Roll Tide - Visit Tuscaloosa

We’re getting ready for another great weekend in Tuscaloosa! The Alabama gymnastics and women’s basketball teams are gearing up for some competitive SEC matches. Tuscaloosa native Ham Bagby returns home to jam at Green Bar, and CHOM is celebrating the Chinese New Year with arts and crafts for the children. Don’t forget to tag @VisitTuscaloosa in all your photos from the weekend for a chance for them to be featured on our social media accounts.

Alabama Gymnastics vs. Kentucky
Join Alabama gymnastics for a high-energy matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats for a thrilling meet against a conference team. Take your kids and enjoy the performance by Alabama’s talented gymnasts. Head to Coleman Coliseum this Friday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the fun. Visit rolltide.com to purchase a ticket.

Ham Bagby + The Seige at Green Bar
Ham Bagby returns to his hometown of Tuscaloosa on Friday night for a special show at Green Bar. Ham nails the southern rock vibe and actually sounds a lot like the Drive-by Truckers. Doors open at 8 pm for this 10 pm show. Tickets are $8 and you can get them at greenbarttown.com.

Chinese New Year at CHOM
Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Children’s Hands-On Museum this Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be tons of creative activities for the kids to enjoy such as, making your own dragon, finding out your zodiac animal, making a mask and learning to write your name in Chinese. Bring the kids out for a day of fun!

Alabama Women’s Basketball vs. Auburn
The Alabama Women’s Basketball team is ready to roll against their rival, the Auburn Tigers. The action begins at 4 pm Sunday afternoon in Coleman Coliseum. Come out and support the Crimson Tide in this SEC matchup. Visit rolltide.com to purchase tickets.

There are plenty of other events going on this weekend and every weekend in Tuscaloosa. Go to visittuscaloosa.xyz/events to see them all!

It’s time for another great weekend in Tuscaloosa. Get out and enjoy the last few days of D.A.T.E. Week at many local restaurants, florists, and jewelers. After your date, you can head downtown to catch Backup Planet with Space Phunk Express and Zoofunkyou at Green Bar and Corey Smith at Druid City Music Hall. Finish off the weekend by heading over to Coleman Coliseum to watch the Crimson Tide take on the Oklahoma Sooners. You don’t want to miss this weekend in the One and Only.

Corey Smith at Druid City Music Hall
Corey Smith is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist that is no stranger to Tuscaloosa. He is back again with special guest Hudson Moore Thursday night, Jan. 25, at Druid City Music Hall. He knows how to put on a show so make sure you grab a ticket before they are gone. The concert begins at 8:30 pm with doors opening at 7:30 pm.

D.A.T.E. Week
D.A.T.E. Week 2018 is coming to a close, but you still have two more days to take your special someone out on the town. This week has been a blast, but Friday night, Jan. 26 is the last day of this year’s D.A.T.E. week. Head to https://www.ttowndateweek.com to get a complete list of participating restaurants, florists, babysitting services, and venues.

Backup Planet with Space Phunk Express at Green Bar
Backup Planet is a progressive funk-rock band out of Nashville, TN. They tour all over the United States and they are making a stop in Tuscaloosa. They will be accompanied Friday night, Jan. 26, by Space Phunk Express. The music begins at 10:30 pm and doors open at 8 pm.

Zoofunkyou at Green Bar
Green Bar just keeps rolling with great music all weekend long! Zoofunkyou is a psychedelic mix featuring Chicago blues, soul, funk and melodic lyric. They will be ready to rock Saturday night, Jan. 27, at 10:30 pm with doors opening at 8 pm. This band will have you wanting to get up and dance.

Alabama Men’s Basketball v. Oklahoma Sooners
Collin Sexton and the Crimson Tide will be back in town Saturday, Jan. 27, to face possibly the best player in the country in Trae Young the Oklahoma Sooners. The tide tips off at 1:15 p.m., so grab some tickets off of StubHub and head to Coleman Coliseum because this sold-out matchup is going to have a Final Four atmosphere.

