Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports (TTS) will be temporarily closed through April 30. TTS is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak and are taking specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and our local & state governments. Because we deeply value the health and wellness of our visitors and staff, we have decided to close our doors to the public.
We will still be available via phone and email to assist you with your needs. Below is a list of email addresses to reach all of our employees.
This continues to be a fast-moving and evolving issue, and we are working diligently to take the steps to protect our clients and staff. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to monitor developments and navigate through these challenging circumstances.
For more information about Coronavirus prevention, visit: https://www.tuscaloosa.com/covid19
| General Information | info@visittuscaloosa.xyz |
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Tuscaloosa welcomes a variety of events this weekend. From now through Friday, May 31st, 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/
It’s finally summertime in Tuscaloosa. This weekend offers a wide range of events for all members of the family. The Tuscaloosa Comedy Group kicks off the weekend on Friday at Wilhagan’s Grill and Taproom. Also, on Friday, musician Casey Thrasher will perform at Rhythm and Brews. Saturday begins with the Farmers Market from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The Tuscaloosa Kids Triathlon starts Saturday morning, and The Great Black Warrior River Paddle-Boat Race is Saturday afternoon. Read more below to learn more about these fun events!
Tuscaloosa Comedy Group
The second annual “Stand up 4 Rachel” comedy fundraiser is set for this Friday, May 17, at Wilhagan’s Grille and Taproom located in Temerson Square. General admission tickets, which provide entry and access to the dinner buffet, are now available for $25 each. A table of four can be reserved for $250, which brings premium reserved seating and dinner for four. The adults-only event also includes a cash bar. A DJ will begin the entertainment at 6:00 p.m., with the comedians starting at 7:00 p.m., and ending around 9:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by contacting organizers at StandUp4Rachel@gmail.com or by calling 205-292-8828. All proceeds will go to the Rachal Williams Foundation for the benefit of the Transverse Myelitis Foundation.
Casey Thrasher
Also, on Friday, May 17, American Idol contestant Casey Thrasher will perform at Rhythm and Brews at 9:00 p.m. Thrasher was on season 13 of the popular show, and made it to the top 15 male category. He has recently co-produced and released a self-titled album, which gives fans a chance to see into his life and show them a little about who he is as a person. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and Thrasher comes on stage at 9:00 p.m.
The Great Black Warrior River Paddle-Wheel Boat Race
As we celebrate Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial, the monthly theme for May is Transportation. What better way to honor the role the river has played in our history than with a paddle-wheel boat race? Join us as two great riverboats go head-to-head, or bow-to-bow, between Manderson Landing and the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The historic Bama Belle, in her first race, takes on the highly decorated Pickett Hastings. The race begins Saturday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. For those with an adventurous steak, you can purchase a ride on the Bama Belle during the race. Tickets are $20 and provide the best seat in the house. Visit http://www.bamabelle.org/ for tickets.
Tuscaloosa Kids Triathlon
The 7th Annual Tuscaloosa Kids Triathlon will be held this Saturday, May 18at 9:00 a.m. at Lake Lurleen State Park Children ages five to 16 will swim, bike, and run. The triathlon benefits the Secret Meals for Hungry Children. Secret Meals fill in food gaps over the weekend for local. Each Friday, a 3.5-pound food pack is slipped into student backpacks. The pack includes two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. Bring your family and help promote healthy, active lifestyles for kids while supporting a great cause.
Tuscaloosa Farmers Market
If you haven’t been to the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market yet, you should consider going this Saturday for a day filled with community, unbeatable prices, and one-of-a-kind merchandise. From fresh produce to unique art, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Farmers Market is held at the Tuscaloosa RiverMarket every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and start the day off right at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market.
Later This Summer
The Mercedes-Benz Druid City Music Festival
You have likely seen by now the incredible lineup of Big Boi, Blackberry Smoke, Turkuaz, Break Science and others for the Druid City Music Festival, but did you know that you can purchase tickets NOW? To read more about this exciting event and buy tickets, please visit the website here.
