Food Festival Season is Here, Birmingham!


Everyone loves a good food festival and Birmingham is serving them up like crazy this April! So grab your friends and get out your stretchy pants as you indulge in some amazing eats right here in Birmingham! **[#RUhappenin](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ruhappenin/)** *P.S. Don't forget that Map Links are provided next to each event!* ___

Vulcan Park Drink & Drop
2nd Annual Vulcan Drink & Drop: Adult Egg Drop

Thurs, April 5, 5:30pm-8:30pm
At: Vulcan Park (map)
Science minded teams and individuals, over 21 that is, can try their hand at the classic elementary student competition. Can your team keep your egg protected while dropping it from atop Vulcan's 124-foot high pedestal?! The goal: to keep your egg from landing "sunny side up!"
There will be "bobble-butt" Vulcan trophies awarded for various categories! Beer will be provided by Ghost Train Brewing Co., Saw’s Street Kitchen will be on site, soda/ waters supplied by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. and last, but not least, JD & the Man will be rocking out with us! Come help raise some funds for the Brent Newman Memorial Egg Drop students as you relive one of your favorite school projects! Admission for spectators is just $10 (only $8 for Members!) and includes one drink!
Click here for more info.


Mt. Laurel Spring Fest

Sat, April 7, 10am-3pm
At: Mt. Laurel (map)
As the flowers bloom in the beautiful Town of Mt Laurel, the Mt Laurel Spring Festival returns, offering guests the opportunity to shop our vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, and enjoy a day strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods. Visitors will enjoy shopping at the many artisan and farmer pop-up booths; watching live music on the Bryson Square Stage, and savoring delicious eats at Mt Laurel restaurants and Birmingham food trucks. Over 200 arts and crafts vendors and farmers will fill the Town Center during the festival. FREE
Click here for more info.


Woodlawn Street Market

Sat, April 7, 10am-4pm
At: Woodlawn (map)
Woodlawn Street Market is a FREE urban street market, in the heart of Historic Woodlawn, conceived for
those who are always searching for unique, specialty creations. Patrons can expect merchants selling produce, goods, and prepared food, along with a few home-grown restaurants and retailers. The market will offer Birminghamians a gathering place – a locale for taking in an amazing meal or picking up a few inspiring pieces to add to their collection. #WoodlawnBHM #WoodlawnStreetMarket
Click here for more info.


Alabama Asian Cultures & Food Festival

Sat, April 7, 10:30am-4pm
At: Zamora Shrine (map)
Come and enjoy delicious foods from different Asian countries, shop at our Asian vendor tables, interact with several enthralling cultural booths, and enjoy exhilarating performances by fantastic Asian performance artists. Feel free to bring your whole family... there are fun activities for everyone! FREE
Click here for more info.


Girls Inc. Cajun Cook Off
8th Annual Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-off

Sat, April 7, 11am-2pm
At: Railroad Park (map)
Make plans to attend this fun-filled, family-friendly event featuring a Cajun cooking competition as well as live music in Birmingham’s beautiful Railroad Park. Enjoy taste-testing all your Cajun favorites including gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, beignets and more! Your vote will help determine the winner of the cook-off competition. There will also be fun activities for kids including face painting, a balloon artist and games!
All funds raised by the Cajun Cook-off will benefit Girls Inc. of Central Alabama programs that inspire local girls to be strong, smart, and bold! $25/ 12 & Under FREE
Click here for more info.


Fido Fest

Sat, April 7, 11am-3pm
At: The Summit (map)
(We haven’t forgotten about our furry friends on this list!)
The Summit has partnered with local friends and retailers to create an afternoon that celebrates our four-legged friends and benefits Hand & Paw as well as The Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Bring the whole family to The Summit to enjoy a pet photo booth, kids’ activities, food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment!
Fido Fest is a FREE event. All animal lovers and four-legged friends are welcome!! (All dogs must be leashed.)
Click here for more info.


CahabaQue

Sat, April 7, 1pm-5pm
At: Cahaba Brewing Co (map)
BBQ lovers far and wide, join in for the annual meat smoking competition! Proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. There is SO MUCH food at this event! If you leave hungry, well that’s on you! Head on over to Cahaba Brewing Co. and taste all kinds of BBQ goodness! $15
Click here for more info.


Spring Market & Crawfish Boil

Sun, April 8, 11am-3pm
At: On-A-Shoestring (map)
Join On-a-Shoestring for their Spring Market & Crawfish Boil! Red Mountain Crawfish Co. will be serving up delicious crawfish & shrimp until they are sold out! They’ll have 25 Makers and Artists + live music by Bluff Park’s Moonlight on the Mountain! It’s FREE to attend!
Click here for more info.


BHAMburger Battle

Fri, April 13, 6pm-9pm
At: Cahaba Brewing Co (map)
It's back! The 3rd annual Bhamburger Battle will feature 4 local chefs with total creative freedom will create their best burger to present to the panel of judges.
Tickets include one Cahaba beer and 4 slider-sized burgers. Act of Congress is performing and there will be a silent auction! $40 Benefitting Crestwood Day School.
Click here for more info.


