Here are nine of the biggest events coming to Montgomery in 2024

Through the years, it’s often been said that there’s nothing to do in Montgomery. Those who think that must not be looking because we’ve got a ton of music, food, arts, action and more here — everything from whitewater adventure to smooth sailing down the Alabama River.

There’s simply too much to list it all, but with the dawn of 2024 it’s time to look at nine of the major upcoming happenings Montgomery has to offer:

‘Blues in the Night’ kicks off 2024 for ASF

• When: Feb. 8-March 3

• Where: Alabama Shakespeare Festival

• Info: Four shows remain from the 2023/24 season that began in the fall with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “A Christmas Carol,” and ASF’s first production of 2024 with a story that dives into the essence of blues music. “Blues in the Night” is a Tony-nominated musical packed with 26 “hot and torchy” songs from Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox, and more. Three women have a sweet, sexy and sorrowful relationship with a “lying, cheating snake of a man.”

• Also in 2024:  Three other shows have already been announced for this year by ASF: “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” on April 18-24; “Zelda in the Backyard” on June 13-30; and “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on July 11-Aug. 11. There’s much more to come in the fall that hasn’t been announced yet.

• Get tickets: Call the box office at 334-271-5353 or visit asf.net

Shen Yun at MPAC

• When: Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. (Get there early, because it starts on time)

• Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

• Info: Shen Yun is an uplifting, inspiring and exciting revival of 5,000 years of Chinese culture, in a time before communism. It’s a blend of Chinese dance by award-winning artists, amazing animated backdrops, and original works from a full orchestra. This is a true night out, so leave the little ones (ages 4 and younger) with a sitter and come dressed in business attire or evening wear.

• Cost: Tickets range from $83 to $183

• Also at MPAC in 2024: There are many amazing performances already scheduled this year at MPAC — John Waite on Feb. 17, The Celtic Woman 20^th Anniversary Tour on Feb. 25, The Oak Ridge Boys Fairwell Tour on March 2, Travis Tritt on March 9, Melissa Etheridge on April 17, The Guess Who on April 21, Bonnie Raitt on May 2, Buddy Guy on July 24, and much more.

• Get tickets: mpaconline.org

• More info: shenyun.com/montgomery/montgomery-performing-arts-centre

SLE Rodeo

• When: Events throughout March, with main rodeo happening March 15-17

• Where: Garrett Coliseum

• Info: It’s the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, but everyone knows it by SLE. The official dates for the rodeo — with a “Concert on the Dirt,” and action from roping, riding and bullfighting — is March 15-17. However, the fun starts as early as March 2 with the Miss SLE Rodeo Pageant. There’s also the 9^th annual SLE Livestock Judging Contest on March 6, and several days of youth activities. Just before the main rodeo kicks off, a wagon train will roll into Montgomery, and there’s always a downtown parade. This year’s rodeo clown and entertainer is Ronald Burton, who is nationally known and has more than 20 years of experience.

• Tickets and more info: slerodeo.com

Beyond the Horizon Air & Space Show

• When: April 6-7, gates open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Where: Maxwell Air Force Base

• Info: Here’s your chance to see the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, U.SD. Army Golden Angels Parachute Team, and the F-16 Viper Demo Team in action, up in the sky above Montgomery. Meanwhile, you can get up close to aircraft history with static displays on the ground at Maxwell AFB. There’s a STEM Expo, and they’ll have activities the whole family can enjoy.

• Cost: Free parking and free admission

• Learn more: maxwell.af.mil/Beyond-the-Horizon

Montgomery Biscuits home opener

• When: April 9-14

• Where: Riverwalk Stadium

• Info: Montgomery’s Minor League Baseball team starts its 2024 season on the road

• April 5-7 in Biloxi, but get ready for the fun and action as they open at home starting

• April 9 against visiting Pensacola. Along with all the action on the field, the season always holds fun theme nights, games, food specials and giveaways. The Biscuits are a Double-A affiliate of the Tamp Bay Rays. So show up and cheer these amazing athletes on for their home opener, and come back for more all season long.

• Get tickets: milb.com/montgomery

Flimp Festival

• When: April 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Where: John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

• Info: You know spring is here when MMFA presents its explosion of artistic expression, the annual Flimp Festival. This is simply an amazing outdoor artistic experience for families and children. There are games, music, art-making activities, and food vendors.

• Cost: Free

• Learn more: mmfa.org/event/flimp-festival-2024

Hog Days of Summer BBQ & Music Festival

• When: Aug. 24

• Where: Union Station Train Shed in downtown Montgomery

• Info: Every year, the Druids Charity Club transforms the Train Shed into a cathedral of barbecue and music, with a whole lot of fun for kids also. The Druids work with Hogs for the Cause and other local charities.

• Tickets and info: https://www.hogdays.org/

Alabama National Fair

• When: Oct. 4-13

• Where: Fairgrounds at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum

• Info: Attractions, rides, fair food, music, contests, and maybe a shot at some cash — there’s a reason why the Alabama National Fair is known as “The 10 Best Days of Fall.” There’s always some special surprises with this mega event, which is always presented by the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery. Stay tuned in the months ahead for all the fair’s announcements.

• Learn more: https://alnationalfair.org/

11th anniversary Camellia Bowl

• When: Sometime in December

• Where: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery

• Info: There are a lot of unknowns about this one, since we’ve still got to go through a whole season of college football just to figure out who is going to play in 2024 and get the exact date. What we do know is that local officials and businesses poured a lot of effort into making Montgomery a very welcoming place for the 2023 season visiting Arkansas State and Northern Illinois that poured into the city for a pre-Christmas game. They’ve realized fans need things to do the night before the ESPN televised game. There’s a lot to live up to in 2024, but we’re sure they won’t fumble the ball.

• Learn more: camelliabowl.com

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Nine ways to play in Montgomery for 2024