OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, March 14 Annual Special Needs Expo 10am-2pm, new location this year at Brookwood Village. Come see great vendors for activities, therapy, health care, sports, medical supplies, camps and much more, all under one roof! GREAT GIVEAWAYS. Sponsored by Children’s of Alabama, WDJC, Griffin Mobility and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, FREE.

March is a busy month! Most school-aged children will have spring break later this month, and many families will take it as an opportunity for travel. But if a stay-cation is in your future, there are many great activities right here in the Birmingham area! Use the Birmingham Parent calendar to make your plans! Whatever you do, don’t miss Birmingham Parent’s Annual Special Needs Expo on March 14, 2020, from 10am to 2pm, in a new location, at Brookwood Village. There will be fun activities, great information, and great giveaways! Be sure to thank a sponsor for making it possible. The event is sponsored by Children’s of Alabama, WDJC, Griffin Mobility and Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Alabama. We have a new and improved calendar in print and at www.birminghamparent. com, starting this month. Watch for the highlighted “FREE” options, too! April may bring Spring “showers,” but it also brings Easter this year on April 12 along with many other Spring activities. Watch our online calendar for great events that didn’t make this print calendar like Easter egg hunts and spring flings.

March 1 Cottontails

March 14 Special Needs Expo

March 17 St. Patrick's Day

March 19 First Day of Spring

1 Sunday

Cottontails Village Arts & Crafts Show Noon, BJCC Exhibition Halls. The first chance our area exhibitors get to show off their new spring merchandise. Over 500 booths. Children's and women's clothing, other items. festivalnet.com. $3 admission.

Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World 12pm, McWane Science Center. Experience the science of sound and the cultural impact of the guitar by exploring more than 70 instruments and 100 historical artifacts-ranging from the rare and antique to the wildly popular and innovative. This special exhibition from The National GUITAR Museum features hands-on interactives for all ages, video performances, x-ray images of guitars' inner workings and plenty of opportunities to strum and jam. 205-714-8300, www.birminghamal.org. $12-$20.

Teen Dungeons & Dragons 3-5pm, Homewood Public Library. Beginners as well as experienced players are encouraged to attend this event for teens. homewood. libnet.info. FREE.

2 MONDAY

Dr. Seuss's Birthday Noon, McWane Science Center. 205-714-8300, www. mcwane.org. Admission charged.

Free Tutoring 3:30pm-4:30pm, Homewood Public Library. homewood. libnet.info. FREE.

Home School Day Noon, McWane Science Center. Is your child a home school student looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day? Special programs, live science demonstrations, and more.

38 | birminghamparent | march / april 2020 Don’t miss Birmingham Parent’s Annual Special Needs Expo on March 14, from 10am to 2pm. in a new location, at Brookwood Village.

FREE for homeschool parents, $8 for kids, and $5 for accompanying adults. Programming: Math in the Museum, 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

Storypalooza 10:30am-11am, Homewood Public Library. homewood. libnet.info. FREE.

3 TUESDAY

Tuesday Tours Noon, Alabama School of Fine Arts. Tuesday Tours give prospective Alabama School of Fine Arts students and their parents an opportunity to tour the school and learn about ASFA’s application and audition process. Tours are held on designated Tuesdays throughout the school year. ASFA is a public middle and high school serving students from across Alabama in grades 7-12. www.asfa.k12. al.us.

4 WEDNESDAY

12 Bel°w (Something Cool After School) 3:30pm, Library in the Forest, Vestavia Hills. vestavialibrary. org. FREE.

The Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off 2020

10:30am-3pm, Macy's at Brookwood Village, top parking lot, The Exceptional Foundation is holding their biggest fundraiser of the year, the 16th Annual Chili cookoff presented by Mortgage Bank. Many chili options to choose from. Come enjoy chili for a great cause. mtnbrookchamber.org nationwide on public television and heard in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and across the country. Most recently the choir performed and recorded with The King's Singers. www. brownpapertickets.com.

13 FRIDAY

After Hours on the Plaza: Game Nite 7-10pm, Hoover Public Library. Great selection of board games available but you are welcome to bring your favorite to share. East 59 Vintage Cafe will be there for all of your hunger needs. 205-444-7800, hoover.libnet.info. FREE.

Alabama Ballet Presents Romeo & Juliet - 7:30pm, BJCC Concert Hall. $40.

Spring Arts & Crafts Show Noon, Gardendale Civic Center, A true arts and crafts show. No food vendors. Over 60 vendors with a large variety of crafts & door prizes. festivalnet.com.