As the weekend approaches, we say goodbye to the month of May and hello to June. Fortunately for our community, this weekend is packed with exciting events to start the month out right. From live music, crawfish boils, and art walks, we’ve got it all covered. We love summer because it provides the freedom to enjoy time spent with friends and loved ones. This weekend in Tuscaloosa is full of opportunity for you to do so.
Live at the Plaza
What a wonderful way to spend a summer evening! Every Friday night in June and July, Government Plaza will host live music by the best performers and bands in our area. The first concert of the summer will be this Friday, June 1st, from 6-9 pm featuring the John Wilson Band. The event is free and will be accompanied by various food truck and vendors. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, gather up your friends and family and head out to the plaza for an evening of live entertainment. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your pets!
First Friday
For all of the art lovers out there, this event is just for you. “First Friday” is held on the first Friday of each month in downtown Tuscaloosa. Local art galleries, businesses, and restaurants are open in the evening for the community to enjoy. You can hop from gallery to gallery, stop for a bite to eat, and enjoy the nightlife that Tuscaloosa has to offer. First Friday not only showcases the work of professional artists but of local and regional artists as well. This is a way for Tuscaloosa locals to come together and enjoy a night of art and community. The event will begin the evening of Friday, June 1st.
The Little Mermaid
The beloved story of The Little Mermaid will be sweeping the stage this weekend in Tuscaloosa. The Actor’s Charitable Theatre (ACT) will be putting on the production this weekend at The Bama Theatre. ACT is known for their exceptional quality of performances, and their newest production will be no exception. Come see Ariel and her friends this weekend June 1-4. The performance times are as follows: Friday, June 1st at 7:30, Saturday, June 2nd at 2:00 and 7:30, Sunday, June 3rd at 2:00 and 7:30, and Monday, June 4th at 7:30.
Low Country Boil
The Bama Belle is a riverboat attraction that has been operating in Tuscaloosa since 2001. The Bama Belle hosts a series of events for the community- just last week was the Bama Belle BBQ cruise. This weekend, The Bama Belle is hosting the Low Country Boil. While you eat, you’ll get to enjoy live music and a scenic cruise down the river. Make reservations at www.bamabelle.org for the Low Country Boil on Friday, June 1st from 7:00PM-9:30PM for $35.
Women of Color Art Exhibit
This Friday will mark the opening of the “Women of Color” exhibit by local artist LaShonda Scott Robinson at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. The exhibit will display Robinson’s work in watercolor on paper. As a self-taught artist, all of Robinson’s work is inspired by personal experience. Robinson’s work has been displayed in art galleries all over the world, from Switzerland to New York City. Additionally, a reception honoring Robinson will take place on June 1 from 5-8 pm during the First Friday art walk.
While a college town known for barbecue and big games may not sound like a place for healthy, athletic people, you’d be surprised to find just how active and healthy we can get here in the deep fried south. Tuscaloosa is a proudly named runners city with a plethora of trails and is home to some of the most flavorful healthy food in the state. With the Triathlon on the same day as Alabama Roots Fest, you’ll find the city in full swing with a buzzing downtown and live music from Robert Randolph and the Family Band in Government Plaza!
- Explore nature!
If you aren’t used to the springs in Alabama, you might not know that the outdoors can be immaculate in April, and this weekend will be no different. From Lake Nicol’s cliffs to Lake Lurleen’s sandy shores, you’ll feel at one with nature without having to go more than 20 minutes from downtown.
- Take some tea time!
Like any college town, we have an abundance of third wave coffee shops like Monarch or Heritage House that serve some fine brews, but for those who like the serenity of a fresh batch of tea or house-made kombucha, welcome to Tea Town. Located in historic downtown Northport, Tea Town started as a tea bike at our farmers market, then became the brick and mortar hang out for live poetry and original tea mixes.
- Pedal over to our bike shops!
