Your weekend plans are calling, Birmingham! Whether shopping Tax Free Weekend sales or checking out family-friendly festivals like I Love Irondale Day, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, see our guides below for more to experience across the city.
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
Weekend events in Birmingham at a glance: July 16–19
Birmingham events happening Thurs, July 16, 2026
1. RESTORE Games
- What: RESTORE Games returns for its third annual event bringing the spirit of the Olympics to Birmingham. During the day, you can expect Olympic-themed games and activities, music by DJ Babyface, giveaways + prizes, a community resource village and more.
- When: Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10AM–3PM
- Where: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
2. Christopher Collection’s 5th Anniversary
- What: Christopher Collection celebrates its fifth anniversary with a French-inspired soirée on Thursday, July 16. Along with bites, sips and live music, you’ll get a first look at the store’s newest arrivals from France.
- When: Thurs, July 16, 2026 from 4PM–7PM
- Where: Christopher Collection, 2913 Linden Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
3. RAMPEDup Closing Time Connections
- What: Looking to network in Birmingham? Plan to attend this meetup with RAMP Real Estate. This gathering promises no awkward introductions, sales pitches or structured schedule. Just grab a drink from The Mayor’s bar, meet some great people and stay as little or as long as you’d like.
- When: Thurs, July 16, 2026 at 4PM–8PM
- Where: The Mayor Bar, 2808 7th Ave S, Ste 109, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
- What: Grab your bike for a community ride in Pelham. Open to all ages and skill levels, this is your chance to join a supportive group while having a blast. Don’t forget to bring a bike, helmet and lights for when it gets dark.
- When: Thurs, July 16, 2026 at 5:30PM–8:30PM
- Where: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124 (Meet at South Trailhead parking lot.)
- Cost: Free
- More details
5. East Lake Trample with Redemptive Cycle
- What: Pull on those bike shorts, Birmingham—Redemptive Cycles’ annual ride to East Lake is on Thursday, July 16. The trample will stretch to around 17 miles, so you’ll want to come prepared with plenty of water and any other provisions you may need to ride your best.
- When: Thurs, July 16, 2026 at 6PM
- Where: Meet at Redemptive Cycles, 906 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: Free
- More details
6. Echoes of the 1950s: Experimental Works Inspired by a Transformative Decade
- What: Did you know 2026 marks the Birmingham Museum of Art’s 75th anniversary? As part of its yearlong celebration, the museum is hosting a special event featuring experimental short films, visual works and original live musical scores by Ryan Hora, Paul Cordes Wilm, Sarah Marie Orr and Byron Sonnier. Stick around after the screenings for a special conversation led by film scholar and Substrate Radio’s Sleep in Cinema co-host Gareth Jones and the exhibit’s featured artists.
- When: Thurs, July 16, 2026 from 6PM–7:30PM
- Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: Member Price: Free | Non-Member Price: $10
- More details
Birmingham events happening Fri, July 17, 2026
7. Complimentary Tasting: Hoover Steaks & Wines
- What: Free wine? Count us in! Visit Hoover Steaks & Wines on Friday, July 17 for a complimentary tasting and discounts on the lineup. No RSVP is needed.
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026 from 4:30PM–6:30PM
- Where: Hoover Steaks & Wines, 5868 Elsie Rd, Hoover, AL 35244
- Cost: Free admission + tasting
- More details
8. Vegan Dinner
- What: Join Birmingham Vegans at Magic Wok for a delicious meal and to meet fellow vegans in the area.
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026 from 6PM–8PM
- Where: Magic Wok, 401 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Meal price based on menu items
- More details
9. The Princess Bride
- What: Looking for a fun night out? “As you wish.” The Princess Bride is coming to the big screen at Birmingham’s historic Alabama Theatre on Friday, July 17, and you won’t want to miss out. Grab your friends, settle in with some popcorn and relive the laughs, romance and adventure that have made this film a timeless classic.
