Birmingham, Symphony In the Summer, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, music, summer — Symphony in the Summer has been a Birmingham tradition since 2011. (Alabama Symphony Orchestra)

Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27) is just around the corner, and there are all kinds of ways to spend your long weekend in The Magic City. With memorial services, live music and outdoor fun—you’re in for a jam-packed weekend in Birmingham.

Honoring those who served

Veterans Park — Entrance at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Memorial Day is a chance to commemorate the sacrifices made by veterans and the men and women serving in the armed services. Across the Birmingham area, there are many organizations hosting commemorations for Alabama veterans.

Alabama National Cemetery

The 16th annual Memorial Day observance at the Alabama National Cemetery will take place Monday, May 27. The service will include guest speakers and graveside flag placement.

When: Monday, May 27 9AM
Where: 45M7+8H, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115

Alabama Veterans Memorial Park

There will be a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation. The foundation will dedicate step-stones to veterans, living and deceased across the nation.

When: Sunday, May 19 1:30PM
Where: 100 Overton Road, I-459 Liberty Parkway Exit 23, Birmingham, AL 35201

Family Fun

13th Annual Salsa Showdown at Cahaba Brewing

Birmingham, Salsa Showdown, food, festivals, Cahaba Brewing Company — The Salsa Showdown is always a fan-favorite event. (Salsa Showdown)

Spice up your weekend with a taste test showdown. Hosted by Sidewalk Film Festival, the Salsa Showdown is an event where you’ll be able to taste and rank the best salsa, queso and guacamole recipes from local Birmingham restaurants.

Your $20 ticket includes:

Entry to the Salsa Showdown
T-shirt
Two drink tickets
Bonus treats like free tickets to Sidewalk Cinema + more

The event will also feature a Hot Pepper Eating Contest, where you can compete or watch your most fearless friends consume some extremely hot peppers.

When: Saturday, May 25
Where: 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222

Symphony in the Summer

This year marks the 13th annual Symphony in the Summer at Railroad Park. Featuring performances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the three-day concert event will include food trucks and vendors galore.

This is a free event, just bring your own chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the music.

When: Friday, May 24 7:30PM | Saturday, May 25 7:30PM | Sunday, May 26 7:30PM
Where: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Pop-up Market at Hi-Wire Brewing

Every Thursday this summer, Hi-Wire Brewing is hosting a mini-market where you can shop locally-made goods and art. With a rotation of vendors, stop by for shopping, drinks and fun.

Can’t make it on Thursday? You’re in luck. Stop by on Friday for “Flight Fridays”, where you can get any flight of four 4oz pours for just $10 from 12-6PM.

When: Thursday, May 23 2-6PM
Where: 2901 4th Ave S Suite 1A, Birmingham, AL 35233

Modern Greenbook Marketplace at CityWalk

CityWalk BHAM — Don’t miss the market at CityWalk. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

On Saturday, May 25, CityWalk will be hosting the Modern Greenbook Market. Created to provide a platform for Black-owned businesses in Birmingham, the MGM will feature: