1. Robin Nance Metz Art Competition

Through Thursday, March 9 
Shelby County Arts Council 

The Robin Nance Metz Competition, which was formerly known as the Adult Juried Art Exhibit, is a competition that is hosted by the Shelby County Arts Council. This competition is open to all who are 18-years-old or older and are residents of Alabama. Art categories include drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, printmaking, crafts, fiber arts and digital art, too. The exhibit’s opening reception and awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, Jan. 19 and will be open through Thursday, March 9. A cash prize of $750 will be awarded to the title holder of best in show, and $250 will be awarded to each winner in the respective categories. 

2. College Night

Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11 | 7 p.m.
University of Montevallo’s Palmer Auditorium

A tradition dating back to 1921, College Night is the University of Montevallo’s annual celebration where students face off in two teams, the gold team and the purple team, to compete in fun homecoming activities. Teams will also perform for audiences in fun, comedic performances. Tickets are required and may be purchased here.

3. Ultra Donut Dash 5K Trail Run

Saturday, Feb. 11 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park 

Bring your friends and come race in the second annual Donut Dash 5K Trail Run! Runners will eat three donuts during the race, including one at the starting line, one at the turnaround and the last at the finish line. Each participant must finish his donut before running to the next checkpoint. The race course will be a fun three-mile loop that starts and finishes at the South Trailhead. There will be a post-race party with coffee, donuts, mimosas and hot chocolate at the finish line! Visit here for more information. 

4. Giggles and Grace

Friday, Feb. 10 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11 | 8 a.m.-noon
Asbury United Methodist Church

Come out and shop for a good cause at Asbury United Methodist Church’s annual Giggles and Grace consignment sale! Drop-offs are accepted on Monday, Feb. 6 from 4-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pickup times are on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 3:30-5 p.m. For more information or to register, visit here. 

5. The Great Backyard Bird Count

Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m.-noon
Oak Mountain State Park

Calling all citizen scientists! The Great Backyard Bird Count of 2023 will commence at 10 a.m., beginning with a brief overview of bird count details. Oak Mountain State Park naturalists will meet attendees at the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center where folks will go “birding” all the way to the Alabama Wildlife Center where they will count as many birds as possible. Collected data will be utilized by scientific experts to gain a better understanding of Alabama bird populations. This event is stroller/wheelchair friendly. No dogs are allowed. Spectators are advised to bring their own binoculars and camera. This event is free with paid park entry fees. 

6. Columbiana Cowboy Day

Saturday, Feb. 25 | All Day
Old Mill Square Park and Main Street

A tradition dating back to 2008, Columbiana Cowboy Day is back again this year, featuring live music, line dancing and all things cowboy–a wild west shootout and a lasso demonstration at high noon! Attendees can also enjoy a chili cook off, a corn hole tournament and local vendors’ wares. Organizers will be accepting vendor applications through January 27, 2023. Those interested in being a vendor must complete the registration forms and mail them with their vendor fee to City of Columbiana, 107 Mildred Street, Columbiana, AL 35051.