Summer is in full swing and July in the Magic City does not fall short. With the kids home from school and days full of constant sunshine, we’ve rounded up the best local festivals, concerts, fundraisers and family friendly activities to keep you and yours busy and happy. Check out our top picks for July in Birmingham!

July 2-3, 2016: Artis Gras at Lake Martin

Explore The Town Green at Russell Crossroads near tranquil Lake Martin for the Artis Gras event. This two-day event will showcase more than 40 artists and artisans, displaying their unique jewelry, paintings, birdhouses, food and more. It is the perfect way to spend a sunny, Southern day at Lake Martin! russellcrossroads.com/events.html

July 4, 2016: Thunder on the Mountain at Vulcan

For decades, Thunder on the Mountain has been hailed as one of the largest and most extravagant Independence Day traditions in the state of Alabama — and this year will be no exception. On Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m., Thunder on the Mountain 2016 will once again illuminate the skies above Birmingham’s beloved iron man, Vulcan. Free to the public, this year’s show will last approximately 20 minutes and will feature a variety of fireworks that will brighten the sky with exciting new colors and patterns. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack that will feature a mix of patriotic favorites and popular music. visitvulcan.com/july-4th-fireworks

July 4, 2016: Fourth of July Blast at Lake Martin

Bring the whole family, comfy blankets, chairs and a cooler full of your favorite snacks and drinks as you gather on the lawn of The Lake Martin Amphitheater for the Fourth of July Blast fireworks show and concert! There really is no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than enjoying music with opening band, The Bank Walkers and headliner, the Sweet Tea Trio — followed by the largest fireworks show in the Southeast! Food is available for purchase from the Firetruck Bar-B-Que Food Truck. Make sure to leave the pups at home, though, as no pets are allowed. Gates open at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15; free for kids 6 and under. theamponlakemartin.com

July 5, 2016: Hit a Home Run with the Negro Southern League Museum

Learn more and have a hands-on experience with the Negro Southern League Museum this July 5! This special event begins at 10 a.m. on July 5 and allows attendees to explore rare artifacts from the priceless collection of Dr. Layton Revel. Youth, teens and adults can take a step into Birmingham’s past with a hands-on experience outside of the museum walls. Located at Smithfield Branch Library, #1 Eighth Ave. W, this is not only a great event for sports lovers and history buffs, but also an amazing cultural and educational opportunity for the whole family! The event is free and open to the public. birminghamnslm.org

July 7-28, 2016: Alabama Theatre’s Throwback Thursday Kids’ Club

Join the Alabama Theatre Thursday mornings in July for the Throwback Thursday Kids Club! Your kids will have a blast with face painting, prizes and a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer, followed by a Throwback Thursday classic film. You’ll be catapulted back to the past too while watching classics like “Aladdin,” “The Land Before Time,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Pocahontas.” Afterward, kids receive a free ticket to the Birmingham Zoo (with the purchase of an adult ticket). There is nothing better than a family-fun day filled with movies, face painting and a zoo exploration! Activities begin at 9 a.m. alabamatheatre.com

July 8-31, 2016: ‘The Little Mermaid’ presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company

Watch “The Little Mermaid” come to life on stage with the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s live onstage production this July! Jump into the magical kingdom beneath the sea and watch as your kids are mesmerized at seeing one of their favorite movies in real life on the stage of the state-of-the-art Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre! Shows run from Thursdays through Sundays. Children’s tickets start at $29 (ages 2-12) and adult tickets start at $30. redmountaintheatre.org

July 9, 2016: Roller Derby! Tragic City Rollers vs. Chattanooga Roller Girls

Birmingham’s Roller Derby team is ready to rumble! Made up of local mothers, teachers, IT professionals, librarians, waiters, nurses, social workers and students, the Tragic City Rollers band together to not only strengthen their character and athleticism, but also strive to bring awareness to local charities and businesses through this popular throwback sport. Cheer on the Tragic City Rollers as they take on the Chattanooga Roller Girls on July 9 at the Zamora Shrine Temple for an exciting and unique summer experience. The bout starts at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10. tragiccityrollers.com

July 9, 2016: Paws, Pints and Performances Music and Arts Festival

Support the U.S. Animal Law Center at Avondale Brewery this July 9 for the first Paws, Pints and Performances Music and Art Festival. The event runs from noon to 11 p.m., and guests can enjoy live music, tasty drinks and cute pups — all contributing to a good cause. What a great way to spend a summer day with your friends, family and fur babies! theusanimallawcenter.com