It’s a weekend of music, sports, and celebrating in the City of Champions. Band of Brothers hosts award-winning blues artist Diedra the Alabama Blues Queen, Alabama men’s and women’s basketball play conference games, and the football team’s national title celebration will take place on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on the steps of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Also, Monday brings with it a special event unique to Tuscaloosa. It’s D.A.T.E. Week! Check out the info below so you can plan your weekend accordingly. The weather is even going to warm up so you can get out and have some fun after this cold spell, so we know you’re itching to get out and get down.

Diedre The Alabama Blues Queen at Band of Brothers Brewing Company | Friday, January 19 | 7:00-10:00

Diedra The Alabama Blues Queen is a 15-time Blues Award Winning and Nominated International Artist and a 2014 International Blues Challenge Finalist. Together with her band that includes husband and Alabama Blues Hall of Fame member Keithen Ruff, she belts out blues hits like “Born Under a Bad Sign.” Battered Wild Food Truck will be on site, so you can grab a nice local brew, listen to the best blues around, and grub!

Alabama Men’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State | Saturday, January 20 | 7:30

The Tide iced the hottest team in the country on Wednesday when they snapped Auburn’s 14-game winning streak behind John Petty’s 27 points on eight three-pointers. Alabama now has a nice 4-game winning streak of their own, and look to keep it rolling against Mississippi State on Saturday. Come out and see this special Tide squad before these Freshmen go pro!

Alabama Women’s Basketball vs. Vanderbilt | Sunday, January 21 | 2:00

At 13-5 through eighteen games, Alabama is having a great year under 5th-year coach Kristy Curry. Most impressive is the Tide’s 9-1 record in Coleman Coliseum so far. Come see as the squad continues its climb to the top of the conference against Vanderbilt on Sunday. If you enjoy winning, you can’t miss this Alabama team at home. General Admission (All Ages) is $5, so don’t miss out.

D.A.T.E Week | January 22-26

We have a special event for you beginning Monday of next week (1/22). It’s D.A.T.E Week! Local businesses will have special promotions on Diamonds, Arrangements, Tastes, and Entertainment (D.A.T.E.). Your SO would love some pretty flowers and a nice dinner out. Or perhaps they would love to do something fun with you like attend a chocolate making class, a wine pairing, or mixology class. All of this is going on and more during D.A.T.E Week! Visit our website TtownDateWeek.com for a full list of participating locations and start planning your special night out today!

Have a blast in the City of Champions this weekend, and check out visittuscaloosa.xyz/events for more upcoming events!

Another big weekend in the city of champions is around the corner, and we’ve got the low-down on all the fun events taking place. Friday is December 1, so that means First Friday Art Night will be taking over downtown T-town. Grab a drink from your favorite bar or restaurant and take a tour of the local art scene before seeing some live music at Green Bar.

First Friday Art Night in downtown Tuscaloosa has become a special monthly event to residents and visitors alike. Local artists and gallery owners showcase incredible works each month and this week will be no different. An entertainment district will be in effect until 10 p.m. so grab a drink from Catch-22 or your favorite bar or restaurant and head out to explore Tuscaloosa’s vibrant art scene. Galleries involved include:
– Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy 6-9 p.m.
– O’Connor Art Studios 5:30-8:30 p.m.
– The Paul R. Jones Gallery 5:30-7:30 p.m.
– Uperk 5:30-8
– Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center 5-8 p.m.
– Harrison Galleries 6-9 p.m.

These galleries would love the opportunity to host you, and some even provide hors-d’oeuvres. Best of all, the event is free, so you have no reason not to go, and you are guaranteed to stumble upon something that surprises and delights you.
When you’re finished taking in the local art scene on Friday evening, head over to Green Bar where Admiral Snackbar will be rocking all night. This Tuscaloosa band plays some of the best rock around and has been influenced by Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Rage Against the Machine. As Tuscaloosa’s music scene continues to develop its unique blend of sounds, keep an eye on Admiral Snackbar and their contributions. Bands like the Alabama Shakes and St. Paul & the Broken Bones used to play Green Bar, so you never know when you could see the next great Alabama band. The music starts around 11 and tickets are FREE!

