Pelham Palooza returning to City Park with music, food and f…

By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Residents from across the area are invited to kick off the summer season at Pelham Palooza on Saturday, May 16, at Pelham City Park.

The free annual festival, hosted by the city of Pelham and its Parks and Recreation Department, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, children’s activities and community organizations from across the area.

“For readers who may be new to it, Pelham Palooza is one of Pelham’s favorite community celebrations,” said Alicia Walters, assistant director of Pelham Parks and Recreation. “It’s the perfect event to kick off summer in a fun festival atmosphere with activities for all ages.”

Festival organizers say this year’s event will continue to build on the momentum of previous city events, with new attractions and expanded offerings designed to create a full-day community experience.

“All of our community events are growing,” Walters said. “We’ve seen bigger crowds this season at events like Paws in the Park and Music at Park 124. We’re always trying to expand what we offer to the community.”

One of the biggest draws for this year’s festival will be its live entertainment lineup. Birmingham-based cover band The Negotiators will open the event from 10 a.m. to noon with a mix of rock, Motown, pop and Top 40 hits spanning multiple decades.

The afternoon will then transition into a high-energy performance from The M-80s, a Birmingham-based 1980s tribute band known for theatrical performances and classic MTV-era hits from artists like Bon Jovi, Madonna, Journey and Cyndi Lauper.

“This year’s festival will feature an exciting lineup of live music,” Walters said. “The M-80s are known for their authentic, theatrical live show and have a strong following across the Southeast.”

In addition to music, Pelham Palooza will feature a wide variety of food vendors and food trucks serving everything from barbecue and burgers to tacos, shaved ice and gourmet dessert pops.

Participating food vendors include El Compa, Frios Gourmet Pops, Kona Ice, Hit Different Barbeque and Grill, Orbit City Street Food and Sunshine Lemonade, among others.