Can’t Miss Alabama: Kick off the weekend with Valentine’s Day festivities and other celebrations
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Cupid-approved excitement. (Getty Images)
Highlights also include Mardi Gras and Black History events.
Valentine’s Day events:
Festive attractions taking place across the state include:
- Feb. 10: Galentine’s Day, 6 p.m.,The Summit in Birmingham.
- Feb. 10: Scream your heart out! Ghost Hunt, 7 p.m., Arlington House in Birmingham.
- Feb. 10, 11, 14: Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Corbin Farms Winery in Calera.
- Feb. 10, 11, 14: Bloody Valentine’s Day, 7 p.m., Warehouse 31 in Pelham.
- Feb. 11: Huntsville’s Valentine’s Gala at Mid City, 7 p.m., Holiday Inn Huntsville-Research Park.
- Feb. 11: Sweethearts Day at the Montgomery Zoo, 9 a.m., Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.
- Feb. 12, 13, 14: Valentine’s Day Mobile Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, available dates and times are here, Perdido Queen Dinner Cruise.
- Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Horse and Carriage Rides, 6 p.m., The Wharf in Orange Beach.
Red Mountain Theatre presents ‘Dreamgirls’
Root for the young singing trio from Chicago at the center of “Dreamgirls” as they go from hopefuls to superstars. Full of the spirit of Motown, the story follows the Dreamettes through their stunning rise to fame. Egos are bruised, tempers flare and hearts are broken in the pursuit of stardom. With music inspired by groups like The Supremes, “Dreamgirls” is a love letter to American R&B music. Performances are underway at Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre through Feb. 19 on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $37 for ages 13 and older, and child seats start at $25 for ages 2 through 12. For groups of 10 or more, contact tpenton@redmountaintheatre.org.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Explore a variety of exhibits, including the Barriers Gallery, Confrontations Gallery, Movements Gallery, Office of the Mayor, Human Rights Gallery and Procession Gallery. Special exhibits include Emmett Till, A.G. Gaston and Mothers of the Movement. BCRI is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay updated on current events by visiting the website.
Equal Justice Initiative
Discover Black history at the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery. The museum examines the legacy of slavery, from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to ongoing issues related to mass incarceration. The building that houses the Legacy Museum includes a gift shop and the popular restaurant Pannie-George’s Kitchen. A few blocks away is EJI’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Follow this link to read more about the Legacy Museum.
EJI’s Legacy Museum, 400 North Court St., examines the legacy of slavery from the transatlantic slave trade to ongoing issues related to mass incarceration. Also visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, 417 Caroline St., and the Peace and Justice Memorial Center, 414 Caroline St. (Equal Justice Initiative)
Mardi Gras events
The historic celebration of Mardi Gras is underway through Tuesday, Feb. 21 in downtown Mobile and nearby cities. Enjoy more than two weeks of festivities, with 40 parades scheduled. Follow this link for the complete schedule. Mardi Gras events are taking place across the area with parades and music celebrations in Fairhope, Daphne, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Black Jacket Symphony
Black Jacket Symphony will perform Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” Friday, Feb. 10 at the Birmingham Jefferson-Convention Complex. Over the past 10 years, the Black Jacket Symphony has entertained more than 1 million music lovers nationwide. For a complete list of performances, follow this link.
Monster Jam
Birmingham motorsports fans will be on the edge of their seats as world-class drivers show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles for the event championship. The 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks push all limits in freestyle, skills and racing competitions. The Stadium Series red champion will receive an automatic bid to compete for the title of world champion at the Monster Jam World Finals in Nashville this summer. Birmingham Monster Jam is at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Feb. 11-12. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.
Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend
Come run Birmingham at one of the most hospitable and enjoyable race weekends in the country. Athletes of all ages and running abilities are welcome to participate in one of the many weekend activities and events Feb. 10-12. Run or walk the half-marathon and marathon course through downtown Birmingham on Sunday and/or the family friendly Superhero 5K on Saturday. Cross the finish line on Sunday and celebrate your running achievements at a festive post-race party with live music, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, free beer and massages.
Sign up for one of the following races:
- Regions Superhero 5K.
- Marathon.
- Half-marathon.
- Marathon five-person adult relay.
- Marathon five-person middle/high school relay.
Visit the website to learn more.
