Your ultimate guide to 27 October events in Birmingham

Reading time: 8 minutes

SliceFest
One delicious slice consumed at the 7th annual SliceFest on Saturday. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now.

October is underway, which means it’s time to load up your planner with all the coolest things to do. To get you started, here are 27 events in Birmingham you won’t want to miss.

1. Book Fair Music Festival

What: A multi-day music festival featuring Omni, Video Age, Lady Dan and more in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. More info
When: Friday-Sunday, October 1-3 | 5-8PM
Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Price: $40
Tickets

2. Oktoberfest

Carrigan's Beer Garden Lakeview
Can you really say no to this dish? Photo via Carrigan’s Beer Garden (Lakeview)’s Facebook

What: An Oktoberfest celebration with food, beer, full bar and garden patio views of Birmingham’s Historic Lakeview District. More info.
When:
Friday, October 1 | 6PM
Where: Carrigan’s Beer Garden, 2910 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Price: Free admission

3. The Alabama Butterbean Festival

What: An annual festival in Downtown Pinson with entertainment, food, arts, crafts and a carnival. More info.
When: Friday-Saturday, October 1-2 | Friday 6-10PM, Saturday 9AM-4PM
Where: Downtown Pinson, 4325 Main Street, Pinson, AL 35126
Price: Free admission | Carnival – Armbands $20 each, Tickets $1 each or 12 for $10

4. CahabaQue

What: An annual barbecue cook-off benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Enjoy all-you-can-eat samples from local cook teams (and vote for your fave!), craft beer, live music and kids zone.

VIP tickets include: early entrance to event, access to the Redmont Distillery VIP Lounge, private bathroom access, swag bag and beer + liquor tastings. More info.

When: Saturday, October 2 | 1-5PM
Where: Cahaba Brewing Co, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
Price: General Admission – Ages 11+ – $15, Kids 10 and under – FREE | VIP – $50
Tickets

5. BHM 26.2

BHM 26.2
Run for the kids in the BHM 26.2 race in Birmingham. Photo via BHM 26.2’s Facebook

What: Alabama’s only fully charitable race series benefiting Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama. Take part in a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or Fun Run. More info.
When: Saturday-Sunday, October 2-3 | 7AM-2:30PM
Where: Sat, Oct. 2 – Homewood, 2709 Mamie L Foster, Birmingham, AL 35209 | Sun, Oct. 3 – Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222 
Price: Saturday – 10K – $55, 5K – $35 | Sunday – Marathon – $95, Half Marathon – $75
Register

6. SliceFest

What: The 9th anniversary of one of Birmingham’s largest food and music block parties, hosted by Slice Pizza & Brewhouse. Enjoy local and regional musical acts, local craft beer and specialty pizzas. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 2 | 2PM
Where: Lakeview District, 725 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Price: General Admission – $35 | VIP Admission – $150 | Kids 12 and under – Free
Tickets

7. Bluff Park Art Show

Bluff Park Art Show
Bluff Park Art Show 2018. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

What: An annual art show featuring an eclectic mix of media in the picturesque setting of Bluff Park. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 2 | 9AM-5PM
Where: The Park at Shades Cliff, 517 Cloudland Dr, Hoover, AL 35226
Price: Free admission

8. Taste of Hoover

What: A celebration of the City of Hoover’s culinary scene. Sample delicious dishes from local restaurants and caterers, try distilled spirits and international wines and enjoy live entertainment. More info.
When:
Thursday, October 7 | 5-8PM
Where: Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216
Price: Members – $45 | Non-Members – $50 | 12 and under – FREE
Register

9. Putts for Paws

What: A fundraising event featuring a golf tournament, silent auction and more, benefiting Greater Birmingham Humane Society. More info.
When:
Friday, October 8 | 11AM
Where: Highland Park Golf Course, 3300 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205

10. JHM Rescue Run 5K/10K 

Jimmie Hale Mission
Run for The Jimmie Hale Mission this October. Photo via The Jimmie Hale Mission’s Facebook

What: A 5K, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run through Homewood benefiting Jimmie Hale Mission. After the event, there will be food, drinks and an awards ceremony. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 9 | 10K – 7:45AM, 5K – 8AM, 1 Mile Fun Run – 9AM
Where: The Curve, 1830 29th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209
Price: $20-$40
Register

11. Alabama Comic Con Convention/My Hero Convention: AL Smash

What: A two-day event filled with artists and dealers offering products and services for sale to comic fans. More info.
When: Saturday-Sunday, October 9-10 | Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 11AM-5PM
Where: The BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Price: Single Day – $30 | Weekend Pass – $50
Tickets

12. Magic City Mural Fest

Blank Space Bham
Photo via Blank Space Bham’s Facebook

What: Help Blank Space Bham transform an alleyway in Woodlawn during Birmingham’s first-ever all-female featured mural festival. More info.
When: Saturday-Saturday, October 2-9
Where: Alleyway between 55th St. N and 55th Place N, Woodlawn, AL 35212