A Woman's Place 5:15-6:15pm, Magnolia Office Park Plaza Building. The EACC's weekly support group for women, led by EACC counselors Dondra Goldsby and Kourtney Young, offers participants an encouraging, confidential environment to discuss topics important to women and to promote personal self-improvement. Register, 205-934-2281. UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center programs are open to all UAB, UAB Medicine, VIVA Health and Homewood City School System employees. calendar.uab.edu. Story Friends 10:30am, Library in the Forest. vestavialibrary.org. FREE.

Teen Anime Club 4 pm-5pm, Homewood Public Library. Homewood. homewood.libnet.info. FREE.

5 THURSDAY

Hand In Paw Community Open House Noon, Hand in Paw, handinpaw.org.

Mega Job Fair & Diversity Expo 10am-1pm, Hilton Birmingham at UAB. www.eventbrite.com.

Dancing with the Stars: Live! 8pm, Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2020 Tour, BJCC Concert Hall. $57.50. Preschool Playtime 9:30-11am, Homewood Public Library. homewood.libnet.info. FREE.

8 SUNDAY Daylight Saving Time Begins

9 MONDAY

Visual Arts Department - Senior Reviews in Gallery 1:45pm-4:40pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts Visual Art Gallery & Visual Art Studios, www.asfa.k12.al.us.

12 THURSDAY

Alabama Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet 10am-noon, Samford University. www.eventbrite.com.

The Concordia Choir 8-10pm, Shades Crest Baptist Church. Plan to hear the 72-voice a cappella Concordia Choir conducted by René Clausen. Experience one of America's finest choirs seen

14 SATURDAY

Birmingham Parent’s 8th Annual Special Needs Expo 10am-2pm, new location this year at Brookwood Village. Come see great vendors for activities, therapy, health care, sports, medical supplies, camps and much more, all under one roof! GREAT GIVEAWAYS. Sponsored by Children’s of Alabama, WDJC, Griffin Mobility, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, FREE.

Thursday, March 19 is the First Day of Spring.

Birmingham Pet Expo 10am-5pm, Zamora Shrine Center, Bring your pet to the Birmingham Pet Expo. Shopping, free nail trims, discount vaccinations, costume contests, adoptions and more. Birminghampetexpo.com.

Storytime on the Mountain 10-11am, Ruffner Mountain. Join Ruffner volunteer, Ms. Jerri, at the Nature Center for a fun-filled morning celebrating stories. We will read a nature-themed kid's book, then create a craft to take home. Registration is not required, but is appreciated. 205-833-8264, ruffnermountain.org. FREE. Village to Village Run 7:30 am-noon, 2525 Lane Park Road. 10k and a 7.5k run. mtnbrookchamber.org. $35.

17 TUESDAY – St. Patrick’s Day

Sci Cafe 6-8pm, John’s City Diner. Join other science geeks (and science novices) for an exciting presentation, lively discussion and a little science trivia every third Tuesday. No science background is required. The fun begins at 6pm with science trivia, then continues with the guest speaker at 6:30pm. The Birmingham SCI Café is a joint project presented by McWane Science Center and the Civitan International Research Center at UAB. www.mcwane.org. FREE.

19 THURSDAY – First Day of Spring

Career Day at the Zoo 10am-1pm, Birmingham Zoo. Guests of all ages can learn about the many exciting and unique careers at the zoo. Guests can enjoy meeting staffers and learning what inspires their passion to conserve the natural world. 205-879-0409, www. birminghamzoo.com. Riverchase Galleria Mall Home and Garden Show Noon, Riverchase Galleria. Come out for a weekend of shopping, food and fun home improvement ideas. Let our expert contractors help you make your existing home into your dream home. festivalnet.com.

21 SATURDAY

20 FRIDAY

Opera Birmingham presents "Cinderella" 7:30-10:30pm, Samford University. For the first time ever, Opera Birmingham brings to life Massenet’s enchanting French opera, Cinderella. Sung in French with projected English translations. Features the Opera Birmingham Chorus and Alabama Symphony Orchestra. www.operabirmingham.org. Adult tickets start at $20; students $10. Oak Mountain 50K 7am, Oak Mountain State Park. The 50K course runs through forested hills on mostly singletrack trails with two climbs up to the top of Double Oak Mountain (elevation gain: 600 ft) for about 3,900 feet of total climbing. There are no repeating loops. 50K starts at 7:30am, trailrunner.com. $30

31 TUESDAY

APRIL 1 WEDNESDAY

12 Bel°w (Something Cool After School) 3:30 p.m, Library in the Forest. vestavialibrary.org. FREE.

Story Friends 10:30am, Library in the Forest. vestavialibrary.org. FREE.

