1. Forging Families 5K/10K
Saturday, Jan. 6 | 8 a.m.
105 West College Street
The Fifth Annual Forging Families 5K/10K and One-Mile Fun Run benefits Sacred Selections, which is a local nonprofit that helps families through the adoption process. One-hundred-percent of these races’ proceeds benefit Sacred Selections, in order to reduce the financial burden parents assume when trying to adopt children. Over the past four years, more than $40,000 has been donated to this cause. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com.
2. Birmingham Bulls Hockey Games
Jan. 6, 12, 13, 15, & 27 | Times Vary
Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena
The Birmingham Bulls are back again this season! To purchase tickets, learn more about the Southern Professional Hockey League or for general information, visit bullshockey.net. Those interested in public skating can visit pelhamciviccomplex.com/1065/public-skating.
3. Shelby County Extreme Bulls
Jan. 18, 19 & 20 | 7:30 p.m.
86 Argo Road
Dubbed the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” the Shelby County Extreme Bulls professional bull riding competition is back! Thirty-five bull riders will compete in the ring for thousands of dollars, a gold belt buckle, fame and glory. All ages are welcome to attend this event. Learn more at shelbycountyextremebulls.com.
4. Robin Nance Metz Art Competition
Jan. 18-Feb. 29 | Times Vary
Shelby County Arts Council
Formerly known as the Adult Juried Art Exhibit, the Robin Nance Metz Art Competition was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Robin Nance Metz–a beloved Shelby County artist. This competition is sponsored by the Shelby County Arts Council and is open to Alabama residents ages 18 years old or older. The exhibit will feature artwork mediums including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, fine arts crafts, fiber arts and digital art. A cash prize of $750 will be awarded to the winner of best in show, and $250 will be awarded to the winner of every other category. The opening reception and awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18. To learn more, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
5. Pelham Polar Plunge
Saturday, Jan, 20 | 2 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
Hosted by the Pelham Police Department, the Pelham Polar Plunge fundraiser takes place in January each year and is a part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run, which benefits the Special Olympics. Since 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics has raised more than $1 billion for the Special Olympics, helping break down barriers and champion acceptance and inclusion for people with special needs. For more details on this event, visit pelhamalabama.gov/987/pelham-polar-plunge.
6. Paul Thorn Live
Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7 p.m.
Shelby County Arts Council
Tupelo, Mississippi native Paul Thorn has amassed an impressive reputation for mastering the bluesy, rock ‘n roll sound. Paul’s newest song, “Never Too Late to Call,” has been seven years in the making and was recorded at Memphis-based recording studio, Sam Phillips Studio–who’s credited with discovering the King of Rock ‘N Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Paul’s music speaks to Southern America and is rooted in eccentric vibes and is full of character and truth. Paul has performed with legends Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, John Prine and more, and now he’s coming to Columbiana to perform live. Tickets are $35 plus taxes and fees. To learn more about Paul’s career or purchase tickets, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
Did we miss any events? Email annagrace.moore@shelbyliving.com for more information on how to include your events in our monthly newsletters and postings.
