Your free time is precious, so how to spend it? Here are five ideas for Birmingham, June 21-28, 2019.
Image by Hans Kelerhuis from Pixabay
CONCERTS
Cherish your memories of The Acoustic Cafe, a homegrown festival that had a 21-year run in Hayden and Haleyville. Organizer Steve Masterson isn't bringing it back, but he is planning a show this weekend at his home in Blount County. The Mountain Grass Unit, a promising group of musicians, has earned his seal of approval for a performance on Sunday at 3:17 p.m. Their mentor, Allen Tolbert, will make an appearance, as well. Tickets are $12 online, $15 on show day.
The Mountain Grass Unit with Allen Tolbert, June 23 at 3:17 p.m., home of Steve Masterson, off Blount County 9, Hayden, $12 advance online, $15 day of show, $5 camping.
AL.com file photo/Frank Couch
SPECIAL EVENTS
Sip and sample to your heart's content. That's our advice for folks who attend Zoo, Brews and Full Moon Bar-B-Que, a craft beer festival at the Birmingham Zoo. Saturday's event, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., will feature beer from 37 breweries, plus a barbecue dinner, music, games and train rides. Some animals will be available for visits, including the predators and primates. Elephants and giraffes will be on view, as well, if weather permits. Tickets are $20-$75.
Zoo, Brews and Full Moon Bar-B-Que, June 22, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, $20-$75, free for those younger than age 3.
Paramount Pictures
MOVIES
Run, Forrest, run! If you know exactly what we're talking about — and millions of movie fans do — you'll be happy to hear that "Forrest Gump" is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The 1994 movie, based on a novel by Alabama native Winston Groom, was hugely successful upon its release, raking in big bucks and winning awards that included six Oscars. Now "Forrest Gump" returns to the big screen, courtesy of Fathom Events. See it Sunday and Tuesday at the AMC Patton Creek 15 in Hoover. Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; tickets are $13.69.
"Forrest Gump," June 23 and 25 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., AMC Patton Creek 15, 4450 Creekside Road, Hoover, $13.69.
Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay
RUNNING
In the mood for a "flat and fast" 5K? That's what organizers promise this week, kicking off the Here2Beer 5K Race Series. Participants can be as casual or competitive as they please, running Thursday courses that start and finish at Avondale Brewing Co. Participants drink a cold beer before they set off at 6 p.m., and quaff another when they return. Root beer is available for tee-totalers, and fellowship is on the agenda for all. Registration is $35-$45; races are set for June 27, July 11 and Aug. 1.
Here2Beer 5K Race Series, June 27 at 6 p.m., Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St. South, $35-$45 registration.
Terrific New Theatre Facebook photo
THEATER
Remember Marilyn Monroe's luminous performance in "Bus Stop"? The movie adaptation of William Inge's play is hard to beat, but Terrific New Theatre remains undaunted. The local production of "Bus Stop" runs through June 29, directed by Carl Stewart and starring Caleb Brink and Laura Elton Towns, The play focuses on a naive cowboy who tries to corral the girl of his dreams. She's a nightclub performer who's been around the block a time or two. Their rocky relationship affects everyone who ends up stranded at a roadside diner during a snowstorm. Show times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.
"Bus Stop," through June 29, Terrific New Theatre, 2821 Second Ave. South, $25, 205-328-0868.
More on entertainment in Alabama:
65 must-see concerts coming to Alabama in summer 2019
14 movies that filmed in Alabama, 2018-2019
20 ways to celebrate the Alabama Bicentennial
Sidewalk Cinema & Film Center: Groundbreaking offers look at construction site
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