fireworks over the Black Warrior River

Get Out and About This July 

The summertime heat is in full force, and so is the fun at these local events and activities around town.  

two tapestries hanging on a white art gallery wall
Kelly Taylor Mitchell, Untitled (Alabama #4) and Untitled (Alabama #3), 2022, Alabama privet and river cane handmade paper, abaca, crystals, found objects, hand embroidery, 25 x 42.5 in. These original works and more are part of the FLOW exhiibit on display this month at the Paul R. Jones Museum.

Live at the Plaza 

Fridays in July, 6-9 p.m., Government Plaza, 2106 6th St., Tuscaloosa, Free 

The city’s summer outdoor concert series continues in July with local music acts each week through July 29. The event is both family- and pet-friendly. 

Fourth of July Celebration on the River 

July 4, 6-9:30 p.m., Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, Free 

Enjoy Independence Day with family-friendly activities and a fireworks show hosted by the city of Tuscaloosa, including a kids’ zone, live music, food trucks and more. Make sure to find the perfect spot before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Summer Nights 

Wednesdays in July, 6-8 p.m., Midtown Village, 1800 McFarland Blvd. E., Tuscaloosa, Free 

Stop by Midtown Village Wednesday evenings throughout the month for free outdoor concerts on the green, complete with food trucks, pop-up vendors and kids’ activities each week. See details and the music line-up on Midtown Village’s website. 

Saturday in the Park: Hoop Dancing and Native Drums 

July 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Moundville Archaeological Park, 634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville, Free with Admission 

The park’s summer Saturday activities series continues with Lyndon Alec and Dan Isaac from the Southern Pine Drummers performing traditional hoop dancing and native drums 

Saturday in the Park: Ancient Tools and Weapons 

July 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Moundville Archaeological Park, 634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville, Free with Admission 

The final featured event of the Saturday in the Park summer series will focus on ancient tools and weapons used by the original inhabitants of the city that once stood on the park’s site. 

Looking to Beat the Heat?

Check out these ongoing daily activities for ways to cool off.  

Relax at the Pool 

Cool off by visiting the outdoor pool complex. Open all summer, the outdoor pool offers a lazy river, wading areas and a water slide for the complete waterpark experience. Monthly memberships and guest passes are available. Hours, guest pass information and more can be found on the University Recreation website.  

Browse one of UA’s Museums 

Explore thousands of artifacts, take a step back in time and learn about local history all while staying cool indoors. A special exhibit on the history of swimming in Tuscaloosa is on display at the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum and the Paul W. Bryant Museum recently opened a new exhibit on the first 25 years of Women’s Softball at UA — just to name a few. Learn more on UA Museums’ website. 

Go with the FLOW 

Take a break from the heat and enjoy two special exhibitions both titled “FLOW” and on view at the Paul R. Jones Museum and The University of Alabama Gallery at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center through July 27. See gallery hours and learn more on the Paul R. Jones Museum website.