2011 Alabama Events and Festivals

50th Anniversary of Art on the Lake
Guntersville; Apr 1–Jun 30
A tribute to the 50th anniversary of Guntersville’s Art on the Lake, including a display of works by local artists that were originally shown in past years of the festival.

Eufaula Pilgrimage
Eufaula; Apr 1–3
Tour beautiful Southern mansions and visit historic churches as you stroll down shady streets lined with dogwoods and magnolias during the 46th annual Eufaula Pilgrimage. Enjoy art exhibited by some of the South’s most treasured artists and visit quaint downtown shops. Tickets available in advance or during the event.

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Presented by Legacy Credit Union
Birmingham; Apr 8–10
Come and see defending champion Helio Castroneves as well as Danica Patrick, Dario Franchitti and many more as they light up the track at Barber Motorsports Park in one of the hottest events of the year.

Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival
Moulton; Apr 9–10
A two-day family festival where everything revolves around cool live Americana and blues music, chickens and eggs. You’ll see egg roulette, a chicken wing eating contest, a hardboiled egg eating contest, an egg toss and an egg drop, plus a bluegrass and string band stage, a moonshine still and displays and demonstrations by blacksmiths and gentleman farmers. Perennial crowd favorites include arts & crafts vendors, the Motorcycle Chicken Run, an agriculture photo contest and a hands-on activity area for children.

“The Face In The Courthouse Window” by Barry Bradford
Carrollton; Apr 14–17
First National Bank of Central Alabama presents “The Face In the Courthouse Window” by Barry Bradford. Striving to rebuild its shattered economy, plagued by fear of Northern domination by carpetbaggers and opportunists, shackled by prejudice, the Old South fights to reassert its authority as former slaves breathe the air of freedom for the first time. “The Face in the Courthouse Window” reveals a violent and troubled world in which a black man named Henry Wells struggles to survive, and asks the question, “How far does a man have to go to save his family and make his mark in the world?”

Aaron’s Dream Weekend
Talladega; Apr 15–17
Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway is a triple-header featuring the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards, the NASCAR Nationwide Series Aaron’s 312 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron’s 499.

Alabama Folk Art and Music Exhibition
Birmingham; Apr 15–Jul 17
In celebration of the Year of Alabama Music, Vulcan Park and Museum will mount a unique exhibition of art that depicts Alabama folk musicians at work and play. The works of art, on loan from the collection of Bill Arnett, are the creations of local self-taught visual artists who share similar backgrounds and artistic viewpoints as their subjects. Alabama’s folk music tradition includes its own take on blues, jazz, bluegrass, country and rockabilly. Folk Art & Music will present original research into Alabama’s amazing folk music tradition alongside the works of art.

A-Day
Tuscaloosa; Apr 16
The University of Alabama holds its annual A-Day spring football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is tentatively set for 2 p.m.

Battle of Selma Civil War Reenactment
Selma; Apr 28–May 1
Enjoy sights and sounds of the 1860s, period battles, sutlers, music and living history.

Panoply Arts Festival
Huntsville; Apr 29–May 1
The 30th annual Panoply Arts Festival events include the Alabama State Fiddling Championship and Mountain Valley (MOVA) Songwriter’s Competition, the Global Village, Arts in Action, the Get Rhythm drum circle, an art marketplace, street performers and six stages presenting jazz/blues, gospel, bluegrass, musical theater, international artists, storytelling and kid-friendly performances. Free hands-on children’s activities include “Rockin’ Rockets,” “Cardboard Creatures” and “Pano-Vision.” Each evening concludes with a fireworks display.

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