Thank goodness it’s Friday AND the election season is finally over! If you’re exhausted from the past few weeks, months (heck, years), then now is a good time to take a moment to rest and recharge for the fights ahead. And by rest and recharge, I don’t mean bubble baths and Netflix. I mean taking time to not just turn off and power down, but to reconnect and refill our spirits with things that bring us joy, laughter, and love.
So here’s a round-up of a few events happening across the state so you can step away from the outrage algorithms and find nourishment in the creativity and beauty of our communities.
“The Sensation” Fashion Show at the UAH Conference Training Center
Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 5:30-9pm in Huntsville
Presented by the African Student Association at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, this is the 9th Annual Fashion Show. It will feature food, a pop up shop, and “a blend of education and entertainment [that features] African culture in a fun and exciting way.” Get your tickets now at EventBrite.
Montgomery Film Festival at the Capri Theatre
November 18-20, 2022 in Montgomery
This is the 13th year that this film fest has been bringing short films from around the world to audiences in central Alabama. With a range of genres, from horror and action to documentary and animation, this festival is a great opportunity to laugh, cry, and be inspired by filmmakers, many of whom are based here in Alabama. Learn more about the Montgomery Film Festival and get your tickets now.
Holiday Open Market at the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center
Friday, November 18, 2022 from 10am-3pm in Camden
As the holiday season approaches, support local artists and businesses as you do your shopping! Join the Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, a nonprofit organization serving Alabama’s Black Belt region, for their annual open house that will feature local artists, refreshments, and fun. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Quilt Show at Hardware Park
Friday, November 18, 2022 from 5-8pm in Birmingham
Another opportunity to do some holiday shopping while supporting a great cause is this fundraiser and quilt show, hosted by Bib & Tucker Sew-Op, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating skills and community for those who sew or want to sew. The event will feature quilts, food, and music, along with a pop-up shop. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Gobble Gobble Hey! Zine and Small Press Fest at Lowe Mill
Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 11am-7pm in Huntsville
This will be the first year for this festival at the cultural hub that is Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment, where they’ll be hosting an all-day event to celebrate the literary arts. In addition to a market with local books, comics, and zines, there will also be activities showcasing letterpress printmaking and the art of book-making. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Greenhouse Special in Ensley
Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 7-9pm in Birmingham
Hosted by The Flourish, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and growing young artists in the northern Alabama area, this event will feature a special evening of spoken word poetry and soul featuring Ensley native Ashley Sankey and Alabama’s first Black poet laureate Ashley Jones. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Have an upcoming event you’d like to feature in this space? Send an email to seonjuoh@alforward.org.