13. Tails and Tailgate

What: A pet adoption event for dogs and cats with games, football on a big screen and raffles. All proceeds benefit Rebecca’s Paws and Claws. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 9 | 11AM-4PM
Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St, Ste111, Trussville, AL 35173
Price: Free admission
Register

14. Darter Dash 5K/10K Trail Run

What: A 5K/10K race through the trails of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Post-race, enjoy pancakes, mimosas, waterfall tubing and an award ceremony. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 9 | 10K – 8AM, 5K – 8:30AM
Where: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
Price: 5K – $30 | 10K – $35
Register

15. Greek Food Festival 

Birmingham Greek Food Festival, Greek culture, Greeks in Birmingham, Greek Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church Birmingham
Photo via Greek Food Festival’s Facebook

What: One of Birmingham’s oldest and most popular cultural events with delicious Greek cuisine, music and dancing. More info.
When: Thursday-Saturday, October 14-16 | 10:30AM-9:30PM
Where: Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 307 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233

16. Birmingham Creatives Ball

What: Discover some of Birmingham’s favorite creators as you shop, dance and drink. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 16 | 6-9PM
Where: The Hive, 1006 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Price: $12
Tickets

17. Woodlawn Street Market

What: Shop local vendors for art, books, clothing, food and more. You can also shop online in the Virtual Marketplace. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 16 | 10AM-4PM
Where: 1 55th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35212
Price: Free admission

18. Walk to End Alzheimer’s

What: One of the world’s largest walking events to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More info.
When: Sunday, October 17 | Registration – 2PM, Ceremony – 2:45PM
Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N Birmingham, AL 35222
Price: Free to walk
Register

19. Barktoberfest

Two by Two Animal Rescue
Photo via Two by Two Animal Rescue’s Facebook

What: Two by Two Animal Rescue’s largest annual fundraising event. Enjoy a family festival with food and beverage vendors, shopping, dog-friendly activities and kid-approved fun. More info.
When:
Sunday, October 17 | 11AM-6PM
Where: Helena Amphitheater Park, 4151 Helena Rd Helena, AL 35080
Price: Ages 18+ – $5 | Under 18 – Free

20. Trick or Trot 5K

What: A fundraising race benefiting Kid One Transport. The event includes a 5K, costume contest and awards ceremony. More info.
When:
Sunday-Saturday, October 17-23 | In-person race – 8-10AM
Where: Back Forty Beer Co, 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
Price: $30 | Price increases to $35 after October 17
Register

21. Birmingham Punk Rock Flea Market

What: Shop 50+ vendors from across the Southeast while enjoying live music. More info.
When: Sunday, October 17 | Noon-5PM
Where: Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
Price: Free admission

22. Shop, Save & Share

Junior League of Birmingham
Photo via Junior League of Birmingham

What: Give back to the Birmingham community when you shop, save and share during this event benefiting the Junior League of Birmingham. All proceeds help improve the lives of women and children across Birmingham through the Junior League’s 40 community projects. More info.
When:
Wednesday-Sunday, October 20-31
Price:
$40
Purchase Card

23. Ovation

What: A mixed repertory performance highlighting the versatility, strength and artistry of Alabama ballet dancers. More info.
When: Friday-Sunday, October 22-24
Where: The BJCC, 1 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Price:
Varies by seat
Tickets

24. Trussville Witches Ride

Trussville Witches Ride
Watch ’em ride. Photo via Trussville Witches Ride’s Facebook

What: Ride with the Trussville witches as they ride for a local cause. This year, the ride will bring awareness and raise funds for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Join the after party at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville’s Entertainment District for an 80s Dance Party from 5-9PM. More info.
When:
Saturday, October 23 | Ride – 4PM, After Party – 5-9PM
Where: Ride – Cahaba Homestead, Trussville, AL 35173 | After Party – Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St Suite111, Trussville, AL 35173
Price: $30 | Pre-register by Saturday, September 18 to receive a logo yard sign. | Regular registration ends Saturday, September 19.
Register

25. Magic City Witches Ball

What: One of Birmingham’s biggest Halloween party’s with live music/DJ and amazing costumes. More info
What: Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24 | 8PM-1AM
Where: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
Price: $25
Tickets

26. The Magic City Classic

What: Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University compete in possibly the largest historically black college and university (HBCU) football game in the country. Take part in more festivities like the Classic Kickoff, Magic City Classic Parade, Tailgate Party and halftime show. More info.
When:
Monday-Saturday, October 25-30 | Festivities vary by date + time.
Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
Price: General Admission Game Ticket + Post-Game Concert – $25 | Reserved Game Ticket + Post-Game Concert – $35
Tickets

27. Phantom of the Opera

What: A showing of the 1925 Silent Film Classic The Phantom of the Opera on the Alabama Theatre’s big screen. More info.
When:
Sunday, October 31 | 2PM
Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Price: $14
Tickets

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
Articles: 1751