Worried your bike needs some last minute repairs or just want to spend some quality shopping time? We have great local and regional stores to meet your needs.
Velocity Pro Cycle in Temerson Square is a fixture in our cycling community with events and races around town.
Queen City Cycles in Pinehurst is known for its quality care when it comes to bike repair. They are dedicated to the art of the bicycle, bringing a love that has really elevated the sport in our city.
Trek Bicycle Store is located in Midtown Village and offers Trek bikes and apparel along with repairs and maintenance. Perfect for those loyal to the Trek brand
- I can Escher you we have good art
We have such a thriving art scene in Tuscaloosa, from our growing gallery collections to our museums there’s more than enough art to go around. For some classical and historic works like original John Singer Sargent works to up and coming local artists there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Located in the historic district of downtown Northport, Kentuck dedicates themselves to nurturing our city’s art scene. With their recently renovated space, they have constantly changing exhibits and collections that you’ll find it rare to see the same thing twice. The art campus has over four buildings with free Wi-Fi to make a true art space that’s open to everyone. Hours are: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm and Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
A gift to the city by the late Jack Warner of the Westervelt Company, Mr. Warner was a true lover of the arts with his massive collection that he graciously donated to both his hometown and to a wing in the Met in New York, as well as his private collection in his home. The Tuscaloosa Museum of Art is on the Westervelt campus off of Jack Warner Parkway with a wide collection of original American art.
- Find a Foodie Oasis
We are not without some incredible eateries in Tuscaloosa beyond the standard southern classics. With new places popping up, there is always an exciting new element to our foodie scene.
Be on the look out or follow them on Twitter to see with this beloved food truck is going to be around town. With a dedication to great local food, they offer healthier choices with some flavorful salads to more indulgent delights like their crispy pork belly with rice buns.
With options from hot chicken bao buns to their latest Japanese style pancake, there are exotic dishes inspired by the culinary world of international street food. One of their more popular dishes is their veggie burger that has people considering making the switch to living meatless with the savory treat.
Soaring into the Weekend in Tuscaloosa
Not only is “The Greatest Show Above Earth” coming to Tuscaloosa this weekend, but we have a swarm of great events taking off. The Turnpike Troubadours will be at Druid City Music Hall on Friday night. Saturday is a big day in Tuscaloosa. The Children’s Hands-On Museum is starting the day off with a huge pizza party, and what kid can resist pizza? Then, The Druid City Dames are taking on the Montgomery Roller Derby team at the Super Skate in their second home bout of the season. Finish off your weekend at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow featuring the Blue Angels on Saturday and Sunday. You don’t want to miss seeing the Blue Angels in person as they always put in an aerial spectacular in Tuscaloosa!
Turnpike Troubadours at Druid City Music Hall
The Turnpike Troubadours will be in town on Friday night. Head to Druid City Music Hall to hear deep-rooted soul music that’s impossible to resist. We also hear that a video crew will be in attendance, so show up and show out if you want a chance to be featured in a Tuscaloosa Tourism video about the local music scene. The doors open at 7:30 pm and the music starts at 8:30 pm. It’s going to be a good time as Turnpike Troubadours always put on a great show, so visit druidcitymusichall.com to purchase tickets!
Pizza Party at CHOM!
The best kind of party is a pizza party. Spend your Saturday afternoon at the Children’s Hands-On Museum making a pizza hat, playing pizza games, sling-shotting pizza and best of all, sampling pizza! CHOM’s events are always a good time. The fun begins at 10:00 am and goes until 4:00 pm. This is an event that you don’t want to miss!
Druid City Dames Roller Derby
The Druid City Dames are Tuscaloosa’s premiere roller derby team. They are back in town this weekend against the Montgomery Roller Derby. They compete on Saturday at the Super Skate on McFarland Boulevard at 5:30 pm. Come out and support them this weekend as they compete to be another title-winning team in our city of champions. Visit druidcitydames.com to view to buy tickets or for more information.
The Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow featuring the Blue Angels
The Tuscaloosa Regional Airshow is Saturday and Sunday and it is going to be a blast. Gates open at 10:00 am and there will be concessions, kids zone and an aviation display area throughout the day. The show begins at 12:00 pm and the action lasts until 4:00 pm. There will be helicopter rides available after the show. If you are worried about parking, there will be shuttles available to jet you over to the event. Visit tuscaloosaregionalairshow.com to see all the shuttle locations and to view the complete schedule. The Blue Angels always put on a great show in Tuscaloosa, so don’t miss out!
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Welcome to the single greatest weekend of arts, culture, and music Tuscaloosa has ever had. We have music from a local band rising to stardom returning for a huge show, a band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and another that should be), art showcases from the best two art organizations in the area, and that’s just scratching the surface of this weekend’s slate. The 9th Annual Druid City Arts Festival presented by Cadence Bank has finally arrived! Saturday will be a great day of art, entertainment, food, and fun. Below are just a few of the best events going on, but hop over to visittuscaloosa.xyz/events for a full list that includes the NCAA gymnastics regional and Tuscaloosa Titans’ season tip-off.
Druid City Arts Festival
Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports and Cadence Bank are looking forward to seeing you at the 9th Annual Druid City Arts Festival on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tuscaloosa’s Government Plaza! DCAF has had rich success in introducing new music and visual artists to Tuscaloosa’s community and has also provided a free day of fun and entertainment for everyone in the past eight years. This year it is going to be bigger and better than ever! Downtown Tuscaloosa will be an entertainment district from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, so grab a drink and peruse the artwork from artists all over the country. DCAF will feature two-dimensional art, as well as pieces constructed out of clay, fiber, wood, glass, metal, and food. There will also be literature pieces, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Caleb O’Connor, a local artist, will be on site demonstrating his artwork for everyone to view.
Local Roots, Steel City Pops, La Mexicana, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Cypress Inn, South Fresh Farms, Jim ‘N Nicks and Chick Fil A are a few of the vendors that will be on site to serve up some delicious food. There will be musical performances all day by many local artists. In addition to the food and music, there will be a kid zone for the children to enjoy. It is going to be a fun community event for the whole family to enjoy. You can check out the list of artists and find out additional information about DCAF by visiting http://www.druidcityartsfestival.com. Be sure to use #DCAF18 and our Snapchat filter when sharing from the event.
Art Night at Kentuck
Art Night at Kentuck is a monthly celebration of art and artists from the local community. Join us at the Kentuck Art Center in Downtown Northport this Thursday night from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in celebrating these artist’s masterpieces. This event is free and open to the public! Come see what Sydney Gruber has been working on in her studio in the Clarke Building! There will be open studios for all of the Kentuck Artists so you can see what we are working on and enjoy the raw creation process.
Teer Gallery:
Kentuck is honored to present a retrospective of work by local living legend Dr. Norman Ellis. A founding member of the Woodworkers Association of West Alabama (WAWA), the 96-year-old still mentors woodworkers in his studio. Ellis’s work consists of whimsical furniture handmade in the Mission style, which features exposed joints and focuses on the natural beauty of the wood used.
Museum Gallery:
It’s the last Art Night to visit The Juneaus’ expansive exhibit of Louisiana art. Pat Juneau and son Andrea create playful metal sculptures that exemplify the culture of Louisiana, while Suzanne and daughter Angelique create one-of-a-kind jewelry using precious and semi-precious stones combined with enameling and precious metals.
Courtyard of Wonders:
Pop-up shops and free cob oven pizza with dough from Mary’s Cakes and Pastries and fresh, locally grown produce from Snow’s Bend Farms. Live music by Jake Sandford and the Jake Sanford Orchestra. Kentuck’s Studio Artists will have open studios for browsing, learning, observing, and purchasing.
Gallery Shop:
Open until 8 pm; members get a 10% discount. Fire Ant and Big Dog members are invited to sample champagne.
