Things are buzzing here in Tuscaloosa! Spring has sprung, the flowers are blooming, and the events are poppin’! We have an eclectic lineup for this weekend so follow along so you can be sure to hit the hot spots!

The Buzz About Bees Exhibit
A new exhibit is flying to the Alabama Museum of Natural History! The Buzz about Bees is a collaborative exhibit with the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the West Alabama Beekeepers Association, and the UA Bee Club. The exhibit focuses on the honey bee and features a live beehive that gives visitors an inside look at the honey bees’ honey production and social structure. Head over to view the exhibit that opens Thursday, April 22nd, to get a chance to learn about these incredible creatures!

Stand Up Comedy at Half Shell
Stand Up Tuscaloosa is hosting their very first Comedy in a Half Shell show this Friday, April 23rd starting at 7:30 pm. Acts feature comic “Casio” Matt Mitchell from NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Jay Leno, MTV, and Rick and Bubba as “Casio Kid”. Birmingham’s Peter Davenport who is a cohost of the Goulash Podcast with Chris Ivey will also perform!

Step Into The Rainforest at CHOM
Step into the rainforest this Saturday, April 24th at the Children’s Hands-On Museum! You and your little one can learn how to make a terrarium, learn about venus fly traps, and rain forest animals! All activities are included in admission. For more information on location and hours, visit its website here.

A Rockin’ Radio Show
Love radio rock hits? Like a capella harmony? Then this is the event for you! The hits brought to you in a unique format, live on stage this Saturday, April 24th! The Dixie district chorus champions, present rock radio hits in 4 part harmony with a presentation that will remind you of the great days of radio. To top that off, the classic Bama Theatre is the backdrop for this one-time-only event. Get your tickets fast as seating is limited. You won’t want to miss this!

Piccolo Concert with Kim Scott
Here’s another live concert to get excited about! Amazing piccolo soloist Kim Scott will be attending her live concert this Sunday, April 25th, for a sure-to-be fantastic performance! She is so excited to have the chance to feel the energy of a crowd, and is hoping to see you at Government Plaza from 4 pm! Don’t forget this family-friendly event is also FREE to the public!

If you are looking for safe, socially distant events this weekend, Tuscaloosa has a few to offer! Events are trickling in slowly, but surely. As our city adapts to the new norms and you can find events for the whole family this weekend!

Thursday Concerts on the Rooftop Featuring Ronda Ray
Music is back at The Lookout! They are kicking it off with one of your favorites, too! Join The Lookout for Ronda Ray this Thursday. When singer/songwriter Ronda Ray takes the stage, it’s party time! Her authentic, gritty, cowgirl nature and love of rock ‘n’ roll contribute to her unique sound. Her style is inspired by the great rock bands of the 1970s, yet is current, fresh, singular, visionary, and uniquely her own. Head over early for Happy Hour from 5 pm – 7 pm featuring $2 domestics, $4 wells, and $5 house wines. Remember The Lookout is smoke-free and pet friendly so you don’t have to leave your best friend at home!

Tuscaloosa Farmers Market
Start your day off right with a cup of coffee and a basket of locally grown produce! The Tuscaloosa Farmers Market takes place on Saturday from 7 am until 12 pm. Featuring fresh, locally grown produce; grass-fed meats; unique artisan crafts; and an Alabama authenticity that cannot be replicated, the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market has something for everyone! Support your local farmers and artisans by shopping local.

Color Me Crazy at CHOM!
The Children’s Hands-On Museum is back at it again this weekend with another great event for your little ones! Color Me Crazy takes place from 9:30 am to 4 pm. If you have a little artist on your hands, they can grab a smock and some paintbrushes to decorate a snowflake, snowball painting, and more! CHOM offers three floors of fun with 26 unique exhibits to play in.

Happy New Year! We are thrilled to welcome in 2021. Events are trickling in slowly, but surely as our city adapts to the new norms and you can find events for the whole family this weekend!

Static Shock at Children’s Hands-On Museum
Looking for a perfect activity for your children (ages newborn to 13)? Look no further than the Children’s Hands-On Museum’s “Static Shock” event! Open from 9:30 am to 4 pm, CHOM offers three floors of fun with 26 unique exhibits to play in. This Saturday, children can experiment with static electricity, take on the circuit board challenge, and demo a Van de Graff generator! This event will be socially distanced and have a visitor limit.

