Taste of Homewood is moving to January this year, plus there are lots of other events you’ll want to mark your calendar to attend.

1. Alabama, My Home Sweet Home Book Party

Wednesday, Jan. 2 | 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Homewood Public Library

Come join local author Charles Ghigna and illustrator Michelle Hazelwood Hyde for a special reading and activities based on their book marking the 200th anniversary of our state, Alabama My Home Sweet Home.

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: Vs. Spain Park
  • Jan. 8: Vs. Huffman
  • Jan. 10: At Carver
  • Jan. 15: At Shades Valley
  • Jan. 18: At Huffman
  • Jan. 22: Vs. Hueytown
  • Jan. 25: Vs. Shades Valley
  • Jan. 29: At Ramsay
  • Jan. 31: Vs. McAdory

3. A Red Plaid Shirt

Jan. 10-13
Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Homewood Theatre at The Dance Foundation

Come out to see this comedy’s Alabama debut—without leaving Homewood. As its tagline says, “There’s something funny about retirement,” and that is certainly the case for the best friends as one deals with newfound allergies and ailments, while the other just wants to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and hit the open road. By the time the evening is over, you’ll fall in love with a grouchy hypochondriac, a woman who secretly reads Cosmo for the spicy articles, a fast-talking lady who gets a big surprise in art class, and a motorcycle lover wearing a red plaid shirt. Tickets are $15 and can be ordered at homewoodtheatre.com.

4. State of the City Address & Annual Chamber Luncheon

Tuesday, Jan. 15 | 11:30 a.m.
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.

5. Pioneer Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

Jan. 18-20
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.

6. Foster Dickson, Author of Closed Ranks: The Whitehurst Case in Post-Civil Rights Montgomery

Tuesday, Jan. 22 | 1-2 p.m.
Homewood Public Library

In 1975 Montgomery police shot an unarmed black man they mistook for a robbery suspect. Now, more than four decades later, Whitehurst’s widow and children are waging a 21st-century effort to gain justice for the husband and father they lost. The question that remains is: who decides what justice looks like? Books will also available for purchase.

7. Meet Miss Fancy Book Party with Author Irene Latham

Thursday, Jan. 24 | 6-6:45 p.m.
Homewood Public Library

All ages are invited to join local author Irene Latham for storytelling, crafts, and activities centered around her new picture book, Meet Miss Fancy. Set prior to the Civil Rights Movement, the book tells the story of a boy who wants to see the retired circus elephant at the zoo at Birmingham’s Avondale Park and finds a way to challenge segregation laws.

8. The Mambo Kings

Saturday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m.
Samford University Wright Center

What does it sound like when a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythm combines with a symphony? Find out when New York’s foremost Latin jazz ensemble, The Mambo Kings, performs in concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Get tickets here.

9. Salamander Festival

Saturday, Jan. 26 | 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. Find more information here.

10. NASA Night with Astronaut Dr. DeLucas

Monday, Jan. 28 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Homewood Public Library

All ages are invited to come out to hear astronaut Dr. Lawrence DeLucas share his space story. Lunar and meteorite samples will also be on display as part of a lending program with the Johnson Space Center and NASA.

11. Taste of Homewood 2018

Thursday, Jan. 31 | 5:30-8 p.m.
Rosewood Hall

Come eat all of Homewood in one night with samplings from more than 25 Homewood-area restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. Frankly, we get most excited for the prime rib on yeast rolls from Ruth’s Chris, but our list of favorites is quite long. Proceeds go to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship fund for local students as well as economic development efforts in the community. For tickets, visit homewoodchamber.org.

SAVE THE DATES

MOMS Club Mardi Gras Parade

Tuesday, Feb. 5
3:45 p.m. Lineup, 4 p.m. Parade
Homewood Central Park

Watch out for flying beads and moon pies at the park this afternoon as kid “floats” of strollers and wagons take over the park leading up to Mardi Gras. All are welcome, kids are invited to bring instruments and we hear there will be king cake afterward at this MOMS Club, Over the Mountain chapter event. Laissez les bons temps rouler (“Let the good times roll”)!

Samford Legacy League Scholarship Luncheon        

Thursday, Feb. 7 | 11:30 a.m.

Come out to hear Jodie Berndt (jodieberndt.com), author of nine books including the Praying the Scripture series and Generous Living, share biblical insights and a dose of humor at Samford Legacy League’s Scholarship Luncheon. The event benefits scholarships for students with significant financial needs and challenging circumstances, and will take place at a country club in Vestavia. Find more information and get tickets at samford.edu/legacyleague.

Did we miss any events? Do you have an event coming up in a future month? Email mm@homewoodlife.com to submit yours.