AL.com file photo
AL.com file photo
Please don't tell us there's nothing to do in Alabama over this long weekend, especially when Independence Day is at hand. Events throughout the state are sure to please fireworks fans, music lovers, ice cream enthusiasts and more. Here are suggestions from AL.com reporters in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa. -- Mary Colurso
AL.com file photo/Joe Songer
"Ooh!" and "Aah!" over Thunder on the Mountain in Birmingham, Monday at 9 p.m., July 4 fireworks ignited at Vulcan Park and Museum, closed starting at 6 p.m. for safety reasons. Viewing areas throughout city, including Homewood, Five Points South and the UAB campus. — Mary Colurso
Thunder on the Mountain fireworks 2015
Photo by Vasha Hunt | vhunt@al.com
Celebrate Independence Day 2016 at Celebration on the River, Monday at 6 p.m., Tuscaloosa Amphiteater, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa. With Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, fireworks, children's activities and more, free admission. — Ben Flanagan
Fireworks in Tuscaloosa, July 4, 2015
AL.com file photo/Jon Hauge
Celebrate in style at the Independence Day Street Party and Fireworks, Saturday at 5 p.m. (fireworks at 8:45 p.m.), Main Street at The Wharf, 4550 Main St., Orange Beach, free. With bounce houses, face painting, rock-climbing wall, live animals, games with prizes and more. — Michelle Matthews
Fireworks at The Wharf, July 4, 2011
AL.com file photo
Blast off at the U.S. Space at Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, offering family-friendly patriotic activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. With music by Redstone Arsenal's Army Materiel Command Band and fireworks at 9 p.m., musuem admission $15-$23, 256-837-3400. — Matt Wake
A Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Big Spoon Creamery Facebook photo
Indulge without guilt today. It's National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, a good time to seek out the Big Spoon Creamery food truck in Birmingham. Times and locations at the Big Spoon Creamery website and Facebook page. — Mary Colurso
Related content: What should they call this doughnut and ice cream sandwich?
3 recipes for National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
AL.com file photo/Frank Couch
Eat hearty at Our Lady of Sorrows BBQ Festival, Monday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood. Barbecue plates and bulk meat, cooked by Knights of Columbus. Menu includes pork sandwiches, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, smoked sausage and side dishes. Menu items $1-$9. With karaoke, games, rummage sale and raffle. -- Mary Colurso
How to make barbecue pulled pork sandwiches
Courtesy photo
Fill your senses at Smoke on the Coast, Saturday, 5-9 p.m., Town Center Park, 30000 Town Center Ave., Spanish Fort, free. With music by Willie Sugarcapps and Hugh Mitchell, local food trucks, barbecue, fireworks, arts and crafts, an Extreme Kid Zone and more. — Michelle Matthews
Willie Sugarcapps video for "Dreamer's Sky"
Photo by Sharon Steinmann | ssteinmann@al.com
Frolic at the First-Ever County-Wide Water Gun/Water Balloon War, Saturday at 1 p.m., Highpoint Park, 4361 Highpoint Blvd., Mobile, free. Gates open at 11 a.m.— Michelle Matthews
Water gun fight in Korea
AL.com file photo
Pedal your way through Red White & Bike, Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, Fairhope Community Park, 105 S. Church St., Fairhope, $5-$20. Organized by The Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast. — Michelle Matthews
How to bike in the city (tips for the bicycle curious)
Jazz in the Park Facebook photo
Listen to Steve Cole and Magic City Jazz Orchestra at Jazz in the Park, Monday, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Drive, Irondale, free admission, presented by Magic City Smooth Jazz. — Mary Colurso
Steve Cole performs "So Into You"
AL.com file photo/Jeff Roberts
Families can enjoy an Independence Day Bash, today, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Children's Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, 2213 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, $6-9 admission, 205-349-4235. With Civil Air Patrol demos, dance with DJ Chuckie, arts activities, hot dogs and lemonade. — Ben Flanagan
Flying with the Civil Air Patrol's Alabama Wing Soaring Program
AL.com file photo/Mike Kittrell
Cheer for the Mobile BayBears as they play the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Monday, 7:05 p.m., Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd., Mobile, $7-$15, 251-479-2327. Don't miss the huge post-game fireworks show. — Michelle Matthews
