1. Alabaster CityFest
Saturday, June 3 | All Day
Thompson High School
Hosted by the Alabaster Arts Council, the 21st annual Alabaster CityFest is back! Last year CityFest’s turnout was one of the largest in history with thousands in attendance. Inflatables, games, exhibitors and more than 20 food vendors will be available. There will also be a return of the “KidsFest” zone with hands-on activities for children of all ages. This event is free and open to the public, but parking is limited. So, get there early! For more information and to stay tuned on the music festival’s lineup, visit alabastercityfest.com.
2. Cahaba Lily Field Trip
Saturday, June 3 | 9 a.m.-noon
Oak Mountain State Park
Nature lovers will enjoy this guided field trip to the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge! Participants will meet at the park office at 9 a.m. for a quick debriefing on lilies, refuge rules and more. They then will caravan to the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in a group. Once at the refuge, field trip goers are free to explore the refuge, taking in the scenery. Participants are advised to dress for a river day and leave pets at home. Those attending should bring water shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and any binoculars or camera to sightsee. All ages are welcome. Stay up to date on this event here.
3. Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon and 1-Mile Whisker Walk
Saturday, June 3 | 8 a.m.
Veterans Park
4800 Valleydale Rd
This 5K and whisker walk benefits the Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue, which is a no-kill, cage-free animal shelter for cats. This race course has a varied terrain, including fields, trails and pavement. This race will be held rain or shine, and everyone is invited to participate. The entry fee for the 5K is $25 for adults or $15 for children ages 10 and under. The entry fee for the whisker walk is $15 for adults or $5 for children ages 10 and under. To learn more, visit runsignup.com.
4. Sean of the South “On the Air” June Show
Sunday, June 11 | 4-6 p.m.
The Shelby County Arts Council’s Song Theater
Everyone is invited to attend this fun-filled summer series of live-broadcast performances by Sean Dietrich and friends–both respected and ill famed. Every show will host a different guest with a total of six shows performed. Performances will be recorded in the Song Theater for future broadcasts and will consist of storytelling, comedy, musical numbers and more. Tickets are $30 plus taxes and fees. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
5. Columbiana’s Liberty Day Festival
Friday, June 23 | 5-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 24 | 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Main Street in Columbiana
Since its inception in 1986, Columbiana’s Liberty Day Festival has paid tribute to the Statue of Liberty and the men and women who have fought to preserve our nation’s freedoms. Join what will be thousands of attendees for this two-day festival, featuring the Liberty Day 5K, the Main Street parade, live entertainment, vendors’ booths, games, activities and more. Stay up to date on this event here.
6. Montevallo Main Street’s Friday Nights at The Cove
Friday, June 30 | Performances beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Owl’s Cove Park
737 Main Street
Friday Nights at The Cove are back again this season! DRUM the Program will feature a night of African drumming and dancing performances. This is a free event that is open to all. Spectators are advised to bring their own chairs and blankets to use while enjoying the shows. Visit cityofmontevallo.com for more information.
7. Calera Main Street’s First Friday Festival
Friday, June 30 | Beginning at 5 p.m.
Downtown Calera
1120 17th Ave
Calera Main Street welcomes everyone to celebrate Independence Day early on Friday, June 30, which is actually the last Friday of the month, to kick-off the holiday weekend with a bang. There will be a fireworks display, food and beverage vendors, family-friendly activities and more. Follow Calera Main Street on Facebook for updates.
8. Local Farmers Markets
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@shelbyliving.com for more information on how to include your events in our monthly newsletters and postings.