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.
Because Easter is a favorite when it comes to family holidays, this Easter weekend in Tuscaloosa is packed with great things to do for the whole family!
Start your weekend tonight downtown at the Green Bar. For only $5 you can enjoy the Soul Mechanics, a unique funk band with an amazing sound that rocks stages all over the southeast! And don’t forget about Green Bar’s amazing drinks! With great cocktails and craft beer, there’s something for everyone here!
The weekend itself is packed with a ton of cultural highlights for young and old! Friday holds two amazing activities for history fans: “Remembering the Great War” is a panel including UA history professors speaking about different aspects of World War I, e.g. the American involvement in the conflict and many others. Free and open to the public, it starts at 4 pm at the 205 Gorgas Library. Or visit the History Workshop at 251 ten Hoor Hall at 3 pm and learn about works of graduate students including the Spanish-American War and others!
Kids love Easter and they will love this Friday’s event as well! Take them to Tuscaloosa Children’s Hands-On Museum and let them join the great Easter egg hunt! From 5 to 7 pm the little ones can search for over 1000 eggs, indoor and with provided bunny bags! The hunt begins at 6 pm sharp – don’t be late!
Saturday has a perfect early bird activity: The Farmer’s Market at the Rivermarket! 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 your Easter meal!
Let down this fantastic weekend at a thrilling University of Alabama Women’s Tennis match! Watch the Crimson Tide fight this season’s last match against the Missouri Tigers this Sunday at 1 pm. Admission to Alabama Women’s Tennis is always free! So come out and support Seniors Erin Routliffe, Joanna Savva, and Danielle Spielmann in their final home action of the season! Roll Tide!
Also, check out our blog about the Top 5 Places to have Easter Brunch on Sunday!
Written By: Katharina Horvath – Intern