An independent private school in Birmingham, Alabama
serving infants through 8th grade
Festival of Art and Culture 2026
The Festival of Art and Culture is more than a celebration — it is a carefully designed gathering for our community where student creativity and cultural exploration come alive. We gather to honor and elevate student artwork while intentionally inviting students and families into diverse cultural and artistic experiences they might not otherwise encounter. Through these shared experiences, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion, spark curiosity, and create meaningful connections and lasting memories for every Highlands School family. At the Festival, you’ll experience student artwork alongside interactive demonstrations, music, movement, global culinary elements, and collaborative art experiences — all designed to bring our community closer together.
Join us on Thursday, April 16, from 4:30PM to 6:30PM for an unforgettable celebration! This festival celebrates student artistry and expands our community’s cultural horizons through hands-on, shared experiences. By encountering new traditions and creative forms together, we strengthen our commitment to diversity, deepen our connection, and create lasting memories at Highlands School.
Parking & Shuttle Information
Parking on campus is restricted. Event attendees should park at The Church at GrantsMill (6001 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210) and take the Highlands School shuttle service to and from the event.
The first shuttle will begin at 4:00PM and the last shuttle will depart from the Highlands School campus at 6:30PM.
Community Invitation & Attendance
Highlands School welcomes members of the greater Birmingham community who are interested in learning more about the school to attend the Festival of Art and Culture. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of Highlands School and see what makes our school so special.
Advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, guests should email admissions@highlandsschool.org with their name and the number of attendees. (Please note: Current Highlands School families do not need a reservation to attend.)
Breads & Spreads
This year at our Festival of Art and Culture, we will taste Breads & Spreads from around the world. If your family would like to share a favorite sweet or savory bread or spread, we would love to try it and learn more about your traditions! Please know that while we welcome your participation, it is completely optional. Your presence at the event is most important to us.
Breads & SpreadsClick here to learn more about providing a bread or spread.
Schedule of Events
| 2:55PM - 4:30PM | Food Drop-Off & Set-Up |
| 4:00PM |
Shuttle Service Begins at The Church at GrantsMill |
| Upon Arrival |
Docent-Led Tours of Student Art |
| 4:30PM |
EDP & Family Center Close Family Experiences include: You will also have a chance to preview and reserve your copy of Roots and Recipes, a cookbook written and published by Highlands School 8th grader, Arnaav, featuring recipes from Highlands School families and friends. The cookbook is the culmination of his Capstone project! |
| 4:50PM | Welcome & Opening Contra Dance with Birmingham FOOTMAD Featuring 4th Grade Students |
|
5:00PM |
Breads & Spreads Tasting (located in the Blue Devil Bistro) |
| 5:15PM - 5:40PM |
Make Butter with Trace Barnett, founder of The Bitter Socialite |
| 5:45PM - 6:15PM | Braid Challah with Carole Griffin, founder of Continental Bakery |
| 6:15PM | Family Experiences Close |
| 6:20PM |
Closing Contra Dance with Birmingham FOOTMAD |
| 6:30PM | Event Ends Last Shuttle Departs |
History of the festival of art and culture
The Festival of Art and Culture is an annual event at Highlands School that evolved from our previous Country of Study Program. It is a means to further facilitate organic, authentic, thoughtful, and deeper integration of global studies into the curriculum. This approach provides the opportunity to include varying cultures and perspectives of our own Highlands School community members. The Festival of Art and Culture allows global studies to interweave with and connect to social-emotional learning and art. Art is a mirror and window into who we are individually and collectively (culture), and the student learning on display will be demonstrated through either visual art or language art.