Second Saturday Outdoor Music Series
Round out your Saturday with some socially distanced live music! This event takes place at the Buddy Powell Pavilion from 1 pm until 4 pm with the lineup as follows…
1 pm: MHC & The Biscuit Cannons
2 pm: MarK Ultras Thought Police
3 pm: Susy & Andrew
The creators of this event series have asked people to please bring their own chair or blanket, wear a mask, and socially distance themselves!

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming winter months and are excited to share more. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!

Arts and Entertainment

Thursday Concerts on the Rooftop is featuring One Horrible Family this week! Originally a larger band formed two years ago, this group preferred a more intimate trio. All music students at the University of Alabama (one a former student), the group is capable of really any genre but performs mostly R&B, 80s music, and jazz. With most of their experience being in larger bars in Tuscaloosa, they are excited to relax at the Lookout for a night of rhythm and soul. The fun starts at 6 pm, and you do not want to miss this!

Jump into the holiday spirit with the arts at the exclusive Christmas Open House at Kentuck’s Gallery Shop! Enjoy 10% OFF IN-STORE AND ONLINE! Join the holiday fun at Kentuck’s Christmas Kickoff Open House from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, November 7, and from 12 to 4 pm on Sunday, November 8. Support local artists this holiday season and find unique gifts for all of your loved ones! Use code CHRISTMASOPEN2020 for 10% off our online shop!

Fun for the Youngsters

On Friday Para will be hosting Kids Night Out at 5:30 pm at the McDonald Hughes Community Center! The Kids Night Out event will keep the kiddos busy for 3 hours of educational and recreational fun! Pizza, juice, and dessert will be available for all participants to enjoy throughout the event. There will be swimming so make sure to pack swimwear, dry clothes, and a towel. Life jackets will be provided when needed. Registration for this fall fling is available here.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa is hosting Sweater Weather on Saturday from 9:30 am- 4 pm. CHOM is a beloved local gem where children explore, create, and discover every time they visit. When they say “hands-on” they really mean it! Learning through play is what our exhibits are all about. This special seasonal extravaganza will include autumn weather science, leaf color experiments, and fantastic fall wreaths! All of these engaging activities are included in admission.

Uniquely Local

At 7 am this Saturday the farmers market will be open and ready to safely serve you! Handmade treasures galore awaits at the Rivermarket until 12 pm. From scented bath bombs to handmade woodwork you are bound to find something that piques your interest at the farmers market. Face coverings are required for all who wish to go inside and shop and social distancing will be in effect.

Also available on Saturday is an Intro to Vinyasa Workshop at the Yoga Bliss Studio. Vinyasa is a form of active yoga that involves different postures in consecutive succession to offer a more balanced bodily effect. Yoga is an activity that is diverse in its styles and Vinyasa yoga is considered to be one of the most dynamic styles you can enjoy! Yoga Bliss is located on Queen City Avenue and hosts several classes a week, including many similar introduction classes for all yoga beginners! For more information about the Vinyasa Workshop, visit the Yoga Bliss Facebook event page.

The House Plant Collective bus will be making a special appearance at Druid City Brewing on Sunday from 2- 5 pm. At House Plant Collective the mission is to create Birmingham’s first mobile plant store while providing the community education needed for the plants to thrive. Shop plants, grab a beer, and enjoy your serene Sunday supporting local!

Written By:

Will Baggett & Jamie Hoven

Fall has arrived, and with it came that familiar crisp autumn air, which means the outdoors are calling our names! See for yourself Tuscaloosa’s breathtaking back yard…and it doesn’t stop there, either. This city’s stunning landscape paired with phenomenal local businesses elevates an already beautiful destination into a MUST-DO Road Trip. Whether you are looking to wind down with an outdoor picnic, take an adventure hiking through the fall foliage, or shop like there’s no tomorrow, let these 10 reasons why Tuscaloosa should be your next weekend getaway guide your planning process. After all, you don’t want the legendary Tuscaloosa Experience to pass you by!

1.jDowntown Tuscaloosa:

A recent addition to the city’s outstanding coffee shop scene is about to open and we couldn’t be more excited! Just Love Coffee prioritizes that sense of community as a business. The laid-back & relaxed atmosphere that makes Just Love Coffee Cafe so special was created to be different than the stuffy reputation of most specialty coffee shops. Downtown Tuscaloosa is a prime place to shop until you drop. Whether you are looking for your next gameday attire at The Pants Store, or searching for an antique accessory at Twice as Nice, this area is ideal for shopping at a vast variety of places that are all conveniently located!

