A Spotlight on Birmingham and The 2022 World Games.
May 2022
Alabama will be thrust into the international spotlight with the opening ceremonies of the 2022 World Games in Birmingham
The World Games is an 11-day international multi-sport event organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The World Games are typically held every four years, the year following the Summer Olympic Games. Postponed from 2021 due to the pandemic, the 2022 World Games will showcase a New Generation of Global Sports in Birmingham from July 7-17, 2022. An anticipated 3,600 elite athletes from over 100 countries will compete for gold in 34 of the fastest growing sports in the world.
If you’re planning to attend any portion of the games this summer, we recommend you also make time to explore what Birmingham has to offer.
WHERE TO STAY:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown:
Located in downtown Birmingham, next to the Elyton Hotel, this new hotel calls itself a “modern oasis in the heart of downtown Birmingham.” This hotel is within walking distance of the Theatre District, McWane Science Center, and many historical attractions as well as several exquisite dining options. The rooftop bar, Moon Shine, which is next door in the Elyton Hotel, offers signature cocktails paired with incredible views of the Magic City.
Nestled in a beautiful urban setting adjacent to the city's civic park and bustling financial district, the hotel is the perfect setting to enjoy the commerce, culture and conventions of this vibrant city center. The Tutwiler is a member of the Hilton Family Hotels.
This historic Birmingham hotel offers modern amenities with vaulted ceilings, a marble staircase, decorative molding and a 10-foot custom crystal chandelier. The 2101 Cafe offers pastries and Revelator Coffee. The Roof is the hotel’s rooftop bar.
We recommend that you keep watch on the availability of these hotels for the dates of the World Games because they can sell out quickly.
WHERE TO EAT:
Located in the Pepper Place area, this casual restaurant’s menu focuses on amazing seasonal southern ingredients offered in a small plate format. This restaurant is owned by the James Beard award-winning chef, Chris Hastings and his wife Idie. The Ovenbird menu takes inspiration from the live-fire traditions of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina and of course, the American South. If you go, order the Alabama Shrimp & Crab, one of Alabama’s 100 Dishes to try.
Owned and operated by James Beard-nominated chef, Frank Stitt, this cafe located in the heart of Five Points South, has a bustling French cafe atmosphere. Offering mainly French cuisine, the menu has a very impressive array of French appetizers, entrees and desserts, as well as an extensive wine list. The restaurant’s delectable desserts are on Alabama’s 100 Dishes to try list.
Located in a historic post office in the Avondale community, Post Office Pies offers wood-fired pizzas, craft beer and cocktails. “Swine Pie” is one of their signature dishes and is on Alabama’s 100 Dishes to try list.
WHAT TO DO:
Take time out from the World Games and explore the many attractions Birmingham has to offer.
Vulcan is the world's largest cast-iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands atop Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally created in 1904 as Birmingham's exhibit at the St. Louis World's Fair to showcase the city's booming iron industry. Visitors can climb to the observation deck of Vulcan and see panoramic views of Birmingham. The park’s museum offers insights into Birmingham’s history and geology.
The Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM) tells the story of African-American baseball through the eyes of Birmingham, Alabama. The museum features the largest collection of original Negro League baseball artifacts in the country. The museum also features an on-site research center that is supported by a research team made up of the top researchers in Negro League and Southern League baseball history.
Birmingham Civil Rights District:
When visiting Birmingham, start your visit at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The museum takes you through the history of a movement that shaped a nation in the 1960s. Across the street is Kelly Ingram Park, the site of dog and fire hose attacks on demonstrators who had gathered for peaceful protests. There are also statues depicting the 1963 struggle for equal rights. The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, across the street from the park, is Birmingham’s most famous civil rights landmark.
This 122-acre zoo features 550 animals of 180 species including endangered species from six continents. From the Trails of Africa to the Children’s Zoo and everything in between, the Birmingham Zoo highlights amazing animal care, conservation initiatives, and Species Survival Plans. The zoo is a perfect family-friendly place to visit.
From 7 am to noon every Saturday morning, this vibrant outdoor farmers market offers some of Alabama’s best local produce, artisans, chef demonstrations and musical entertainment. This farmers market has been going strong for over 20 years.
Our list shows just a sample of the many local attractions in the Birmingham area. We invite you to explore all that the city has to offer by visiting the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