Teen Anime Club 4pm-5pm, Homewood Public Library. homewood.libnet.info. FREE.

2 THURSDAY

Alabama International Auto Show Noon, BJCC Exhibition Halls. Admission charged.

Catch Me if You Can 7:30-9:30pm, Homewood Theatre. Overflowing with mirth, this Broadway whodunit is exciting from beginning to end. www.eventbrite.com. $20

Hand in Paw Community Open House Noon, Hand in Paw. handinpaw.org.

Preschool Playtime 9:30am-11am, Homewood Public Library. homewood. libnet.info. continuing our rockin’ theme and it’s never too early to start on your costume! Registration will open later this fall so stay tuned. If you would like to volunteer for Red Shoe Run, keep an eye on our Volunteer Page for more details. www.rmhca.org.

Grill to Build Noon, parking lot of the Habitat ReStore. Habitat for Humanity Birmingham presents the 12th Annual Grill to Build. Please join us at the ReStore for live music, great BBQ, and the BBQ Championship. All proceeds help benefit our housing program, festivalnet.com.

Holi Festival of Color 11am-3pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. Join us for our 10th annual Holi festival, the Indian celebration of color. Enjoy classical Indian and Bollywood-style dancing, a pop-up restaurant by Taj India, henna artists, art making, and more! At the end of the event, guests gather outside for the highlight of the day, the throwing of powdered colors to welcome the spring season. FREE.

Hop n' Shop 2020 10am-2pm, Join the businesses of 18th Street in Homewood for Hop n Shop! Hunt for coupons, candy and more while you shop for Easter. business. homewoodchamber.org.

4 SATURDAY

2020 Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K

7-11am, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Get ready to ROCK! We’re The Magic of Science Exhibition 10am-3pm, Birmingham Children's Theatre. BCT partners with Alabama Public Television and Southern Research to host this 2nd annual event. This event celebrates human innovation, curiosity, and scientific understanding. Grades 3-8.

The Sword In The Stone 2-3pm, Birmingham Children's Theatre at the BJCC. $20.

ALL-DAY SITE PASS INCLUDES: Calera, Alabama Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum April 17-19 & April 25-26 Train Ride • App Station Play Areas • Imagination Station Live Entertainment & more !

Sunday, April 12 is Easter.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Noon-1pm, Birmingham Children's Theatre. There are two sides to every story, and when the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania's Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. Will the pigs' splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice, or is the wolf's catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzledazzle? Enter the jury box and decide the fate of Big 'n' Bad in this musical adaptation of the hit children's book. www.eventbrite.com.

5 APRIL

Teen Dungeons & Dragons 3pm-5pm, Homewood Public Library. Beginners as well as experienced players are encouraged to attend this event for teens. homewood. libnet.info. FREE.

6 MONDAY

Free Tutoring 3:30pm-4:30pm, Homewood Public Library. homewood. libnet.info. FREE.

Storypalooza 10:30-11am, Homewood Public Library, Homewood, AL, homewood.libnet.info. FREE.

12 SUNDAY Easter Sunday

16 THURSDAY

Celtic Woman: Celebration The 15th Anniversary Tour 7pm, BJCC Concert Hall. $39.

Miss Evers’ Boys 7-9:30pm, Encore Theatre and Gallery. Miss Evers' Boys is presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc. Miss Evers' Boys presented by RH Media, encorebham.ticketleap.com

UAB Computer Music Ensemble 7-8pm, Hansell/Hulsey Center. The UAB Computer Music Ensemble is an advanced music technology performance group. calendar.uab.edu. Visual Arts Department Senior Exhibition Opening 5-6:30pm, Alabama School of Fine Arts. www.asfa.k12.al.us.

17 FRIDAY

After Hours on the Plaza: Game Nite 7-10 pm., Hoover Public Library. A great selection of board games available but you are welcome to bring your favorite to share. East 59 Vintage Cafe will be on hand for all of your hunger needs. hoover.libnet.info. FREE.

Gardendale Magnolia Festival Noon, Gardendale Civic Center. Two stages of free, live entertainment, 160 vendor booths, midway carnival, pooch parade, car show, free art classes, 5K run, 28-plus food vendors, free kid zone. Free parking and admission. festivalnet.com.

