Birmingham’s cup runneth over when it comes to shopping for local produce. The list of farmers markets below highlight some of the city’s notable farm-to-truck markets with Alabama vendors specializing in cultivating nutritious alternatives to big-box grocery store fare.
Alabama Farmers Market — 344 Finley Ave. W. The Jefferson County Truck Growers Association operates and manages this year-round, self-sustaining market featuring local produce and products. The Market houses more than 500 farmers and vendors on 49 acres of land, making it the largest market in Alabama. Open daily. 6 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit alabamafarmersmarket.org.
Crestline Farmers Market — Urban Cookhouse. 29 Vine Street. Every Saturday June 4 through August 6, Urban Cookhouse features locally grown fresh produce at their Crestline location. 4–8 p.m. Free. For more information, visit urbancookhouse.com.
East Lake Farmer’s Market — East Lake United Methodist Church. 7753 First Ave. S. The East Lake Farmer’s Market brings fresh produce from local farmers, pastries, pies, jams, jellies and relishes every Saturday through October. 8–12 p.m. Free. For more information, visit eastlakefarmersmarket.org.
Homewood Market. Soho Parking Lot/Downtown Homewood. 2850 19th St S. Every Saturday May 30 through August 15 from 8 a.m. until noon. For more information, visit urbancookhouse.com.
Jones Valley Student-Run Farmer’s Markets — Avondale Elementary School, Wednesdays 2:30–3:30 p.m.; Glen Iris Elementary, Tuesdays 2:00-3:15; Hayes K-8, Thursdays 3:30-4:30; Putnam Middle School, Wednesdays 2:45-3:45; Oliver Elementary, Thursdays 2:30-3:30.
Pepper Place Farmer’s Market — 2829 Second Avenue S. Featuring produce and goods from Alabama-based farmers and artists, Pepper Place will return for its 15th year just as spring arrives in Birmingham. Open every Saturday through December, the market also showcases local musicians. 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. For more information, call (205) 313-4120
The Summit Farmers Market. Summit Shopping Center. 214 Summit Blvd. Every Thursday from May 28 to August 13th, Urban Cookhouse’s Summit location offers their farmers market from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit urbancookhouse.com.
Valleydale Farmers Market. 4601 Valleydale Rd. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon beginning May 23 through August 30. For more information, visit valleydalefarmersmarket.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Stamp Out Hunger —Food Bank of Central Alabama. 107 Walter Davis Drive. More than 100,000 pounds of food are delivered to Birmingham’s food bank during the largest annual single-day food drive event hosted by the National Letter Carriers Association. The Food Bank of Central Alabama is looking for volunteers to help unload trucks and serve the community. Shifts are 2–4 p.m., 4–7 p.m. and 7–10 p.m. Free. For more information, email volunteer@feedingal.org.
Mudbugs and Music — Good People Brewing Company. 114 14th St. S. The 11th annual Mudbugs and Music brings Full Moon Barbecue’s crawfish and sides, kids’ activities, a silent auction, and live music by Matt Casey and Rollin’ In the Hay. Proceeds from the event help fund arthritis research, education and programs in Birmingham. Since its debut in 2005, Mudbugs & Music has helped fund the pediatric rheumatology program at Children’s of Alabama and UAB that has changed the course of treatment for thousands of children with juvenile arthritis. Tickets include entry, food and drinks. 1-6 p.m. Tickets start at $15. For more information, visit mudbugsandmusic.com.
Cooking with Mom — Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar. 3811 Clairmont Ave. Attendees will cook a seasonal lunch, drink mimosas and learn how Little Savannah chefs assemble a springtime menu. Topics covered include knife skills, quick sauce instruction and sweets. Before class, guests have the option to shop Pepper Place Market with their teaching chef. 10 a.m. $50, $75 for Pepper Place tour. For more information, visit littlesavannah.com.
Black Market Bar Luau — Black Market Bar and Grill. 2011 Highland Ave. S. Black Market’s third annual luau will feature beer specials, Hawaiian cocktails and a whole pig roast. Suggested attire: Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts. Ashley and the Keepers will perform live during the event. 7 p.m. Free before 9 p.m. For more information, visit Black Market Bar and Grill on Facebook.
Crawfish and Cornhole — Avondale Brewery. 201 41st St. S. Benefitting Make-A-Wish Alabama, the Birmingham Junior Council invites the public to attend their second annual crawfish boil. Tickets cover one beer and all-you-can-eat crawfish. Local food trucks will be rolling in, and guests may enjoy live music and games while raising money for children with severe illnesses. 2–5 p.m. $20. For more information, visit alabamawish.org.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Mother’s Day Brunch/Slow Art Sunday— Birmingham Museum of Art. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Oscar’s will be serving their fresh, locally grown fare for Mother’s Day during brunch. Round out the afternoon with Slow Art Sunday. Master docent Caroline Wingate will guide guests to Georges Merle’s The Sorceress and facilitate discussion about this most mysterious painting. Brunch: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Slow Art Sunday: 2–3 p.m. Free. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
Mother’s Day Celebration — Discovery Alabama Events and Conference Center. 4500 Katie’s Way, Bessemer. Discovery Alabama will host a Mother’s Day dinner event with a buffet, complimentary roses, live musical performance and dessert. 12–4 p.m. $30. For more information, visit discoveryalabama.com.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Phipps Family Cellars Dinner — Pleasure is All Wine. 2152 Pelham Parkway. This five-course dinner includes five wine pairings from Napa Valley’s Phipps Family Cellars. Proprietor and winemaker Andy Phipps will be presenting, leading the discussion and answering questions. 6–8 p.m. $54. For more information, call (205) 983-4760.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
WE Eat Together — Kress Building Roof. 301 19th St. N. Urban Ministry presents a night of food, drink and fundraising to support their WE (West End) Eat programs. Urban Ministry seeks to provide fresh, sustainable and nutritious food for Birmingham’s West End through programs such as the West End Community Garden, Emergency Food Pantry and Healthy Snack Bags. The event will have local food and beverages provided by Chef Chris DuPont and Good People Brewing Company and live music from the Shaun Pezant Trio. 5:30–7:30 p.m. $50. For more information, visit urban-ministry.org.