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026 at 7PM
- Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $12.77
- More details
10. The Reflex – A Tribute to Duran Duran (special guest Lips Like Sugar)
- What: The ’80s are calling your name, Birmingham! Head to The Gateway in Trussville on Friday, July 17, to catch Duran Duran tribute band The Reflex performing fan favorites like “Girls on Film” and “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Whether you’re dancing, singing along or just soaking up the nostalgic vibes, it’s the perfect excuse to relive one of music’s most iconic decades. Don’t forget your Aqua Net!
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026 from 7PM–9PM
- Where: The Gateway, Trussville, 101 Beech St Suite111, Trussville, AL 35173
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
11. Summer Spirits Real Ghost Hunt
- What: If spooky season can’t come soon enough, this event’s for you. On Friday, July 17, the Southern Ghost Girls host an after-hours ghost hunt at Arlington House. This is your chance to explore the historic mansion, learn about its storied past and reported paranormal activity and even use real paranormal investigation equipment for a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026 from 7PM–10:30PM
- Where: Arlington Historic House, 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
- Cost: $47.19
- More details
Birmingham events happening Fri, July 17, 2026–Sat, July 18, 2026
12. Fast & Loose Florals with Lucy Thomas
- What: Release your creativity during this two-day workshop with local artist Lucy Thomas. You’ll learn the basics of the Negative Shape Painting technique, tips on color + composition of still life + floral paintings and more. Lunch will be provided on Saturday, July 18.
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026–Sat, July 18, 2026 | 10AM–4PM
- Where: Forstall Art Center, 215 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $300 | Supplies not included in registration fee
- More details
Birmingham Events: July 17–July 19, 2026
13. World Deer Expo
- What: From top outdoor gear to nonstop country hits, don’t miss this three-day expo, July 17–19 in Birmingham. The World Deer Expo takes over the BJCC with hunting gear, outfitters, competitions, giveaways and family-friendly fun across multiple exhibition halls.
- World Deer Expo details:
14. Birmingham Barons vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
- What: See the Birmingham Barons go head to head against the Rocket City Trash Pandas for a full weekend of must-see action at Regions Field.
- When: Fri, July 17, 2026–Sun, July 19, 2026
- Fri, July 17, 2026 at 7PM
- Sat, July 18, 2026 at 6:30PM
- Sun, July 19, 2026 at 2:05PM
- Where: Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Varies by seat
- More details
Birmingham events happening Sat, July 18, 2026
15. Mountain Brook Market Day
- What: Saturday, July 18 is the 25th Mountain Brook Market Day and Sales Tax Free Weekend. Shop stores at Mountain Brook Village and Lane Park for a full day of sales and promotions with many stores offering up to 70% off. Don’t miss out on back-to-school essentials, seasonal finds and more.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 at 9AM
- Where: Mountain Brook Village, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
16. Itty Bitty Bakers Bake Sale benefiting Community Food Bank of Alabama
- What: Itty Bitty Bakers will set up shop at Veteran’s Park on Saturday, July 18 for a day of sweet treats and a good cause. Purchase a variety of goodies from peanut butter cookies to orange roll cupcakes with proceeds supporting the Community Food Bank of Alabama. Have a dog at home? There will be treats for them, too! Can’t attend the event? Donate here.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 9:30AM–12PM
- Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Rd, Meadowbrook, AL 35242
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
17. Sustainable Saturdays with Bib & Tucker Sew-Op
- What: Learn to repair knit garments while helping reduce textile waste in creative ways and keeping textiles out of landfills. This free workshop is led by Kyoka Akers, owner of Koko’s Originals and Koko Kreates and co-founder of Birmingham’s knitting group Hookers in the Park. Akers will guide students on practical techniques for repairing common issues in knitted and crocheted items like fixing holes, picking up dropped stitches and reinforcing worn areas.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 11AM–2PM
- Where: Bib & Tucker Sew-Op, 7001 Crestwood Blvd Ste 806, Birmingham, AL 35210
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
18. Summerween Art Festival
- What: For some family-friendly fun near Birmingham, head to The Regional Library and Arts Center in Warrior for a Summerween Art Festival. The afternoon will feature 50+ vendors, food trucks, live music, permanent jewelry and more for all ages to enjoy.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 1PM–5PM
