5 Food And Drink Festivals Coming Up In Metro Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Spring is here, and with warmer weather comes a bevy of outdoor festivals. Music, art and food festivals abound in the Magic City over the next few months, with enough diversity to offer a little something for everyone. Food and drink festivals are plentiful in Birmingham, and Patch looked at five that Birmingham food and drink lovers shouldn't miss.

2018 5th Annual Taste of Pelham April 19, Pelham Civic Complex: The Pelham Library Guild wants to match hearty appetites with a sample of local restaurants and caterers in the name of raising money to build a new library. $25-$30

2nd Annual Southern Cookin' Showdown April 21, Summer Classics in Pelham: A family-friendly food event, with proceeds benefiting SafeHouse's domestic and sexual violence response and prevention programs. The cooking competition will feature four-member teams of both amateurs and professionals competing in categories including Sweets, Meats, Fixin’s, and Dough. A panel of judges will determine winners in each category, and guests at the event may sample all of the entries and vote for the People’s Choice award. $15

Jewish Food & Culture Fest, April 22, Levite Jewish Community Center: The event will foster an appreciation for Jewish culture and traditions, and bring together the broader Jewish community in a single powerful effort. Jews and friends of the Jewish community from across Birmingham will come together to enjoy a fun-filled day of delicious food, friendly competition, musical entertainment, and educational activities for all ages. It will also be a great opportunity to celebrate Israel's 70 years of miraculous achievements. FREE

Great Southern Beerfest, May 12, Railroad Park in Birmingham: A beer festival focused on beers coming out of the South, featuring food vendors, live music, southern cuisine, southern rock music and covers, games, and some friendly competition. $25-$70

2nd Annual Magic City Mac N' Cheese Festival September 9, Brookwood Village in Mountain Brook: Taste various Mac N' Cheese dishes from your favorite restaurants, food trucks and caterers in Birmingham. All proceeds benefit Community Grief Support to help fund free grief support groups, grief counseling and community grief education in the Greater Birmingham area. $5 - $20

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch