Grab your keys and point your car toward downtown Montgomery’s Union Station Train Shed this weekend for the best Alabama has to offer. You can’t miss Southern Makers. This two-day event celebrates artists, chefs, brewers, craftsmen, musicians, farmers, chefs and designers – the Alabama creative class who are making our state such a special place.

The old Union Station Train Shed is the perfect backdrop for the annual Southern Makers event in Montgomery.

The event began three years ago and has quickly become a runaway success. It started with only about 1,000 people showing up. Last year, it sold out with 2,300 attendees, and this year it expands to two days and more capacity. Visitors can shop for locally handcrafted goods, sample some of the state’s best fare and learn from some of the best “makers” from across the Southeast as they teach workshops and give talks – topics include everything from sustainable living to craft cocktails to making the perfect cup of coffee.

Of special note this year are the Southern Makers Conversations. These sessions are led by the Southern Foodways Alliance and will explore the back stories of many of Alabama’s makers. The events of varying lengths will be held in the Train Shed near the trolley car. Throughout the weekend, they will explore why stories of our craftsmen need to be told, how they help define our collective history and what’s lost when these stories are not told.

Proceeds from the event go to E.A.T. South. From its Montgomery base, E.A.T. South is transforming local food systems through education, free community events and resources. Over the past two years, Southern Makers has given nearly $50,000 to support E.A.T. South’s good work.

More information:

• Tickets
• Directions
• Complete weekend lineup