BBQ on grill

As always, this week is full of unique and lively events for Alabamians with interests of all kinds. Barbecue lovers will want to take a trip down to Foley, art connoisseurs will gather along the coast, and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day weekend will bring festive celebrations to Birmingham. From the stage in Gadsden to the greens in Montgomery, communities across the state are coming together for a week full of culture, competition and celebration.

Revolutionary Alabamians: People Who Made a Difference

March 11th- Birmingham

Explore Alabama’s rich history at Vulcan Park and Museum during the “Revolutionary Alabamians: People Who Made a Difference” panel discussion on March 11. The conversation brings together influential voices to reflect on how Alabamians have shaped their communities through courage, creativity, and conviction. Panelists will share personal experiences and discuss how meaningful change can happen, both conventionally and unconventionally. The event will invite attendees to consider how the next generation can continue that legacy. 

Panel discussion

(Vulcan Park and Museum/Facebook)

Foley BBQ & Blues Cook-Off

March 14th – Foley

BBQ cookoff

(Visit Foley/Facebook)

Heritage Park will be hosting the merge of barbeque and live music for the annual Foley BBQ & Blues Cook-off on March 14. A sample of smokey BBQ dishes and blues performances will be enjoyed by festival-goers throughout the day. Corporate and individual teams will fight for the top honors at the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition. The event will serve as a major fundraiser for the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, supporting local schools and community initiatives. 

42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 14th – Birmingham

Five Points Birmingham

(Downtown BHM/Facebook)

Bring your green and celebrate Irish spirit at the 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Birmingham Five Points South District. The parade will kick off at 1:30 p.m., traveling along 10th Avenue South and 20th Street South, with marching groups, colorful floats, and the lively Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band leading the way. A day full of celebrations is sure to be enjoyed, including live music, Irish-themed food and drinks, local vendors and family-friendly activities. 

Ted Rhodes Junior Golf Championship

March 14 – Montgomery

Junior golfer

(Ted Rhodes Foundation/Facebook)

Young golfers from across the region will gather in Montgomery for the Ted Rhodes Junior Golf Championship on March 14. The tournament honors Ted Rhodes, a professional golfer and one of the first Black golfers to compete at a high level in the sport. Junior players will compete in a full day of tournament play while celebrating Rhodes’ lasting impact on the game and his legacy in Alabama golf history. The event highlights both competitive youth golf and the importance of preserving the stories of trailblazers who helped shape the sport. 

52nd Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art

March 14-15 – Orange Beach

Vendors at art festival

(Orange Beach Festival of Art/Facebook)

The 52nd Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art will boast visual, performing, musical, and culinary arts during the two-day celebration. The free festival will feature more than 100 artists displaying and selling works ranging from paintings and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances, food vendors, art demonstrations, and activities for children at Kid’s Art Alley. With its vibrant atmosphere and a display of a wide range of talent, the festival has become on of the Gulf Coast’s most anticipated spring traditions. 

Little Women: The Musical

March 13-22 – Gadsden

Theatre of Gadsden

(Theatre of Gadsden/Facebook)

The Theatre of Gadsden presents a beloved literary classic, Little Women, from March 13-22. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel, the production follows the story of the four March sisters as they navigate family, friendship, and growing up during the Civil War era. Audiences can expect a heartfelt performance filled with memorable characters, humor, and touching moments that have made the story a favorite for generations. It’s sure to be a charming night at the theater for both longtime fans of the novel and those experiencing the story for the first time. 

This week’s lineup of events is the perfect sampling of the creativity, culture, and community that makes up this great state. There is truly no shortage of ways to make the most of this week, so grab your friends or family and explore what’s happening across the Yellowhammer State.  

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