Free fun: Birmingham Barons baseball games

Photo: Mark Almond/The Birmingham News

I must confess that I haven't been to a Barons baseball game in a really long time. But I'm pretty sure that will change once they move the stadium downtown next to Railroad Park next season.

In the meantime, they are providing FREE general admission at their last two games this season on Sunday Sept. 2nd at 4:00 p.m. & Monday Sept. 3rd at 12:30 p.m. I think that's a pretty great way to celebrate the season and 25 years in the stadium. Oh and Labor Day weekend!

Go Barons!

Free fun: Lunch and learn at the Gardens

I do not have a green thumb. Instead it's pretty much the opposite, I think it's black. I have been known to kill hosta and yes, even a cactus. Trust me, I know how sad pathetic impossible this is.

But if I were to actually have a "way" with plants, I would totally crash this FREE lunch and learn session at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Wednesday July 27th from 11:30 - 12:30. Actually I might still crash it for the free drinks and dessert! Ok, I'm kidding, I'm not that cheap (or am I?).

So if you're interested in learning how to use native plants in your garden and landscape design, then this is the class for you. Truth be told, I am interested. My yard could use a little bit of help. But it's probably in the plants' best interest that I don't even bother. I don't need more dried up brown plant deaths on my conscience.

Details:
What: FREE seminar on how to use native plants in your garden and landscape design
Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hodges Room
When: Wednesday June 27th from 11:30 - 12:30
Other: Bring your own lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided.

Free fun: Relax by the tracks

I know, I know. How many times are you going to have to hear about how much I love Railroad Park? Well, until they stop having awesome free events, I guess you're just going to have to keep hearing about how great it is!

Don't miss Relax by the Tracks tomorrow night at Railroad Park from 5-8 p.m. There's good weather and free music to enjoy. Plus, you can bring your own blanket and picnic or purchase food, beverages and treats while you're there!

Free Fun: Friday Flix at the Hoover Library

I know I've told you guys before, but I love the library and I feel like people just don't utilize them like they should
(here lately I can include myself in that scolding). And according to my friend Emily, the libraries in Birmingham seem to be pretty top notch compared to some other cities.

One thing I love about our libraries is the events that they host. The Hoover library in particular does a fantastic job of this since they have a theater on their premises. Although not all of the events they host are free, the one this Friday is.

So if you're in Bham and you missed "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" (or maybe you just loved it and want to see it again?) now's your chance to see it for FREE in a theater.

Details:
Friday May 18th at 6:30 p.m.
Hoover Library Theatre
Free admittance and refreshments

Enjoy the show!

Free Fun: Third Friday in Forest Park

I've mentioned before how much I adore the neighborhood of Forest Park and the cute shops
and restaurants it has to offer. It only gets better on Third Fridays—an event supported by the
neighborhood where all of the stores particpate in offering special menu prices and store discounts.

While you honestly wouldn't have to spend a dime because it's fantastic to just stroll around
the neighborhood, I really can't think of a better way to spend a Friday—supporting local
businesses. Plus, you're able visit the shops and art galleries that aren't usually open late at
night. So head over to Forest Park tomorrow night, it's an event that really shouldn't be missed!

Details:
Friday April 20th from 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m
On Clairmont Avenue between 38th - 40th Streets

For more information about the participating businesses, visit the Facebook event page.

Have fun!

*above image taken from www.nakedartusa.com

Free fun: Trade Day

{pictured: 1. bikes for sale at Trade Day 2. the sign at the entrance 3. jewelry at a booth 

4. best. corn dog. ever. 5. what else does one wear to Trade Day except cowboy boots? }

If you're not from North Alabama, chances are you've never heard of a little thing called Trade Day in Collinsville.
I'm not really sure how to even describe Trade Day except maybe to call it an open air flea market. People from
all over the northern part of the state come every Saturday to sell their goods and well, their junk, in shack-like
booths at Trade Day. And I, for one, love. it.

Collinsville is a bit of a trip from Birmingham, about an hour and half at least, so I try to make my pilgrimage to
Trade Day about once a year. Usually when the weather starts to warm up and it's not miserable to walk around
for a couple of hours outside.

