Come out of your hibernation and catch basketball games, learn about cocktails, run for a good cause and more. Here’s our full list of this month’s Homewood happenings.

1. One Tequila, Two Tequila

Friday, Jan. 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Homewood Public Library

Bartender and cocktail book author Clair McLafferty has been a Homewood Library patron since she was 7 years old and now has a lineup of cocktail programs planned there for 2018. She’ll kick if off with a talk about tequila’s history and the myriad misconceptions about it—with two adult beverages and light refreshments included for the $12.50 ticket price for this and all events to come. Save the date for those too, all at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Find more upcoming library events here.

  • April 6: Rum-Tiki
  • July 13: Harry Potter’s Adult Potions Class
  • Nov. 9: Vodka: A Spirited Seminar

Photo by Mary Katherine Morris Photography

2. Homewood High School Varsity Basketball Games

Come out and cheer on the Patriots. Girls play at 6 p.m. and boys at 7:30 p.m.

  • Jan. 4: Oxford High School
  • Jan. 5: at Spain Park High School
  • Jan. 9: at Parker
  • Jan. 12: at Ramsay High School
  • Jan. 16: at Shades Valley High School
  • Jan. 19: Ramsay High School
  • Jan. 23: Parker
  • Jan. 26: Shades Valley High School
  • Jan. 29: Bibb County High School
  • Feb. 2: at Mcadory High School

3. Pioneer Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

Friday-Sunday, Jan. 12-14
Lakeshore Foundation

One of the nation’s premier wheelchair basketball tournaments takes place right here in Homewood at the Lakeshore Foundation. Come out to see the top adult teams from across the country. Check lakeshore.org for more information, and also check out the Demolition Derby Wheelchair Rugby Tournament they host Feb. 2-4 with the nation’s best wheelchair rugby teams.

4. Barefoot in the Park

Jan. 19-21
Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Homewood Theatre at The Dance Foundation

Come out to see this Neil Simon classic that promises to have you laughing from start to finish—without leaving Homewood. After a six-day honeymoon, newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother and decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their neighbor-in-the-attic, Velasco. Paul just doesn’t understand Corie, and she thinks he’s too staid, too boring, and just try “barefoot in the park” for a start. Learn more about Homewood Theatre in Homewood Life’s story here. Tickets are $15 and can be ordered at homewoodtheatre.com.

5. State of the City Address & Annual Chamber Luncheon

Tuesday, Jan. 23
The Club Ballroom

Mayor Scott McBrayer will update us on what’s going on in Homewood over entrees and orange rolls. America’s First Federal Credit Union is sponsoring the event, which will also feature City Employees of the Year announcements. For reservations, visit homewoodchamber.org.

6. Show Choir Parent Preview Show

Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Homewood High School

Come out get a preview of this year’s show—plenty of singing and dancing included.

7. Hard Travelin’ With Woody performed by Randy Noojin

Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7 p.m.
Samford University Wright Center

Iconic folksinger with Randy Noojin will share an multi-media evening of spirit, stories and songs. Get your tickets here.

8. Red Shoe Run

Saturday, Jan. 27
Rosewood Hall

Ronald will be wearing his red kicks, and you can too (or just whatever running shoes you like). Sign up for the 10-mile, 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk to benefit the families our local Ronald McDonald House serves while their kids are receiving medical care. The 10-mile race starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m., the 1-ile at 8:30 a.m. and the awards ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Register online here.

9. Salamander Festival

Saturday, Jan. 27 | 3-5:30 p.m.
Homewood Senior Center

It’s time for the spotted salamander to migrate from Homewood Forest Preserve to vernal pools nearby, and it’s time to celebrate. At this annual event held by Friends of Shades Creek, kids and adults alike can hold salamanders and snakes, enjoy snacks and life music and learn about other local wildlife.

10. An Evening of Love, Laughter and Inspiration

Friday, Feb. 2 | 6:30 p.m., 6 p.m. Doors Open
Trinity United Methodist Church

Through her warm and practical storytelling, Rachel Macy Stafford, New York Times bestselling author of Hands Free Mama, will teach guests simple strategies for overcoming endless distraction and pressure to live a more authentic life. Rachel will host a book signing and reception immediately following her presentation.  Tickets are $25 with all proceeds benefitting The Bell Center, Community Furniture Bank, Overflow Foundation, Family Promise, Firehouse Shelter and The United Methodist Children’s Home.  For more information and ticket purchase, order online here or call the church office at (205) 879-1737.