Vestavia Hills Pivots Civic Center Hosting as November Events Ramp Up
The city's November calendar moves a major juried craft show to new municipal grounds while expanding free community festivals and local shopping opportunities.
By Adriana Abebe ·
The Alabama Craft Guild is altering a long-standing logistical pattern for its 53rd Annual Fine Craft Show. The juried exhibition, which typically operates in a standard venue, is hosting its 2026 edition for the first time at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. The event runs from October 31 through November 1. Admission and parking are free, though the guild requests a $5 suggested donation per adult. The show features artisans working in pottery, jewelry, glass, wood, fiber, metal, basketry, and printmaking. Visitors can meet the creators and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces, a move that aligns with the local tradition of supporting Alabama craftsmanship during the early holiday shopping window.
The Civic Center also serves as the anchor for the city’s Salute to Veterans Celebration on November 9. Mayor Ashley Curry and city officials will host veterans from all military branches for a family-friendly afternoon. The patriotic program runs from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring entertainment and recognition of local service. A separate veterans-focused health and resources fair operates from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During those five hours, various organizations will provide information and services directly to veterans and their families.
Community engagement extends to the Cahaba Heights district with two distinct events. On November 7, Chaotic Good Improv performs at Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The unscripted comedy show requires advance tickets, which often sell out. Attendees can purchase coffee, wine, beer, or nonalcoholic drinks before the performance. A larger public gathering occurs on November 14 with Deck the Heights. This free festival includes pop-up shops, a continuous loop trolley service, and visits from Santa and the Grinch. The Heights Express trolley runs from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., facilitating movement between local businesses and activity zones.
Faith-based and commercial groups offer additional opportunities for local residents. Vestavia Hills Methodist Church hosts the Magical Marketplace in its Tyson Hall and Fellowship Hall. A VIP preview for adults costs $5 on the evening of November 12, with proceeds benefiting Unless U. The market opens to the general public for free on November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On November 21, AMC Dine-In Vestavia Hills 10 screens the faith-based film “AMARA Forbidden Revelation” from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. General admission is $20. The film centers on an artificial intelligence discovering new historical details regarding David and Goliath.
The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest maintains a steady schedule of programming for children throughout the month. The Breakfast Club meets on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in the Downstairs Program Room for children ages 2 to 5. The session includes cartoons, open play, and provided coffee and cereal. Toddler A-Go-Go runs on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for children between 18 and 36 months. Silly Goose Storytime for preschoolers takes place on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Downstairs Program Room. After School Adventures for kindergarten through second-grade students meets on specific dates for activities such as bread making and artist exploration. The next scheduled public event is the Tree Lighting Festival at the Civic Center on November 19.
The city’s holiday season officially begins with the ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree at the Civic Center on November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is part of the Holiday in the Hills celebration. Families gather for seasonal music and festive treats. The free event serves as a traditional gathering point for neighbors before the December holidays.
Organizers for these events direct residents to specific websites for registration and detailed information. The craft show details are available at alabamacraftguild.org. Improv ticketing is managed through chaoticgoodimprov.com/shows. City-sponsored events, including the veterans celebration and Deck the Heights, list vhal.org as the primary resource. The church market and library schedules are detailed on vhmc.org and vestavialibrary.org, respectively.