First Friday
To continue with the theme of arts and culture, Friday night is First Friday Art Night. Downtown Tuscaloosa will transform into an entertainment district on Friday night. First Friday is completely free, and the galleries can’t wait to host you. Grab a drink and take a stroll through our magnificent galleries, such as the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Harrison Galleries, The Paul R. Jones Museum, O’Connor Art Studios and Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy. Visit firstfridaytuscaloosa.com for offerings and hours as they vary by location. This event generally begins at 5:30 and runs to 8 or 9 depending on location.
CBDB at Druid City Music Hall
This will be the funkiest weekend of the whole year, between CBDB and Parliament-Funkadelic, and the hometown heroes CBDB get first crack at funking you up on Friday night. This band is on the road to stardom and have a chance to define Tuscaloosa’s music culture in a way R.E.M. did for Athens, GA. This group has a big sound, great writing, and create the type of atmosphere at a show that you have to experience. Our favorite is Pschabongo and gets played on repeat around the Visit Tuscaloosa offices. They have played at many major festivals with high profile bands and will be blowing the lid off of Druid City Music Hall before embarking on a national tour with stops in DC, New York, and Philiadelphia. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the music begins at 9:00 pm.Visit druidcitymusichall.com to purchase tickets to witness the Tuscaloosa’s premier band, and preorder their upcoming album “Out of Line” on itunes or look for it on Spotify May 5.
Funkaloosa
George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, Morris Day & The Time, and Sheila E will be funking up the Coca-Cola concert series “Funkaloosa.” The Parliament-Funkadelic collective has been around since the late 60’s and has been among America’s greatest funk icons for 50 years and included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Morris Day and Sheila E joining them makes this an all around incredible show that should not be missed under any circumstances. The doors open at 5:30 pm with the funky beats blasting from 7:00 pm until the funk is within you. This is the type of music that has to be experienced live to be truly heard. To purchase tickets visit ticketmaster.com. #WeWantTheFunk
Styx, REO Speedwagon, & Don Felder
Styx and Reo Speedwagon have teamed up and they will be rockin’ with special guest Don Felder on Sunday at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The music begins at 7:00 pm and will have you groovin’ all night long. To purchase tickets visit the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater’s website.
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!
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!
Events in Tuscaloosa this Weekend
The good times will be rolling in Tuscaloosa this weekend. Bama Basketball hosts one of the countries’ hottest teams for the second weekend in a row when Tennessee comes to town. The 25th annual Mystic Krew of the Druids Bal Masque rolls out the red carpet on Saturday for a night of music and fun. Check out visittuscaloosa.xyz/events for even more happenings, and don’t forget to tag @visittuscaloosa in all your photos this weekend for a chance to be featured on our social media accounts!
The Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cook-off
The Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa is sponsoring a chili cook-off to raise funds for the Club’s community service projects. Stop by the Bryant Conference Center from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm on Saturday to sample over 30 different varieties of chili. After you have sampled the chili, you can vote for your favorite. There will be valuable prizes for attendees, live music, and children’s activities. As well as, free cheese biscuits, hot dogs, and ice cream.
Alabama Men’s Basketball v. Tennessee
Coleman Coliseum will be rocking again this Saturday when the Tennessee Volunteers come to town. Tip-off is at 5:00 pm and the atmosphere will be electric as the Crimson Tide competes with an SEC rival. StubHub has tickets available, but don’t wait too long to secure your ticket to watch an incredible SEC matchup.
The Mystic Krewe of the Druid’s Silver Anniversary Bal Masque
Join The Mystic Krewe of the Druids as they celebrate their Sparkling Silver Anniversary year with Bal Masque 25: Roll Out The Red Carpet! On Feb. 10, 2018, join them at the historic BAMA Theatre at 7:30 pm as they pay tribute to the past, present, and future of their Krewe with an all-star awards show! Take a stroll down their paparazzi-lined red carpet and watch as their Tableau revisits MKD history, honoring some of their most storied and “award-winning” moments with an opportunity to raise money for West Alabama AIDS Outreach (WAAO). Contact any Krewe member or message the MKD Facebook page for tickets.
