5 outdoor amphitheaters perfect for small, socially distant events in Birmingham

Do you remember the last time you saw a concert or musical in person? Yeah, me neither. While going to an indoor concert might be out of the question for now, there are still ways to have a similar experience. I drove around town and visited five outdoor amphitheaters in The Magic City that are perfect for small events. Here’s what I found.

Why Outdoor Amphitheaters?

When I think of outdoor events, my head takes me back to the days when my family and I would go to the annual Shakespeare in the Park event in Nashville. But these outdoor parks aren’t just perfect for plays—almost any event can be held there.

Scattered throughout Birmingham’s parks are a plethora of outdoor amphitheaters. While they aren’t as large as some concert venues like Oak Mountain Amphitheater, they are perfect for small events. From outdoor church services to children’s theatre and local bands, the possibilities are endless.

“Outdoor amphitheaters are great for smaller gatherings. Since most of them are owned by the city, costs aren’t as high. Plus, they can be used pretty much year-round!”

Christina Frantom, Director of Marketing & Communications at BJCC

1. Avondale Park

The Avondale Park Amphitheater is by far the largest outdoor amphitheater I found in Birmingham. In ordinary times, I bet you could fit anywhere from 20 people to 10 thousand people on the stone benches (I am horrible at math).

All jokes aside, the amphitheater is perfect for outdoor concerts. In fact, according to BhamWiki, The Allman Brothers Band once played at the venue in 1969. The amphitheater itself dates back to the 1930s when it was built by workers from the Works Progress Administration(WPA).

• 

• 

2. One Pratt Park

Have you visited One Pratt Park? It’s a wonderful little park in Pratt City, just a short drive northwest of Birmingham. With tons of slides and climbing areas, it’s a playful child’s dream—and there’s a lot for adults to do, too!

One Pratt Park is truly one of Birmingham’s best comeback stories. In 2011, a tornado ripped through the Pratt City neighborhood, demolishing homes and causing a ton of damage. After years of recovery, One Pratt Park reopened in 2019 via designs by TLS Landscape Architecture of Berkeley, California and Macknally Land Design, who had previously collaborated on Railroad Park.

Although One Pratt Park’s amphitheater isn’t quite as large as Avondale’s, it’s still a wonderful place for events like poetry readings or an acoustic jam session.

3. Arthur Shores Park

Located just across the street from Oak Hill Cemetery, Arthur Shores Park has a cute little amphitheater with an unbeatable view of the Birmingham skyline from the north (a view we don’t see too often).

The park itself was dedicated in 1986 and named after attorney/Civil Rights activist/Birmingham City Council Rep Arthur Shores. In 1992, the city added the terraced amphitheater to the park. There is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy any type of outdoor event.

4. Homewood Central Park

There is certainly a bunch to do in Homewood Central Park, whether it’s swimming in the pool, playing tennis, taking the kids to the playground or having a picnic.

Homewood Central Park has a wonderful outdoor amphitheater, complete with a large stone stage that is perfect for an outdoor concert or even a play.

5. W. C. Patton Park

W.C. Patton Park might have the smallest outdoor amphitheater on our list, but it has something the rest do not—a lake! Before visiting these parks, I hadn’t visited W.C. Patton Park before, and boy have I been missing out.

W.C. Patton Park is located off the Tallapoosa Street exit of I-59/20, just a short drive from downtown. It opened in 2016 as the first part of the proposed Village Creek Greenway project. There is a scenic walking trail around the man-made lake complete with a walking bridge.

Reserve an Amphitheater Today

Want to reserve one of these amphitheaters for a private event? Contact the Birmingham Parks and Recreation’s Reservations Office at 205.254.2556 or parkreservations@birminghamal.gov. Keep in mind, you’ll need to make your reservation at least 14 days prior to your event.

Know of additional outdoor amphitheaters in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!