Great local bands won’t just be playing downtown this weekend. Angela and the Able Brothers Band mix acoustic guitars, smooth bass, and incredible vocals for your listening pleasure. The band has seemingly played everywhere this year and this Saturday will take their show to Band of Brothers Brewing. It’s such a blast to watch a band perform next to the huge brewing equipment, and it makes Band of Brothers a special place to see Tuscaloosa’s best bands. Head over around 7 and get lost in the music.

It wouldn’t be a weekend in Tuscaloosa without Alabama sports. Coach Avery Johnson has the Crimson Tide Men’s basketball team off to a scorching 5-1 start, with the only loss being mostly a 3 on 5 game where young bull Collin Sexton scored 40 points, an Alabama freshman. You have got to see this team play in person, and Sunday at 1 p.m. against UCF is your chance. Tickets can be purchased at RollTide.com and are only $15, which is a steal to watch this squad.

There are always fun events going on around town, so visit our event calendar at visittuscaloosa.xyz/events for a complete list.

LSU weekend is always a special weekend in Tuscaloosa, and this year is no different. There are tons of exciting things to do beginning on Friday at 5:30 with Tuscaloosa’s First Friday Art Walk. Due to the success of the entertainment district the past few weekends, it will once again be in effect on Friday and Saturday from 9am-10pm each day. So get out, grab a drink, and explore the shops and art galleries that Tuscaloosa has to offer while you’re in town for the game.

Tuscaloosa’s local art scene comes alive on Friday night for the First Friday Art Walk. Experience the vibrant Tuscaloosa downtown area with drink-in-hand as you visit Harrison Galleries, the Paul R. Jones Gallery, O’Connor Art Studio and more! Check out the First Friday website and map your personalized art crawl. You may even stumble on an original Salvador Dali like we did!

Alabama has its biggest home game of the season on Saturday night when the 19th-ranked LSU Tigers come to town. Alabama is a 21-point favorite, but this is a rivalry where truly anything can happen. Alabama has beaten LSU six games in a row –including the national title game in 2011 – and LSU will once again be looking for revenge under the lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and will be televised by CBS.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to brew your own beer? Join Band of Brothers Brewing on November 4th at 1: 00 p.m. when The American Homebrew Association will be on site for Homebrew day! Learn to Homebrew Day brings together thousands of people from all over the world, and we encourage anyone who enjoys beer—from brewing beginners and hobbyists to professionals, to get involved,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum always has something for the kids on Saturday, and this weekend is no different. Join them for River Discovery Days Saturday, November 4, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as “Riverboat John” Ferguson performs with songs and stories about life on the River! Kids will learn about careers on the river, how to be a Captain, Navigator, Deckhand and more as they trace U.S. rivers, learning and having fun along the way.

Alabama football isn’t the only sport in action this weekend. Come cheer on the Alabama volleyball team as they take on Georgia Sunday at noon. The Tide are looking to bounce back from a loss to Auburn against a good Georgia team that they’ve already beaten once this season, so it’s a good opportunity to get their mojo back. The match will be in historic Foster Auditorium which is a great venue to watch Crimson Tide volleyball.

We have tons going on during the upcoming holiday season, so make sure to check out our great upcoming events and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
Also, check out our Gameday Fashion Blog for some great places around town to pick up your perfect gameday outfit.

In the One and Only Tuscaloosa, there are so many places to go and things to see. These 10 things are popular among the locals and won’t break the bank. So take a chance and try something new!

1. Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM)
This museum has been providing children with fun activities and events since 1984. There are three floors of fun for children of all ages. The Great Pumpkin Party and the Monster Walk Scavenger Hunt are two events that are happening soon. Admission is less than $10! CHOM is a great place to take the kids and enjoy a day of fun!

