Things to Do

The Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater sits beautifully on 15 acres amidst the banks of the Black Warrior River. Located minutes away from The University of Alabama campus and blocks from the lively downtown district, the Amphitheater is the largest outdoor theater in West Alabama and a premier location for arts and entertainment.

With a capacity for 8,400, the beautifully landscaped Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater provides patrons with a unique, affordable opportunity to see their favorite concerts and events.

The River Market is home to the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market and hosts several events throughout the year. The River Market is available for private event rental.

The Gateway Innovation and Discovery Center is a central hub designed to connect the City to the latest technology. As the starting point for Tuscaloosa’s City Walk, this unique building is a treasure trove of technology and a wellspring of limitless content and opportunity. In addition to free access to laptops, tablets and a massive digital library, the Gateway also offers unique opportunities for collaboration, education and economic development.

This ever growing two-mile path along the Black Warrior River winds past shops and eateries and features a playground. Walkers and runners alike take advantage of the views and shade along the River Walk.

If you love life on the water, check out our very own Lake Tuscaloosa! At over nine square miles, Lake Tuscaloosa has plenty of room for fishing, boating and all your favorite water activities, in addition to being the primary water supply source for the area.

The Children’s Hands-On Museum is a dynamic learning experience that stimulates curiosity, creativity and shared discovery in all ages. CHOM’s permanent exhibits were designed to stimulate children’s curiosity about their community and their place in it, and to involve children, parents, teachers and others in participatory education.

The most recent additions include Once Upon a Farm, Lil’ Sprouts Farmer’s Market and the Creation Station, a hands-on center for art and creativity and Beyond the Garden Gate.

PARA offers something for everyone with almost 2,000 acres of green space including over 35 parks, boat landings, six activity centers, an 18-hole award winning golf course, recreation and leisure for all ages, special events and more.

Established in 1938, the historic Bama Theatre continues to captivate audiences with its twinkling lights and exciting year-round performance calendar. Managed by The Arts Council and occupied almost 300 days per year, the theatre is a cornerstone of cultural activity and community events in Tuscaloosa and West Alabama.

The Tuscaloosa Public Library serves the 192,000 residents of Tuscaloosa County, as well as students attending The University of Alabama, Shelton State Community College and Stillman College. TPL offers a full array of library services and materials from books in all formats including downloadable (e-books) to online learning programs designed to meet the needs of our community. The library currently has four service outlets: the Main Library, Brown Branch, Weaver Bolden Branch and the Bookmobiles.

Tuscaloosa is home to The University of Alabama, the state's largest public university and home of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Come out to a football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, tour the beautiful campus or get to know some of our students!

The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Task Force seeks to bring about positive change and reconciliation through collecting, preserving, and telling the stories of the important struggle for civil rights in Tuscaloosa.

Learn more about the fun things to do around our community!