the audience watching the tapping on the mound ceremony

Spring is Finally Here—Celebrate With These Exciting April Events

Temperatures are finally rising and so is our excitement for these events. On campus or around town, there is something for everyone to enjoy as we finish the semester strong.

On Campus

National Walking Day
April 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Walk of Champions

Celebrate movement, health and community by joining WellBAMA for a refreshing walk anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just getting started, this event is a great way to take a break, get active and connect with others. Participants will receive samples from Just Ingredients while supplies last!

Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Syzygy
April 2-3, 7:30 p.m., April 4, 5:30 p.m., April 5, 2 p.m., Dance Theatre

This concert features stunning performances choreographed by distinguished guest choreographers and UA faculty. Immerse yourself in a cosmic cadence as every dip, leap and sway captures the synergy between movement and music — igniting a dazzling spark that lights up the stage in a spellbinding spectacle. Tickets can be purchased online!

Strawberry Festival
April 3, 6 p.m., Student Center Lawn

Embrace the spring season and all things strawberry at University Programs’ Strawberry Festival! Play carnival-inspired games, make your own strawberry perfume or lip scrub, and sample various strawberry-flavored treats.

Honors Day
April 4

Honors Day is a time-honored tradition on The University of Alabama campus as outstanding students and alumni are recognized for their accomplishments prior to the end of the academic year. Each college and school may hold its own honors ceremony, and the Tapping on the Mound ceremony will be held for the University honor groups Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key National Honor Society, and Anderson Society. On Honors Day, classes are dismissed, but UA offices will remain open.

Tapping on the Mound Ceremony: 1:30 p.m., UA Quad | The Mound

The ceremony is available to stream live on YouTube. The UA Student Center Ballroom will serve as the event’s rain location.

Crimson Couch to 5k
April 4, 6 p.m., Walk of Champions

The 15th annual Crimson Couch to 5K is a run/walk that welcomes UA employees, spouses, students and the community to enjoy a scenic route around campus ending with a perfect photo-op at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The cost per participant is $20. All children under age 12 participating with an adult can participate for $5 each. Participants can register online.

In Full Bloom
April 4, 7 p.m., Student Center Great Hall and Porch

Channel your inner florist at University Programs’ In Full Bloom event. Becca’s Blooms will provide flowers for attendees to create their own bouquets, as well as mini succulents and pots. Attendance is free for students.

Bark to the Beat
April 5, 8-10 a.m., Butler Field

The second annual Bark to the Beat Music 5K is a run/walk to support the Tuscaloosa Metro Shelter. Musicians from The University of Alabama School of Music and surrounding high schools will perform live along the course and the animal shelter will bring many of their adorable pets up for adoption. Registration costs $30 and can be purchased online.

BookTok Trivia
April 5, 5-7 p.m., Student Center Great Hall

Test your knowledge about the internet’s trendiest reads at University Programs’ BookTok Trivia event. Participants will play trivia for a chance to win Bama Cash and enjoy free Chick-fil-A!

Music Match
April 10, 6-8 p.m., Student Center Theater

Only true music lovers will win at University Programs’ Music Match event. This interactive game will combine classic trivia with a song-guessing game for a chance to win Bama Cash. Attendance is free for students.

“Captain America: Brave New World” Movie Night
April 11, 6-8 p.m., Student Center Theater

Get ready to assemble for University Programs’ screening of Captain America: Brave New World! Enjoy a free showing of the movie, sandwiches and themed giveaways. Attendance is free for students.

A-Day 
April 12, noon, Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium

A-day presents an opportunity for Crimson Tide football fans to get an early look at the 2025 team as head coach Kalen DeBoer enters his second season here at the Capstone.

Cabaret”
April 14-19, 7:30 p.m., April 20, 2:00 p.m., Marian Gallaway Theatre

This thought-provoking Broadway classic explores themes of love, loss, and the rise of fascism in 1929 Berlin. Centered around an American writer and his relationship with a nightclub performer, this musical is sure to give audiences something to think about long after the curtain finally falls. Tickets can be purchased online!

Senior Send-Off
April 15, noon-7 p.m., Student Center Theater

This University Programs event gives seniors the opportunity to get graduation photos in Bryant Denny Stadium. Whether you choose to wear your cap and gown or your favorite jersey you’ll get the grad photos of your dreams with multiple photo stations! This is a come and go event so be sure to stop by at any time.

Athletics

Spring sports are well underway at UA, and there are so many exciting experiences to choose from this April. Watch the women’s gymnastics team soar through the air as UA hosts the NCAA regional championships on April 3-6. Or spend a Saturday afternoon attending a softball or baseball game — tickets are free for students. Check out the full UA Athletics calendar for more information.

Around Town

Druid City Arts Festival 
April 4, 5-9 p.m., April 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Government Plaza

For the 15th year, the Druid City Arts Festival is educating, engaging, and inspiring both youth and adults about the arts and humanities within the Tuscaloosa community. Showcasing work of exceptional quality and creativity by artists in a variety of areas, this celebration will include two days of art vendors, music, and food with both long-time and “undiscovered” artists in attendance.

Spring Fling
April 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., UA Arboretum

The Alabama Museum of Natural History and the UA Arboretum invite the community to enjoy a free exploration of spring sciences and ecology. Attend a guided nature ramble with an expert, enjoy live music, high five Big Al at this fun spring event for the whole family!

Tuscaloosa Gauntlet
April 5, 8:30 a.m., Sokol Park | Buddy Powell Pavillion

Join Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA), Visit Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama Marines Foundation for the fourth annual Tuscaloosa Gauntlet obstacle course race. The roughly five-mile race features 20+ obstacles, including a Marine regulation O-Course challenging competitive racers and beginners alike. Competitive, open, team, and kids heats are available. Register online!

Tuscaloosa Wellness Fest
April 13, 1:30-5 p.m., Tuscaloosa River Market

Connect with local resources to help you feel better in mind, body and spirit. This inaugural festival is a family-friendly event with demonstrations, workshops, food, music, a bounce house, and many local wellness vendors. This event is free to attend but tickets can be registered for online.

Easter Jam EGGstravaganza
April 19, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sokol Park | Mason’s Place Playground

This EGGciting Easter event will feature games, balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo, Easter Bunny photo-ops, food, and lots of fun! The second annual EGGstravaganza is free for the community and sure to be a hip-hopping good time!

Northport Bunny Trail Pet Egg-stravaganza
April 13, 3 p.m., Downtown Northport

Bring your furry friends to the Northport Buinny Trail to see the festive spring egg displays while meeting local pet vendors, picking up some yummy treats, and taking pet pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Death by Chocolate
April 24, 5:30 p.m., Tuscaloosa River Market

West Alabama’s top chefs and bakers will be preparing their best chocolate delicacies at the chocolate tasting event of the year. Taste a variety of chocolaty delights and vote for your favorite to be presented with the People’s Choice Award for the Best Chocolate of 2025. Participation supports the work of Family Counseling Service.

West Alabama Food and Wine Festival 
April 27, 4:30-7 p.m., Historic Downtown Northport

The West Alabama Food and Wine Festival is on its 12th year of bringing together a growing culinary community or local chefs, restauranteurs, and food and wine enthusiasts in this celebration of Southern flavors and experiences unique to Alabama. Tasting tables highlight signature dishes while wine tastings are provided by local distributors to introduce trendy and seasonal varietals. Facilitated entirely by a volunteer board of directors and festival committee, the annual event raises thousands for West Alabama non-profits. Participants must be 21 or older and tickets can be purchased online.

Recurring Events

Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 7 a.m.-noon, Tuscaloosa River Market

Voted Best Farmers Market in Alabama, Tuscaloosa’s weekly farmers market is the place to pick up fresh produce, beautiful jewelry, meat, handmade soaps, and much more. The farmers market accepts payments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Double Up Food Bucks, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. 

Kentuck’s Art Market 
April 12, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Kentuck at Queen City

Take a chance to enjoy the warming weather while shopping for one-of-a-kind art from local vendors. Entertain the whole family with craft activities, a drum cart, and explorations of local art in Downtown Northport. Can’t make it this time? Don’t worry – Kentuck’s Art Market is the third Saturday each month and is free.