The calendar in Alabama is filled with regional festivals and annual celebrations throughout the year. Here are a few of the more popular and significant events in the Heart of Dixie.
Held in downtown Birmingham in mid-June, City Stages is a world-class music festival that features some of today's most popular artists. Embracing national and local acts in a wide variety of musical styles including rock, country and hip-hop on 9 stages, the festival also includes a children's festival, interactive exhibits and plenty of food vendors.
Held in on the Montgomery riverfront each May, the Jubilee CityFest is one of the state's largest music and children's festivals. The festival brings in national headliners as well as the best in regional and local performing entertainment. Past headlining acts have included such notable names as Al Green, Randy Travis and REO Speedwagon. The weekend's festivities incorporate an ArtsFest, an 8k/2-mile run and a symphony concert.
Though few know it, the roots of Mardi Gras actually took hold in Mobile in 1703, long before ever being adopted by the city of New Orleans. Mobile was at one time the capital of France's Louisiana Colony, and the influence of French culture and the growth of the region's Creole population easily explain why the celebration caught on so easily. Since its Gulf Coast beginnings, Mardi Gras has been one of the most popular and captivating annual events in the region. Mardi Gras in Mobile includes colorful parades, elegant balls and pageants, and elaborate street fairs featuring dazzling performers and intricate, vivid costumes. America's family-friendly Mardi Gras, the celebration last nearly two weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the last day before the Catholic Lent.