Last year I went with two pals, Ashley and Torry, who are both from my "neck of the woods" and fully understand
the joy of Trade Day. We mostly went because I had a new roommate, Rita, from NYC who I felt needed a little
taste of my roots and what that side of Alabama is like. Then this year, my lucky guest was my friend Casey who is
also a Yankee so I needed him to experience Trade Day. Plus I knew he'd love it. Boom, I was right.

Anyhow, Trade Day is awesome. Torry, Ashley and I love to joke that you can find ANYTHING there. From
goats, to knives, to cell phone holders, to chickens, to jewelry, to old school Nintendo games, to collectible
records, to just about any random knick knack. You can find it at Trade Day for sure. And they have THE BEST
corn dogs. I'm dead serious. I don't joke about food. If you've never had a corn dog and a yoohoo for breakfast,
you haven't really lived.

So if you're in the North Alabama area and you're looking for a pretty much free way to spend a Saturday
morning, look no further than Trade Day. The only money you spend is what you purchase. At my last trip
I ended up snagging a couple pieces of jewelry for 50 cents each and three nail polishes for just $5.00.

My only advice is go early and don't leave without getting a corn dog.

Free fun: Arc Light Storytelling Session

Listen up Birmingham, if you're looking for something fun—and FREE—to do this weekend, look no further than
the Arc Light Storytelling Session. I mean, who doesn't love to hear a good story right? Then the only thing better
could be three hours of stories from a diverse group of people, which means brand new stories you've never heard
before (if you're in my circle of friends, you totally get this, as we have all heard our same favorite stories over and
over and over again).

It's sure to be fun event you don't want to miss. And I should know because I've been to one of their events before
and I hate that I am going to have to miss this particular performance. But fingers crossed they plan another one soon!

Event: Arc Light Storytelling Session
Admission: FREE
Location: Second Row Studio 24th Street North
Date: Saturday March 10, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Enjoy the show!

Free fun: Clothing swap

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to my first-ever clothing swap. It was hosted by one of the girls I know from the climbing gym, so I had a pretty good idea of who would be in attendance. My first reaction was excitement, I mean hello, free clothes to trade! That's something to be excited about. My second reaction was one of skepticism: those tiny girls' clothes will never fit me.

Me and my skepticism decided to go anyway. I mean, maybe I was wrong. Maybe I would find something to fit me and maybe my clothes would fit them. Besides, it would be a fun (mostly FREE) Friday night of girls getting together, eating and looking at clothes. Sounded like a win-win to me.

So off I went with some of my favorite pieces that had simply been in my closet for way too long, and a few other items that never fit me correctly or I just never liked the way it looked on me. I can now say that I attest to the traveling sisterhood pants movie. Things from my closet looked amazing on one of my good friends who is about five inches taller than me, and vice versa. And one of my favorite H&M sweaters looked so cute and cozy on the smallest girl there. That night I basically emptied out a large tote bag of my old clothes and came home with that same bag full of new clothes to put back in my closet. And again, it was pretty much all free. The only money spent is on food and drinks that you bring to share with the group. I have to say, this might be my new favorite way to shop.

There are several ways you could organize your own swap. You could lay/hang everything out and everyone would get a chance to "shop" the room at the same time. Or you could literally barter piece for piece. Or you could use the method we did. We made everyone get in a circle, and take a turn pulling out an item piece by piece. If someone was interested in the top or skirt or whatever, you voiced your opinion. And if there was more than one girl who wanted that piece, we went either by enthusiasm or we flipped a coin for it. It might have taken longer than if we had laid everything out, but it was much more fun this way and everyone had the equal opportunity to see each piece at the same time.

So what are you waiting for? Organize your own night of free fun with a clothing swap soon!

Free fun: Sunset cinemas at Railroad Park

photo taken from the Railroad Park flickr album

I've blogged about how great Railroad Park is before. And last week I never got time to mention the last Relax by the Tracks event (le sigh). But hey, at least now I can mention their last Sunset Cinemas event tomorrow night Thursday October 27th. They will be showing Poltergeist (scary!) at 7:00 p.m. and of course, it's FREE.

