Sloss Furnaces — conveniently located just outside of the Lakeview District perimeter — is about to heat up with beats, soul and rhythm for the third year in a row. Sloss Music & Arts Festival — an idea born out of the desire to turn Birmingham into a musical hotbed for one weekend every summer — is set for July 15 and 16.
With notable headliners like Sturgill Simpson, Widespread Panic and state-favorite Alabama Shakes set to sweep several stages beneath Birmingham’s blast furnaces, this year’s festival is expected to be the hottest yet (figuratively and maybe literally).
Get the most out of your Sloss Fest experience and consider throwing in any one of our top 10 favorite things to do in and around Lakeview:
1. Get your caffeine fix at Red Cat Coffee House
With a full day of dancing ahead, a cup of caffeine is almost necessary. Red Cat — located at 2901 Second Ave. S in Pepper Place — offers a laid-back setting paired with exceptional coffee brewed to perfection.
2. Brunch up at Ovenbird
Pioneered by Chris Hastings — one of Alabama’s culinary masters — Ovenbird strikes the perfect blend of sophistication and down-home, local flavor. Their brunch menu, available on Saturdays, is overflowing with sweet and savory options that’ll impress any foodie. Find this Magic City favorite at 2810 Third Ave. S in Pepper Place.
3. Ride the Jones Valley Trail
Looking to warm up your dancing legs? Take a ride on the Jones Valley Trail. The trail, which runs alongside First Avenue North and includes a portion of the Rotary Trail, is ideal for a leisurely cruise through the Magic City. If you’re without a ride, check out a Zyp bike from any one of the several nearby stations.
4. Get a morning workout in at Iron Tribe Fitness
Founded in the Iron City, Iron Tribe Fitness pays respect to Birmingham in its name. Headquartered at300 27th St S, Iron Tribe’s hiit-style workouts will get you to work up a sweat so you don’t feel as guilty when chowing down on festival food later. Give them a call at (205) 254-6121 to set up a free consultation.
5. Relax with a local read
Aside from being a hotbed for music, Birmingham also has a long list of publications produced right here in the Magic City. Located at 2901 2nd Ave. S, Country Living magazine is a home-decor magazine filled with beautiful stories and inspiration. Grab a copy (sold at booksellers throughout Birmingham) and get some relaxation in before embarking on a full day of grooving.
6. Take a beer break
Birmingham is brimming with top-quality breweries, and the Lakeview District has no shortage. Grab a craft beer at Trim Tab Brewery, a funky joint located at 2721 5th Ave S. Or, check out Ghost Train Brewery — the district’s latest brewery located at 2616 3rd Ave S.
7. Fuel up at Birmingham Breadworks
This place has a serious passion for dough. Located near Lakeview at 2408 7th Ave. S, Birmingham Breadworks is the perfect spot to grab a meal before hitting Sloss Fest. (We personally love their Alabama Bird — a scrumptious sanwich made with boar’s head roasted turkey, tomato, arugula, avocado abd b+b aioli.)
8. Peruse Architectural Heritage
If you’re a fan of unique architectural finds, you’ll love rummaging through the array of gems found at Architectural heritage — located at2 00 28th St. S. Known for their curated inventory of architectural items like mantels from the South of France, marble and stone statuary and stacks of old doors, this serene spot will get your mind right for a full day of musical reverie.
9. Get a burger at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
After a full day of partying, nothing beats a well-made burger — and Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is just the spot. Offering a long list of craft beers and an award winning burger menu, Jack Brown’s — located at 2811 7th Ave. S — will satisfy all your post-fest cravings.
10. Enjoy a night cap at Moe’s Original Bar & Barbecue
Top off the weekend with a southern classic, the bushwacker, at Moe’s Orginal Bar & Barbecue in the Lakeview Entertainment District. Nothing quite beats a choclately drink topped with a splash of spirits.
For more information on Sloss Fest, visit their website here.