- Where: The Regional Library and Arts Center, 140 Cane Creek Rd, Warrior, AL 35180
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
19. Block in Bloom
- What: Join District 8 Councilor Sonja Smith and The Flourish Alabama for this free event in Ensley. There will be fun for all ages with live music, art, food, workshops and community. Bonus: Pets are allowed, so bring them along.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 at 2PM
- Where: 602 19th Street Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
20. Alabama’s First 205 Day Festival
- What: Celebrate all things Birmingham at 205 Day, a family-friendly festival at Sloss Furnaces featuring live DJs, line dancing, local vendors, food trucks and Magic City community pride.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 2PM–8PM
- Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost:
- Ages 13+: $39.19
- Kids ages 3 and under: Free admission
- Kids ages 4–12: $25.31
- More details
21. Girls Rock Camp 2026 Showcase
- What: Rock your heart out as the incredible bands of Girls Rock Birmingham summer camp perform their original songs during this exciting showcase. Grab some merch and bid in the silent auction while you’re there to help support Girls Rock Birmingham’s local music programs. The bar at Saturn will also be open for those ages 21+.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 at 3PM
- Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
22. I Love Irondale Day
- What: Get ready for the City of Irondale’s annual event featuring a family-friendly festival experience with interactive activities, food trucks and an epic drone show you won’t want to miss!
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 3PM–6PM
- Where: Irondale City Hall, 101 20th St S, Irondale, AL 35210
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
23. Movies on the Mountain: Space Jam
- What: Break out the lawn chairs and shake out those picnic blankets—Movies on the Mountain is returning to Vulcan Park & Museum for a summer movie night with one of the best views in town. On Saturday, July 18, spend the evening watching an iconic ’90s favorite guaranteed to be a slam dunk: Space Jam. Leashed dogs are welcome, too!
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 at 8PM
- Where: Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Cost:
- Nonmembers: $10
- Member price: $8
- Children under 5: Free admission
- More details + purchase tickets
24. Travolta – A Tribute to Studio 54 + more
- What: Break out the bell bottoms and dancing shoes! TRAVOLTA brings the ultimate Studio 54 tribute at Ferus Artisan Ales at The Gateway in Trussville with disco hits from the ’70s and the greatest pop song favorites of all time from artists like Michael Jackson, Prince and Lionel Richie.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 7PM–9PM
- Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St, Ste 111, Trussville, AL 35173
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
25. Steel City Legacy Gala
- What: Gussy up for a night of celebration, style and impact at the Steel City Legacy Gala at WorkPlay. This red carpet event features live entertainment, silent auctions, luxury raffles, scholarship giveaways, grant presentations and special guests—all for one epic night.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026 from 8PM–12AM
- Where: WorkPlay, 500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Standard ticket: $75 | VIP Gala Experience: $150 | Platinum Pass: $225
- More details
Birmingham events happening Sat, July 18–Sun, July 19, 2026
26. 2026 Magic City Games (Finals)
- What: Get ready for an action-packed weekend as hundreds of athletes head to Birmingham for the 2026 Magic City Games Championship. The event brings together top individual competitors and teams who qualified earlier this year to battle it out in a series of intense functional fitness challenges, like weightlifting and powerlifting, metabolic conditioning, short-to-mid distance runs + rucking challenges and more.
- When: Sat, July 18, 2026–Sun, July 19, 2026 | Begins each day at 8AM
- Where: Bill Harris Arena, 2340 Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208
- Cost:
- 1 day Spectator Ticket: $15
- Full Weekend Pass: $25
- More details
Birmingham events happening Sun, July 19, 2026
27. King of Cade Tournament
- What: Think you have what it takes to be crowned King of Cade? Head to Up-Down Bar in Birmingham’s Southside on Sunday, July 19 for the biggest arcade tournament of the year. Players will go head-to-head across games throughout the building in a double-elimination showdown, with prizes on the line every round. Keep winning to stay alive and claim the crown! Must be 21+ to attend.
