9 fun-filled festivals happening in Birmingham this summer

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(Sidewalk Film Festival)
Sidewalk Film Festival is one of the city of Birmingham’s biggest attractions. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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

Do Dah Day (Bham Now)
Howdy from Do Dah Day. (Bham Now)

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.

2. Birmingham Taco Fest | May 19

taco
Are you ready for a fiesta? (Bham Now)

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.

See ticket info.

3. Vulcan’s Birthday Bash | June 2

The Vulcan Statue spent many years at the Alabama State Fairgrounds before taking its rightful place. Photo by Libby Foster for Bham Now.
Help the big guy blow out his candles. (Libby Foster/ Bham Now)

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.

See ticket info.

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.

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.

6. Annual Juneteenth Festival | June 15

Juneteenth celebration in Birmingham
Celebration of Juneteenth at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham. (Larry O. Gay/ Bham Now)

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.

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.

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.

9. Sidewalk Film Festival | August 19-25

Sidewalk Film Festival
Sidewalk VIPs. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

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.

Grace Howard
Grace Howard
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