The Official Bal Masque After Parties
R. Davidson Chophouse and Icon Bar will be hosting the official after parties. They begin after the show and continue until 2 am. R. Davidson Chophouse will feature a live band, Farmer’s Daughter. The after parties are included if you purchased a VIP ticket. If you do not have a VIP ticket it is $10 at the door.
South Regional Quidditch Championship
Teams from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee will have the opportunity at the USQ South Regional Championship for the chance to attend the national championship, the US Quidditch Cup. Last season, Florida’s Finest defeated Carolina Heat to take home their second South Regional Championship title in Columbia, South Carolina. Will Florida’s Finest keep their streak in the newly created community division? Who will claim the title of collegiate champion? Come out to Munny Sokol Park North Saturday and Sunday to find out!
The first weekend of the month is always a big arts and culture weekend in Tuscaloosa, and this month has even more to experience than usual! The Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival kicks off Thursday and goes through Saturday, so check out this special music, film, and dance festival that is unique to Tuscaloosa. Kentuck Art Night and First Friday will have tons of beautiful works of art on display for you to enjoy. The Cadillac Three is back in town, and it’s a show you don’t want to miss. While you’re enjoying the local art scene on Friday, grab a drink from your favorite bar because Tuscaloosa will be an entertainment district until 10 pm. Don’t forget to tag us at @VisitTuscaloosa in your social posts while you are exploring the arts and culture scene, and use #FirstFridayTuscaloosa.
Kentuck Art Night
This Thursday night Feb. 1, at 5 pm head to historic downtown Northport for a fun night for the whole family. Kentuck Art Night is a monthly free event that includes: an exhibition at Kentuck Art Center, Kentuck Studio Artists have studios open, pop up shops in the Courtyard of Wonders, a food truck, live music, Downtown Northport artists’ studios, champagne for Big Dog and Fire Ant members of Kentuck, wine, snacks, and cob oven pizza.
First Friday
First Friday returns this week to kick off 2018. The galleries involved can’t wait to showcase their amazing works of art to the community. First Friday is completely free, and some of the galleries will be serving hors d’oeuvres for you to enjoy while you admire their masterpieces. While you’re enjoying the local art scene, grab a drink from your favorite bar because Tuscaloosa will be an entertainment district until 10 pm. Taking a stroll through downtown Tuscaloosa is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Galleries on the Art Walk include The Arts Council and The University of Alabama Galleries at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, The Paul R. Jones Gallery, Harrison Galleries, O’Connor Art Studios and Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy. Visit firstfridaytuscaloosa.com for offerings and hours.
Cadillac Three
The Cadillac Three is an American Southern rock group consisting of Jaren Johnston, Kelby Ray, and Neil Mason. They have toured with many big-name artists and bands such as Florida-Georgia Line. Catch them at Druid City Music Hall on Saturday, February 3rd at Druid City Music Hall! Doors open at 7:30 pm with music starting around 8:30. Visit ticketweb.com to grab a ticket to this awesome concert.
Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival
The Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival is a three-day celebration promoting diversity and cultural sensitivity, in the areas of film, music, and dance. These exciting cultural events will include food vendors, craft vendors and more. The West Alabama community will be able to participate in a “Rep Your Heritage” Film Challenge and Spiritual Dance Competition as well as the Africana Film Festival. The festival is Thursday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb.3.
Alabama Women’s Basketball Game
Watching the Tide play basketball is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The Crimson Tide women’s basketball team takes on the Arkansas Razorbacks Sunday in Coleman Coliseum. Tip-off is at 1:00 p.m., and this conference game is sure to be a good one!
