1. American Village’s Summer Season
Tuesdays-Saturdays in July | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
American Village
Take a walk through time at American Village this July! On Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can meet “patriots of the past” and learn about the Continental Army, the American Revolution and more through American Village’s activities, games and reenactments. On Tuesday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., American Village will celebrate Independence Day with more than 40 patriotic activities, live entertainment, a petting zoo, a fireworks display and special visits from “historical guests” George and Martha Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Adams. Food vendors will be on site for attendees. To learn more, visit americanvillage.org.
2. The City of Alabaster’s Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 1 | 6-9:15 p.m.
Thompson High School
1921 Warrior Parkway
Bounce houses, corn hole, badminton, Bocce Ball, lawn bowling, crossnet, live music, fireworks and more–all of which attendees can expect from the City of Alabaster’s annual fireworks show! Food trucks will be available for guests, too. The fireworks show is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. and will last exactly 13 minutes. Parking is available at all parking lots on Thompson High School’s campus, but spectators are asked not to park on the grassy areas. Parking will not be available on State and County road right of ways during the show. Visit here for updates.
3. ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom
Saturday, July 1 | 6-10 p.m.
Open Field behind Dairy Queen off of Highway 280
Drawing more than 8,000 attendees last year, ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom is back again this July, featuring live entertainment from The Park Band, food vendors, family-friendly games, activities and more! To conclude the evening, there will be a grand fireworks display. This event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit chelseafest.com.
4. Fire on the Water
Monday, July 3 | 5-9 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
Brought to patrons by the City of Pelham and Oak Mountain State Park, the annual Fire on the Water event is back again this year and will feature a live wakeboarding show from Flip Side Watersports, a fireworks display, music from DJ Blaze Entertainment and more! From 5 to 7 p.m., Pelham residents will receive a discounted entry fee of only $10 per vehicle. Proof of residency is required for this discounted rate. Other visitors receive a discounted rate of $15 per vehicle. Oak Mountain State Park will open at 7 a.m., and everyone is invited to come early and enjoy the park’s amenities. For more details, visit here.
5. Jason Ricci Live
Friday, July 14 | Doors Open at 7 p.m.
The Shelby County Arts Council’s Song Theater
105 West College Street
Award-winning singer and harmonica player Jason Ricci is performing live at the Song Theater! Jason has performed with musical geniuses such as Sam Lay, Norton Buffalo, Eddie Shaw, Mark Hummel, Mel Solomon, Smokey Wilson, Johnny Winter, Pat Ramsey and more. “The Bad Kind,” Jason’s band who are composed of some quite talented New Orleans-based musicians, will spin their own twist on blues and rock. Don’t miss out on this performance! Tickets are $25 plus taxes and fees and may be purchased at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
6. Market Fresh
Shop local farmers markets this summer at a market near you. Here’s where to find markets around Shelby County:
Columbiana Farmers Market
Fridays, 5:30-8 p.m.
South Main Street in Columbiana
cityofcolumbiana.com
Helena Market Days
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
The Church at Old Town’s parking lot
facebook.com/the.helena.market.days
The MarketPlace at Lee Branch
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
The Village at Lee Branch Shopping Center
facebook.com/themarketplaceatleebranch
Montevallo Farmers Market
Mondays, 3-6 p.m.
Behind Montevallo First Baptist Church, 660 Main Street
facebook.com/montevallofarmersmarket
Valleydale Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
Faith Presbyterian Church, 4601 Valleydale Road
facebook.com/valleydalefarmersmarket
Did we miss any events? Email magazine editor Anna Grace Moore at annagrace.moore@shelbycountyreporter.com for more information on how to include your events in our monthly newsletters and postings.