Fireworks at Hank Aaron Stadium
Courtesy photo
Sample Hops Fell Lager by Yellowhammer Brewing, available now at Huntsville craft-beer stores including Liquor Express (1812 University Drive), Old Town Beer Exchange (301 Holmes Ave. N.E.) and Wish You Were Beer (7407 Hwy. 72 W., Madison), about $9 for six-pack of 12-ounce bottles. — Matt Wake
Interview with Keith Yager of Yellowhammer Brewing
Photo by Ben Flanagan | bflanagan@al.com
Eat and drink your fill at a pre-Independence Day cookout, Sunday at 4 p.m., Druid City Brewing Company, 607 14th St., Tuscaloosa. With music by Golden Monica, Austin Lucas , His Hound Sally and Matt Woods. — Ben Flanagan
Interview with Bo Hicks of Druid City Brewing
Flora-Bama Facebook photo
Do some people watching at the All American BBQ Celebration and Miss Firecracker bikini contest, Monday at 3 p.m., Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, on the Alabama-Florida Line, 251-980-5118. -- Michelle Matthews
At the Flora-Bama Miss Firecracker contest 2014
AL.com file photo/Mark Almond
Bring a blanket to the UAB Summer Band Independence Day Concert, Monday at 7 p.m., lawn outside Bartow Arena, UAB campus, 617 13th St. South, Birmingham. You'll hear Traditional band music, patriotic anthems, popular soundtracks and pops tunes, performed by student musicians, faculty, and area professionals. Conducted by Sue Samuels. — Mary Colurso
UAB Summer Band performs in 2009
AL.com file photo
Join Southeastern Outings for a patriotic picnic, Monday at 6:30 p.m., on the lawn outside Bartow Arena, UAB campus, 617 13th St. South, Birmingham. Outdoor group gathers for food and socializing before UAB Summer Band concert and fireworks. Bring blanket, lawn chairs and supplies: food, drinks (no alcohol), cups, ice, utensils, etc. — Mary Colurso
Summer picnic essentials
File photo
Hum along with the Baldwin Pops Band Independence Day Concert, Monday at 7:30 p.m., Henry George Park, Fairhope Municipal Pier, 1 Beach Road, Fairhope, 251-929-1466. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. — Michelle Matthews">Fairhope Municipal Pier, 1 Beach Road, Fairhope, 251-929-1466. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. — Michelle Matthews
Baldwin Pops performs music from "Star Wars"
Zach Doss Facebook photo
Party hearty at a 4th of July Extravaganza, Monday at 7 p.m., Black Market Bar & Grill in Five Points, 1035 20th St. South, Birmingham, no cover charge. With music by Zach Doss, karaoke, drink specials, hot dogs and fries. -- Mary Colurso
Zach Doss performs "One Little Night With You"
Photo by Bob Gathany | bgathany@al.com
Listen up at Concerts in the Park, Monday at 6:30 p.m., Big Spring Park, 200 Church St., Huntsville, free admission, 256-519-2787. With patriotic music and Big Band standards by the Huntsville Concert Band and In the Mood Swing Band. — Matt Wake
Huntsville Concert Band performs "Americans We"
The Birmingham News file photo/Jerry Ayres
Bring the family to the Trussville Freedom Celebration, Monday at 6 p.m., on the Mall, 225 Parkway Drive, Trussville. With food vendors, inflatables, carnival rides, fireworks at 9 p.m., music by Act of Congress and more. — Mary Colurso
Act of Congress performs "Astronaut"
AL.com file photo/Jon Anderson
Join the crowd at Hoover Freedom Fest, 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday, Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, 100 Ben Chapman Drive, Hoover, free admission. With music, car show, children's activities, fireworks and more. — Mary Colurso
Sights and sounds at Freedom Fest 2014
AL.com file photo/Michelle Campbell
Delve into history during Independence Day at American Village, Monday starting at 11 a.m., American Village, 3727 U.S. 119, Montevallo, $5 admission. With music, games, reenactments, cloggers, parade, fireworks and more. Full schedule here. — Mary Colurso
Fireworks at American Village 2012
The Birmingham News file photo/Linda Stelter
Watch time fly at the Homewood July 4 festival, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday, downtown Homewood, near 18th Street and 29th Avenue South. With rides, inflatables, music, children's activities and more. Free admission, $10 wristband required for rides and kids' activities. Preliminary to nearby "Thunder on the Mountain" fireworks. — Mary Colurso
Kids play in a very big bouncy castle
File photo
Dig in at the Grand Bay Watermelon Festival, Sunday, 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Bay Odd Fellows Festival Park, 10327 Taylor F. Harper Blvd., Grand Bay, free Sunday, $5 Monday. With all the watermelon you can eat, car show, baby contest, crafts, food vendors and more. — Michelle Matthews
Have you been eating watermelon the wrong way?
