Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
9 fun-filled festivals happening in Birmingham this summer
Reading time: 4 minutes
Summer is festival season, and Birmingham will be jam-packed with weekend events for all ages. Keep reading for a roundup of nine Birmingham festivals you won’t want to miss this season.
1. Do Dah Day at Cahaba Brewing | May 18
Founded in 1979, Do Dah Day is one of Birmingham’s favorite festivals. With all kinds of furry friends, live music and vendors benefitting local animal charities—you won’t want to miss this all-out summer bash.
- When: Saturday, May 18
- Where: 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
2. Birmingham Taco Fest | May 19
Sunday, May 19 is the seventh annual Birmingham Taco Fest at Sloss Furnaces, featuring 25 of Birmingham’s top taco vendors and food trucks. Complete with live music, community arts activities and an art market—this will be a fiesta to remember.
- When: Sunday, May 19 1-7PM
- Where: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
3. Vulcan’s Birthday Bash | June 2
You only turn 120 once! Grab your party hats and get ready to celebrate one of Birmingham’s biggest celebrities: Vulcan’s 120th birthday bash will take place Sunday, June 2, at Vulcan Park and Museum.
Featuring vendors, food trucks, live music, free cupcakes and much more, this event has something fun for all ages. The first 120 guests will receive a swag bag and coupon for a free Jeni’s ice cream.
- When: Sunday, June 2 Noon-4PM
- Where: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
4. Central Alabama Pride Parade | June 8
The pride parade in Birmingham is back! Hosted by Central Alabama Pride, Inc., the annual pride parade provides attendees a fun and safe environment where they can be expressive while enjoying the entertainment.
Make sure to keep the fun going with Pride Fest 2024 featuring performances by some of the country’s top drag queens.
- When: Saturday, June 8
- Where: 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
5. Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival | June 14-16
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival is returning to Birmingham. This three-day festival at Linn Park features more than 20 jazz and R&B acts from around the country.
Purchase a day pass or go all-in with the 3-day VIP package. Check out the lineup for artist information and more.
- When: June 14-16
- Where: 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
6. Annual Juneteenth Festival | June 15
Celebrated on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. As a historic location in the Civil Rights movement, Birmingham is always a hot spot for Juneteenth celebrations.
This year, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is bringing back its annual Juneteenth festival. Along 16th Street between 3rd Avenue and 6th Avenue, guests will experience dance classes, documentaries, food, local artists and much more.
- When: Saturday, June 15 10AM-4PM
- Where: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
7. J2A Cultural Arts Street Festival | July 13
Located at Cahaba Brewing, this outdoor festival is a celebration of African culture in the Birmingham community. Shop local artists, tour the variety of food trucks or sit back and enjoy the live music.
- When: Saturday, July 13 Noon-5PM
- Where: 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
8. Taste of 4th Ave Jazz Festival | August 24
The annual Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is back for its 21st anniversary. Mark your calendars, this free event will take place August 24 in the Historic 4th Ave Business District between 16th and 18th street.
Bring your own lawn chairs and kick back for a day full of music, vendors and fun.
- When: Saturday, August 24
- Where: 1500 – 1900 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
9. Sidewalk Film Festival | August 19-25
Arguably Birmingham’s biggest festival for locals and tourists alike, Sidewalk Film Festival will be returning the week of August 19.
Located in downtown Birmingham’s historic theatre district, Sidewalk is the hot spot to watch never-before-seen indie films by local artists. With after parties, VIP rooms and merchandise galore, it’s safe to say tickets will be selling like hot cakes.
- When: August 19-25
- Where: 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
