We’re definitely not the first to say it — April in Birmingham is a magical month. Warmer days are here to stay, and we’re celebrating with fundraisers, family-friendly (and pet-friendly) fun runs and food festivals galore! Get those strappy sandals and sundresses out of the back of your closet. It’s time to enjoy the best of what Birmingham has to offer with the promise of sunshine and smiles at each local event. Happy April!

20 Birmingham Events & Happenings: April 2017

April 1, 2017: Fido Fest at The Summit

Saturday is for the dogs this April as The Summit celebrates its 2nd Annual Fido Fest benefitting Hand In Paw and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society! This “PAWesome” event will feature live music, pet adoptions, dog artists, balloon artists, face painting and more. Your pups will love all the attention they’ll receive at this family-friendly festival. Plus, they will be happy to socialize with furry friends! The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 1, and admission is free. Visit thesummitbirmingham.com.

April 1, 2017: Alabama Asian Culture and Food Festival

Explore the food and history of Asian culture this April 1, beginning with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Zamora Shrine Temple. Sample all types of Asian delicacies, admire a colorful origami piece donated to the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation and an exhibit of the earliest known color photographs taken along Burma Road in China and so much more! The family will love being introduced to the many similarities and differences between cultures while learning about and gaining insights into Asian traditions. Admission is $8 for adults 18 and over, $5 for teens and free for children 12 and under. Visit alabamaasiancultures.org.

April 6, 2017: Drink & Drop

Come out to Vulcan Park and Museum this April 6 for the inaugural Drink & Drop, an adult egg drop competition, complete with a challenging 124-foot-high egg from Vulcan’s pedestal, as well as a cocktail reception. Teams are encouraged to participate in this classic elementary student competition by keeping an egg protected after dropping it through creative and clever scientific planning. The goal? Keep your egg from breaking! Additional entertainment will be provided by the Bumper Humpin’ Peacocks, with food and beverages options from Miss Dots, Ghost Train Brewing Company and Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Learn more at visitvulcan.com.

April 6, 2017: Birmingham Art Crawl

This month’s Birmingham Art Crawl is extra exciting because StyleBlueprint will be judging the ARTstravaganza edition of local artists, artisans and performers exhibiting and selling works in the newly opened Pizitz Food Hall! Join Birmingham City Editor, Lauren Helmer and Client Success Representative, Bailey Torkelson as we explore, enjoy and choose our favorite local masterpiece! Admission is free, and the crawl begins at 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com.

April 6, 2017: RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

Join the Samford Arts Wright Center this April 6 for a psychedelic exploration of Broadway’s RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles. Travel back in time with the iconic foursome through a multimedia spectacular that will take you on a journey through the life and times of one of the world’s most beloved musical groups with a focus on celebrating the 50th Anniversary release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band! Prior to the show, enjoy local food trucks Off the Hook, SAW’s BBQ and Big Spoon Creamery, beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the show kicking off at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Visit etix.com.

April 8, 2017: 7th Annual Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-off

This April 8, dedicate your day to supporting Girls Inc.’s mission to make young women smart, strong and bold by heading up your own Cajun cooking team or simply attending their 7th annual Cajun Cook-Off! Live music from the Swamp Poppas will serenade your sampling of  Cajun favorites such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, shrimp and grits and bread pudding — all prepared by cook-off competitors. With the April sunshine lighting up this food-filled day at Railroad Park, this event is a must! The cook-off is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and tickets are $25 with free admission for children 12 and under. Visit bhamcajuncookoff.com.

April 9, 2017: Spring Food Truck Rally

Birmingham’s food truck scene is beyond booming, and choosing just one can be a stressful decision, especially for those of us wanting to sample a little bit of everything. Luckily, this year’s Spring Food Truck Rally, hosted by B’ham Food Trucks, brings all of Birmingham’s favorite food trucks to one place, as well as a kids’ center, Avondale brews and live music by Jesse Payne. Grab a blanket, the whole family (four-legged family members welcome!) and an empty stomach to explore the ‘Ham’s mobile eateries this April 9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Avondale Brewing Company. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Visit facebook.com.

April 13, 2017: Baptist Health Foundation’s Wine, Women & Shoes

Join the Baptist Health Foundation this April 13 as they host the inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes event presented by Regions Private Wealth Management. This fabulous, fashion-filled event will begin at 5 p.m. at The Club and attendees will have full access to a glamorous and fun evening emceed by style expert, Megan LaRussa! Plus, guests can enjoy unlimited wine tastings, a fun “Key to the Closet” drawing whose winner will take home clothing, accessories, cosmetics and gift certificates; live and silent auctions; a photo shoot and an ultra-chic fashion show sponsored by Gus Mayer and the Shoe Guys. Insider tip: Put your best foot forward in the shoe department, as the Shoe Guys will be there to give awards for guests whose shoes are kickin’ it with major style! This event will benefit the Baptist Health Fund, which ensures patients who cannot afford medical care receive the assistance they need through take-home medications, transportation, food supplements and more. Tickets start at $125. Visit www.winewomenandshoes.com.

April 15, 2017: 8th Annual Mutt Strut

Get active this April and bring your pooch with you! Presented by Veterinary Eye Care, this dog-friendly 5K and one-mile fun run honor man’s best friend while celebrating the life of Christopher Nelms. Staring at UAB’s gorgeous campus green, run, walk, jog, or strut with your sassy canine through all the vibrant new landmarks of flourishing downtown Birmingham! Then, relax at the after party at Cahaba Brewing Company. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; the 5K starts at 9 a.m.; and the one-mile fun run begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration fees start at $15 and proceeds will benefit Hand in Paw. Visit handinpaw.org.

