MONTGOMERY, Al., January 9, 2017 – With more exciting events planned for 2018 than ever before, Montgomery lives up to its reputation as Capital Cool. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. Montgomery is adding to its events lineup this year, which features concerts, festivals and a wide array of cultural activities. 2018 will mark the grand opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, two new national institutions designed to deepen and amplify the national conversation about racial justice. Popular events like the River Jam Music Festival and the Riverwalk Wine Festival will also be returning in 2018 and are sure to please visitors and locals alike.

“With the opening of the EJI memorial and museum, we are expecting a very busy year with the spotlight on Montgomery showcasing our destination to many for the first time,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “Our destination is thrilled that 2018 will offer such an exciting events calendar with some fun new events joined by many beloved annual favorites from music festivals to culinary celebrations from January to December.”

Kicking off the year with the 65th anniversary of the death of Hank Williams, a unique local tradition, and concluding next December with some exciting gridiron action at the 2018 Camelia Bowl, Montgomery offers a jam-packed calendar of events for 2018 to be sure to please the interest of every visitor. Please see below for an overview of the best 18 events being held in Montgomery in 2018:

2018 events held in Montgomery:

Anniversary of Hank Williams’ Death, January 1, 2018

The native of Montgomery was the first country music superstar and one of the most important songwriters of the 20th century. Each year, his grave hosts a ceremony to commemorate his fascinating life on the anniversary of his death. This year will mark the 65th anniversary of the musician’s passing. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/64th-memorial-anniversary-of-hank-williams-death

Montgomery Half Marathon & 5K, March 10, 2018

This annual race takes runners through some of Montgomery’s most beautiful neighborhoods and past many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Featuring live entertainment for both racers and supporters, the Montgomery Half Marathon is one of the top road races in the South. For more information, go to http://themontgomeryhalf.com/

Alabama Book Festival, April 21, 2018

Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/

24th Annual Fitzgerald Gala, April 22, 2018

This annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum is the social event of the year. Guests arrive decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple. The event includes live period music, antique cars, and a jaw-dropping Silent Auction. For more information, go to http://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events.html

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 - May 6, 2018

Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The Miracle Worker. For more information, go to www.asf.net

Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum Grand Opening, April 26, 2018

Located on the outskirts of downtown Montgomery, these two institutions will be open to the public for the very first time. The memorial, located on a six-acre park, is a sacred space for reflection on racial terrorism in America, and the museum, located close by, will use interactive media, sculpture, film, and exhibits to immerse and educate visitors. https://eji.org/national-lynching-memorial

Taco Libre sponsored by Modelo, May 12, 2018

Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and musical entertainment. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

River Jam, May 2018

Every May, music lovers converge on downtown Montgomery to attend this free two-day event which showcases over 10 live bands. Concerts take place at Riverfront Amphitheatre and Union Station Train Shed. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverjam-and-riverbend-brewfest

Riverbend Brew Fest, May 2018

Montgomery's Annual Riverbend Brewfest features live music, local food vendors and a large selection of local, regional and nationally renowned craft, seasonal, specialty and micro-brewed beers. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverbend-brewfest

Jubilee Pops Concert, May 27, 2018

Join the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra as they kick-off the summer with the Jubilee Pops Concert. This outdoor concert takes place at the Alabama Archives and History Building Lawn in Downtown Montgomery, Alabama and is free and family friendly. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org/pops-concerts/

Montgomery Restaurant Week, August 10 – 19, 2018

Coinciding with Alabama Restaurant week, this culinary celebration gives visitors the opportunity to discover new restaurants, dishes and drinks. Featuring amazing deals at some of Montgomery’s best restaurants. For more information, go to www.eatmgm.com

Buckmasters Expo, August, 2018

The Montgomery Convention Center hosts a 3-day expo for the deer hunting industry with over 300 exhibitors from around the country. Kids activities, live concerts, demonstrations and lots of special guests will be featured. For more information, go to http://www.buckmasters.com/Resources/Expo

Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival, August 25, 2018

Over 60 teams from Central Alabama and beyond converge on Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery to compete in this fundraiser which culminates in a dragon boat race. Off the water, browse various goods from local exhibitors and artists. Live music and food from local vendors will also be featured. Don’t miss the 2nd annual Gun Island Chute SUP CUP standup paddleboard competition on the Alabama River! For more information, go to https://montgomerydragonboat.org/

Broadway Under the Stars, September, 2018

The 32nd annual Broadway Under the Stars concert will be held lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The Montgomery Symphony will perform Broadway classics as attendees relax on blankets and lawn chairs at this free yearly concert celebration. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org/pops-concerts/

Riverwalk Wine Festival, October, 2018

Over 100 wineries offer tastings, making the most of Montgomery’s beautiful riverfront park on an early fall afternoon. The event is made complete with live music, food vendors, and discounts on on-site wine purchases. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverwalk-wine-festival

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, December, 2018

Named for Alabama’s state flower, this college football bowl game annually features a matchup between top teams from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The game is televised live on the ESPN family of networks. For more information, go to http://www.camelliabowl.com/