TUSK CALENDAR: Who's playing and what's happening

This week in West Alabama, Nov. 23-29, Holidays on the Plaza opens for ice-skating Friday, and its Tinsel Trail Monday; Chuck's Fish serves its annual Thanksgiving Day feast, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa; and other restaurants offer holiday service.

MUSIC

FRIDAY

Judd Cameron: 6-9 p.m., The Venue Tuscaloosa. www.venuetuscaloosa.com/events.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY

Metro Diner: Open for table service Thanksgiving Day, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Midtown Village.

The Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl: Serving Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m.-12:50 at 1711 23rd Ave., Tuscaloosa. To donate, or volunteer time, see www.tuscaloosasoupbowl.com/get-involved, or call 205-752-2421.

Chuck's Fish Thanksgiving Day feast: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., either dine-in or to take away, at 508 Greensboro Ave. No charge, but donations are encouraged, going to Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa. No reservations; arrive early as possible, as lines can form at peak times. www.chucksfish.com/location/chucks-fish-tuscaloosa.

Sitar of India Thanksgiving: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sitar of India's Thanksgiving buffet, featuring Tandoori Turkey. Tandoori's a cylindrical clay oven where marinated meats are grilled over wood fire, or charcoal, resulting in a smoky, juicy flavor. Sitar will also be open for regular dinner menu that night, from 5-9:30 p.m., at 220 15th St E. www.sitaroftuscaloosa.com.

Side by Side Kitchen and Cocktails: Book in advance through www.sidebysidekitchen.com, Embassy Suites Hilton, 2410 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Alamite's Forté Cuts & Cocktails Thanksgiving Day family-style prix fixe menu: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., with a choice of French onion soup or Caesar salad; prime rib or rosemary rotisserie chicken; two sides from sweet potato gratin, almandine green beans, smashed potatoes, and roasted heirloom carrots; and either Forté Cheesecake, or Crème brûlée for dessert. Make reservations via Resy: www.resy.com/cities/tus/forte-cuts-and-cocktails. Parties of eight or more should contact the sales department, via email at dvisconti@thealamite.com.

Thanksgiving Potluck: Druid City Brewing Co., 700 14th Street in Parkview Plaza, pay-what-you-can. The DCBC provides protein, and guests are encouraged to bring sides. Mystery music performance included. Proceeds will go to benefit Tuscaloosa One Place.

FRIDAY

Black Friday Geek Shopping Experience: 9 a.m., Treasure Quest Comics, Toys and Collectibles, 412 22nd Ave., Northport. Free comics, cards and cookies, along with sale items.

Holidays on the Plaza opens: Outdoor ice-skating rink, 10 a.m., Government Plaza, 618 21st Ave., downtown Tuscaloosa. Runs through the holiday season, and into the new year. Schedule, prices and more at www.holidaysontheplaza.com/calendar.

SATURDAY

No. 8 Alabama at Auburn: Kickoff 2:30 p.m. at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn. Broadcast on CBS. Streaming through www.fubo.tv.

MONDAY

11th Annual Tinsel Trail grand opening: 5:30-7 p.m., free, Government Plaza. Holiday music, refreshments, Santa and more during opening ro the festival of decorated trees, a fund-raiser for Tuscaloosa One Place.

This Could Be You: Comedy show with open-mic, 8-11 p.m., Black Warrior Brewing Co., 2216 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa. Signup at 7:30. Hosted by Stand-Up Tuscaloosa and Compton Smith.

WEDNESDAY

Nurse Black: 8 p.m., Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. N., Birmingham. Tickets, and up, through www.ticketmaster.com. www.alabamatheatre.com.

UPCOMING

NOV. 30: All is Bright celebration, 6-8 p.m., free, Midtown Village, family-friendly holiday event on the green. All proceeds from will go to the Disabled American Veterans. Performance by Tuscaloosa Community Dancers, Christmas tree lighting, music from DJ, joined by Santa at 7:30 p.m. for a sing-along celebration.

DEC. 1-2: Eighth Annual Eight by Eight Art Show, Drish House, 2300 17th St., Tuscaloosa. Artists submit works measuring 8 by 8 inches, retailing for $88 each, along with other artworks at varying size and price. Artists are often asked to donate work for fundraisers and special events; this show is to support the artists, with 100 percent of sales going directly to them. The show will be 6-8 p.m. Friday Dec. 1, and noon-2 p.m. Saturday Dec. 2. Artists will visit, and there'll be food vendors, activities for kids, and a hot chocolate stand. Suggested donation $5. www.eightxeight.art.

DEC. 4: 47th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade, "A Hometown Christmas," and county courthouse tree lighting, free and family-friendly. Tree lighting at 5:15; parade begins at 6:30, featuring floats, walking groups, marching bands, horse groups, and decorated vehicles.

DEC. 5: Dickens Downtown, 5-8 p.m., downtown Northport. The free, family-friendly event is a Victorian-style Christmas celebration inspired by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The event will include decorated storefronts, costumed performers, an appearance by Father Christmas, snow machines, a tree lighting and more.

DEC. 7-10: Tuscaloosa Community Dancers will perform "The Nutcracker," at the Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Ave. www.tuscaloosadancers.com.

DEC. 9: Christmas Afloat, Black Warrior River. Lighted boat parade beginning after dark, with a route between the Woolsey Finnell and Wallace bridges, and back again. Fireworks at the conclusion.

DEC. 10: Holiday Singalong, caroling in Capitol Park, free and family-friendly, returns after pandemic-driven hiatus. 1-2:30 p.m., with lyrics, song leaders and accompaniment provided.

DEC. 11: "Home for the Holidays," 7 p.m., tickets $30 to $40 (students free), Moody Concert Hall, UA campus, concert featuring the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Choir School, UA Choral Department and Tuscaloosa Community Dancers. www.tsoonline.org.

DEC. 21-22: Holiday movies at the Bama Theatre. "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch" (2018), rated PG, one hour 25 minutes, 2 p.m. Dec. 21; "The Santa Clause (1994), rated PG, one hour 37 minutes, 7 p.m. Dec. 21; "The Polar Express" (2004), rated G, one hour 40 minutes, 6 p.m. Dec. 22. For the "Santa Clause" showing, patrons can also buy a Golden Ticket, $20 per child, that include a kids' popcorn and drink, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the movie. Accompanying adults for children with Golden Tickets will only need to purchase a regular admission ticket. For each showing, the doors, box office and Bama Bar and concessions open an hour before screenings. Admission is $10 general, $9 for students and seniors, and $8 for Arts Council members. Season pass punch card tickets will be on sale for $70, good for any 10 films, in any upcoming series. The Bama Theatre is at 600 Greensboro Ave.

APRIL 18, 2024: Riley Green, Tracy Lawrence and Ella Langley, 7:30 p.m. Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, Tuscaloosa. Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com, and at the Amp box office, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway, for $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, and $39.50, plus fees and taxes.

APRIL 26, 2024 Travis Tritt, Chase Matthew, Frank Foster, 7 p.m., Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, Tuscaloosa. Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com, or at the amp's box office, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway in downtown Tuscaloosa, for $99.50, $79.50, $59.50 and $39.50.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: TUSK CALENDAR: Who's playing and what's happening