2. Paul W. Bryant Museum
This museum is a blast from the past! Check out over a hundred years of Crimson Tide memorabilia and football history. Visit the Paul W. Bryant museum to see what it takes to be “nothing but a winner.” Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

3. Arboretum
If you’re a dog lover then the arboretum is the place for you! The arboretum is sixty acres of the great outdoors. Check out the dog park, community garden, as well as the hiking trails. The best part is that it is completely free!

4. The Waysider
Take a trip to Paul “Bear” Bryant’s favorite breakfast destination. It truly is the breakfast of champions. The restaurant is packed with decades of Alabama memorabilia. The Waysider offers made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy all for just under $3!

5. Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market
Edit: We regret to inform you his event will no longer happen. If you are interested in farmers’ markets in Tuscaloosa then check out the Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market at the River Market.

6. Babes Donuts
A family-owned breakfast, brunch and coffee business located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The menu features gourmet doughnuts unlike anything else you’ll find in town. Flavors include: bacon maple, sourdough, Reese’s Peanut Butter, Heath Bar sprinkle, Captain Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, S’mores, red velvet, blackberry cream cheese and others. Seasonal offerings can range from King Cakes during Mardi Gras to candied blood oranges. Stop by and grab a treat for under $10.

7. Steel City Pops
Nothing is better than a Steel City Popsicle on a hot Alabama summer day. They have many flavors to choose from, so there is a flavor for everyone. Flavors include: Arnold Palmer, Bosc Pear with Honey, Champagne White Tea, Cinnamon Apple, Cranberry Orange, Lime, Plum with Rosemary, Pomegranate, Strawberry Fig, Strawberry Lemonade, Avocado, Buttermilk, Carrot Cake, Chocolate, Coconut, Coffee, Maple Bacon, Bourbon, Pumpkin, Toasted Marshmallow, Vanilla Bean. All popsicles are $4.49 and under.

8. Black Warrior River
The Black Warrior River is absolutely stunning and the perfect place to go on a hot summer day. You can cast a line and catch some fish or bring your own boat and cruise the water. The Black Warrior is also perfect for paddle boarding or just floating down the river. Don’t feel like getting in the water? That’s fine because the Tuscaloosa River Walk runs along the river and offers beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect place to get some exercise or take your dog for a walk.

9. City Café
For decades, locals and students alike have enjoyed the homemade cooking served up at City Café. At lunchtime, this restaurant is packed with locals stopping in for a tasty meal at a reasonable price. Stop in and enjoy a meat and three for under $10. You won’t be disappointed, it’s just like mama makes it.

10. Gallette’s Yellowhammer
Stop by Gallette’s and sip on a Tuscaloosa favorite. People from all over the United States have enjoyed Yellowhammer’s from the One and Only Gallettes while in Tuscaloosa. The Yellowhammer is a staple on gameday at the University of Alabama. Their yellow cup is a popular accessory for the Crimson Tide fans walking around the quad. Visit Gallette’s and try one for yourself.

Written by Rachel Horton

Tomorrow begins a big weekend in Tuscaloosa! Bama football returns for homecoming, Druid City Pride weekend runs through Sunday, and the Children’s Hands-On Museum always has something fun for the kids. The entertainment district will be in effect in Downtown Tuscaloosa again this weekend, so take the opportunity to get out, grab a drink, and explore Tuscaloosa’s unique downtown area and events.

On Friday night downtown Tuscaloosa will be buzzing with excitement and activity. In addition to the area being an entertainment district from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Druid City Pride will host a block party from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m on 22nd Avenue between Alcove and Grace Aberdeen. Druid City Pride is a local organization dedicated to celebrating, serving, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Tuscaloosa. Great drinks from Alcove and Monarch, cornhole, and live music by incredible blues musician Janelle Frost will give you and your friends a fun place to unwind and kick off a great Pride weekend in Tuscaloosa. Come out and enjoy a good time!

