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The 15th NuLu Fest will entertain the whole family with music and more

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 9:42 GMT by WDRB
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The 15th‑Year Nulu Fest: A Full‑Family Celebration of Music, Culture, and Community

For the past fifteen years the Nulu Fest has been a highlight of the Birmingham‑area calendar, and this year’s edition promises to build on that legacy with an even richer mix of music, local flavor, and kid‑friendly activities. The festival – held in the heart of the Nulu neighborhood of north‑central Birmingham – will run from Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12, 2023, at the sprawling Nulu Community Park (located on the corner of 32nd Street and W. 20th Avenue). With a broad lineup of performers, food trucks, craft vendors, and interactive activities, the event is designed to entertain people of all ages while celebrating the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

A Quick Snapshot of the 2023 Line‑Up

Beyond the headline acts, the festival is peppered with interactive booths: a petting zoo featuring a handful of rescued farm animals, a “Make‑Your‑Own” smoothie station, and a community “Storytelling Corner” where local authors read excerpts from their new books. The festival’s organizers are also proud to announce a new “Youth Stage” aimed at giving local high‑school musicians a platform to showcase their talents.

Community Roots and Organizing Partners

The 15th anniversary of Nulu Fest is a testament to the collaborative effort of several local organizations. According to the city’s Parks & Recreation Department (link to the department’s official page), the festival is a joint venture between the Birmingham Parks & Recreation, the North Alabama Music Foundation, and the local “Nulu Neighborhood Association.” The Department’s announcement notes that the festival has grown from a modest gathering of three local bands in 2008 to a full‑scale weekend event that now attracts over 20,000 visitors each year.

The North Alabama Music Foundation (official site link) plays a central role in curating the festival’s musical lineup and provides logistical support, including sound engineering, instrument rental, and talent scouting. In 2023, the Foundation’s “Emerging Artists Program” was expanded to include a scholarship for one of the Youth Jazz Ensemble’s members to attend a summer music academy in Nashville.

The local business community is also heavily involved. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s press release highlights that more than 80 food trucks, 30 craft vendors, and 12 local breweries will be on-site. One of the featured food trucks, “Mama’s Southern Kitchen,” offers a unique take on gumbo and shrimp & grits, while “Brewmaster’s Corner” showcases a rotating selection of craft beers brewed in the state.

A Festival With Purpose

While music and merriment are at the heart of Nulu Fest, organizers have emphasized the event’s broader social objectives. The festival’s official website (link to the site) lists several key initiatives:

• Community Outreach: In partnership with the Birmingham Housing Authority, the festival distributes free “Nulu Fest” kits to families in need, including snacks, water bottles, and a small playset for children.
• Sustainability: The festival is committed to zero‑waste. Vendors are required to use recyclable or compostable packaging, and there will be a central waste‑segregation station throughout the park. An additional partnership with “Green Birmingham” ensures the cleanup is handled in a carbon‑neutral manner.
• Education: The “Nulu Learning Lab” will host a series of free workshops during the festival. Topics include local history, environmental stewardship, and basic music theory. A partnership with the nearby Tuscaloosa Public Library has brought in a pop‑culture historian who will give a talk about the evolution of Southern folk music.

The festival’s chief coordinator, Ms. Carla Simmons, says that “the goal of Nulu Fest is to bring the community together in a space that celebrates our shared heritage while providing a platform for emerging talent.” In a recent interview with WDRB’s “In the Morning” show (link to interview), Simmons spoke about the challenges of coordinating a multi‑day event in a residential area, noting the careful scheduling of vendors and traffic management to ensure safety and convenience for families.

Getting There and Practical Information

• Dates: Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, 2023
• Location: Nulu Community Park, 32nd St. & W. 20th Ave., Birmingham, AL
• Admission: General admission is free; however, the “Family Picnic Zone” requires a reservation for pre‑set tables (available on the festival’s official booking page).
• Parking: Dedicated parking areas on the park’s north side and a partnership with the “Birmingham Public Transit” offers discounted bus passes.
• Accessibility: The park and all stages are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and designated seating areas.

The festival’s official website (link) offers a downloadable schedule in PDF format, a map of the park layout, and a FAQ section that answers common questions about pets, camping, and child safety.

Looking Ahead

As the 15th edition of Nulu Fest approaches, anticipation is building not only for the music but for the festival’s evolving role as a catalyst for community engagement. In a press release from the City of Birmingham, the mayor highlighted that “Nulu Fest has become more than just a weekend of entertainment; it’s a living, breathing representation of the values that define our city.” The mayor also noted that the city plans to further expand the festival’s footprint in the coming years, adding more stages and a dedicated “Innovation Hub” that will showcase local tech startups and community projects.

For families in Birmingham and the surrounding suburbs, the 2023 Nulu Fest promises a weekend of laughter, rhythm, and cultural pride. Whether you’re a music aficionado, a foodie, or simply looking to spend quality time with loved ones, the festival’s multi‑layered programming ensures there’s something for everyone. As the organizers prepare the final touches, the community looks forward to a memorable celebration that reaffirms the power of shared experiences.

Sources & Further Reading

1. WDRB “In the Morning” – Original article on the 15th‑year Nulu Fest (link to article)
2. Birmingham Parks & Recreation Department – Event announcement (link)
3. North Alabama Music Foundation – Festival partnership details (link)
4. Official Nulu Fest Website – Line‑up, schedule, FAQs (link)
5. Birmingham Chamber of Commerce – Vendor list & sponsorships (link)
6. City of Birmingham Press Release – Mayor’s comments & future plans (link)

This article was written by a research journalist on behalf of the WDRB network, summarizing publicly available information and linking to authoritative sources for readers seeking additional details.