BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Now that spring has finally gotten here, the social calendar is fast filling up with food festivals celebrating everything from Lebanese food to Italian cuisine, gumbo to barbecue.
To help you plan the rest of your spring, here are eight of those festivals that we’re looking forward to between now and the end of May.
And be sure to click on the gallery at the top of this story to see a slideshow of photos from past year's festivals.
When: 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
Where: Trussville Springs, 6655 Gadsden Highway, Trussville.
What's on the menu: Crawfish and shrimp plates prepared by Parish Seafood & Oyster House, plus hamburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks.
What else: Music by DJ Austin Jones, II Da Maxx and Sidecar; children's activities include face-painting and picnic games.
How much: Admission is free; food and drinks priced separately.
Find out more at: www.cahabariverboil.com.
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 25-26.
Where: Saint Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 836 Eighth St. South, Birmingham.
What's on the menu: Baked kibbee, grilled chicken, grape leaves, tabouleh, spinach pies, meat pies, falafel sandwiches, hummus and pita bread; plus desserts including baklawa, ma'amoul, kaak, cashew fingers and Lebanese doughnuts.
What else: Music by the Amin Sultan Lebanese Band, traditional dancing performed by the church youth, 5K run and fun run, church tours and a silent auction.
How much: Admission is free; food priced separately.
Find out more at: www.stelias.org/festival.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26.
Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. North, Birmingham.
What's on the menu: About 40 teams will cook and serve gumbo for the professional and back yard cooks competition; guests are invited to sample the gumbo.
What else: Bluegrass music by Rollin' in the Hay, plus arts and crafts and children's activities.
How much: $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, free for children 12 and under.
Find out more at: www.episcopalplace.org/gumbo-gala.
When: 4 to 11 p.m. April26; feast mass starts at 3 p.m.
Where: Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7340 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham.
What's on the menu: Grilled Italian sausage sandwiches, Papa John's pizza, traditional Italian desserts and espresso, plus main courses prepared by chefs Benard Tamburello and Chris Vizzina.
What else: Entertainment by Ross Gagliano and SpellBound, Henry Lovoy and Razz Ma Tazz, the Dance South Dance Team, Big Daddy's New Band and Total A$$et$, plus a grape stomp, a cigar patio and amusement rides for the children..
How much: $20 for adults, $10 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under.
Find out more at: www.feastofstmark.com.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. April 26-27.
Where: Linn Park, Birmingham.
What's on the menu: Wine and food tasting features about 100 wines and dishes prepared by chefs from Continental Bakery, Little Donkey, Nabeel's Café & Market, Silvertron Café, Slice Pizza & Brew, Vino, Bellinis Ristorante & Bar, Cantina Tortilla Grill, Catering by Lanetta, Oscar's at the Museum, The Pantry and Vittoria Macelleria.
What else: Music by the Blue Ribbon Healers and Stuart McNair. Also, the Magic City Art Connection art show will be going on throughout Linn Park.
How much: $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
Find out more at: www.magiccityart.com.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10.
Where: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham.
What's on the menu: Food truck fare from Cantina on Wheels, NOLA Ice, Melt, Off the Hook, Slice, Dreamcakes, Repicci's Italian Ice and Greg's Hot Dogs.
What else: Free admission to the museum included with your ticket.
How much: $25 at the gate, includes five $3 food tickets.
Find out more at: www.facebook.com/events.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18.
Where: Levite Jewish Community Center, 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham.
What's on the menu: Pulled chicken and brisket plates and sandwiches, plus sides, desserts and drinks.
What else: Celebrity judges will select the best barbecue chicken, brisket, baked beans and booth décor in the kosher barbecue competition and festival-goers will vote for the People's Choice Award. Plus a kids' zone and a pickle-eating contest.
How much: Admission is free, food and drinks priced separately.
Find out more at: www.whenpigsflykosherbbq.com.
When: 1 to 9 p.m. May 31.
Where: DeBardeleban Park, 1623 Second Ave. North, Bessemer.
What's on the menu: Barbecue plates and sandwiches from Bob Sykes BarB-Q, of course.
What else: Blues music from Lenny Madden, the J.K. Terrell Experience, Josh Garrett Band, Claudette King and Mr. Sipp.
How much: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate; children 12 and under free.
Find out more at: www.bobsykesblues.com.