Are you still thinking about how you want to spend your Independence Day weekend? Here are a few suggestions of activities to do around the area to make sure you are celebrating the Fourth of July in the best way possible.
Vulcan Park’s Thunder on the Mountain
If you are in Birmingham for the weekend, then you are in luck. The Magic City is home to arguably the most extravagant firework show in the state, and you can watch it directly from UAB’s Campus Green! Over 2,500 shells will be launched into the air, exploding in a choreographed fashion to a musical compilation. Viewers can tune in to multiple different local radio stations — including 102.5 The Bull, Magic 96.5 and 104.1 The Beat — to hear the music sync up with the fireworks. If you are looking for free fun to celebrate our country, grab your lawn chairs and find your spot on The Green by 9 p.m.
Birmingham Barons vs. Tennessee Smokies
Watching baseball is a staple of American culture, and what better time to catch a game than on Independence Day? The Barons will be hosting the Smokies at Regions Field on the fourth, starting at 6:30 p.m. These games are some of the most relaxing and entertaining experiences Birmingham has to offer, and their Independence Day Celebration seems like it will be a great way to pass the time before a night of fireworks. General admission prices start at $10, so if you and your friends are looking for a way to spend the Fourth of July outdoors, buy some tickets and enjoy America’s favorite pastime!
American Village’s Independence Day 1776
If you are a history buff or are interested in doing something a little different this Fourth of July, head down to American Village Citizenship Trust for an immersive historical experience. For $5, you and a group of family or friends can take a walk through the history of the founding days of our nation, sitting in on events such as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of Concord. The night will end with a firework show at the park, capping off a unique day of learning about the nation’s history. Admittedly, the park is tailored toward a younger audience, so if you are going to be with your family this weekend and you have young siblings, this might be a place better suited to them. However, if you love American history and never had the chance to visit American Village as a kid, then it might be a short but enjoyable stop to make during your Fourth of July celebrations.
Grab some friends and have a cookout
You don’t have to attend an event on the Fourth of July to still celebrate properly. There are plenty of places near campus that are perfect for enjoying the sun and grilling out. Oak Mountain State Park is a great option. For $5 per person, you and your friends can play basketball, beach volleyball, and as many other yard games as you can cram in the car while taking advantage of the charcoal grills and picnic tables littered throughout the park. There’s also no shame in a backyard party, so if one of your friends has a grill and room for cornhole, that’s all you need for an old-fashioned Independence Day cookout.
Find a pool, lake or river and go swimming
This one needs no explanation. It’s hot outside, and there is no better way to beat the heat than by finding a cool place to sit in some water and stay there all day. Don’t live somewhere with a pool? No problem there. Oak Mountain State Park has a swimming area at their lake with a beach to relax on when you’re not in the water. Blue Water Park, also in Pelham, is a quarry that allows people to swim, kayak and paddle board all day for just $5. There are also multiple water parks around Birmingham, such as Splash Adventure and Spring Valley Beach, that offer swimming pools, water slides and lazy rivers for those who want a more traditional pool day. Check ticket prices before you go, as the Fourth of July is one of the busiest days for these places.
These are some suggestions for what to do this Independence Day weekend. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to stay safe and hydrated, and make sure to enjoy it!
