For those of us trying to safely have fun this summer, outdoor gatherings can be the event of choice.
This year’s social calendar was jam-packed with block parties, pop-up markets, and barbecues, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down and lasts all humid summer. The prediction may look a bit ominous this weekend, but there is still a lot to do in Birmingham. Are you still making plans for the weekend? Try celebrating for a good cause with the teams behind the Firehouse Community Arts Center and Good People Vote on Saturday. And for Sunday lunch, check out an outdoor grill party from the founder of Big Daddy Sauces.
AUGUST 21
Firehouse Block Party
The Avondale Firehouse Community Arts Center kicks off the new school year with an outdoor party to showcase its new teaching facility. The events start at 3 p.m. Shaheed and DJ Supreme present Knowledge Rhythm & Understanding, their non-profit educational initiative aimed at teaching young people the power of hip-hop. The celebration also features food from Eugene’s Hot Chicken and Simply Sonequa Pound Cakes, as well as drinks from Ono Ice and the Cahaba Brewery. Also at a glance: a whole day full of performances and DJ sets by Heather and Hay, Jackels, Sarah Lee Langford, Post Consumer Waste, Brint Story, The Boquets, Dommel Mosel and the Kickback.
Location: Firehouse Community Arts Center, 412 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Time: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $ 10 in advance, available here. $ 12 at the door. The event is free for all Firehouse students and their families.
Good People Vote Presents: Speak for the Magic City Block Party
Good People Vote, the organization dedicated to transforming electoral culture from electoral education to community participation, is hosting a block party in Woodlawn from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. by Black Voters Matter, The Garden Grant and the Woodlawn Foundation is sponsored. Events will feature a live art mural by type artist Cierra Brinson, a District 4 forum hosted by Melanie Posey of WBRC Fox 6. On the music agenda: sounds by DJ Hase and a live performance by the Afro-Funk band from Atlanta. All cows eat grass. The organizers ask guests to wear masks.
Location: 5526 1st Avenue S, 35212
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets: the event is free
AUGUST 22ND
Shake & Rub Launch Party by Big Daddy Sauces
Dwayne Thompson, the owner of Big Daddy Sauces and Catering, is holding an induction party to showcase the latest addition to its cooking line: Big Daddy Shake & Rub All Purpose Seasoning. Thompson describes the spice as “an original New Orleans recipe that can literally be applied to and used in anything”.
Bizarre The Coffee Bar on 22nd Street North will host the outdoor party with food trucks, vendors, music and giveaways. Looking for Big Daddy Sauces and Condiments? You can find them online at www.bigdaddybomb.com and in Piggly Wiggly stores.
Location: Bizarre: The Coffee Bar, 217 22nd Street, North Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 11 a.m. – until the organizers stop the party
Tickets: the event is free