Starting January 22nd and going through January 26th, Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports will be hosting the first annual Tuscaloosa D.A.T.E. Week, a week where businesses around the city provide deals and specials in order to accommodate couples looking for a respite from their weekly routine. We are excited about this opportunity to showcase businesses around the city of Tuscaloosa and to provide couples the chance to get out and celebrate each other as the new year kicks off! If you would like to explore all the ways that you can enjoy Tuscaloosa Date Week all around town, you can visit https://www.ttowndateweek.com/ for all the details you need!
The word “DATE” as a part of this week-long event is actually an acronym for all the available opportunities around town: Diamonds, Arrangements, Tastes, and Entertainment. These four key words reflect the deals and specials around the town, whether they are special food menus, exciting new couples events, or delicious food options for two! We have worked with a diverse selection of businesses around the city to provide a wide variety of ways for couples to have a nice dinner together, get out and do something, or to purchase a gift of some sort for each other. You can buy flowers or diamonds, you can get coffee or dessert, or you could even get barbecue, pizza, tapas, or seafood! Plus, if you haven’t yet been to some of the exciting restaurants Tuscaloosa has to offer, you can try them out! Places like Dotson’s Burger Spot and Southern Ale House will be offering a special menu, while Chuck’s Fish and Animal Butter are perfect places to take the opportunity to try something new at a discounted price!
Tuscaloosa Date Week is an opportunity for anyone looking to make a special date with their significant other, whether it be a first date or an anniversary celebration! For a first date, you can break the ice over a cup of coffee at O’Henry’s and then go learn how to make a cocktail at Roxy’s! For a date with a long-time loved one, you could get a snack at Frutta Bowls during the day and then surprise them with a lovely piece of jewelry from Hudson-Poole right before trying some new wines at Carpe Vino! If you and your significant other want to share a pizza pie, Tuscaloosa Date Week is the perfect opportunity to try something other than delivery, like Heat Pizza or Broadway Pizzeria! There are many opportunities to celebrate each other all during the week in Tuscaloosa. Some of the locations participating in Date Week offer a way to just hang out, drink some cocktails, and get to know someone better, like Five Bar, Sweet Home Food Bar, or Avenue Pub! Whatever activity is best suited to the kind of date you want to have, there is a place where you can do that!
Gifts are a wonderful way to express how much you care for someone, and therefore Tuscaloosa Date Week will be offering deals at businesses all around town to purchase gifts for those for whom they care greatly. Someone in a relationship has the ability to surprise their special someone with an unexpected bouquet of flowers or even a shiny, new bracelet, all purchased using the Tuscaloosa DATE Week discounts put in place by participating businesses. The two florists participating in Tuscaloosa Date Week are Pat’s Florist and Gourmet Baskets and the Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe, and both are offering discounts to those who come in and purchase a special gift to celebrate Date Week! Even further than flowers, Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers will be offering 10% off, in addition to other deals, to customers who come in and mention that they are celebrating Tuscaloosa Date Week!
While some of the offers appeal to the gift-giving side of date night, others appeal to some of the most popular date night activities: dinner, dessert, and wine! During Tuscaloosa Date Week, all participating restaurants will be offering special deals or special Date Week menus for customers that mention they are celebrating “date week”! Evangeline’s will be offering 25% off your whole meal, along with half-priced glasses of wine! In total, there are 20 restaurants around Tuscaloosa looking to provide a decadent addition to any couple’s date night while they are celebrating Tuscaloosa Date Week! Some sit-down restaurants included in Tuscaloosa Date Week are Jim‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Avenue Pub, and 301 Bisto, Bar, & Beer Garden, to name a few. In addition to sit-down restaurants, some coffee shops and dessert destinations will be celebrating Tuscaloosa Date Week with deals, including Monarch Espresso Bar, UPerk, Cravings Specialty Grocery, and O’Henry’s Coffee.
