start your Pickleball journey here. This progression is designed to take you to the top of your game:101 – Basics201 – Develop shot consistency and accuracy301 – Learn to drive, spin, and power the ball401 – Implement winning court strategies
Clinics are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Wednesday mid-day, and Saturday mornings.
Click Here for Times, Dates and Registration

Pickleball Clinics
2026-05-21 - 2026-05-22, 2026-05-23 - 2026-05-24
Start your Pickleball journey here. This progression is designed to take you to the top of your game:101 – Basics201 – Develop shot consistency and accuracy301 – Learn to drive, spin, and power the ball401 – Implement winning court strategies
Location:
Pink Block Pickleball Courts 3 & 4
Pickleball Clinics Schedule:
Thursdays: PB 101: 6 – 7 PM | PB 102: 6 – 7 PM | PB 401: 7 – 8 PM
Saturdays: PB 101: 11 – 12 PM | PB 201: 10 – 11 PM
Click Here for Times, Dates and Registration

Dino Safari – March 4 to November 1
2026-05-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-22 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-24 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-25 09:00 - 16:00
Your Birmingham Zoo is excited to announce Dino Safari will stomp, roar, and rumble into the Zoo beginning March 4, running through November 1, 2026. This larger-than-life prehistoric adventure will feature some of the world’s biggest and most scientifically accurate robotic dinosaurs roaming throughout the Zoo grounds.
As part of this immersive experience, guests can also enjoy the new VR movie, Dinosaur: Evolution, transporting audiences 65 million years into the past.

A Prehistoric Adventure Awaits
Travel back in time and encounter roaring, breathing giants scattered throughout the Zoo to create an authentic dinosaur safari feel. Highlights include:

Twenty three dinos including one of the tallest dinosaurs ever created — a Brachiosaurus standing 35 feet high; a 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex alongside its baby; and a Triceratops the size of a food truck.
Two dinosaur nests – one with three Oviraptor babies and another with five Maiasaura hatchings.
An 8 ft. by 8 ft. dig pit featuring a variety of dinosaur fossils.
A massive Tyrannosaurus rex photo op area in the Zoo’s Plaza

“The dinosaurs are scattered throughout your Birmingham Zoo to give an authentic dinosaur safari feel as guests enjoy their visit,” said Chris Pfefferkorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. “The Dino Safari experience features 23 full-sized dinosaurs uniquely created under direct scientific supervision. Unlike other robots, these dinosaurs move, breathe, and roar, appealing to guests of all ages. Dino Safari and the Dinosaur VR film are entertaining while teaching important conservation messages.”
Dino Safari was created by world-renowned dinosaur authority Don Lessem, founder of Dino Don, Inc., and advisor to Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park. Lessem has led excavations and reconstructions of some of the world’s largest meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs from Patagonia.
“We have gone to great lengths to ensure the most accurate dinosaur robots in the world, and dinosaur fans love them,” said Lessem.
Dino Safari is included with regular Zoo admission.

New VR Experience: Dinosaur: Evolution
Responding to the growing demand for immersive experiences, Dinosaur: Evolution expands the reach of Immotion in museums, science centers, zoos, and aquariums worldwide. The movie is available at the zoo for an additional charge.
Set deep in the Hell Creek Formation at the end of the Cretaceous Period, the film takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through the rise—and dramatic fall—of Earth’s most legendary creatures. Featuring scientifically grounded storytelling and innovative visuals, the experience blends education with spectacle.
“Our goal with Dinosaur: Evolution goes beyond delivering an unforgettable experience,” said Rod Findley, President & CEO of Immotion. “We’re blending science and spectacle to create engaging content that supports the missions of science museums and centers—where curiosity meets credibility.”
The VR experience was created in collaboration with leading paleontologists, including Phillip Manning (University of Manchester; Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi), who also narrates the film. From feathered Dakota raptors to towering Tyrannosaurus rex, every detail reflects the latest scientific research.
More than just a visual thrill, Dinosaur: Evolution encourages reflection on evolution, extinction, and humanity’s connection to life on Earth—drawing timely parallels to modern climate challenges. You may view the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/1097701935
Immotion’s award-winning VR experiences are now featured in more than 125 locations worldwide.
Dino Safari will run from March 4 to November 1 and is included in the price of admission to your Birmingham Zoo when it is open. Closed Mondays and Tuesday except for major holidays.

