10 events to have on your radar this October in Birmingham

Got the September blahs? Start planning ahead. We’ve rounded up the most absolutely-have-to attend events taking place around Birmingham this October.

1. BHM26.2 Half Marathon & 5K

Get ready to run, Birmingham. The BHM26.2 Half Marathon & 5K is back this year with a marathon, 5K and all-new fun run. 

This year’s event showcases Birmingham’s growth with a course that tours downtown, Homewood and Mountain Brook.

The celebration continues at the after party at Sloss Furnaces with a meal from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and to-go drinks from Cocoa-Cola and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

The best part? All proceeds from the event benefit Children’s of Alabama and Magic Moments, a wish-granting organization devoted exclusively to children in Alabama with chronic life-threatening illnesses. 

Where: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
When: Sunday, October 4
Time: Marathon – 7AM | 5K – 7:15AM
Price: Half Marathon – $85 | 5K – $35 | Kids Fun Run – FREE (Kids must be 14 and under. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 3 at 5PM
Register

2. Taste of Hoover

Celebrate a variety of culinary styles found throughout the city during this food-inspired event.

Taste of Hoover offers a sweet stroll through Aldridge Gardens and samples of delicious dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants, caterers and more. Distilled spirits, local beers and live entertainment are also on the menu. 

Check out some of the vendors:

• CakeEffect
• The Craft Burger
• Jimmy Johns
• Melt
• Tre Luna Catering; Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen
• Back Forty Beer
• Dread River Distillery

Ticket supply is low, so hurry and grab yours before this event is sold out!

Where: Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216
When: Thursday, October 8
Time: 5-8PM
Price: $45-$50
Tickets

3. Woodlawn Street Market

The Woodlawn Street Market is back October 10—and you won’t want to miss it.

Located in the heart of historic Woodlawn, you’ll find merchants seeking an exciting variety of fresh produce, on-site prepared foods, unique goods and so much more. There will beaucoup of live entertainment, too, so prepare for an awesome time.

Where: Woodlawn Street Market, 1 55th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35212
When: Saturday, October 10
Time: 10AM-4PM
Price: FREE

4. Running for the Bulls 5K & Fun Run

Love pit bulls and other bully breeds? Join Bama Bully Rescue on October 10 for the 2nd Annual Running for the Bulls 5K & Fun Run.

Your participation in this family-friendly event benefits Bama Bully Rescue’s mission to:

• Rescue bully breeds from shelters
• Promote spay/neuter
• Educate the public about the true nature of bully breed dogs

Where: Red Mountain Park, 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
When: Saturday, October 10
Time: Registration – 7:30AM | 5K – 9AM | 1M Fun Run – 9:15AM
Price: 5K – $30 until Oct. 1, $35 until Oct. 8 | Day of event – $40 | Sleep In Registration – $25 | Fun Run – FREE
Register

5. Beer Garden

Can’t wait for MOSS MAGIC taking place November 7-8? Then you’re going to love this! Due to COVID restrictions, Moss Rock Festival’s popular beer garden is merging into its very own event this year—a Beer Garden Trail. The event spotlights 15 area breweries on the cutting edge of the craft beer industry. 

Your ticket to the event includes:

• A coveted beer garden commemorative glass
• Entrance to MOSS MAGIC November 7-8
• The chance to sample 45+ craft brews from area breweries

Here are some of the many breweries participating in the event:

• Avondale Brewing Co. (Birmingham)
• Cahaba Brewing Co. (Birmingham)
• Goat Island Brewing Co. (Cullman)
• Good People Brewing Company (Birmingham)
• Interstellar Ginger Beer + Exploration (Alabaster)
• Siluria Brewing Co. (Alabaster)
• TrimTab Brewing Co. (Birmingham)
• Tallulah Brewing Co. (Jasper)
• Twisted Barley Brewing Co. (Jasper)

Are you ready to taste your way around the city? Tickets available now!

Where: Participating breweries
When: Thursday, October 15-Monday, November 30
Price: $30 by October 15 | $35 after October 15
Tickets

6. Shop, Save, Share

Want to support Birmingham retailers while saving money at the same time? Then take part in the Junior League of Birmingham’s Shop, Share & Save fundraiser.

All the must-know details are still in the works, so while we wait to fill you in, go ahead and have this event on your radar for October. Don’t worry, it’s worth the wait.

Check out last year’s event here.

When: Wednesday-Sunday, October 14-25

7. Trick or Trot 5K & Virtual 5K benefiting Kid One Transport

Get that Halloween spirit pumpkin’ during the 8th Annual Trick or Trot 5K benefiting Kid One Transport.

This exciting event includes lots of spook-tastic activities, including:

• 5K Race Awards
• Costume Contest
• Post-Race Food (2 beers for adults ages 21+)
• Chip timed Race

Costume awards will be given for the following categories:

• Biggest Team
• Most Spirited Team
• Most Spirited Individual
• Most Spirited Kid
• Fastest Mom with Stroller
• Fastest Dad with Stroller
• Fastest Owner + Pet (male + female)

This is one of the few runs I’ve participated in in Birmingham and it was full of fun, costumes and good-cause vibes. And everyone is invited to attend, including runners of all ages, strollers and pets.

Where: Back Forty, 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
When: Saturday, October 17
Time: Registration – 6:30 | Costume Contest – 7AM | 5K – 8AM | Virtual Race – Anytime between Monday, October 12 and Sunday, October 18
Price: $30
Register: (Deadline – Saturday, October 10)

8. Champagne & Fried Chicken Drive-Through

Can’t get enough of that fried chicken and bubbly? Then support Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) during their annual Champagne and Fried Chicken fundraiser. This year’s event will be a drive-through picnic basket pickup at The Market at Pepper Place. How fun is that?!

Each basket serves two people and comes packed with incredible food from local chefs and a bottle of champagne.

Southern fried chicken and corn muffins are just two of the scrumptious items you’ll find in your basket. Dive into the full menu here.

Proceeds from the event supports the scholarship and grant program of LDEI’s Birmingham chapter.

Where: The Market at Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
When: Saturday, October 17
Time: 2-4PM
Price: $150
Tickets: Purchase your basket via a buy-it-now option coming soon to LDEI’s website.

9. Disco Fever Virtual Dinnertainment

Enjoy a night of exceptional talent on October 22 during Virtual Dinnertainment. This unique dinner party showcases the talented musical and artistic abilities of participants from The Exceptional Foundation. This year’s theme—the ’70s!

So grab a snack and head to your favorite seat on the couch for a fun-filled night.

Where: Online
When: Thursday, October 22
Time: 6:30-9:30PM
Price: FREE. Add a donation during registration.
Tickets: Email dinnertainment@exceptionalfoundation.org

10. Grace House’s Pumpkin Festival

Get ready for the Fall season and help Alabama girls in foster care when you attend the 7th Annual Grace House Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 24.

Here’s what happens when you drive through the event:

• You’ll receive pumpkins (loaded straight into your car) and a pumpkin decorating kit. 
• You’ll be granted access to drive-thru activities including candy and prize giveaways.
• You’ll be given a yard sign to display to let everyone know you’re supporting Grace House and girls in foster care.

Want more pumpkins? Add more to your purchase for an additional $5 a piece.

Where: Mountain Brook Community Church, 3001 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35243
When: Saturday October 24
Time: 11AM-2PM
Price: $25
Tickets

Which event are you looking most forward to this October? Let us know on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.