Join Can’t Miss Alabama for Memorial Day ceremonies and activities
Gather to honor those who gave their lives. (Getty Images)
PBS salutes the nation’s military with a live broadcast.
Memorial Day Weekend at OWA
The Park at OWA in Foley will be open May 29-30 with patriotic activities and fireworks. Take part in a scavenger hunt, create a custom handprint flag T-shirt or get competitive with a classic game of cornhole. Grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in Downtown OWA and then head over to the OWA Island for an acoustic live performance featuring country music artist Collin Raye. Jam out to country tunes with Raye until the fireworks light up the sky at 8:50 p.m. inside the park at OWA or in Downtown OWA. Connect online at visitowa.com.
Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic
Have an adventurous weekend May 29-30 at the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur. The event will feature local bands, a car show, comedy acts, and arts and crafts. Admission and parking are free. Check here for the updated event schedule. Point Mallard Park is at 2901 Point Mallard Drive SE.
National Memorial Day Concert
PBS will honor military service men and women, their families and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The annual National Memorial Day Concert will livestream Sunday, May 30, at 7 p.m. and will also be shown on Alabama Public Television stations. Watch the livestream here.
Pay tribute to a hero at American Village on Memorial Day. (contributed)
American Village
Tour the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Village in Montevallo on Memorial Day. There will also be a service to remember America’s fallen in the chapel at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more at americanvillage.
Sidewalk Cinema
Get the weekend started at the Sidewalk Cinema in downtown Birmingham with Gunda, Spiral, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in Dolby and A Quiet Place Part II through Memorial Day weekend. Visit the website for updated CDC guidance. Tickets are sold online. Assigned seating will be in place. Credit and debit cards are accepted at the bar and concessions.
Allman Betts Band
A limited number of tickets are available for the The Allman Betts Band with special guest The River Kittens Saturday, May 29, at 8 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. The show will feature original music from the band’s two recent BMG albums, songs from members’ solo projects and classic songs by The Allman Brothers Band, the legendary group founded by Devon’s and Duane’s fathers, Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Their sophomore album, “Bless Your Heart,” was released in August 2020. Like their debut album, “Bless Your Heart” was recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, John Prine and Elvis Presley). Masks are required to be worn at all times at the request of the artist.
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure west of Birmingham has reopened for the 2021 season. New additions include the Rocket Racer, the largest water slide in Alabama. Tickets and season passes can be found at alabamaadventure.com. All sales are final, with no refunds or rain checks. Email info@alabamaadventure.com or call 205-481-4750 for general inquiries.
Art Walks
Friday Night Art Walks return to Downtown Huntsville on the second Friday of every month through October from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vendors will include local art, home goods, baked goods and other fun activities. Admission is free. Click for the complete list of vendors.
Birmingham Walking Tours
Vulcan Park and Museum (VPM) announces the expansion of its annual programming with 40 tours scheduled across Birmingham through the end of 2021. Visitors and residents may experience the history and beauty of Birmingham’s neighborhoods and cultural districts in a fun, invigorating way. The Birmingham Walking Tours invite participants to step into the shoes of the architects, visionaries, socialites and entrepreneurs who sparked the magic in the “Magic City.” The first three tours will be Center Street, the Retail/Theatre District and Five Points South, led by Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins, Gary Bostany and Allison Vosicky, respectively. From historical homes to new retail developments, VPM has offered walking tours the past 16 years unlocking and discovering the uniqueness of the city. A brainchild of historian and author Phillip Morris, the tours allow participants to dive into Birmingham’s history and culture to discover hidden architectural treasures. Registration is $25 for VPM members and $40 for nonmembers. Masks and social distancing are required. Tour groups will not exceed 20 participants. Reservations and payment are required in advance. The Birmingham Walking Tours are on Saturdays and Sundays over the next year. For more information or to register, go to birminghamwalkingtours.com.
(Getty Images)
DeSoto State Park
Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in the DeSoto Falls picnic area will be open this weekend for scenic kayak trips up the West Fork of Little River north of Fort Payne. Rent sit-on-top kayaks for a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. An adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip. Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests and paddles will be provided. Shack hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kayaks are available by reservation Monday through Friday, by appointment only, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Call DeSoto State Park’s Lodge for information at 256-845-5380.
Highland Park Golf Course
Unwind at the Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Golfers are welcome to walk along the cart path. Book your tee time at highlandparkgolf.com or call 205-322-1902. Link here to learn more.