- When: Sun, July 19, 2026 at 1PM
- Where: Up-Down Bar, 113 13th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
28. Houseplant Swap
- What: Have too many plants at home, or looking for a new variety? This event lets you swap cuttings, trade plants and connect with fellow plant lovers in Birmingham. It’s the perfect time to share tips, pick up a new leafy friend and grow your houseplant collection.
- When: Sun, July 19 at 2PM
- Where: Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
29. The Vampire Lestat Finale
- What: Rock and roll meets vampires at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema with an epic watch party featuring the season finale of The Vampire Lestat, followed by Vampire Lestat: After Dark. Enjoy glam rock vibes, themed cocktails, door prizes and surprise giveaways. Vampire and goth-inspired outfits are encouraged! Seating is first come, first served—reservations are recommended.
- When: Sun, July 19, 2026 at 8PM
- Where: Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
Continuing events in Birmingham
30. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” [DISCOUNT CODE] — LAST WEEKEND!
- What: An undersea adventure awaits you at Red Mountain Theatre with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” This special production features all your favorite characters (including Ariel, of course!), upbeat songs, dazzling costumes and a spectacular stage set that brings this beloved story to life. Bonus: All ages will enjoy it!
- When: Now–July 19, 2026 | Times vary by show date
- Where: Red Mountain Theatre’s Cromwell Theatre, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: $40+ | Discounts for children ages 2–12 | Get $7 off your ticket with discount code NOWSAVE7
- More details
31. Whitman, Alabama art experience
- What: Got a layover or heading through town? Catch this free, impactful film installation by artist Jennifer Crandall at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. The exhibit features everyday Alabamians sharing stories through the words of Walt Whitman.
- When: Open now
- Where: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, 5900 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Cost: Free
- More details
32. Dino Safari at the Birmingham Zoo
- What: Life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs have taken over the Birmingham Zoo—and they’ll be sticking around until November 1! That’s plenty of time for you and your crew to go on a wild adventure filled with interactive experiences and prehistoric fun. When you visit, expect 23 life-sized robotic dinosaurs that move, breathe and roar, fun Dino facts from dedicated dino guides and more.
- Fun fact: Did you know the Birmingham Zoo was named the #1 attraction in the city?
- When: Now–Nov. 1, 2026
- Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Cost: Included in general admission to the Birmingham Zoo
- Adults: $24
- Seniors (60+), Military/First Responders/College Students: $20
- More event details
33. Survival of the Slowest (special exhibit)
- What: A real sloth now at McWane Science Center! Survival of the Slowest is bringing live animal encounters and interactive fun that show how being a little bit slower than most (or a bit unusual) can be a superpower in the wild. Bonus: This exhibit is for all ages, so bring the whole family and spend the day exploring.
- When: Now–Dec. 2026
- New summer hours until August 9, 2026
- Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM
- Sat 10AM–5PM
- Sun 12–5PM
- New summer hours until August 9, 2026
- Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: General admission to McWane
- More details
34. Revolutionary Roots: Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History + Natural Beauty
- What: Vulcan Park & Museum is honoring America’s 250th by spotlighting Alabama changemakers—past and present—who helped shape the state and country. From Calvin McGhee and Carrie Tuggle to Virginia Durr, Clyde Foster, Ashley M. Jones and Dr. Carlos E. Alemán, the display highlights powerful stories that are often overlooked. It all comes together around a striking tree installation that shows just how deep Alabama’s roots run.
- When: Now–Jan. 2027
- Sun–Thurs 10AM–8PM
- Fri–Sat 10AM–9PM
- Where: Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Cost: $8
- More details
Birmingham events coming soon
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.