Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, with the Sixth Street Baptist Church bombing and protests at Kelly Ingram Park.  Today, this historic city has prospered. It is home to to a variety of industries including banking, insurance, medicine, publishing and biotechnology.  

Below are some cultural attractions and events that you can experience while in Birmingham.

The Southern Women’s Show – Birmingham

The Southern Women's Show returns for its 27th year and you're invited to join the FUN! Jam-packed with cool jewelry and handbags, make-up tips and tricks, delicious gourmet treats and more. Besides the incredible shopping, you can enjoy runway fashion shows, cooking classes and informed speakers. Grab your mom, sister or best friend and spend the day - or weekend - doing everything you love!

Thursday October 4 - Sunday October 7 2012

For more details visit: https://southernshows.com/wbi/

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is a "living institution" which views the lessons of the past as a positive way to chart new directions for the future. BCRI's permanent exhibitions are a self-directed journey through the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles.

Website:  www.bcri.org

Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world and Birmingham's unofficial city symbol. Standing high atop Red Mountain, the 56-foot-high statue has an observation balcony on its pedestal for a panoramic view of the city. Vulcan is patterned after the mythical Roman god of the forge, a nod to the city's powerful position in the iron and steel industry in the first part of the 20th century. The statue was created as Birmingham's exhibit in the 1903 World's Fair in St. Louis and won the exposition's grand prize. The museum at Vulcan has interactive exhibits and displays that portray the region's history and progress.

For more details visit: http://www.visitvulcan.com/

McWane Science Center

Four floors of hands-on exhibits and an IMAX Dome Theatre are all part of the fun of learning at McWane Science Center. Celebrating science and discovery, the exhibits include everything from dinosaurs to space travel. Play tunes with your feet on the Giant Piano, and learn about gravity with a daring ride on the High Cycle. Pet the sharks and stingrays in the Shark & Ray Touch Tank, and check out the Zoetrope for visual illusions of motion from still pictures.

For more details visit: http://www.mcwane.org/

Riverchase Galleria

Welcome to a world of soaring glass, lush greenery, streaming neon and sparkling lights. Welcome to Riverchase Galleria, Alabama's number one tourist attraction and one of America's most unique shopping experiences! Here, beneath a nine-story glass atrium featuring the world's largest skylight, you'll find over 200 exquisite shops, luxurious lodging and fine dining to celebrate any occasion. The entire family will be delighted with every visit!

For more details visit: http://www.riverchasegalleria.com/

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

It is 120 years since Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery first opened its doors beneath the clock tower on Chamberlain Square. Inside you will find everything from Renaissance masterpieces to 9,000-year-old Middle Eastern treasures. Famous for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings. You can see art and objects spanning seven centuries of European and World history and culture.

Website: www.artsbma.org

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame makes its home in the historic Carver Theatre for the Performing Arts. The museum honors great jazz artists with ties to the state of Alabama.

Website:  www.jazzhall.com

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

A significant part of the Civil Rights District, the newly renovated Sixteenth Street Baptist Church is the site of the infamous 1963 bombing that killed four little girls and brought world condemnation of racial violence. Sixteenth Street continues its historical role as an open-door church welcoming cultural, educational and civic activities.

Website: www.16thstreetbaptist.org

Kelly Ingram Park

Historic Kelly Ingram Park serves as a threshold to the Civil Rights District. During the Civil Rights Movement, this public park became the focal point of a grassroots resistance to the inhumanities of racism and discrimination by law and by custom. Sculptures commissioned for the park, depict attacks on demonstrators, children jailed for their role in the protests, and a tribute to the clergy's contributions to the movement.

Website:  www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/civilrights/al10.htm

Barber Motorsports Park

The Barber Motorsports Park is also the home of a World-Class 2.3 mile Road Course, which has been built to FIA and FIM standards. Find a new breed of racing here for both motorcycles and cars!

For more details visit: http://www.barbermotorsports.com/indy/index.php

Birmingham Zoo

One of the state' s most popular attractions, the Birmingham Zoo is an ever-evolving adventure. Visitors come from around the Southeast to see shows such as the Rhino Encounter, the Giraffe Feedings, the Lorikeet Aviary, the Predator Zone and the Sea Lion Splash Show. The zoo is blazing new trails in elephant conservation with the opening of Trails of Africa. The initiative designates the Birmingham Zoo as a national leader in the care and conservation of threatened elephants. Trails of Africa is a mixed-species exhibit that includes a bull elephant-herd, red river hogs, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras and more.

For more details visit: http://www.birminghamzoo.com/

Alabama Adventure Water & Theme Park

Part water playground, part amusement park, Alabama Adventure is the state' s largest theme park. Roller coaster enthusiasts around the country hail the park' s Rampage as one of the top wooden coaster rides anywhere. The Space Shot, the Zoomerang and the Giant Wheel are among the dozens of thrilling rides in the park. In the water park, visitors cool down in the Wave Pool and on daring water slides or relax on giant floats as they cruise the Lazy River. Portions of both parks are designed especially for younger children.

For more details visit: http://www.alabamaadventure.com/