The Crimson Tide returns home under the lights of Bryant-Denny this Saturday night to battle divisional foe Arkansas for homecoming. Alabama will kick off at 6:15 as a whopping 30.5-point favorite and will be looking to Coach Saban and the fans to make sure they haven’t been affected by the “rat poison” that comes along with beating SEC teams 66-3. If you haven’t purchased a ticket yet, don’t worry. There are still some tickets left on rolltide.com. There are several special homecoming activities happening this weekend, such as a step show on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and parade on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Get out and enjoy the best gameday experience in all of college football.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum always has fun events for the kids, and this weekend is no exception. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. things will get spooky as Halloween takes over for the Goblin Gala. Kids will enjoy treats, activities, and games in a fun Halloween setting. The Children’s Hands-On Museum is always providing fun things for kids to do in the One and Only Tuscaloosa. Stop by before the homecoming game on Saturday and get into the Halloween spirit.

Join Band Of Brothers Brewing Sunday, October 15th for Trucks By The Tracks with your favorite local food trucks. Band of Brothers is hosting Pastor’s Kitchen, Simple Southern Cuisine, Get MIX’D, Lolly’s Sugar Shack and more. This event is your chance to experience great beer, live music, and good company. What could be better? The brewery opens at 1:00 p.m. with food trucks arriving at 1:30. Live music performed by the Tarred and Feathered Band will begin at 2:00. It’s going to be a large time!

The Alabama Crimson Tide soccer team is in town on Sunday afternoon taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at 5 p.m. Both teams are coming off of loses and will be fighting hard to get their schedule back on track. The Crimson Tide’s record is 9-6-1 and the Bulldogs are 7-3-3. Sporting events at The University of Alabama are always a good time. As always, admission is free so it is a great event to take the whole family to.

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.

Contributors: Danny Owen & Rachel Horton

Homecoming is always a highly anticipated time of year for UA alumni and students alike, and this year is no exception. UA is gearing up to welcome alumni and friends back to the One and Only and we have the inside scoop about all of the events during another exciting weekend.

-Sweet Home Capstone

This year’s theme, Sweet Home Capstone, is an embodiment of the SGA Homecoming Committee’s vision for the entire experience of Homecoming. Whether a current student or loyal alum, Sweet Home Capstone calls on us to celebrate and honor not only the rich traditions of this institution and history of athletic dominance but also the values UA instills in its students throughout their years here. Homecoming is a time to pay homage to this diverse community that fosters growth and new ideas through its legacy of loyalty, school spirit and pride while simultaneously building strong relationships between past, present, and future students.

-Bon Fire and Pep Rally

Friday night is full of terrific events, culminating with the pep rally and bonfire on the Quad. The pep rally begins with a performance by the Million Dollar Band, followed by appearances from Nick Saban and members of the football team. Continuing the excitement of the night, the MC will announce the results of the Homecoming Queen elections. The night concludes with the annual bonfire lit in the center of the quad. It’s sure to be an event you don’t want to miss!

-Parade

No proper celebration is complete without a parade, and UA pulls out all the stops during the homecoming festivities. Featuring floats decorated by the members of different organizations on campus, the parade will start Saturday at 1 pm in downtown Tuscaloosa and head north along Greensboro Avenue before heading East along University Boulevard towards the Quad. Be sure to catch the parade marching through the center of campus before heading to Bryant-Denny to watch the Crimson Tide.

-Homecoming Game

Returning home after facing the Aggies of Texas A&M last weekend, the Crimson Tide returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium for a night game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tide hopes to roll on to another victory against a conference opponent in an exciting matchup at home after a well-earned victory on the road last week. The game kicks off at 6:15, allowing plenty of time to make a stop at the Bryant Museum, catch the Elephant Stomp on the steps of Gorgas Library, and even snag one last Yellowhammer from Gallette’s before heading into the stadium. Be sure to stick around during halftime to see the crowning of UA’s homecoming queen!

-Entertainment District

Don’t forget to head down University Boulevard to check out the sights and sounds of Downtown Tuscaloosa! Every Friday and Saturday in the fall you can enjoy the one and only Entertainment District, allowing the gameday festivities to continue past the boundaries of the UA Campus until 10 pm. Pop in and out of local business, drink in hand, and take in all that gameday has to offer this homecoming weekend!

