BRRmingham Blast is the Birmingham Shopping District’s all new community event.
By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published January 23, 2024
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Shopping District is introducing an all-new community event 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. The BRRmingham Blast is a free event that will include a zip line, food trucks, activities and more.
For the free BRRmingham Blast, the community can gather along South Old Woodward Avenue, between Maple Road and Brown Street.
“The Birmingham Shopping District is constantly looking for new opportunities to bring the local community together and new visitors to downtown Birmingham,” Birmingham Shopping District Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Erika Bassett said. “This event is a fun way for us to kick off the new year with food trucks, free entertainment and more.”
At BRRmingham Blast, the community will have the opportunity to try out the longest mobile zip line in Michigan, the “Fly Wire Zip Line.” This 300-foot-long zip line will be free to ride during the event. In order to ride, participants must weigh a minimum of 40 pounds and a maximum of 225 pounds, and be at least 6 years old.
Savory and sweet snacks will be available from food trucks at the event. A variety of items will be offered by Sushi Kabar, Famous Hamburgers, Pure Mitten BBQ, House of Mac, S’mores & Coffee, The Little Donut Factory, Pull On This Chimney Cakes and Motor City Pasty Co.
Motor City Pasty Co. sells six varieties of pasties. Their supplier is from the upper peninsula, so partner Keith Graboske said their pasties are the “real deal.”
Graboske said they have been known to bring their truck to the local and surrounding area.
Graboske said he hopes guests try the beef with rutabaga pasty, which they call the Minor’s Delight. More information on Motor City Pasty Co. can be found on Motorcitypasty.com.
At the event, the Birmingham Shopping District will be proving that roasting marshmallows is not just a summer activity. The community will be encouraged to gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows for free. Crafts for kids will also be at the event.
“Like many downtown events throughout the year, this new event is brought to the community courtesy of the Birmingham Shopping District, with free admission, entertainment and activities,” Bassett said. “When we host events, we want to make it easy and fun for the community to spend the day with us, to enjoy and explore our downtown. We hope that events like these encourage visitors to explore our unique local shops and restaurants while they are here.”
To get a break from the cold, there will be a warming tent with tables and chairs for people to enjoy their treats. Of course, there are also numerous dine-in options throughout downtown Birmingham. A list of downtown restaurants can be found at ALLINBirmingham.com/dine.
Downtown businesses will be open throughout the event as well with post-holiday sales and new 2024 merchandise. A full list of retailers can be found at ALLINBirmingham.com/shop.
“We want Birmingham to continue to be a place where the community can gather and enjoy all that our downtown has to offer,” Bassett said. “The new BRRmingham Blast event will take place along South Old Woodward Avenue in the heart of downtown, increasing visibility and foot traffic for our local businesses. January is a great time to shop post-holiday sales and new 2024 merchandise at many of our local and national retailers.”
For the first two hours, parking is free in all five of Birmingham’s municipal parking structures. Locations can be found at ALLINBirmingham.com/park.
For more information on the BRRmingham Blast, visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events.