April 20-30, 2017: The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Virginia Stamford Theatre

Take a colorful trip down memory lane with the talented players at the Virginia Samford Theatre as they present The Marvelous Wonderettes. Meet the Wonderettes: four teenage girls with dreams as big as the sky at their 1958 high school. Follow their lives from prom night to their 10-year reunion, set to the soundtrack of over 20 chart-topping hits of the ’50s and ’60s, including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” and “It’s My Party”! This Broadway musical hit will leave you smiling and humming an uplifting ditty for days to come. Tickets are $30. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

April 21 & 22, 2017: 19th Annual St. Elias Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival

Explore Lebanese food and culture this April 21 and 22 at this fabulous festival hosted by the St. Elias Maronite Church for nearly 20 years. This two-day festival will feature an extensive array of traditional Lebanese eats and treats, a Lebanese band, traditional Lebanese dancing, a silent auction, tours of the breathtaking church, a 5K, fun run and so much more! Create an unforgettable weekend with the family by immersing yourself in Lebanese culture and food. Admission is free. Learn more at www.stelias.org.

April 22, 2017: Jubilee Joe’s Crawfish Boil

Celebrate authentic Louisiana Cajun culture this April 22 at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. This festive event includes live music, a crawfish eating contest and a kid’s crawfish race. Unique Cajun-style street performers will give guests the genuine feel of a New Orleans’- style celebration, while multiple bands will perform throughout the day. Delicious, hot, fresh crawfish will be served throughout the event along with other food items, including kid-friendly snacks, entrées and dessert options. Tickets range from $19 to $39. Visit jubileejoescrawfishboil.com.

April 22, 2017: Gumbo Gala at Sloss Furnaces

Join the largest gumbo-cooking competition in the Magic City, and support the Episcopal Place this April 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as professional and backyard teams gather to compete for the bragging rights to Birmingham’s Best Gumbo. With over 50 competing teams, a kids’ zone, a spirit competition and more, this jumbo gumbo festival will be fun for the whole family — and exploring the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a Birmingham bucket list must! Adult tickets are $15 or $18 at the door; kids tickets are $5 for ages six to 12; and kids under five get in free. Learn more at gumbogala.swellgives.com.

April 24, 2017: Ms. Lauryn Hill at Iron City

Lauryn Hill made a name for herself as the prolific lead lyricist of The Fugees, and continues to shine through her solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Experience her soulful rhythm and rhymes this April 24 at Iron City as she graces the stage with her neo-soul sound and contemporary womanist voice. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets range from $65 to $615. Visit ironcitybham.com.

April 27, 2017: Junior League of Birmingham Bargain Bash and Bargain Carousel

Do you love fashion, supporting a good cause and the Junior League of Birmingham? This bargain-centric evening and sale is just right for you! Attend the 2017 Bargain Bash this April 27, an opening night for exclusive access to all the merchandise that will be sold at Bargain Carousel, a 1,000-family garage sale taking place on April 29 and 30 benefitting the Junior League Board. The bash will also include tasty food and beverages from local eateries, auction items and, of course, fabulous shopping at bargain prices. The event is the best way to raise awareness and funds for the Junior League’s 30+ community projects, which have made a positive impact on the Birmingham Community for more than 90 years. Learn more at bargaincarousel.net.

April 28-30, 2017: 34th Annual Magic City Art Connection

Calling all contemporary artists and art enthusiasts! The Magic City Art Connection is back and better than ever. This 34th annual festival will transform Linn Park into a fresh and vibrant artistic hotspot. With 200 locally and nationally known artists, music, dance, kids art experiences, sculpture installations, food, special tastings and more, this event is ideal for the creative Birminghamian wanting to connect with the community while experiencing unforgettable talent. Learn more at magiccityart.com.

April 29, 2017: Kickin’ It for Kids

Go back to your elementary school roots this April 29 for the 2nd Annual Kickin’ It for Kids Kickball tournament! This family-friendly event helps to provide foster care for children in Birmingham through Lifeline Children’s Services and is bound to be a fabulously competitive and active April day! Grab the family, create a team or simply sponsor or cheer folks on, because this event is a great way to step out into the sunshine and enjoy a classic childhood game that is sure to bring out the kid in all of us. Visit lifelinechild.org.

April 29, 2017: Girls on the Run

Grab your girls and get to running! This 5K is no joke. Starting off at Railroad Park, you’ll be running alongside over 300 other women and girls who have been training for this race and are ready to set their best time! Don’t worry, there’s multiple cheer stops along this 3.1 mile race to keep you motivated and energized, as well as fun post-race fun and snacks until 11 a.m. If you’re a fitness geek and girl-power guru at heart, this 5K is the April event for you. Registration cost ranges from $12-$36. Visit girlsontherunbham.org.

April 29, 2017: 6th Annual Feast of St. Mark Italian Festival

Celebriamo una festa Italiana! Aka, let’s celebrate an Italian feast! This culture- and food-filled festival will take place this April 29 at the St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. An expected crowd of over 3,000 will enjoy Italian food, music, dance, traditional Italian opera and so much more! If you’re a lover of all things Italian, this is bound to be your favorite way to ring in Spring. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Visit feastofstmark.com

April 29, 2017: Chucks and Tux

Lace up your favorite Chuck Taylors and head out to Birmingham gem, Old Car Heaven, on April 29 for this classy event with an edgy twist. Attendees will be part of a diverse mix of partygoers that include members of the philanthropic community, civic leaders and young and seasoned professionals. So, dress up to get down on the dance floor (no high heel pain here!) while supporting Growing Kings, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underserved boys and men of color. Tickets are $50. Visit growingkings.org.

Enjoy the sunny days and warm breezes of this glorious month ahead!

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