PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: Celebrations & Activities Around Birmingham

By GWEN DERU | The Birmingham Times

As we step into spring, Birmingham locals and visitors alike have marked their calendars with a plethora of exciting events that accentuate the vibrant heartbeat of this metropolitan hub: celebrating women’s history and black history every day, promoting and supporting local artists, comedians and performers, hosting fitness classes and wellness expos, focusing on community engagement and so much more.

Today in Birmingham

Begin your day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens with a session of ‘Home Grown Tomatoes’ hosted by horticulture expert Chip East from 11a.m. to unleash your gardening potential. Meanwhile, The Joe Lockett Show maintains its time slot from Monday-Friday at 4 p.m., airing lively discussions, interviews and debates on pressing social issues, featuring hosts Nephew Cliff and Ms. Denise.

St. Patrick’s 40th Celebration is also in full swing today with the 10th Annual Irish Flag Raising at the popular fast-food chain, Chick-Fil-A at 2000 Highland Avenue, starting at 5 p.m. For movie buffs, catch international and independent films screened at the Sidewalk Film Festival, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Wellness Programs

Wellness enthusiasts can join the Yoga + Writing Retreat at 1309 19th Street South from today through the weekend. Additionally, the Black Family Wellness Expo commences at 10 a.m. at Miles College, which aims to embrace a holistic approach towards health and wellbeing with various workshops and free screenings.

Entertainment and Nightlife

The evening carries a vivacious vibe of entertainment and live performances around the city. The StarDome Comedy Club presents ‘That Tax Money Flowing’ show featuring Bennie Mac along with Coach Wesley and Dreka Daeyelashdive; Motorcity Fatts and Oscar P add to the hilarity. Additionally, the saxophonist BK Jackson is slated to weave musical magic at Perfect Note.

Celebrating Community

Construction company Kikstart is making a difference at Watermark in Bessemer by offering Free Food Boxes, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until all are gone. Meanwhile, the Five Points West Library hosts computer classes open to all every Tuesday and Thursday, encouraging digital literacy within the community.

Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, the city is gearing up to honor and recognize the critical role of women in its history. Every third Thursday, the Sidewalk Film Fest organizes the Filmmaker Happy Hour encouraging filmmakers to network and discuss their projects. Don’t miss the 16th Annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off at the Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, adding a punch of flavorful experiences to the list of city-wide events.

As the city continues to celebrate its kaleidoscope of culture and community, this bustling metropolitan hub invites locals and tourists alike to join in and be a part of the truly Birmingham experience.