When it’s time to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in order to relax and enjoy yourself, Tuscaloosa County offers many outlets—in the performing arts, museums, outdoor events, and sporting events.
Tuscaloosa County is home to some of the state’s most exciting and unique events and festivals. Annually, people from all over Alabama and the Southeast come to Tuscaloosa for a diverse line up of entertainment and fun-filled opportunities for the entire family. Among some of the annual happenings include:
Kentuck Festival of The Arts, held in October of each year, has become one of the South’s most prestigious and recognized arts and crafts festivals. Held at Kentuck Park in Northport, the festival draws over 200 of the nation’s top artisans and craftsmen and over 25,000 visitors. Call (205) 758-1257.
Heritage Week, one of the region’s most popular and long-standing pilgrimages and historical weeks, is held in early April each year. The week-long event draws people from throughout the South to Tuscaloosa County’s beautiful antebellum and historic homes and sites along with many related activities. Call the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society at (205) 758-2238.
Sakura Festival, the traditional Japanese celebration of Spring, has been held in Tuscaloosa for over 12 years and reflects the community’s commitment to international relations. The festival provides a diverse menu of Japanese arts, cultural experiences, exhibits and forums in celebration of the community’s partnership with Japan. Call (205) 348-5311 for more information.
The Moundville Native American Festival celebrates the history of one of the largest and most powerful prehistoric Native American societies of North America. Fifteen miles south of Tuscaloosa (1 Mound Parkway, Moundville), the park is part of the Alabama Museum of Natural History. It is internationally known as one of the most important prehistoric Native American settlements. The 320' acre park includes nature trails, villages and a museum. Call (205) 758-2861.
Dickens Downtown, an annual family-filled Christmas experience in Downtown Northport, provides an old-fashioned, traditional holiday treat. Strolling artists and musicians, food and entertainment makes this a memorable event each year to kickoff the Christmas season. Dickens Downtown is traditionally the first Tuesday in December.
Christmas Afloat is held annually on the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, and features holiday-lighted boats and watercraft. The event has become a Christmas tradition.
Other events throughout the year fill the entertainment agenda of residents and visitors alike in Tuscaloosa County. Alabama Crimson Tide football weekends, including the traditional Homecoming Week; Stillman College football weekends; the West Alabama State Fair; and a host of other fun-filled activities complete the menu designed for fun and entertainment.
Sporting events in Tuscaloosa County range from the 93,000 who watch the Crimson Tide in the fall to moms and dads who watch sons and daughters participate in many youth sports. Tuscaloosa is unique in its offerings when it comes to sporting events. Not only do we have the traditional community sporting events but with 3 institutions of higher learning, sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wealth of special events.
The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials for triathlon were held in 2008. Tuscaloosa was chosen based on its success with hosting USAT Collegiate Nationals earlier this year and the course’s match with that of the Olympic Games course in Beijing. The U.S. Olympic Trials for triathlon has officially woven Tuscaloosa into the global fabric of the Olympic tradition.
Even before the leaves turn color or the temperature dips below 80, collegiate football in Tuscaloosa County takes center stage, with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Stillman Tigers being annual powers in their respective conferences. Check out the lastest on the University sports scene at www.uagameday.com.
Even while football has the lead sports role, practice begins for collegiate basketball at the University, Stillman, and Shelton State Community College.
During the winter, when basketball grabs some fans' attention, the perennially highly ranked University of Alabama women's gymnastics team begins its season, and early on in each calendar year, baseball teams at the University, Stillman and Shelton start practicing, as does the University's successful women's softball team.
Intermingled with the more publicized sports are college golf, track, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and the University now has a rowing team.
So, maybe in the deep depths of summer, visitors might not find a collegiate sporting event to attend. Unless they like to watch college athletes work out in the weight room or run through a campus area.
Ubiquitous. That's what community sports in Tuscaloosa County are. Whether the event is held at a park or in a community center, there aren't many days during the year when no sporting event is taking place.
The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (P.A.R.A.) manages a number of beautiful parks with baseball/softball diamonds and soccer fields. P.A.R.A also oversees three outstanding, strategically located community centers that offer walking tracks, exercise rooms, basketball/volleyball, and, in some cases, swimming.
The YMCA and other organized groups have softball, baseball, football, and soccer programs for people of all ages.
Tuscaloosa County's public and private school systems generally have a full lineup of sporting events, like football, basketball, and baseball.
Performing Arts | Museums | Outdoor Activities | Sporting Events