So bundle up, pack a snack and take a date, or somebody to snuggle with and protect you! Just be sure and get there early for prime seating. 

Free fun: First Thursdays at the museum

Photo taken from the Museum's Facebook page

If by chance you're not going to the Death Cab for Cutie concert at the Alabama Theater Thursday Oct. 6th (maybe because you're broke?) but you still want to get out of the house and do something fun and affordable...might I suggest First Thursdays at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

While the museum is actually free every day, every first Thursday the museum keeps its doors open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with FREE admission for the rest of us working stiffs. It's definitely a great opportunity to check out the regular exhibits if you still haven't seen those yet. Or since the weather is currently perfect, you can purchase drinks and tapas and enjoy them in the garden. Either way, it should be an enjoyable evening that will also fit in nicely with your budget.

Free fun: Art Walk

photo: Sarah Cannon via the artist's blog

Hey hey Birmingham...

Looking for something fun (& free) to do this upcoming weekend? Well, it's time to head downtown again. This time it's for the 10th annual Birmingham Art Walk Festival. I went to my first Art Walk last year and really enjoyed myself. There are many things I love about it: seeing the incredible local talent/art we have, stepping inside offices and stores I otherwise wouldn't typically frequent and it's just always nice to enjoy a good stroll around downtown, especially at night.

But of course, what I love most about this event is that you can spend as much, or as little, as you like. There is plenty to be entertained with for free if you want to just walk around and check out all of the incredible art pieces. Or if you wanted to really, truly show your support for local artists, you can purchase a piece right there on the spot.

Either way, it's a great event and if you're in town, be sure not to miss it. You've got two chances: Friday September 9th from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday September 10th from noon - 6:00 p.m.

Free fun: Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Photo: Kelly Newport. Taken from magiccitypost.com

Hey Birmingham! Bummed cause you couldn't afford to go to Bonnaroo this weekend? Or that you didn't get your Mumford & Sons tickets in time before their Sunday Atlanta show sold out. (I definitely fall into both categories!) Well, don't stay sad for too long, cause there's some great FREE music going on this whole weekend right here in town.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has free performances Friday, Saturday AND Sunday evening at Railroad Park. I've been to several of the symphony's shows and it's always a good time. Especially shows like these that are in the park because you can bring whatever you want. So pack a picnic and bring a blanket or your chairs and get ready for some good tunes.

Here's the lineup:
• Friday June 10th at 8 p.m. - Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 & more
• Saturday June 11th at 8 p.m. - Tchaikovsky's Favorites
• Sunday June 12th at 6 p.m. - Theme songs from films like Harry Potter and The Sound of Music

I'm planning on attending the Sunday evening show, so I hope to see you there. Oh yeah, don't forget the bug spray!

Free Fun: Pepper Place Saturday Market

Photo: Alby Headrick

It's probably clear by now that I love being outdoors. But it has to be something that draws me to the outdoors; there has to be some type of activity involved. Basically, some reason to motivate me to get out into the 97 degree Alabama heat. Enter motivation #1: the Pepper Place Saturday Market.

The Pepper Place Market, open from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the Lakeview District, is one of those classic Saturday morning activities. Grab the dog or the boyfriend or the kid(s) and head down to the market for a fun and potentially free Saturday morning. I say potentially because you'd have to be the frugalest of frugals to walk outta there without spending a dime. There are far too many tempting deals on fruits and veggies and flowers and delicious baked goods and coffees and cute artsy gift items to possibly resist.

In addition to great buys, there's also some pretty good entertainment...and yes, it's free! There seems to always be live music and cooking demonstrations going on every Saturday. Click here for the June schedule of events, including the musical lineup and local chef cooking demos.

While I won't personally be able to make it out there this Saturday since I have signed up to volunteer for the tornado relief, I do plan to get out there sometime soon. And if you're not in Birmingham, I'm sure there is another great farmer's market/open air market near you. But be sure to beat the heat—and the crowds—and go early!

Have a great weekend ya'll!

