The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa Set to Host Back to School Bash and TuscArts OnStage Season Reveal

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will kick off its 2026–2027 season during First Friday on Aug. 7, 2026, with events at both the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center and the Historic Bama Theatre.

The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center will host a Back to School Bash from 5 to 7 p.m., connecting families with local organizations, nonprofits and businesses offering programs, classes and services for the upcoming school year. Vendors will provide information about educational resources, extracurricular activities and community programs. The event also includes live music, raffle giveaways and a preview of the Cultural Arts Center's upcoming workshops and classes.

Down the sidewalk, the Historic Bama Theatre will open its doors from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a public open house celebrating the launch of the 2026–27 TuscArts OnStage season. The evening's highlight is the unveiling of the upcoming performing arts season at 7 p.m. Guests can preview the lineup, enjoy complimentary popcorn, purchase concessions from the Bama Bar and explore the historic theatre.

Several exhibits will be on display throughout the evening, including the history of the Bama Theatre, opportunities to support the arts, recognition of Arts Council sponsors and the debut of Stars of the Arts Council, the organization's new donor recognition program. Visitors can also enter raffles for season tickets and Bama Theatre merchandise, take photos at a themed photo booth, enjoy a children's coloring station and join guided tours of the historic venue.

Both events are free and open to the public, offering families, arts supporters and community members an opportunity to discover programs, performances and resources available throughout the coming year.

Back to School Bash

Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center | 5–7 p.m.

• Community Vendors — Local organizations, nonprofits and businesses sharing programs, classes and services for the school year
• Live Music — Entertainment throughout the event
• Raffle Giveaways — Prizes for attendees
• Program Preview — A look at the Cultural Arts Center's upcoming workshops and classes

TuscArts OnStage Season Reveal

Historic Bama Theatre | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

• Season Unveiling — 7 p.m., a first look at the 2026–27 performing arts lineup
• Complimentary Popcorn — Provided throughout the evening
• Bama Bar Concessions — Available for purchase
• Theatre Tours — Guided tours of the historic venue

Exhibits and Activities

• Bama Theatre History Exhibit — A look back at the venue's legacy
• Support the Arts — Information on giving opportunities
• Sponsor Recognition — Honoring Arts Council sponsors
• Stars of the Arts Council — Debut of the organization's new donor recognition program
• Raffles — Season tickets and Bama Theatre merchandise
• Photo Booth — Themed photo opportunities
• Coloring Station — Activities for children

Location and Information

The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center is located at 620 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL. The Historic Bama Theatre is located at 600 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL. Both events are free and open to the public.

The box office can be reached by phone at 205-758-5195. More information is available online at tuscarts.org.

For more information about The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons can follow and like "The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center" on Facebook and Instagram @tuscaloosaartscouncil.