ADOPT-A-DINO
Join in the fun: Adopt-A-Dinosaur today and display your name on “your” dino for the run of the exhibit! This is ideal for companies, organizations or families and will be seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors. To Adopt -a-Dino and support your Zoo, contact Kristin Martin at (205)909-4560 or kmartin@birminghamzoo.com.

Baking Class
2026-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Pelham Senior Center – 50 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham AL 35124
https://www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/calendar.aspx?EID=10679

Rooted in Roses: The Journey to Beautiful Blooms
2026-05-21 11:00 - 12:00
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Known to many as America’s Favorite Rose Gardener or the Redneck Rosarian, Chris VanCleave has spent decades with dirt under his nails and passion in his heart, growing roses that inspire beauty and connection. In this presentation Chris will introduce the fundamentals of rose care tailored for Alabama’s climate.
Attendees will learn how to select the right varieties, prepare soil, water and fertilize effectively, prune for healthy growth, and manage seasonal challenges.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners, this session provides practical tips to help your roses thrive and bloom beautifully year after year.
Location: Hodges Room
Instructor: Chris VanCleave
Chris VanCleave isn’t just a gardener; he’s a storyteller, teacher, and tireless champion for the world’s most beloved flower: the rose. Known to many as “America’s Favorite Rose Gardener,” Chris has spent decades with dirt under his nails and passion in his heart, growing roses that inspire beauty and connection.
Whether he’s tending blooms in his Alabama garden, speaking to a crowd, or sharing tips online, Chris’s mission is simple—to help more people discover the joy, wonder, and history wrapped up in every rose petal. For him, growing roses isn’t just about flowers…it’s about nurturing something that brings people together, stirs memories, and brightens the everyday.

Become a Friend of the Gardens and join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thank you for your support!

Register
Become a Member

Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) will be given for Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens programs priced at $25 or more if notification is made at least 10 business days prior to class start date. (You are always welcome to send another person under your registration if you cannot attend.) Transfers may be made to programs of equal value at no additional fee. We reserve the right to cancel classes due to lack of participation or other unforeseen circumstances. Please note that programs are held rain or shine; in extreme weather conditions, programs may be canceled for your safety and the safety of staff and volunteers. If we cancel a program for any of these reasons, we will issue a full refund.

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Creative Card Making
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Pelham Senior Center – 50 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham AL 35124
https://www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/calendar.aspx?EID=8207

BMX Night
2026-05-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Skate Park, 1706 9th Ave N, Birmingham, 35203, United States
A night dedicated to our two-wheeled friends. Join us at the skate park for BMX night!

The Cry of Jazz: Film Screening and Panel Discussion with the Sun Ra Arkestra
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for an evening exploring the sound, vision, and legacy of Sun Ra through film, conversation, and works from the Museum’s collection. Presented in partnership with Create Birmingham and Film Birmingham as part of the Year of Birmingham Jazz initiative, the program begins with a screening of The Cry of Jazz (1959), Edward Bland’s groundbreaking film examining jazz, race, and cultural expression. The film features performance footage of Sun Ra and members of his Arkestra.
Following the screening, members of the Sun Ra Arkestra will participate in a panel discussion led by local jazz historian Burgin Mathews of the Southern Music Research Center and Jessica Chriesman of Sidewalk Film Festival. The conversation will explore the cinematic history of Sun Ra and his band, the visual language of the Arkestra’s album art, and its influence on Afrofuturism, music history, and experimental design, while connecting these themes to works held in the Museum’s collection. Since 2023, the Hanson Library and Archives at the Birmingham Museum of Art has cared for printed proofs of four Sun Ra album covers: When Sun Comes Out (1963), Universe in Blue (1972), Dreams Come True (or Deep Purple) (1973), and Discipline 27-II (1973). Together, the film and discussion offer a closer look at how Sun Ra’s creative universe continues to shape art, music, and visual culture today.