2. Riverwalk

Offering a serene view of the Black Warrior River, the Riverwalk is also the place to hammock, picnic, or relax! There are numerous picnic tables, benches, and gazebos to provide a comfortable environment, allowing you to get the most out of your experience with the great outdoors of T-Town. Let your mind take a rest from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you are looking to work up a sweat and take advantage of the cooler temperatures, there is also a running path along the Riverwalk to enjoy in the morning or throughout the day. In addition to these activities, the Riverwalk is located close to a number of restaurants to enjoy either at the start or at the end of a delightful Autumn day, like Market House Boutique, Another Broken Egg, and River. Be sure to carry a mask with you for safety if you intend to visit any of the restaurants or businesses on the Riverwalk!

3. Lake Harris

Lake Harris is one of the many nearby lakes that offers an incredible setting for a number of different outdoor activities. There are plenty of picnic areas and a beach, where one might spread out a blanket to enjoy their lunch or simply take in the scene. In addition to these spots, there are a number of trees gathered close by the bank, perfect for setting up a cozy hammock! For those who are looking to stay active, there is a 1.76-mile hike around the lake through the trees. As the weather cools down, this area will become a peaceful gathering place for all who wish to experience some of Tuscaloosa’s many hidden gems.

4. Farmer’s Market

The Tuscaloosa Farmers Market is a spectacular shopping spot where you can find anything from a hand-cut Maple & Walnut Cutting Board to a hand-poured Yellowhammer candle scented Alabama Shores, all within walking distance. Each Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. local vendors of all specialties gather at the Tuscaloosa River Market to show off their wares to the community. If you plan on discovering the market’s incredible vendors this Saturday, wear a mask and be prepared to follow all social distancing guidelines!

5. Children’s Hands-on Museum

CHOM is a wonderful place in town where children explore, create, and discover something new every time they visit. When we say “hands-on” we really mean it! Learning through play is what CHOM’S exhibits are all about, where kids are encouraged to touch, feel, and play in fantastic exhibits. Three floors of fun await with 24 exhibits, offering newborns and 13 year-olds alike an opportunity to completely immerse yourself in fun learning processes.

6. Kentuck Art Center

This local favorite offers a unique view into the minds of the endlessly talented local artists all around Tuscaloosa. From handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry to kitchen pitchers, this gold mine is ideal for a one-stop-shop for all of your holiday gifts. The Kentuck Gallery Shop offers an incredible shopping experience unlike any other online and/or in-person! Also, the 49th Kentuck Festival of the Arts is open NOW until December 31, 2020. With over 180 artist shops specializing in categories like clay, glass, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture, and wood you are bound to find the perfect Christmas present for everyone on your list!

7. Bower’s Park

Bower’s Park is a nearby public park that offers quite a few activity opportunities, like a disc golf course or several fields for rent. Not much different from regular golf, disc golf is an active way to stay busy on a delightful weekend outside! Those looking to get into this sport need to be sure and purchase discs ahead of time, however. As far as a field for rent, Bower’s Park has a number of different fields, baseball/softball or multipurpose, that can be rented out for a small gathering of friends to safely play a pickup game of baseball, softball, and more! Before visiting Bower’s Park, be sure to bring along a mask in case of other visitors.

8. Civil Rights Trail

As temperatures slowly start to drop, it is prime time to spend the day walking around outside and exploring new places. Among the many adventures that await you in town is the Civil Rights Trail, where anyone has the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history and learn about how the Civil Rights Movement shaped the City of Tuscaloosa. Located primarily in Downtown Tuscaloosa, this trail is perfect for staying active and demonstrates a profound learning opportunity for those who are not aware of the history of Tuscaloosa. Thanks to its proximity to Downtown Tuscaloosa, the Civil Rights Trail is also a good opportunity to discover local dining options, such as Reggae Flava and Brummi’s Yummies. For more T-Town treasures along the trail check out the official guide here.

9. Government Plaza

If you are looking for a versatile area that offers wide-open spaces to safely enjoy this city, then the Government Plaza is the spot for you. Located in the heart of downtown, this 5-acre park makes social distancing a breeze. Soak in all of the cozy fall vibes while diving into a good book from Ernest and Hadley, grubbing on delicious Heat pizza, sipping on some Monarch coffee, or maybe even unwinding with your favorite yoga flow. After months on end of being trapped inside now is the time to relax and appreciate nature in all its wonder. If you want your furry friend to tag along, the sidewalks surrounding the park makes for the perfect path for walking with your furry friend.

