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

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The amphitheater in Avondale Park is perfect for a variety of events. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

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?

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One Pratt Park’s outdoor amphitheater. Perfect for an open mic, acoustic concert set, sermon, you name it. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

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

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I was blown away to learn that The Allman Brothers Band once played right here. For a classic rock fan like myself, that makes Avondale’s Amphitheater sacred ground. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
  • Address: 4101 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Hours: Daily, 6AM-11PM

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

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The amphitheater at One Pratt Park. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
  • Address: 601 Dugan Ave, Birmingham, AL 35214
  • Hours: Daily, 7AM-7PM

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

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The amphitheater at Arthur Shores Park. Across the street, you can see Oak Hill Cemetery. Can you make out the Col. James Sloss grave? Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
  • Address:  1221 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7AM-5PM

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

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The six-level terraced amphitheater in Homewood is perfect for a small outdoor concert—look at that stage! Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
  • Address: 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
  • Hours: Daily, 5:30AM-10PM

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

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You can’t see it, but just to the right of the amphitheater is a (relatively) huge lake. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now
  • Address: 3969 14th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7AM-5PM

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

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The outdoor amphitheater at W.C. Patton Park is a beautiful place to view the lake. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

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!

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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