Free fun: Railroad Park

Photo: Ann Allen. Taken from activerain.com

Growing up, my family never went to a "park" much because we lived out in the country for all but two years of my life. So the "park" for me was really in my backyard and at the pond across the street. But when I moved to New York City after graduating from the University of Alabama, I realized that I had taken my green space for granted all those years. I discovered that every once in a while you need a little more green in your life! So I became super thankful for a little place called Central Park that fulfilled this need for fresh air and green grass for me (and millions of others) while I was in NYC.

Now that I live in Birmingham, I do have a decent yard, but there's still no better feeling than stretching out on a blanket, taking off your shoes and settling down to read a book in a park on a nice day. So in honor of the amazing weather we Birminghamians have to look forward to this weekend, I'm suggesting you have some free fun and go to the park! But not just any park. Let's make it Railroad Park. It only just opened last fall, but it's fast becoming one of my favorite places to spend a Sunday afternoon. And considering it just won the People's Choice award for "Best New Park" on thedailygreen.com, I'd say it's a few other people's favorite place, too.

There are really so many free things you can do: skateboard, run, walk, read, nap, get a tan, listen to music, play guitar, hang out with your friends, play frisbee, have a picnic, play with your dog, play soccer, play on the jungle gym with your kids...or you can do what my friends and I like to do and bring board games to play in the park. The possibilities are endless. So even if you're not in Birmingham and you can't visit Railroad Park, I think it's ok if you visit another park instead :)

Photo: Ann Allen. Taken from activerain.com 

Photo: Ann Allen. Taken from activerain.com

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a great-outdoors-kind-of-weekend!

Free fun: The public library

Just a few things I picked up at the library this past weekend. 

I think far too many people overlook the abounding potential for fun at their local public library. At least I know that I used to be one of them. I mean, I used to buy books instead of just checking them out. And I used to pay to rent movies, not knowing that the library also had movies available for rent, only for free instead. Not to mention the countless CDs I used to buy, only to find out later, that a lot of times the library will have the same albums I have been looking for, except yet again, for FREE! The best part about the library, other than it being free of course, is that you can simply go online to your local library's website and request whatever material you are looking for—whether it be a new novel, a classic film or an album release—and when it becomes available for pickup, they will call you with an alert! And people say you have to pay for convenience?!

But this is only the tip of the iceberg of what your local public library has to offer. I think several also have board games available, use of computers and Internet, classes and seminars to attend, book clubs to join and I know that a lot of our public libraries here in Birmingham have amazing FREE events like the Bards and Brews poetry slam held every first Friday at the Birmingham Public Library downtown. I have been to this event and can attest that it is great free fun—you will be inspired, laugh a little and quite possibly want to cry, a lot. The Hoover Public Library also has a great event lineup, which you can find here. And as much as I enjoy the library, I can only imagine if I were a child or if I had children, because there are TONS of events and services that are geared towards entertaining the kiddos. Seriously y'all, the list goes on and on as to what your library has to offer.

In Birmingham alone, we are lucky to have several fantastic libraries to choose from, but today I'm highlighting one of the newest ones: The Library in the Forest at Vestavia Hills. If you haven't been yet, why haven't you?! It is beyond beautiful and peaceful and modern. And with so many large windows to let the sunlight and the view inside, you can catch up on a great read in one of their little nooks, while feeling like you are in the great outdoors. Or if you prefer, there's great patio seating outside as well! And did I mention they have a cafe too? Seriously, why aren't you at the library already? Or actually, wait until Sunday. For some reason that's one of my favorite Sunday afternoon things to do. And judging by the parking lot last Sunday, I'd say I'm not alone in that thinking!

Exterior of the Library in the Forest.

A sneak peek of the interior of the Library in the Forest.

I am loving the decor of the library. So modern, yet also retro. And just look at that view!

So don't be left behind, check out your local library today to see all the great things it has to offer you.

Here just a few public libraries in the Birmingham area:
• Birmingham Public Library - Central Location
• The Library in the Forest at Vestavia Hills
• Hoover Public Library
• Homewood Public Library
• Emmet O'Neal Library at Mountain Brook