10. Lake Tuscaloosa

This local hangout has everything you need for an unforgettable lake day with friends and family. Lake Tuscaloosa has earned its reputation as the perfect fishing spot with bass, sunfish, crappie, and more. If fishing isn’t for you, stand on the shore, hike the lake’s cliffs, or simply take in the captivating views! Only a short drive from the city, this lake makes pairing a morning out in nature and Rama Jama’s iconic Southern breakfast unbelievably easy as well. You are bound to have a blast at this local treasure, especially in this beautiful fall weather.

When you’re ready to plan your next road trip to T-Town check out all of the exceptional hotels this city has to offer!

Written by: Jamie Hoven

This weekend is going to be one for the books in the One and Only Tuscaloosa. This Friday you can enjoy ice skating and music at Holidays on the River- 80’s Glow Night with DJ Chuckie. Dance/skate the night away with your favorite tunes. If this doesn’t satisfy your love for music, stop by Egan’s Bar for some live entertainment by Rev 662.

Also on Friday, the Cultural Collateral: Selections from the Permanent Collection art exhibition will be open. Come enjoy over 1,600 works from the 1950s of contemporary art by international, national and regional artists. If this isn’t enough, there is also an exhibit on the Bank of the State Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series: Civil War and Reconstruction. This exhibit highlights the history of the city and the changes that affected Tuscaloosa during and after the war.

On Saturday, Yancey Hill will be playing at Egan’s Bar. Enjoy a drink, socialize with friends and listen to some great music. For the kids, Children’s Hands-On Museum will be hosting Treble at the Museum. Come try a variety of instruments and jam with CHOM musicians. Join the fun and enable your child to cultivate a musical interest that could stick with them for a lifetime.

On Sunday, educators of pre-K to Grade 12 can enjoy 25% off most books, toys, games, movies, music and more at Barnes and Noble. There will also be a fundraiser for the American Heart Association at All Fired Up. Mention the 2020 Heart Walk at check out and 20% of the proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

There is so much more going on in town so be sure to check out some of our great upcoming events and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Spread the news to your friends and family about the exciting things taking place in town and we can’t wait to see you around!

Tuscaloosa welcomes a variety of events this weekend. From now through Friday, May 31^st, the Alabama Blues Project Art Exhibit features works by local artists at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. County music fans will have something to really be excited about this Friday as Kenny Chesney’s Songs for the Saints Tour comes to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. Saturday begins at the Childrens Hands On Museum celebrating S.S. CHOM-Parker Towing Family Day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. followed by the Druid City Dames roller derby bout at 5:30 p.m. at Super Skate. Saturday’s events wind up with Carson Carlisle performing at Rhythm and Brews.

Alabama Blues Project Art Exhibit

The Alabama Blues Project Exhibit runs May 22-31, at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features paintings, jewelry, and crafts donated from local artists including Emily Pickert, Mojo Fabrics & Quilts, Bruce Andrews, and Kim Deals. All items are for sale, with the proceeds benefiting the Alabama Blues Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting and preserving the Blues as a traditional art form with focus on Alabama’s musicians. Click here for more information, https://cac.tuscarts.org/

Kenny Chesney: Songs for the Saints Tour

Kenny Chesney is unarguably one of the top country music singers in the country. The winner of six Academy of Country Music Awards and eight Entertainer of the Year Awards brings world-class entertainment to Tuscaloosa’s Amphitheater, Friday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. Chesney is a well-established country singer known for large-scale shows, playing in huge arenas to over a million people each tour. The 2019 tour takes a different route as it strives to bring more intimacy to the fans. Chesney wants this tour to have an “at-home-in-the backyard” kind of feeling. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.