DeSoto Caverns Facebook photo
Go underground for "God & Country: Sound, Water, Laser and Light Show," today-Monday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m, DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park, 5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, Childersburg. Patriotic display during walking tour of caverns. Free admission to park, cavern tours $17.99-$21.99. — Mary Colurso
History of DeSoto Caverns
File photo
Join Daphne's annual Fourth of July celebration, Monday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m, Al Trione Sports Complex, 8600 Whispering Pines Rd, Daphne, 251-621-3703. Fun includes water slides, inflatables, games, free concessions and fireworks at dusk. — Michelle Matthews
Fireworks finale in Daphne 2011
Morgan Creek Winery Facebook photo
Enjoy Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard, music starts at 6 p.m. Monday, fireworks at 9:30 p.m., Morgan Creek Winery, 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville. With music by Little Memphis and Friends, wine tastings, barbecue, fireworks. — Mary Colurso
A look at Morgan Creek Winery
AL.com file photo/Dave Dieter
Inflatables for the kiddos? Check. Performance by Nasvhille-based singer and 2014 "The Voice" contestant Jonathan Wyndham? Check. Food trucks, including Rollin' Lobstah? Uh huh. It's all happening Monday at Madison's Dublin Park, 8324 Madison Pike, during the Stars and Stripes Forever July 4th Celebration, starting at 2 p.m., free admission, 256-772-9300. — Matt Wake
Jonathan Wyndham performs "Say Something" on "The Voice"
AL.com file photo/Sarah Cole
Applaud Old Glory at Providence Park, 7 Town Center Drive, Huntsville, Monday at 7:30 p.m., 256-704-3333. Village of Providence event includes fireworks and concert by Sonic Fusion, the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band's pop-rock ensemble. Fireworks follow after dark. — Matt Wake
Sonic Fusion covers "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk
File photo
Gaze at fireworks and enjoy the Mobile Pops Fourth of July concert, Monday at 7 p.m., USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, 251-208-1550. — Michelle Matthews
Drone view of 2014 fireworks at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
AL.com file photo/Grey Brennan
Go beyond the "Storyteller" fountain and get a new perspective at "Five Points South: Patience, People, and the Plan," now at Linn-Henley Gallery, Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, $4-$6 admission to museum, 205-933-1409. — Mary Colurso
Flash mob at the Five Points South fountain
AL.com file photo/Eric Schultz
Enjoy reggae music and Rasta-tinged covers by Kush at the City Lights and Stars Concert Series, 7:30 p.m. today, Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive Southeast, Huntsville, $15, 256-536-2882. — Matt Wake
Kush performs a funk medley
Art on a Limb Facebook photo
Get a sneak peek at "Art on a Limb" during First Friday Art Walk, today at 6 p.m., Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St., and downtown Fairhope, free, 251-928-2228. —Michelle Matthews
A look at the Eastern Shore Art Center
STX Entertainment photo
Join the crowd at "Free State of Jones," a Civil War drama starring Mathew McConaughey, playing at theaters nationwide. — Mary Colurso
"Free State of Jones" movie trailer
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Watch the rocket's red glare from Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, fireworks Monday at 9 p.m., 20115 Alabama 135, Gulf Shores, $5. Extras: Salute to the Services at 7 p.m., carnival activities at 5:30 p.m., with stilt-walkers, face-painters, balloon artists, DJ and snow cones. — Michelle Matthews
Scenes from Gulf State Park
Photo courtesy of Everett Collection
Bring blankets, lawn chairs and kids to "Independence Day." The 1996 alien invasion classic screens on Saturday at 8 p.m., as part of Midtown Village's "Screen on the Green" series, 1800 McFarland Blvd. East, Tuscaloosa. Admission is free. — Ben Flanagan
"Independence Day" movie trailer
FIle photo
See Cary Laine of "The Voice" as she performs at the Chickasaw July 4 celebration, Monday at 5 p.m., Miller Park, Chickasaw. With Hope Puppets, inflatables for kids, food trucks, watermelons and fireworks. — Michelle Matthews
Cary Laine video for "Waves and Sand"
File photo
Attend the Salute to American Independence, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fort Morgan, 110 Alabama 180, Gulf Shores, $4-7, 251-540-5257. With tours by historical interpreters, artillery and small arms demos, and more. — Michelle Matthews
Things to know about Fort Morgan
AL.com file photo
How will you spend the July 4 weekend? Sound off in the comments section.
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