July 12-26, 2016: Movies at Avondale Park

Crestwood and Avondale Park have joined forces to offer movies in the park on Tuesdays this July for the best way to relax in nature and enjoy an al fresco film. “The Incredibles” will play at Crestwood Park on July 12, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” at Avondale Park on July 19 and “The Princess Bride” at Crestwood Park on July 26. This is a great way to have a one-of-a-kind movie night outside of the house while enjoying the beautiful green spaces of the hip Avondale and Crestwood neighborhoods! Movies begin at 8:15 p.m., with live music as the amphitheater opens for seating at 7 p.m. All showings are open to the public. forestparksouthavondale.com

July 15-17, 2016: ‘James and the Giant Peach, Jr.’ presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company

Enter the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with The Red Mountain Theatre Company’s production of “James and The Giant Peach, Jr.” This art-forward production will wow adults, while kids will delight in the crazy, fun characters and magical plot. With 7:30 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, this play is perfect for a special night out or a family-friendly Sunday afternoon. Either way, The Red Mountain Theatre Company is sure to impress. Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for ages 12 and under. redmountaintheatre.org

July 16, 2016: Market Day at Mountain Brook Village

Market Day at Mountain Brook Village is back! Peruse the sidewalk sales in the picturesque Mountain Brook community for this annual merchant-centered event. Held on Saturday, July 16, this giant, one-day-only flea market features discounts of up to 75 percent off from all stores in Mountain Brook Village. The event begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to get the best deals of the season! welcometomountainbrook.com

July 16-17, 2016: Sloss Music & Arts Festival

Perhaps the most exciting event Birmingham has to look forward to this July is the second annual Sloss Music and Arts Festival. Located at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Sloss Fest intertwines Birmingham history with more than 30 incredible musicians on three stages, as well as artists showcasing their talents in all mediums — from poster-making to iron-pouring demonstrations from the Metal Arts Program at Sloss Furnaces. This event is a two-day lifestyle festival that has something for every guest. slossfest.com

July 16, 2016: Pup Crawl at Good People Brewing Company

Is there anything better than good people and adorable pooches? Join the Good People Brewing Company this July 16 for their Pup Crawl, benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., take advantage of Good People’s large, industrial space, live music, jumbo Jenga and cornhole games — plus a huge selection of craft beer. You and your doggie will be thankful you spent the day at Good People. facebook.com

July 22, 2016: Art On The Rocks

Join the Birmingham Museum of Art for an amazing, art-filled experience. The museum’s popular summer series, Art On The Rocks — presented by Dale’s Seasoning — is back for its 12th season! Featuring the best of Birmingham culture, Art On The Rocks collaborates with local artists, downtown businesses and breakthrough musical guests to offer three Friday nights this summer (Look for the last one in August!) of art, performances, giveaways, food and drinks. artsbma.org

July 23, 2016: Bark and Wine

Show some love to the animals while enjoying a lovely evening at Greystone Country Club! From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., join the Shelby Humane Society for the seventh annual Bark and Wine event, where  complimentary beer and wine will be served, along with a strolling dinner. The event also features live and silent auctions. Attire is dressy-casual and is open to all Shelby Humane Society supporters and animal lovers.  Tickets start at $150 per person. www.shelbyhumane.org

July 23, 2016: Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival

Spend this July 23 on the Historic 4th Avenue Business District with some of the best local, regional and nationally renowned jazz artists as they entertain with the smooth sounds of summer. Admission is free to this event, which features first-class entertainment, a diverse selection of food vendors and even a children’s village for all to enjoy. Business merchants such as Urban Impact, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame – Carver Performing Arts Theater and Magic City Barber Shop also will be in attendance. This is one of the most unique experiences you will find in Birmingham this summer and is the perfect cultural experience for the whole family! 4thavenuejazz.org

July 28-August 7, 2016: ‘Beauty and the Beast, Jr.’ Presented by STARS at the Virginia Samford Theatre

Take your little princess to see “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” onstage, live! The talented actors, directors and artists at the Virginia Samford Theatre are presenting “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.,” the classic tale of Belle and the Beast that is perfect for the whole family. Music from the Academy Award-winning animated feature — mixed with new songs — add a heartwarming and hilarious twist on this classic tale. Performances run Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 reserved seating; $15 for students. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Still looking for more to do? Visit our Happenings page for additional details.