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!

Written by: Katy Aspinwall

Buckle up for another exciting weekend in Tuscaloosa! The entertainment kicks off with local favorite, CBDB, returning back for a homecoming party. These purveyors of joyfunk got the wheels turning in Tuscaloosa and will be playing at Druid City Music Hall on Friday night. In case you were unaware or in need of something to do on Saturday, football is back in Tuscaloosa! The Alabama Crimson Tide is taking on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday night, hoping to improve to 5-0 for the second consecutive season. If your weekly dose of Bama football isn’t enough, Alabama volleyball takes on Missouri Sunday to conclude this weekend’s festivities.

Want to start the weekend on a high note? Look no further than Druid City Music Hall on Friday night as CBDB brings their progressive rock sound to where it all began, right here in Tuscaloosa! CBDB has shared the stage with a variety of acts including Blues Traveler, Tim Reynolds, Umphrey’s McGee, Moon Taxi, The Revivalists, among many others. The band, consisting of Cy Simonton, Kris Gottlieb, Glenn Dillard, Paul Oliver, and Mike Sinopole, has been touring all over the country and will assuredly bring the heat to a hometown show. Joining them is special guest Tesheva who will start the tunes at 9:00 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm and tickets can be purchased online as well as at the box office.

Alabama returns to action under the lights of Bryant-Denny as they go up against the Rebels of Ole Miss. This highly anticipated matchup is sure to bring some excitement as Alabama continues to roll through the schedule. Ole Miss enters the contest off of a bye week at 2-1 with victories over South Alabama and Tennessee-Martin, while the Crimson Tide is coming off a walloping 59-0 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville. You can also enjoy events like the Elephant Stomp, the Walk of Champions, and check out the Bryant Museum or grab a “Yellowhammer” at Gallettes while you’re in town for the game! Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm so be sure to pace yourself throughout the day. Alabama enters the matchup as a 28 point favorite.

Saturday also has events for the kids! A great way to get out of the sun is by taking your young ones to the Children’s Hands-On Museum for the Kid’s Tailgate Party. The event lasts from 10 am – 4 pm and allows children to participate in activities such as creating a mascot mask and decorating a spirit cookie. This is the perfect opportunity to make gamedays fun for the entire family!
Conclude the weekend by witnessing high caliber volleyball as Alabama takes on Missouri at 1:00 pm at Foster Auditorium. Alabama (12-4) enters the contest after a thrilling win against Arkansas on Wednesday night. The action starts at 1:00, but make sure to arrive early to grab a bite to eat from the concession stand or snag a picture with Big Al!

We have a ton going on throughout the fall months and are excited about the upcoming holiday season. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!

Written by Will Wyatt

Another big weekend in Tuscaloosa is around the corner. Eric Church, The Black Jacket Symphony, and Alabama football headline a slate of exciting events. An entertainment district will be in effect in the downtown area on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., so feel free to grab a drink and visit some of Tuscaloosa’s great downtown shopping locations.

You can kick off your weekend this Friday at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater with country music mega-star Eric Church. Church will be continuing his tour playing hits like “Springsteen” and “Talladega”. The event will take place rain or shine and will be one big party, so get ready for a good time.

The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater isn’t the only ones putting on a concert on Friday. The Bama Theatre is presenting the Black Jacket Symphony as they perform a note-for-note rendition of the Grateful Dead’s classic album American Beauty. You are sure to hear favorites like “Friend of the Devil,” “Truckin’,” and “Brokedown Palace.” The Black Jacket Symphony will begin at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Between these two concerts, downtown Tuscaloosa will be an exciting place to be on Friday night.

Kids will have plenty of exciting things to do this weekend as well. The Children’s Hands-On Museum will kick off Saturday with Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special games and fun activities will be available throughout the museum for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Bryant-Denny stadium will turn on their lights Saturday evening as Alabama faces the Colorado State Rams in a 6:00 night game. Alabama comes in 2-0 after decisive victories over #10 Florida State and Fresno State. The Crimson Tide are a 28.5 point favorite, but the Rams have an offensive system that keeps Alabama on their toes.