However, if the relationship you are in is more geared to going out and doing something, then you have a mass of deals around town to satisfy your craving to get out of the house. Many businesses will be offering experiences for couples to enjoy together, like learning to make sushi at Black Warrior Brewing or making your own candy bar at Peterbrooke Chocolatier! Additionally, couples have the opportunity to have a classic date tonight together by visiting Cobb Theaters and Druid City Music Hall for a movie or to see Corey Smith in concert. Corey Smith will be performing Thursday at 8:30 PM with Hudson Moore and tickets can be found for that show at https://druidcitymusichall.com/. Tickets start at $20 and go up to $35 per person!
In addition to diamonds, arrangements, tastes, and entertainment, another business participating in Tuscaloosa Date Week is a mobile app, Wyndy, that connects parents with college-aged babysitters. This way, those couples who may not be able to get out are able to hire a babysitter for the evening and have the night on the town to themselves! Couples celebrating Tuscaloosa Date Week will enjoy $10 off their babysitting service when they use the app during Date Week. Details on the app and how to receive this discount are located on the Tuscaloosa Date Week website at https://www.ttowndateweek.com/.
Share your Date Week experience with us by tagging us, @VisitTuscaloosa or using #DateWeek in your post! We will be looking out for posts all over social media and giving shoutouts to those that mention us or use our hashtag! In order to learn more about the deals around town, you can visit https://www.ttowndateweek.com/. On the website, there is a list of participating businesses and what deals you can find at every location. We are excited to see everyone get out and go celebrate each other during the first annual Tuscaloosa Date Week!
Written by Will Baggett
| Business | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day |
| 301 Bistro, Bar & Beer Garden | 11am-3pm | closed |
| Another Broken Egg | 7am-2pm | closed |
| Avenue Pub | closed | closed |
| Baumhowers Restaurant | 11am-4pm | closed |
| Broadway Pizzeria | 11am-7pm | closed |
| Buffalo Phil’s Wings | closed | closed |
| Central Mesa | closed | closed |
| Chuck’s Fish | closed | closed |
| Chuy’s Tex-Mex | 11am-3pm | closed |
| City Cafe | closed | closed |
| Cravings | closed | closed |
| Cypress Inn | closed | closed |
| Depalma’s Italian Cafe | closed | closed |
| Dreamland BBQ – Tuscaloosa | til 3pm | closed |
| Dreamland BBQ – Northport | til 3pm | closed |
| Edelweiss | 8am-12pm | closed |
| Evangeline’s | closed | closed |
| Five | 10am-3 pm | closed |
| Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | 10:30am-4pm | closed |
| Full Moon BBQ | til 3pm | closed |
| Glory Bound | closed | closed |
| Heat Pizza Bar | closed | closed |
| Hoo’s Q | closed | closed |
| Iguana Grill | regular hours | closed |
| Innisfree | closed | closed |
| Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill | 11am-3pm | closed |
| Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ | 10:30-3pm | closed |
| La Hacienda El Mexicana | closed | closed |
| Levee Bar & Grill | closed | closed |
| Miss Dots Tuscaloosa | closed | closed |
| Moe’s Original BBQ | closed | closed |
| Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes | unknown | closed |
| Mr. Chen’s | regular hours | closed |
| Mugshots Grill and Bar | closed | closed |
| Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza | 10:30-2pm | closed |
| Rama Jama’s | unknown | closed |
| River | closed | closed |
| Ruan Thai Exotic Thai Cuisine Rest. | closed | closed |
| O’Henrys Coffee | 7am-5pm | closed |
| Side-by-Side | 11am-9pm | 11am-11pm |
| Southern Ale House | closed | closed |
| Subs-N-You | closed | closed |
| Surin of Thailand | regular hours | closed |
| Sweet Home Food Bar | closed | closed |
| Swen Chinese Restaurant | closed | closed |
| Taco Mama | til 4 | closed |
| Taziki’s Cafe | 11am-3pm | closed |
| The Front Porch | closed | closed |
| Wilhagan’s | closed | closed |
| Zoe’s Kitchen (all locations) | closed | closed |