![St. Elias Lebanese Food Festival](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/03/St.Elias.PNG) **20th Annual St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival
Fri, Apr 13 - Sat, Apr 14 At: St. Elias Church ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Elias+Maronite+Church/@33.4954773,-86.8177888,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891bfa4f9894c3:0x9d8abcb45a6c39a8!8m2!3d33.4954728!4d-86.8156001))** It's time for the greatest time of the year, the St. Elias FOOD and Cultural Festival! Everyone of all ages are welcome! Admission and Parking are absolutely**FREE!** A band from New York City will be performing both nights starting at 6 pm and ending at 9:00 pm. Unlimited dancing to all! Once you are tired from dancing, there will be traditional dancing inside by the youth to watch. Don't forget to head over to the New Halls to see what is on sale at the silent auction. There are guided church tours throughout the day if you are interested as well. It's time to try the Lebanese food and sweets you've been wanting! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/events/411458549290468/)**

2018 Cornhole Classic

Sat, April 14, 11am-7pm
At: Good People Brewing Co (map)
Come out and enjoy a few drinks and toss some bean bags all to benefit a great cause--The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. We’ll be at Good People throwing bags, eating delicious food and listening to great music! Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks! So, make sure you choose your teammate wisely and get ready for a great day! Come out and help support The Bell Center! Admission is FREE for friends, supporters and fans of cornhole. See you at The Bell Center Cornhole Classic! $40 per team
Click here for more info.


Darter Fest

Sun, April 15, 12pm-4pm
At: Cahaba Brewing Co (map)
The Darter Festival supports Southern Environmental Center's conservation projects and environmental education programs at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, home to unique and federally protected populations of Vermilion, Watercress and Rush Darter Fishes. The Preserve, which is free to enter, also offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming! $8 Festival Highlights will include:

  • Live music by MRYGLD and Banditos!
  • Darter/Turkey Creek Nature Preserve COSTUME CONTEST with prizes!
  • Yoga Fish Flow class at 10:00AM at Cahaba Brewing!
  • Food Trucks
  • Face painting

    Click here for more info.

**Spring Food Truck Rally
Sun, April 15, 1pm-6pm At: Avondale Brewing Co ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Avondale+Brewing+Company/@33.5275788,-86.7673188,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891a50d8f4abcf:0xb3a736f801cafe29!8m2!3d33.5245451!4d-86.7741712))** Head on over to Avondale for amazing food, delightful drinks and exciting entertainment! This festival features Birmingham’s favorite food trucks! There will be no shortage of fun, music, and food! Tickets are only **$5** in advance! **[Click here for more info.]( https://www.facebook.com/events/505161619684166/)**
![Bytes & Bites](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/03/bytes---Bites-2018.png) **Bytes & Bites 2018
Thurs, April 19, 11:00-3:30pm At: Teklinks ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/TekLinks/@33.4663336,-86.8333241,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891eb8069b625f:0x1b8cd966934000f3!8m2!3d33.4663291!4d-86.8311354))** Join Teklinks for the most fun tech event of the year! Enjoy your favorites like Jim N Nicks BBQ, Steel City Pops and Craft Beers! Stop by for the latest technology demos from over 12 vendors and hear from experts in our industry. **FREE** Featuring keynote speaker John Shaw, CEO of ELE.ai. John will be speaking about how to incorporate AI into your business. Cybersecurity and Public Cloud panels will follow with experts from TekLinks, Cisco, Microsoft, Citrix and Dell Technologies. **[Click here for more info.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bytes-bites-2018-tickets-43485789166?aff=eventspage)**

5th Annual Taste of Pelham

Thurs, April 19 , 6pm-9pm
At: Pelham Civic Complex (map)
The Pelham Library Guild wants to match hearty appetites with a sample of local restaurants and caterers in the name of raising money to build a new library. The Taste of Pelham will feature 27 food vendors with each providing a dish that participants can sample. Guests can sample all of the vendors for the ticket price of $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Pelham Library, IberiaBank, or through Event Bright.
Click here for more info.


Alabama Coffee Fest 2018

Sat, April 21, 9am-12pm
At: Cahaba Brewing Co (map)
Birmingham, Alabama, get ready for an immersive coffee experience when the inaugural Alabama Coffee Festival! Specially curated roasters and coffee shops share with you unique beans and flavor profiles with live entertainment. This is a fun environment for true coffee enthusiasts with a strictly limited ticket capacity.
Enjoy specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, delicious pastries, and live entertainment, during this one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience. Get your caffeine buzz on at this annual coffee festival. Alabama coffee vendors will host live demonstrations. In between unlimited coffee tastings you can check out live latte art creations, Cahaba Brewery's large beer selection, and taste local bake shop pastries. $15 Early Bird Tickets before 4/5!
Click here for more info.