Wrap your weekend on Sunday up with University of Alabama soccer action as the #19 ranked Crimson Tide square off against Chattanooga. The 7-1 Tide are on a five-game winning streak after a win over Tennessee Tech and will look to keep rolling this Sunday evening. The match will begin at 5 p.m. on inside the Alabama Soccer Complex.

We’re gearing up for another great weekend in Tuscaloosa! Start your weekend early tonight across the river at Kentuck Art Center! Kentuck is hosting their monthly Art Night! This month will feature the opening reception of “The Seven Deadly Sins” and artist talk with fiber artist Yvonne Wells in the Museum Gallery! 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 Charlie Lucas as he discusses his art and answer questions!

It wouldn’t be a complete weekend in Tuscaloosa without a great artist coming through town! Clint Black will be performing at the Bama Theatre Friday night! You can enjoy a rare, intimate evening with the man who has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. Raised in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, Clint Black is the youngest of four brothers. He began performing with brother, Kevin at the family’s backyard barbecues. After high school, he worked construction for a year and spent 10 years on the local nightclub circuit. He auditioned for a Nashville recording contract in 1988 and has been playing nationally ever since!

Crimson Tide football is back in Tuscaloosa this Saturday as Alabama takes on Fresno State! After a big win in Atlanta against Florida State, Alabama will be looking for a tune up before getting into SEC play. Alabama football, which was inaugurated in 1892, ranks as one of 10 winningest programs in US history and they don’t plan on changing that anytime soon. You can also enjoy events like the Elephant Stomp, the Walk of Champions, and check out the Bryant Museum or grab a drink at Gallettes while you’re in town for the game!

Finish your weekend off at the 5th Street Vintage Market! 5th Street Vintage Market is now held four times a year, rain or shine. Markets are Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free and concessions are available on site. Curated by This Ol’ Thing Vintage, Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy, and DJ Tom Kat Kitten, 5th Street Vintage Market brings a one of a kind shopping experience to the area. We will feature many dealers from the region who specialize in vintage and handmade items, artworks and vinyl records! Prices for market goods can range from a few dollars to several hundred. While some vendors can accept credit cards, most require cash payments.

Dear Ms. Field,

Some people in Alabama have taken issue with your recent statement that had you not become an actor, you would have been a “really, really unhappy overweight person somewhere deep in Tuscaloosa.”

At Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, we are not offended, as we see that there is an “absence of malice” in your statement. Rather, we think your comment merely reflects a lack of knowledge about our great city. We would welcome the opportunity to show you just how nice Tuscaloosa is, and how happy you would be if you came for a visit.

You once said, “never, ever have I felt really accepted in Hollywood.” Well, here in the heart of Dixie, we take pride in making everyone feel right at home. Southern hospitality is very much a real thing and we have a strong tradition of welcoming everyone around the dinner table. In Tuscaloosa, our dinner tables are full of some of the finest cuisine this country has to offer.

Trust me – we hear you on being afraid of becoming “overweight”. With all of our incredible restaurants to choose from, it is a constant battle for us all. Luckily, Tuscaloosa has a 4.2-mile-long walking trail along the beautiful Black Warrior River that provides breathtaking views. Your son Forrest Gump would have loved our city as it was named as one of the top runner friendly communities in the United States in 2016 by running.net!

What can we do to entice you to come?
Have Denny Chimes ring out the theme song to “Norma Rae”?
Have the mayor declare “Steel Magnolias” our city flower?
Maybe ask the University of Alabama to name the football stadium’s playing surface “Sally Field”?

People in Tuscaloosa are very easy to please. Just say, “Roll Tide”, and they would like you. They would really, really like you.

Please accept our gifts of Left Hand Soap for your “Soapdish” and a box of Peterbrooke chocolates, because life . . . well, you know.

We hope to see you soon as our guest.

Sincerely,

Bill Buchanan

And the Staff of Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports