How the ‘Ham Celebrates Independence
Birmingham has gained attention for being one of the top cities to celebrate Independence Day with (see WalletHub). Here is a selection of some of the Magic City’s Independence Day parties and brouhahas.
Red, White & Brews in Five Points South — REV Birmingham (REV) and Five Points South present this two-day 4th of July celebration featuring food, fireworks, and $4 Good People Brews at Five Points-area restaurants and bars. Friday July 3rd brings the Good People 4th of July Birthday Grub Crawl from 6 p.m. to midnight. Participants will enjoy $4 Good People Brews, food specials, live music and birthday giveaways including gift cards and swag throughout the evening. Saturday July 4th, to grab food and drinks from area merchants who will be open, then secure a spot with family and friends to watch Vulcan’s “Thunder on the Mountain” atop Red Mountain. A complete schedule of the two-day event and additional information can be found on the Five Points South website at fivepointsbham.com.
Independence Day Celebration — Southern Museum of Flight. 4343 73rd St. N. The Southern Museum of Flight is celebrating Independence Day early this year with a performance by the US Air Force’s Band of the West at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with Jim ‘N’ Nick’s barbecue, STEM-based children’s activities, face painting and balloon animals. 4–8:30 p.m. Free. For more information, visit southernmuseumofflight.org.
Fire on the Water — Oak Mountain State Park. 200 Terrace Dr. 5–9 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park will illuminate the lake with fireworks in celebration of American Independence. Food will be available from Dreamland BBQ, McAlister’s, Frios and Publix. A wakeboarding demo by FlipSide Watersports and live music will take place during the event.
Thunder on the Mountain 2015 — Vulcan Park and Museum. 1701 Valley View Dr. Thunder on the Mountain has been hailed as one of the largest Independence Day traditions in the state of Alabama. This year, expect new colors and patterns of fireworks. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack that will feature a mix of patriotic favorites and popular musical performances. 9 p.m. Free.
Jazz in the Park — Railroad Park. 1600 First Ave. S. The Birmingham Heritage Band and Memphis’ Darryl Evan Jones will ring in the Fourth of July with a performance at Railroad Park. The Birmingham Heritage Band has been in existence for half a century and performs standards at dances, weddings, retirement homes and for other occasions. 6–9 p.m. Free. For more information, email info@magiccitysmoothjazz.com.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Jazz in the Park — Beacon Park. 5405 Beacon Dr., Irondale. 16-year old Birmingham pianist and composer Joshua David, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and Julian Vaughn will perform live during Jazz in the Park Irondale. 6–9 p.m. Free.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
Storytelling and Southern Identity — Birmingham Museum of Art. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Along with members of the acclaimed storytelling organization The Moth, which The Wall Street Journal calls New York’s “hippest, hottest literary event,” the Museum will host an evening of Southern storytelling in partnership with Arclight Stories of Birmingham. Special guests are Catherine Burns, a producer and frequent host of NPR’s The Moth Radio Hour, and Tricia Rose Burt, an artist and storyteller who is frequently broadcast on the NPR show. 5-8 p.m. Free. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
THURSDAY, JULY 9
LGBTQ Legal Clinic — Birmingham AIDS Outreach. 205 32nd St. S. Offered in partnership with the Family Equality Council and Equality Alabama BAO presents permanency planning (wills, burial and healthcare directives, etc.). 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. For more information, email Amanda@BirminghamAIDSOutreach.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Mary Poppins — Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. 800 19th St. N. The Banks children need a new nanny. Enter: Mary Poppins, an inspiring, magical sitter with an unlimited imagination for fun and problem solving. The charming, musical has won audiences since its debut. Mary Poppins will be available for pictures before every Saturday matinee from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. Through Aug. 2. For more information, call (205) 490-2345.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Falling: A Wake — South City Theater. 2969 Pelham Parkway. South City Theater presents this Broke Folks Theatre production of Gary Kirkham’s drama, Falling: A Wake. When the body of a young man strapped in his airplane seat lands on Elsie and Harold’s farm in the middle of the night, the couple must examine life, love and the dark humor of it all. July 11 at 8 p.m. and 12 at 2 p.m. $16. For more information, call (205) 621-2128.
ONGOING
The Music Man — Virginia Samford Theatre. 1116 26th St. S. This classic Broadway musical comes to life onstage at the Virginia Samford Theatre. From “76 Trombones” to “Gary, Indiana,” The Music Man has won its place in the American musical theater canon (and five Tony Awards) since its debut in 1957. The slick but lovable conman, Harold Hill, and his romantic foibles with a prim librarian spell out “Trouble (with a capital ‘T’)” for the sleepy town of River City. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Through July 5. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.