S.S. CHOM Parker Towing Family Day

CHOM is the hands-on museum of Tuscaloosa, which allows kids to touch and feel moments from our history. It is a unique experience that kids will remember and enjoy. CHOM welcomes children of all ages Saturday, May 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer half price admission for the first 75 guests. CHOM invites you to try your hand at towboat duties, race balloon boats, trace the river highways of Alabama, and pilot The “Captain Tim Parker” towboat! Click here for more information http://www.chomonline.org/

Druid City Dames v. Tragic City Rollers Allstars

Druid City Dames Roller Derby is having a home bout at Super Skate. They invite you to come support Tuscaloosa’s very own roller derby team as they take on the Tragic City Rollers All-Stars, Saturday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m. Druid City Dames roller derby is an all-girls team with the aim of getting fit and building strong relationships while competing for one goal. Roller derby is one of America’s top growing sports and is booming here in Alabama with our local squad. For more information visit http://www.druidcitydames.com/

Carson Carlisle

Carson Carlisle and his band are taking the town’s music scene by storm. Carson and company perform country and southern rock for fans in over 50 shows per year. A Tuscaloosa native and student at UA, he and his band and will bring their sound to Rhythm and Brews, Saturday, May 25. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.

In the Near Future

2019 Live at the Plaza

The fifth annual Live At The Plaza summer concert series is back for 2019! Live At The Plaza will offer free concerts every Friday night throughout June and July, featuring local bands as well as bigger name artists! The first concert is June 7, 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Government Plaza. For more information, and a list of artists, please visit the event page at https://visittuscaloosa.xyz/events/

Tuscaloosa is getting ready for Peter Cottontail this Easter Weekend. While you wait for him to arrive, check out some events around town. Theatre Tuscaloosa will host a Festival of One Acts on Thursday and Friday night. The Crimson Tide baseball team takes on the Kentucky Wildcats in an SEC matchup Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Druid City Brewing Company is hosting “Connect to you Coast” which benefits the Alabama Coastal Foundation on Thursday. Wrap up the weekend Saturday at CHOM for an afternoon of Easter crafts and games.

A Festival of One Acts Performance by Theatre Tuscaloosa

In celebration of World Theatre Day on March 27th, Theatre Tuscaloosa is presenting A Festival of One Acts. Bringing together a myriad of directors and actors, four one-acts will be performed ranging from quirky comedies to dramatic satire, showcasing the range and effects that theatre can encompass. The four acts are “Something Unspoken” by Tennessee Williams, “The Pleasure of Detachment” by Perry Souchuk, “Tone Clusters” by Joyce Carol Oats and “Spreading the News” by Lady Gregory. You can catch these performances at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Alabama Baseball vs. Kentucky

We have a full weekend of exciting baseball going on in the immaculate Sewell-Thomas Stadium this weekend. The Crimson Tide hosts the sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and has a chance to humble not only one of the best teams in the league, but the country as well. The games begin at 6:00 pm on Friday, 2:00 pm on Saturday, and 1:00 pm on Sunday. For ticketing information on any of these games visit rolltide.com.

Connect to Your Coast at Druid City Brewing

Swing by Druid City Brewing on Thursday, March 29th anytime from 4pm-10pm to connect to your coast and learn how you can help protect our precious coastal environment! For each beer sold during the event, $1 will be donated to the Alabama Coastal Foundation! All proceeds from CTYC events benefit the habitat restoration and environmental education programs provided to the State of Alabama. You can pay $10 in advance to receive an ACF pint glass by visiting: http://www.joinacf.org/donate.

Eggstra- Special day at CHOM!

Take your kids to the Children’s Hand on Museum on Saturday, March 31 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for an afternoon full of Easter crafts and games. All activities are included in the admission price. Celebrate the Easter season with a day of fun at CHOM!

Follow us on social media (@visittuscaloosa) to stay up-to-date on important events. Tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured on our social media accounts. We love seeing Tuscaloosa through your eyes!

The One and Only Tuscaloosa is packed with great events this weekend! Kick your weekend off early with Kentuck tonight as they host their Art Night! You can lose yourself to dance as a band plays throughout the night, eat a cob oven pizza, and then top it off by learning more about their featured artist, Bryce Speed as he presents his paintings titled “Bury the Hatchet”. This monthly event is always a huge hit as you can enjoy local artists under the trees in their beautiful courtyard!

The art continues into Friday as Tuscaloosa’s art galleries, studios, and other local businesses open their doors for the First Friday Art Crawl! The Historic Drish House is putting on a beautiful event for First Friday as they exhibit ceramic sculpture by Mallorie Roberts. Find more art downtown in places such as the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center and Harrison Galleries. At Harrison Galleries, you can find incredible work by Daniel Livingston and observe it while eating catered food from Five Bar and listening to a fantastic jazz trio!

