As the year comes to a close, here are a few ideas for upcoming events in Alabama to connect with creators and community members while you’re feeling festive. If you attend one of the events, let us know how it was in the comments! Have an upcoming event you’d like to feature in this space? Send an email to seonjuoh@alforward.org.
The Blackest Friday at Boutwell Auditorium
Friday, December 2, 2022 at 5-9pm in Birmingham
Hosted as a collaboration between The Flourish Alabama, the Modern Green Book, and the Boutwell Auditorium, this event is a family-friendly opportunity to showcase Black businesses from Birmingham and beyond. The event will include kid activities, hot chocolate, a Black Santa and more! Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Annual Holiday Artapalooza at Gallery VOX
Friday, December 2, 2022 at 6-9pm in Tarrant City
The DUBS Foundation is hosting their 2nd annual holiday fundraiser, featuring local Alabama artists like Larry Allen, Ranya Tombati, young artists at Tarrant High School, and more. 50% of all art sold will go to the artist, and the other 50% of sales will be donated to the DUBS Foundation to fundraise for student scholarships, teacher grants, and initiatives utilizing art for healthy living. Food and music will also be provided. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Ignition 003: Debbie Graham at Kru
Friday, December 2, 2022 at 7pm in Montgomery
Tonight, Gravity will host Debbie Graham, Jamaican born DJ who has become one of Atlanta’s legends in the house music scene. Cover is $10 and a portion of the proceeds will go to Montgomery Pride United to support unhoused individuals in Montgomery. Listen to some of DJ Deb’s mixes, and find more information about the event on Facebook.
Our Voices: A Showcase & Fundraiser at Harvest Roots Ferment
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 6-9pm in Birmingham
Presented by InToto Creative Arts Forum, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe space for creative exploration for those affected by homelessness or incarceration, this event will showcase some of the visual art made by shelter guests at Firehouse Ministries & Pathways Home shelters. There will also be live creative movement performances and poetry readings, including Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M Jones, Mojomama, Thed Weller, and more. Cover is a suggested donation of $10, with 80% of all art sales going to InToto participants. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Community Artmaking with Jamele Wright, Sr. at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 10:30am-1pm in Montgomery
Featured artist Jamele Wright, Sr. will guide participants through the steps to create an art installation inspired by our individual histories and stories. Together these individual contributions will comprise a large-scale assemblage to reflect our diverse community identity and will be installed at the Museum near the MMFA’s studios. Learn more about the event at the MMFA website here.
Poetry of Protest at Burdock Book Collective
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 4:30-6:30pm in Birmingham
The Burdock Book Collective will be hosting a special poetry workshop for a small gathering of 8-10 people. Featuring Miriam Calleja, a Maltese bilingual poet and wordsmith, this workshop will focus on using poetry to discover abundance and joy. New or experienced writers are welcome, but space is limited. Register to reserve your spot on EventBrite. All donations will go toward the Books to Prison Program, which is an organization that seeks to intervene in the isolation of prison life, connect folks through penpal-ship, and increase access to educational material by fulfilling book requests.
The 2nd Solstice at Bar B Queing with my Honey
Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 4pm in Mobile
Wrap up the year at this show featuring a variety of hip-hop, poetry, R&B, and more, featuring local artists Shaun Judah, Holiiday, DRII, KMarie, Mvtha Cvla, and Sade Sade. Pre-sale tickets are available now on EventBrite.
December also has a range of holiday markets throughout the state. Here’s a few below for your holiday shopping, but share more in the comments if we’ve missed any that folks should check out!
- December 3 – Black Belt Treasures at Pebble Hill in Auburn
- December 3 – Saturn Holiday Market in Birmingham
- December 3 – Holiday Market and Open House at Mobile Museum of Art
- December 9 – Christkindlmarket at Orion Amphitheatre in Huntsville
- December 9 – The Drag & Night Market at Monday Night Brewing in Birmingham
- December 10 – Mistletoe Market in Saraland
- December 10 – Holiday Art Market at Opelika Art Haus
- December 11 – Nerdy Noel at Stovehouse in Huntsville
- December 17 – Winter Solstice Market at Lowe Mill in Huntsville
