16 Bham weekend events, including an adults-only Harry Potter party—Aug. 16-18

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Harry Potter, McWane Science Center
Cast your spell this weekend at McWane Science Center. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Get pumped for a weekend full of events, Birmingham. On the agenda: Babypalooza, Picasso Pets, a Harry Potter event and more. Plan now for August 16-18.

Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.

Friday, August 16-Saturday, August 17 events

1. Birmingham Restaurant Week @ Participating Locations

  • What: Don’t miss the last weekend of Birmingham Restaurant Week (BRW). Over 50 restaurants, food trucks, bars + cafes will be participating, so eat your heart out while supporting local. You can also grab a delicious meal at the BRW Food Truck Pop-Up Park. Visit City Walk BHAM on Friday, August 16 from 11AM-8PM.
  • When: Now-Saturday, August 17
  • Cost: Prices vary
  • Details

Friday, August 16

2. Bourbon Tasting w/ Sweet Home Spirits @ The Spot at 280

  • What: Visit The Spot at 280 for a bourbon tasting + score a 10% discount on various products.
  • When: Friday, August 16 | 5-8PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

3. Sip & Sculpt @ Studio 2500

  • What: Unleash your inner sculptor. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, enjoy complimentary food + drinks and sculpt your very own clay masterpiece.
  • When: Friday, August 16 | 6-8PM
  • Cost: $40
  • Details

4. Harry Potter Returns To Hogwarts Nights –21+ event @ McWane Science Center

Harry Potter, McWane Science Center
Don’t miss the Harry Potter 21+ event at McWane Science Center, August 16. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
  • What: Those ages 21+, get ready for an exciting night featuring all things Harry Potter at McWane Science Center. There will be Harry Potter-themed programming and science demos, a cash bar + snacks. You’ll also have the chance to see Harry Potter and the Prisoners of Azkaban in the IMAX Dome Theater. Psst, don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character!
  • When: Friday, August 16 | 7-11PM
  • Cost: Event $35 | IMAX feature film $10
  • Ticket includes parking + snacks while the concession stand is open.
  • Details

Saturday, August 17

5. 10th Just a Call Away 5K @ Homewood Patriot Park

  • What: Show your support for the Crisis Center + help spread awareness + alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This event includes a 5K race, a one-mile fun run + Virtual 5K. There will also be an expo with family-friendly activities like a bounce house, lawn games + face painting.
  • When: Saturday, August 17
    • 5K: 8-9AM
    • 1-Mile Fun Run: 9-9:30AM
  • Cost: 
    • 5K: $45 
    • 1-Mile Fun Run: $25
    • Virtual 5K: $35
  • Details

6. Dragon Boat Race & Festival @ East Lake Park

Dragon Boat
See fun races at East Lake Park during Mitchell’s Place’s Dragon Boat Race & Festival. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
  • What: This spirited fundraising event returns for another fantastic year this August. Expect action-packed boat races, family-friendly activities, food vendors, a Bloody Mary Contest and more. Event proceeds support Mitchell’s Place—an inclusive accredited preschool and outpatient clinic helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 8AM-3PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

7. Babypalooza @ The BJCC

  • What: Experience all things baby at this special expo. You’ll have access to expert-led education sessions and valuable resources, plus meet local parents.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 10AM-2PM
  • Cost: Get free admission when you register for the event.
  • Details

8. Art Market by Art-Hub Collective @ City Walk BHAM

  • What: Take part in this monthly market showcasing interactive art, local vendors, music + food trucks.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 3-8PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

9. Summer Shindig @ Old Baker Farm

  • What: Visit Old Baker Farm near Birmingham in Harpersville for a fun-filled Summer Shindig. Expect vendors, food trucks, sunflowers fireworks + more.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 5-9PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

10. Journey of Hope @ United Ability

Journey of Hope, United Ability
See a sensory-inclusive magic show at Journey of Hope. (Kevin Spencer)
  • What: Show your love for United Ability during their annual fundraising event, Journey of Hope. Enjoy a night full of dinner, drinks, entertainment and a silent auction. You’ll also hear from a local family who has been positively affected by the organization.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 5-9PM
  • Cost: General Admission Adult (age 13+) $100 | General Admission Child (age 7-12) $35
  • Details

11. Grand Opening Vinyl Party w/ Seasick Records @ Joyland Birmingham

Joyland
Joyland, a new restaurant in Avondale by Chef Sean Brock + legendary Birmingham restauranteur Nick Pihakis. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)
  • What: Show your love for the grand opening of one of Birmingham’s newest restaurants, Joyland. They’ll be teaming up with the Seasick Records team for a night of music, signature bites + raffle prizes. 
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 6-9PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

12. 23rd Annual Picasso Pets benefiting Hand in Paw @ The Harbert Center

Picasso Pets
Bid on paintings done by artists + animals during Picasso Pets on August 17. (Hand in Paw)
  • What: Help bring animal-assisted therapy to those who need it most. The 23rd annual Picasso Pets features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, photo booth, live auction + more.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 6-10PM
  • Cost: $250
  • Details

13. Phantom @ City Walk BHAM Amphitheater

  • What: Dress your best for this black-tie-optional fundraising gala benefiting The Links, Incorporated. You’ll be immersed in a night of extravagant experiences from tasty food and cocktails to street entertainment like stilt walkers.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 7PM
  • Cost: $200 | VIP $300 (includes premiere seating and parking + drink ticket)
  • Details

Sunday, August 18 events

15. Taylor Hollingsworth @ Avondale Common House

  • What: Enjoy a scrumptious brunch while listening to popular local musician Taylor Hollingsworth plays live at Avondale Common House.
  • When: Sunday, August 18 | 11:30AM-2:30PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

15. Alabama Rum Fest @ WorkPlay Theatre & Canteen

  • What: Don’t miss your chance to try 50+ unique rums + cocktails while enjoying music and a charity auction. Event proceeds support Camp Seale Harris—a local organization education, encouraging + empowering kids with Type 1 Diabetes to live well.
  • When: Sunday, August 18 | 2-6PM
  • Cost: $50
  • Details

16. Summer Daze painting class @ Open Channels Wellness Studio

  • What: Get ready for a summer revelation—the theme of this local art class on Sunday, August 18. Participants will take part in a guided painting session under the expert instruction of artist Ahmad Austin. Complimentary snacks + punch will be served. Designed for ages 21+. 
  • When: Sunday, August 18 | 3-5PM
  • Cost: $35 per person | All supplies are included in cost of class
  • Details

Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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