Also on Friday night is the legendary Kenny Chesney as he takes the stage at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater! Kenny Chesney released his first album in 1994 and hasn’t slowed down since with 20 albums to date! With more than 40 top 10 singles and 29 reaching number one, he is definitely a can’t miss artist! Kenny will be bringing along special guest Midland who have only released one single to date. Not only will Kenny Chesney be there, but also a band that can see their stock rising fast!

Like every weekend, the Farmers Market will be taking place at the Tuscaloosa River Market Saturday morning! Vendors set up ripe red tomatoes and famous Chilton County peaches. Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in, and freshly brewed iced tea is for sale to help battle the heat! Additionally, local Food Trucks, bakers, artists, and craftsmen gather here to sell their gourmet grub, fresh-baked yeast rolls, homemade jams and jellies and hand-carved cutting boards. Popular summer foods include tomatoes, Chilton County peaches, squash, corn, and local honey!

Wrap things up Saturday with the kids! The Children’s Hands-On Museum will be hosting their Summer Fiesta! Complete with fiesta food, music by DJ Chuckie, folklore, and crafts, this event will be a blast for kids! All of CHOM’s events are included in admission so there’s no need to worry about extra fees. If you like keeping the kids busy, this is the event for you!

We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!

Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect way to celebrate your dad this year, we’ve come up with a few suggestions we hope will help.

1. Golf at Ol’ Colony Golf Course

What dad doesn’t love to golf? This Father’s Day hit the course with your dad and relieve a little stress. Spend the day bonding over 18 holes, and learn some pointers from the old pro. If 18 holes sounds like a bit too much, you and your dad can choose to enjoy 9 holes, or just a basket at the driving range instead. Either way, golf is a great excuse to spend time with your dad and pick up a few tips to improve your game.

2. Take a shot at Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports

Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports just opened in 2015 and has been a hit with Tuscaloosa’s residents ever since. The facility features driving ranges from 50 to 300 yards and 20 covered shooting positions. If this isn’t enough, there is also four handgun bunkers with two metal targets. Whether your dad is an expert with a firearm or just beginning, the range has everything he needs to sharpen his aim. This is the perfect way to enjoy a little friendly competition with your dad this holiday.

3. Grub at The Avenue Pub

Let your old man take a break from the grill this Father’s Day and head over to The Avenue Pub for a meal cooked up by the experts. The Avenue Pub’s Bacon Burger has made headlines all across the state of Alabama and it will definitely entertain your dad’s taste buds this weekend.

With the relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and endless beer list, your dad will savor the opportunity to let someone else work the grill and pour the beer,

4. Fish for dinner at Lake Tuscaloosa

Lake Tuscaloosa is home to hundreds of aquatic wildlife and the perfect place to cast a line this Father’s Day. You and your dad can look for a secluded spot along the banks of the river or rent a canoe, kayak or even a pontoon boat to float in while you hunt for some dinner. Take your dad and take a break from the city crowds this holiday, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon catching fish and floating along.

5. Take a flight at Loosa Brews

Let your dad be the beer enthusiast that he is and take him for an enjoyable evening at Loosa Brews. He can choose from over 60 craft beers, most of which are brewed in Alabama. If he’s in the mood to try several he can order a flight, and if he really wants to heighten the experience, he can indulge in some competition with arcade games such as pinball, ring toss, and ping pong. At the end of the night, after he beats you in all the arcade games, you can reward him with a growler of his favorite beer.

And because we couldn’t just stop at five and leave out one of the best events of the entire weekend, we’ve added one more to the list.

6. Super Dad Day at Children’s Hands-on Museum

If you’ve got small kids and need a way to make Father’s Day special for both Dad and kids, this event is perfect. Take them to Super Dad Day where the kids can dress up in their favorite costumes, make gifts for Dad and meet Batman. This is the perfect event for Dad’s who just want to spend the holiday with their little ones.

Another great weekend in the works in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! Start off strong as we celebrate the triumphant return of the seminal garage, indie, country, punk, yet Alabama rock-n-roll collective, T he Dexateens as they take the stage at Green Bar! The torch carriers of ‘Blue Collar Rock’ are proud to announce their first official release in over four years and their sophomore offering on Cornelius Chapel Records, the label started by the band and run by extended band family. The ‘teens are proudly contrived of a cabinet maker, a carpenter (or two at times), multiple restaurant and bar employees, and one full-time Drive-By Trucker!

The music continues into Friday as Live at the Plaza returns this week with Justin Oliver! Oliver is a Tuscaloosa native and rising star that competed in the television series “American Idol” in 2012. With his R&B/Soul single “Bipolar Love” on iTunes, you can expect government plaza to be filled with some great music! Along with Live at the Plaza comes an entertainment district, incredible food trucks, and its pet and kid friendly! What more could you ask for in an event?

Right down the street Band of Brothers Brewing Co. is boiling up some Crawfish! The Crawfish Boil will start at 7 PM with Tekknology serving up some jams to go with your supper! Band of Brothers always has fun with their events and this should be no different! Enjoy some great brews, tasty food, and smooth tunes as you wrap up your Friday in style!

Of course, it’s not a successful weekend in without visiting the Farmers Market at the Tuscaloosa River Market! Opening at 7 am, it provides fresh fruit, vegetables, grain and more! Accompanied by lovely live music you can stroll through the market, or grab some freshly brewed iced tea to cool off. Local food vendors like bakeries and others also offer a nice range of snacks. The Farmer’s market is the perfect place to kick off a relaxed Saturday or to buy the ingredients for next week’s meals!

Father’s Day is this Sunday! What better way to spend it than with your kids? If you have young ones, SuperDad Day at the Children’s Hands-On Museum is the perfect event! Your kids can meet Batman, wear their favorite superhero costume, and even make a great gift for their dad! All activities are included in admission so once the kids are in they can have fun with all the awesome activities CHOM has planned!

We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events below, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa

According to reliable sources, there are almost 20% children living among the Tuscaloosa population – which is more than you think! The city has countless schools and daycares, so we know where the little ones spend their time while the parents are at work, but what about the more fun parts of the day, free time and weekends? Playing in the own backyard or doing sports activities is already fun, no question. Now, how about something more special for your kids to spend their precious free time? Tuscaloosa provides tons of amazing places and activities that are children-friendly!

1. Tuscaloosa Barnyard

It should be pretty safe to say that all children love animals. Maybe yours are lucky and have a dog or a cat around the home, but when do they have the opportunity to experience all kinds of other animals, too? There is a unique and amazing place in Tuscaloosa that makes it possible: The Tuscaloosa Barnyard! At this petting and fun farm 30 minutes outside of town, you can get in touch with bunnies, ducks, lambs, ponies, pigs and many other cute animals! It also provides a pool, a splash pad, wagon rides and more. During the summers, the Barnyard even turns into a summer camp!

2. The Children’s Hands-On Museum

You can’t start early enough to introduce your kids to arts and culture! “CHOM” is where children explore, create, and discover every time they visit. This unique museum in downtown is tailor made for the little ones, to introduce them to arts, crafts, and exciting exhibits in an interactive and exploring way! It provides fun for kids of all ages and they will never ever get the idea of calling a museum boring afterward!

3. Bama Lanes Bowling

If you are looking for some indoor fun instead, you should check out the bowling alley Bama Lanes on 15^th Street! They help kids of all ages to get familiar with the balls, even the very little ones. Whether you rent a couple of lanes for a birthday party or just play on a random day, there’s always a good time ahead at the bowling ally! And if anybody gets hungry, just grab something to eat right on site. Pause your game to enjoy burgers, wings and more at their amazing grill, or take your snack popcorn to the lane and let it support you while you take on your kids for 10 frames!

4. Lake Lurleen Beach

As the days are getting hotter, it’s a good idea to look for some water to cool off! Did you know that there is a great beach just a few miles outside of town? The beautiful Lake Lurleen offers not only campsites, fishing, and paddling board rentals – it also provides a sandy beach that children love! The water is clean and refreshing, and there is a sectioned off zone in which it is absolutely safe to splash and swim. The sand is also a perfect playground! On site, you can also find bathrooms and some picnic tables to rest, eat and gain some new energy. Drive out and enjoy a one-day beach vacation!

5. Upsurge Trampoline Park

Last but not least, go back to that old-school excitement of childhood summers bouncing around at Upsurge. Jump from each trampoline inside the giant warehouse with obstacle courses and deep foam pits to try to escape. Not only will your kids love it, but they will also wear you out as you jump along with them! It’s the ultimate adventure for you and your children and right down the road!

Written By: Katharina Horvath – Intern