18 SATURDAY

Kids Art 101 10-11am, Birmingham Museum of Art. Immerse your child in the world of art while developing their skills and creativity. Each month features a new topic. Immerse your child in the world of art while developing their skills and creativity. www.artsbma.org.

Mt Laurel Spring Festival Noon, Mt Laurel. Familyfriendly event, including Fido! Farmer’s market, craft fair, vendors, new home tour, kids area and more. Festivalnet.com.

Mutt Strut 2020 9am, Hand in Paw, handinpaw.org.

25 SATURDAY

11th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival Noon-8pm, DeBardeleben Park, Bessemer. Presented by the City of Bessemer. The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes BBQ. The festival will give a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. Since 2010, the festival has provided funding for local charities including Red Mountain Grace, Children’s of Alabama, Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation, Clay House, Hands On Birmingham, Ady’s Army and Latch and Live Foundation. www.eventbrite.com.

26 SUNDAY

UAB Commercial Music Ensemble 7pm, Hansell/Hulsey Hall. Led by Prof. Craig Brandwein, UAB Assistant Professor of Music Technology. calendar. uab.edu. Alabama Vegan Fest Noon, Cahaba Brewery. A statewide celebration of a #HealthierYou. This event is open to the public. festivalnet.com. FREE.

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New Calendar

Birmingham Parent's NEW & IMPROVED CALENDAR OF EVENTS both in print and online at www.birminghamparent.com

Even more fun stuff for families! Upload your great events at www.birminghamparent.com or send to calendar@birminghamparent.com

PLEASE NOTE: Calendar information may be emailed or uploaded at www.birminghamparent.com/directory/events/. It can also be e-mailed to calendar@BirminghamParent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 6 times a year. January events are included in the November/December issue. Deadline for the May/June issue is April 8, 2020. Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com. Be sure to check out our EXTENSIVE calendar online at www.birminghamparent.com/directory/events/.

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS MARCH/APRIL 2020

Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens. com

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com

Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www.ashof.org

Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-663-7930. www. awrc.org

American Village Highway 119, Montevallo. 205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org

Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com

Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org

Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members.

Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org

Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668- 3435, www.hodrrm.org

Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclcorg

McWane Science Center Home School Day! On the first Monday of each month, home school students and their families can come for special programs, live science demonstrations, giveaways and a discounted ticket price. FREE for home school parents, $7 kids, $6 for accompanying adults.

Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting! Includes a special gift for kids

Blue Star Museums Military Discount. Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Reserve members, with up to five family members. To learn more visit bluestarfam. org. Offer does not include IMAX movies or parking. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover. 205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org.

Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham 205-620-2520, www.alapark.com.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org.

Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.shelbycounty-al.org

Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham 205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www. tannehill.org

Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

TRAVEL VOICE the

BY BECKY The only voice in travel that MATTERS!

Catch The Travel Voice by Becky on Saturday’s in Shelby County on FM 99.9 APH Radio at 11 a.m. and anytime on iHeart Radio! Great travel information, special deals, awesome guests, spectacular on location LIVE events and amazing giveaways!

SPONSORED BY

CAST YOUR VOTE in the 2020 Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorites Awards!

Visit www.birminghamparent.com/directory/familyfavoritessurvey.html to vote online for your favorite party place, kids meal, toy store, radio station & more.

Vote for your favorites & be entered to win a GRAND PRIZE getaway to OWA, Coastal Alabama’s newest entertainment destination.

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL ENJOY: • Trip to OWA for a family of 4 valued at more than $500

• Two-Night Stay at TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

• The Park at OWA Tickets for 4 people (for 2 days).

• Dinner for 4 at one of Downtown OWA’s restaurants: 1 $100 gift card ($25/person)

OWA has been named one of Alabama’s Top Attractions. Visit www.visitowa.com.

TWO 2nd prizes will be awarded. We will give away two one-year family passes to include $100 each to McWane Science Center.

VOTING ENDS AT MIDNIGHT, MARCH 31, 2020.

March 23 - 27

Opening March 20

FOR A BIRTHING EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME, WE DELIVER.

When you’re having a baby, everything we do is focused on your care, comfort and privacy. From helping you find an OB/GYN, to offering preparatory classes, to delivering your new bundle of joy, we’re with you every step of the way. Our beautiful new women’s center features spacious labor and delivery suites and, should the need arise, we have a Level III NICU right here. At Grandview Medical Center, we are dedicated to giving your baby a wonderful welcome to the world.

To find a physician who delivers at Grandview Medical Center or to take a virtual tour of the Women’s Center, visit GrandviewOB.com. To schedule a tour, call 1-844-GMC-DOCS.

3690 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243