![13th Annual Gumbo Gala](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/03/gubo-gala.jpg) **13th Annual Gumbo Gala
Sat, April 21, 11am-2pm At: Sloss Furnaces ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sloss+Furnaces/@33.520655,-86.7932495,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891bafff39322d:0x4ed8f930de175988!8m2!3d33.5206505!4d-86.7910608))** Over 50 cook teams gather and compete for bragging rights to "Birmingham's Best Gumbo"! Gumbo Gala is the largest gumbo competition in the South. Over 3,200 guests will enjoy samples of delicious gumbo, music by Margeaux and the Cat's Meow, local artists, kids zone, and ice cold beverages. Visit online now to purchase tickets starting at **$15**, register your cook team, or donate! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/events/1985677938311592/)**

2nd Annual Southern Cookin’ Showdown

Sat, April 21, 11am-2pm
At: Summer Classics (map)
The 2nd Annual Southern Cookin' Showdown, a family-friendly food event, returns to Shelby County this spring. SafeHouse of Shelby County will host the event, with proceeds benefitting domestic and sexual violence response and prevention programs. The cooking competition will feature four-member teams of both amateurs and professionals competing in categories including Sweets, Meats, Fixin’s, and Dough. A panel of judges will determine winners in each category, and guests at the event may sample all of the entries and vote for the People’s Choice award. $15
Click here for more info.


Jubilee Joe’s Crawfish Boil

April 17-22
At: Jubilee Joe’s (map)
This multi-day festival provides great music, activities, and lots of CRAWFISH! The event page has the detailed schedule breakdown and pricing for All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish will be announced on April 1st! This event will have something for everyone!
Click here for more info.


![Freidman Family Jewish Food & Culture Fest](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/03/friedman-family-fest.jpg) **Friedman Family Foundation Jewish Food & Culture Fest
Sun, April 22, 11am-3pm At: Levite JCC ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Levite+Jewish+Community+Center/@33.5113648,-86.7567354,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891a6c5742a6e5:0xdf876a08b7caf74c!8m2!3d33.5113603!4d-86.7545467))** The Friedman Family Foundation presents the Jewish Food & Culture Fest featuring the When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Cook-Off on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 11AM-3PM on Levite Field. For the first time, the Jewish Food Festival and the When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Cook-Off are coming together for a community-wide event. The event is **FREE** and open to the public! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/events/1529283187188882/)**

Corks and Chefs

Sat & Sun, Apr 28-29
At: Linn Park (map)
The 21st annual Corks & Chefs is an explosion of flavors and the place where art is paired with food, beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and special seminars, demos & tastings. The event is in conjunction with the Magic City Art Connection Festival! Don’t miss out on the food and fun! Pricing TBA.
Click here for more info.


BBQ at the Zoo

Sat, April 28, 10am-3pm
At: Birmingham Zoo (map)
On April 28th, cooking teams from the Birmingham area will unite to raise funds for Easterseals services, drive awareness of issues affecting those with disabilities, and change the lives of individuals and families living with disabilities. Teams will compete at the Birmingham Zoo, and visitors will get to enjoy all the BBQ those teams are cooking. Last year they had more than 20 teams at the Big Green Eggs in the Ham event. This year they’ve changed the name, and are opening the competition up to all types of grills. They’ll also have music and fun activities for children. All the money raised will help Easterseals provide services for children and adults with disabilities. $20
Click here for more info.


![st. symeon food and Culture fair](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/03/st.-symeon.jpg) **St. Symeon Food and Culture Fair
Sat, April 28, 10am-4pm At: St. Symeon Orthodox Church ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/St.+Symeon+Orthodox+Church/@33.511652,-86.7844886,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891bb4dfd591dd:0x5b3c53b75a0bfd35!8m2!3d33.5116475!4d-86.7822999))** Tour the new church building, see and learn about the iconographic murals inside the church, hear an internationally acclaimed choir, and shop the multi-ethnic market and bakery featuring a gift shop as well as four themed stalls that reflect the diverse ethnicities of the baking teams: The Balkan Coffee House, Cafe Europa, The Slavic Tea House, Southern Sweets and Savories. The food stalls will offer a variety of baked goods and snacks, specialty coffee and tea, Coca-Cola products, and original artwork and crafts. Join in for a fun coffee break or tea time, and stock up on delicious homemade baked goods from a variety of different culinary traditions! **FREE to attend!** **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/events/568101770193068/)**

9th Annual Bob Sykes Bbq & Blues Festival

Sat, April 28, 11am-8pm
At: Debardeleben Park (map)
Barbecue and Blues are a great combination so start planning for the 9th Annual Bob Sykes Bbq & Blues Festival set for Saturday, April 28, 2018, presented by the City of Bessemer and Metro PCS. The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bbq at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park located in historic downtown Bessemer, Alabama from 12-8pm. Gates open at 11am. You can expect to hear talented award-winning local and national blues musicians. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day. $15
Click here for more info.


Feast of St. Mark Italian Festival

Sat, April 28, 3:30pm-10pm
At: St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church (map)
A family-oriented event focused on Italian culture. A place for multiple generations to gather and enjoy live entertainment, authentic Italian comfort foods, and children's activities in an outdoor setting. Come enjoy some fun and great Italian food! $25
Click here for more info.