ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Living magazine, says the Magnolia Festival was featured on the Food Network and Cooking Channel for its carnival eats. Visitors come back year after year looking to experience new and different culinary creations from local food trucks and Gardendale’s restaurant scene.

While the Magnolia Festival promotes tourism, economic development and community involvement, Phillips says her favorite part is the people who attend year after year. “Seeing the excitement on people’s faces and the joy it brings…the festival is like a homecoming for all ages, and I love it.”

The next Magnolia Festival is April 19-20, 2024. Visit MagnoliaFestival.org, follow Magnolia Festival in Gardendale on Facebook, and Magnoliafestival_Gardendale on Instagram for up-to-date information.

The Arts In Gardendale

Housed in Gardendale Public Library, The Arts in Gardendale organization celebrates various art forms in the community. Their Facebook page, facebook.com/theartsingardendale, highlights artwork, art classes, craft opportunities, theater performances and creative businesses. The Arts in Gardendale also facilitates its own events and programs to showcase the city’s local artists.

Gardendale High School Theater

Gardendale High School Rocket Theater encourages creativity, confidence and artistry for students who shine both on and off stage. Actors hone their craft by learning lines and developing characters. Offstage finds set and costume designers, makeup artists, sound and light operators, stage managers and directors. Together, the members of GHS Rocket Theater bring each show to life.

The 2022-2023 productions included The Tempest, The Great Gatsby, Into the Woods, and an original murder mystery dinner. All shows are open to the public. Information about tickets and the upcoming season can be found by searching GHS Rocket Theater on Facebook.

Arts And Crafts

Gardendale is home to three significant arts and crafts shows. In October, Merry Market is hosted by the nonprofit Just Keep Smiling. More than 85 vendors sell handcrafted goods each year to help families with critically ill children. From decorated sugar cookies, monogrammed apparel, quilts, handmade toys, and seasonal décor to pop-up shops from local boutiques, shoppers can purchase unique gifts for everyone on their Christmas list.

Gardendale’s North Arts Council hosts its semi-annual arts and crafts shows in November and March. Each show features more than 85 booths of handmade arts and crafts including home décor, jewelry, woodworking, apparel, and homemade eats and treats. The November show brings a variety of items for Christmas, and shoppers enjoy choosing creative gifts for their loved ones. In March, shoppers can find handmade arts and crafts for Easter, spring and summer.

Come To Gardendale For Artistic Inspiration

From festivals and performances to maker opportunities and craft shows, Gardendale’s doors are always open to locals and visitors looking for a creative experience. Fall kicks off theater performances and two major arts and crafts shows. Spring brings a new theater lineup, another arts and crafts show, and a community-wide festival. Throughout the year, The Arts in Gardendale hosts classes, events and showcases. Gardendale is an artistic city full of creative minds – and there’s always room for more.