(Preschool) Bring your toddler for a musical morning filled with singing and dancing by Miss Maggie from Fiddlesticks!

(4th-12th Grade) Young artists are welcome to join us and Kane Bourgeois for art classes. Learn some basics, some tips and tricks, and have fun doing it! All supplies provided, but you are more than welcome to bring any sketchbook or drawing supplies you may use, or a digital drawing interface. Register for each session online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

In celebration of National Minority Health Month, we are hosting a Community Health Fair at New Life Center of Excellence on Saturday, April 26, from 8:00 AM until 11:30 AM.  Get free eye exams; cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose screenings; financial advisement, counseling information, and so much more!  The first 100 people to register and participate will receive a $25 grocery gift card.  All participants will be entered into a drawing for a $500 grocery gift card! To register, text healthy to 94000.  For more information, call 205.425.4735.

(0-18 Months) A weekend baby storytime that will give parents and caregivers a fun experience with lap sit activities accompanied with adorable stories and rhymes!

Barbecue and Blues are a great combination so start planning for the 14th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival presented by City of Bessemer and Coca Cola United is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025. The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bar B Q from 12-6pm. Gates open at 11am.  Be sure to bring your chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day to enjoy talented blues musicians. No coolers or pets allowed.

Since 2010, the event has been a local favorite for festival goers. Attendees of the festival range from youth to adults. 2nd generation owner and pit master of Bob Sykes Bar B Q Van Sykes says “Each year the festival grows and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and the support of the community.” City of Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley says "The Bob Sykes BBQ and BLUES Festival has been a great event for the City of Bessemer. We're looking forward to many more great years of barbecue and blues music in downtown Bessemer.”

The festival has been chosen for numerous years as one of the top food festivals in Alabama by al.com. There are activities for the entire family including a large kids corner. Children eight and under are free with a ticketed adult. Besides great music and bbq the festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, and a diverse selection of vendors selling tempting offers.

The 2025  musical performance schedule:

11am Gates Open

12:00-12:10pm: Opening Prayer

National Anthem by Emcee of Festival-Ms. Aretta Woodruff

12:10-1:10pm:  Kid Sly Feat featuring Hurricane Elaine

1:20-2:20pm: Ra’Shad the Blues Kid

2:30-3:30pm: Diedra the Alabama Blues Queen

3:40-4:45pm: Southern Avenue

4:55-6:00pm: Shemekia Copeland

Since the 2010, the festival has provided funding for Alabama local charities including Ady’s Army, The Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation, Bessemer Service League, Caring Men and Caring Women, Children’s of Alabama Hospital, Clay House, Hands on Birmingham,  Latch and Live Foundation and  Red Mountain Grace.  The 2025 charity beneficiary will  be the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama whose mission is to feed people in need today and foster collaborative solutions to end hunger tomorrow.

Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival Event Information:

14th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival

Saturday, April 26, 2025

12pm-6pm. Gates open at 11am

DeBardeleben Park at 1623 2nd Avenue North

Bessemer, Alabama

$10 Tickets can be purchased at www.BobSykesBlues.com

or visit  Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant

$15 tickets day of event

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bob-sykes-bbq-blues-festival-tickets-894003798427?aff=oddtdtcreator

Call for more details at 205-426-1400

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(K-5th Grade) Turn your imagination on and build awesome creations during an afternoon of LEGOs!

(6th-12th Grade) Learn how to paint beautiful paintings with oil paints. All supplies are provided. Please make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Public Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat.  All levels of fitness welcome.  Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.