Register to Attend

Free

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Image caption: Sun Ra Collection, “Universe in Blue” album cover print proof, 1972, Clarence B. Hanson, Jr. Library and Archives, Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham, Alabama, ARC.2022.2, © Sun Ra LLC

Monet to Matisse
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:30
Join a 30-minute drop-in tour exploring works by Henri Matisse, Jacques Villon, and Fernand Léger. Led by Elyse Villa, Manager of Tour Programs, the tour is free to attend, but participants must purchase an exhibition ticket for May 21. Registration is not required.
Tours will take place at 6pm and 7pm and are thirty minutes long.

Monet to Matisse Tickets

$19.51

Get Tickets
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Image caption: Henri Matisse (1869–1954), La Cité, Notre Dame, 1937, etching on paper, sheet: 17 3/16 × 13 13/16 in. (43.7 × 35.1 cm); Collection of the Birmingham Museum of Art; Gift of Dr. William M. Murray, Jr., 1978.11

Magic City Futbol
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00
Join us at the blue block rec field for Magic City Futbol from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Storytime at the Gardens
2026-05-22 10:30 - 11:00
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Bring your preschoolers and little ones to enjoy a story in the gardens. This storytime fosters a love of reading, creativity, and nature.
Location: Southern Living Garden (weather permitting)

Become a Friend of the Gardens and join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thank you for your support!

Register
Become a Member

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Dedication of Sun Ra Hammond Solovox Exhibit
2026-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Carver Theatre, 1631 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, United States
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate the Dedication of the Sun Ra Hammond Solovox Exhibit at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame on May 22. This exciting unveiling honors the legacy of Sun Ra, one of jazz’s most visionary and influential artists, and highlights his connection to Birmingham’s rich musical history.
Guests will have the opportunity to experience the newly installed exhibit, featuring the iconic Hammond Solovox instrument associated with Sun Ra’s innovative sound and pioneering spirit. This moment marks an important addition to our museum, preserving and showcasing a unique piece of jazz history for future generations.
Come be part of this meaningful occasion as we pay tribute to a legend and continue our mission of celebrating and preserving jazz.
RSVP HERE

Friday Night Social Mixers: Fun, Friends & Pickleball!
2026-05-22 17:30 - 20:00
Join us at the Pickleball Courts 3 & 4 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM for fun, friends, and pickleball!

Friday Night Social Mixers: Fun, Friends & Pickleball!
2026-05-22 18:00 - 20:00
Join us at the Pickleball Courts 3 & 4 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for fun, friends, and pickleball!

Karaoke & Movie Night in the Backyard
2026-05-22 18:00 - 21:00 | University Pickers – Huntsville, 3405 Triana Blvd sw, Huntsville, AL, 35805, United States
Summer Kickoff Karaoke & Movie Night
Kick off summer with a night that feels like the good old days—music, laughter, and a movie under the stars.
Join us in The Backyard at University Pickers on May 22nd for an evening that starts with karaoke at 6 PM and rolls right into a classic 80s adventure at dusk. Whether you’re grabbing the mic or just enjoying the show, this is the kind of night you’ll want to bring your people to.
Bring your chairs, your blankets, and your best singing voice (or your best cheering voice—we welcome both). We’ll have a food truck on-site, the store open late, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the night.
This is the first of several summer nights we’re planning, so come be part of the kickoff.
Free event. All are welcome!
Make sure to RSVP here:https://www.facebook.com/share/1V1U2mykba/

The Modern Greenbook Marketplace
2026-05-23 16:00 - 20:00
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Season 2 of The MGB Marketplace at City Walk BHAM!
After an incredible first season, we are back and better than ever! Join us at the City Walk Social area from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and prepare for a day filled with vibrant energy and fun.

Memorial Day Observation: Placing Flags on Veterans' Graves at Pelham City Cemetery
2026-05-25 - 2026-05-26 | Pelham City Cemetery – Pelham AL 35124
Join volunteers as they place flags on veterans’ graves, honoring their service and sacrifice as we reflect on the true meaning of freedom. https://www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/calendar.aspx?EID=12554

Cardio Drumming
2026-05-25 11:30 - 12:15 | Pelham Senior Center – 50 Racquet Club Parkway Pelham AL 35124
https://www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/calendar.aspx?EID=11823
