Restaurants

The Southern Kitchen And Bar

Lively, rustic-chic haunt offering elevated Southern dishes, cocktails & TVs tuned to sports.

2301 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N #300, Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: (205) 278-7270 | Web: thesouthernbirmingham.com

Half Shell Oyster House Birmingham

Upscale-casual Southern seafood restaurant/bar serving oysters & po’ boys, plus steak & cocktails.

616 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Phone: (205) 882-8080 | Web: halfshelloysterhouse.com

Gianmarco’s Restaurant

Fine Italian cuisine in a sophisticated dining room with white tablecloths & romantic lighting.

721 Broadway St, Birmingham, AL 35209

Phone: (205) 871-9622 | Web: gianmarcosbhm.com

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Chez Fonfon

Classic French bistro outfitted with antique furnishings & a court for playing a game of boules.

2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Bistro Two Eighteen

French-inspired bistro fare such as duck confit in a brick-walled space with a warm & intimate vibe.

218 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

The Essential Trendy contemporary American cafe offering lunch, dinner & weekend brunch, plus specialty cocktails.

2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203

Yo’ Mama’s Counter-serve spot making chicken & waffles along with other Southern eats for breakfast & lunch.

2328 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

SAW’s Soul Kitchen

Humble BBQ spot with pig decor specializing in Southern soul food like pulled pork & banana pudding.

215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

The Rougaroux

Popular spot offering po’ boys, gumbo & other Cajun classics in a quaint house with patio seating.

817 39th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Lé Fresca

Familiar Italian trattoria offering pizza, pasta & other traditional fare, plus a robust wine list.

2218 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Surin West

Sushi & curry specialist known for its coconut soup & curries in a colorful spot with a full bar.

1918 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Jul 29

Ensley Renaissance Festival 2023

The much-anticipated Ensley Renaissance Festival is back to ignite the streets of Ensley with a remarkable celebration of unity, diversity, and local talent. On Saturday, July 29, the entire community is invited to gather at Tuxedo Ballroom for a day filled with music, food, kid activities and countless memories that will resonate for years to come. Learn more at ensleyrenaissancefestival.com.

JUL 29

Birmingham Freedom Fest

Birmingham Freedom Fest is a celebration of heritage, an innovative event to celebrate the triumphs of the city’s Civil Rights history and its commitment to forging a united future. Details at freedomfestbhm.com.

AUG

19

Magic City Mimosa Festival

Bring your 21+ crew to Magic City Mimosa Festival for an afternoon of bottomless mimosas, food vendors, entertainment, and much more fun! In addition to the great drinks, delicious food, and entertainment, there will be plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Challenge your friends to a game of cornhole, giant Jenga, or other lawn games available throughout the event. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Aug 19

Dragon Boat Race & Festival

We are so excited to be back for the 3rd Annual Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival this year. Featuring a Bloody Mary Contest! Visit eventbrite.com for details.

Aug 26

20th Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival

Since 2003, the festival has remained one of the most anticipated events of the summer bringing together artists, vendors, and the entire community for food, fun and tons of entertainment. The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is organized and managed by Urban Impact, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c3 organization and is FREE and open to the public. Learn more at 4thavenuejazz.org.

Sep 9

Rhema Word Fall Festival

There will be free fun, free food and free rides for people of all ages. Visit 987kiss.com for details.

Sep 15-24

Alabama State Fair

Exciting Attractions & Shows. All Your Favorite Fair Food. Spectacular Carnival Rides & Kiddie Rides. Safe, Clean Family Fun! For admission rates, tickets, list of rides and vendors, visit alabamastatefair.com.

SEP 22

Furnace Fest

Furnace Fest is an American music festival held over three days at the Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama. This year brings another highly attractive lineup for fans of punk, hardcore, metalcore and the like. Learn more at furnacefest.us.

OCT 5

Greek Food Festival 50th Anniversary

After 50 years of delicious food, festive music and dancing, and Greek culture, the Greek Food Festival needs no introduction to anyone who has lived in Birmingham for even a few years. For those who have not experienced this three-day weekend celebration, now is the time. Learn more at birminghamgreekfestival.net.

OCT 15

Outlaw Music Festival

Back for another year, country music legend Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival tours North America with an incredible and exciting line up. The continued on page festival will present a diverse range of artists across country, rock and Americana. Learn more at birmingham-theater.com.

Nov 1

Christmas Village Festival

Held annually at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Christmas Village Festival is an Alabama tradition with deep roots not only in Alabama hearts, but in the hearts of customers all across the United States. While some shoppers make a day or it, others have decided that one day is just not enough Visit christmasvillagefestival.com.

Nov 4

18th Annual Moss Rock Festival

Grab friends and family and get outside to the Moss Rock Festival at The Preserve in Hoover. Explore Nature, SmartLIVING, Art + Design at Alabama’s premier eco-creative festival. Innovation, imagination, and fun await 10,000 visitors under a blanket of fall colors at this idyllic neighborhood setting adjacent to Hoover’s own 350 acre Moss Rock Preserve. Learn more at mossrockfestival.com.

Jan 18 2024

Birmingham Boat Show

The boat show is now the oldest and largest in the State of Alabama and has been an Alabama tradition since 1972. With over 250,000 square feet, the Show highlights the latest in Boats, Motors, Fishing gear, Guides, Outfitters and related outdoor gear. Visit birminghamboatshow.com.

Mar 17 2024

40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Five Points South

Join us for a full day of Irish food and beverage deals from Five Points South bars and restaurants along with live music from 11 a.m. to late. Celebrate responsibly! Eat, drink and be green in Five Points! Learn more at stpatsfivepoints.com.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

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Silversea Oceania

Regent Seven Seas