9 fun things you’ve never tried in Birmingham that you need to in 2023

upcoming runs
Gear up for a fun 2023 with these activities. (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

2022 is coming to an end, so get ready for a fun-filled 2023. From adventures in our beautiful outdoors to cheering on Birmingham teams, these nine activities in Birmingham should make your list of things to do in 2023. Keep reading to find out all the details.

1. Explore Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park
Peavine Falls Rd in Oak Mountain State Park. (Bham Now)

For the one who loves adventure, Oak Mountain State Park is one of the best and most beautiful spots to explore. From hiking, biking, canoeing and even horseback riding, there is something for everyone to love.

2. Catch a show at Saturn

The Saturn is one of the most unique venues in the South. Photo by Libby Foster for Bham Now.
Saturn is one of the most unique venues in the South. (Libby Foster / Bham Now)

Saturn is a coffee shop by day and a music party by night. This Avondale spot hosts tons of small concerts from local artists to pop stars. They already have an amazing 2023 lineup with more being added daily. If you’re not a fan of live music they also host trivia and bingo nights.

3. Be a daredevil at RideBHM

Emile Hughes of RideBHM
Emile Hughes, CEO, RideBHM. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

One of the coolest openings of 2022 has to be RideBHM. This is the first downhill mountain bike park in Alabama and offers a pay-to-ride program where you can buy day passes or memberships. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this one is for you.

4. Learn more at the Southern Museum of Flight

Birmingham, Southern Museum of Flight, black history
Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit. (Southern Museum of Flight / Facebook)

Who didn’t want to be a pilot after the newest “Top Gun” movie this year? I sure did have a new appreciation for aircraft and old fighter jets. The Southern Museum of Flight is perfect for the aviation nerd and history buff with exhibits like Korean war jets and the Lake Murray B-25 that shows the remains of the sunken B-25 bomber jet.

5. Cheer on the Birmingham Barons

Birmingham Barons, baseball
Take me out to the ball game. (Bham Now)

Baseball season will be here before you know it and we have high hopes for the Birmingham Barons team. If you missed the true, Americana experience of a ball game in The Magic City this year, we hope to catch you eating a hot dog and cheering for our team in 2023.

6. Watch a movie at Sidewalk Film

Sidewalk Film Festival
Sidewalk Film Festival is the perfect destination for movie buffs. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Sidewalk Film is the ultimate destination for movie fans who want to spice up their watching experience. Plus, each year in August they host the Sidewalk Film Festival, which features over 200+ films and hosts over 15,000 people in the historic theater district. This is a fun event that will be celebrating its 25th year August 22-27, 2023 and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

7. Climb high at Hoover Heights Climbing Center

Hoover Climbing
Test your limits at Hoover Heights Climbing Center. (Hoover Metropolitan Complex)

Earlier this fall, the Hoover Heights Climbing Center reopened and is better than ever. This climbing gym has multiple walls and tons to climb. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, this adventure-seeking place is the definition of fun.

8. Shop at a pop-up market at Mom’s Basement

moms 9 fun things you've never tried in Birmingham that you need to in 2023
Find your new favorite outfit at Mom’s Basement Market (Mom’s Basement / Facebook)

Love vintage clothing and supporting local artists? Mom’s Basement hosts dozens of pop-up markets throughout the year. If you are looking to add some unique pieces to your closet, then stay tuned for Mom’s Basement’s next vintage market.

9. Watch a UAB Blazers basketball game

uab blazers bb 9 fun things you've never tried in Birmingham that you need to in 2023
The Blazers basketball season is happening now. (UAB Athletics / Facebook)

The Blazers are already on a winning streak this preseason and we imagine they will continue to dominate once the regular season starts. These games are electric and a can’t miss in 2023.

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Emma Johnston
Emma Johnston
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