NASCAE 20 weekend events you won't want to miss like the Greek Food Festival + YellaWood 500, Oct. 4-6 — 2023 YellaHammer 500 champion Ryan Blaney. (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)

It’s the first weekend of October and Birmingham is stacked with exciting events. Plan now for the Greek Food Festival, the MAD SOUTH Fall Market, the YellaWood 500 and more,

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

College Football Schedule

UAB vs Tulane—Saturday, Oct. 5 at 12PM
Miles College vs Central State—Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1PM
Samford vs VMI—Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2PM
Auburn at Georgia—Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2:45PM
Alabama vs Vanderbilt—Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3:15PM

Thursday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 5 events in Birmingham

1. 51st Annual Greek Food Festival @ Holy Trinity-Holy-Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

What: The Greek Food Festival is back for its 51st event and you won’t want to miss it. You’ll enjoy it all from the delicious cuisine like Spanakopita, gyros + baklava to the lively music + dancing.
When: Thursday, October 3-Saturday, October 5 |10:30AM-9:30PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

Thursday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 6 events in Birmingham

2. Antiques in the Gardens @ Birmingham Botanical Gardens

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bham Now (@bhamnow)

What: Save the date for this exciting fall show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Hosted by a committee of 150 dedicated volunteers, this popular event features:
- Talks by internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects + landscape architects
- Celebrated antique dealers from across the nation offering curated antiques, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, home decor + garden accessories
When: Thursday, October 3-Sunday, October 6
Cost: Varies per day | $15-$350
Details

Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 6 in Birmingham

3. NASCAR Playoffs @ Talladega Super Speedway

What: Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of thrilling races, campground parties + live music. This October, head to the Talledega Speedway to watch NASCAR’s most prominent names battle it out for a spot in the next round of Playoffs as they race toward a championship title. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the YellaWood 500, one of NASCAR’s most significant and dynamic races.
When: Friday, October 4-Sunday, October 6
Cost: $45+
Details

Friday, Oct. 4 events in Birmingham

4. Black Jacket Symphony Presents Elton John’s Madman Across the Water @ The BJCC Concert Hall

What: Love the music of Elton John? The Black Jacket Symphony will recreate his class album Madman Across the Water live during a night of rock and roll magic.
When: Friday, October 4 | 8PM
Cost: $29.50+
Details

5. Alabama Butterbean Festival

What: The Alabama Butterbean Festival celebrates another great year this weekend in Pinson. There will be activities for all ages including vendors, arts + crafts, live entertainment and carnival rides.
When: Friday, Oct. 4, 6-10PM | Saturday, Oct. 5 8AM-4PM
Cost: Free admission | Armbands for rides: $20 each Ride tickets $1 each or 12 for $10
Details

6. Furnace Fest @ Sloss Furnaces

What: Get a full weekend of music—Furnace Fest returns for another epic event. Some bands on the schedule include On Sleeper, Oso Oso, Gray Haven, My Epic, All In + Comeback Kid.
When: Friday, October 4-Monday, October 7 | Gates open each day at noon each day
Cost: $109.95-$599.95
Details

Saturday, Oct. 5 events

7. Yo Amo Irondale Festival @ Irondale City Hall

What: Show your love for Irondale on October 5. There will be food trucks, a mechanical bull, live music, dance performances, train rides, kids’ activities + more. BONUS: The first 300 guests will get free food!
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 | 3-6PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

8. Run for Resilience: Ostomy 5k @ Avondale Park

What: Celebrate Ostomy Awareness Day by raising awareness during this annual 5K Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. charity.
When: Saturday, October 5 | 7AM
Cost: All Runs $24 | 1-Mile Children’s Fun Run $17.50
Details

9. Isla-Ween: The Halloween Bash That Gives Back @ Saturn

What: Enjoy a frightfully fantastic night of live music by The Best Men, bites from Ladybird Tacos, craft cocktails, a silent auction + signature gift giveaways. The cool part? This Halloween bash gives back. Proceeds help Be Brave for Isla, an organization helping provide financial assistance + emotional support to bereaved families after the loss of a pregnancy, infant or child.
When: Saturday, October 5 | 6-10PM
Cost: Single $75 | Couple $140
Details

10. Water Lantern Festival @ Railroad Park

What: Seeking a truly incredible experience? This is it! Taking place at Railroad Park, event-goers will get to write down special messages on a supplied water lantern. When ready, lanterns will be lit and placed on the water to set sail.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 | 4-8PM
Cost: $55.99 day of event
Details

11. Voices + Verses: A Concert in Partnership with STAIR Birmingham @ Vestavia Hills High School Auditorium

What: Show your love for reading during this special event featuring the Cahaba Chamber Chorale for a fun and lighthearted concert experience. Music will be based on children’s poetry, including lyrics + nursery rhymes by the poetry of Edward Lear, Lewis Carol + Ogeden Nash. Bonus: Alabama’s poet laureate Ashley M. Jones will be the guest speaker.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 | 2-3:15PM
Cost: General admission $15 | VIP $25
Details

Friday, Oct.4-Saturday, Oct. 5

12. MADE SOUTH Fall Market @ Events at Haven

What: Mark your calendars for this can’t-miss two-day indoor shopping event. Expect50+ Southern artisans + makers and FREE reusable shopping totes for early birds. Proceeds benefit FeedBHM + Grace Klein Community.
When:
- Friday, Oct. 4 (VIP, ages 21+) | 5-9PM
- Saturday, Oct. 5 | 9AM-5PM (all ages)
Cost:
- Friday VIP tickets $49
- Saturday morning $15
- Saturday afternoon $10
- Must purchase tickets online to attend Friday, Oct. 4
Details

Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 6 events

13. Explorer Concert: Peter & the Wolf @ Birmingham Children’s Theatre

What: In this spirited concert, the ASO and Birmingham Children’s Theatre combine music and acting. The story follows a young boy’s adventure with his grandfather and animal friends.
When:
- Saturday, October 5 | 10AM
- Sunday, October 6 (Spanish-language performance) | 10AM
- Saturday, October 12 | 10AM
Cost: $12
Tickets

Sunday, Oct. 6 events

14. Pictures in the Park @ Birmingham Botanical Gardens

What: Adoptive families in the Greater Birmingham area are invited to join Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections for FREE professional family photos, snacks + fun activities in the Gardens.
When: Sunday, Oct 6 | 2-4PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

15. Free Movie Night @ Woodlawn Theatre (hosted by Mason Music Foundation)

What: Grab your popcorn and snacks! This beloved community event will showcase two fantastic films on the big screen at the historic Woodlawn Theatre.
When: Sunday, Oct 6 | 2PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

16. Live Trivia @ City Walk

What: Bring your smarty pants to this live trivia event for a chance to compete with friends and win cash prizes.
When: Sunday, Oct 6 | 6PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

17. Poochella @ Cahaba Brewing Company

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shelby Humane (@shelbyhumanesociety)

What: Mark your calendar for a fun afternoon at Poochella. There will be live music, vendors and adorable adoptable dogs. Proceeds benefit Shelby Humane Society.
When: Sunday, Oct 6 | Noon-4PM
Cost: $20
Details

18. Dog Daze Take 2: A Fun-Filled Afternoon for Families @ Trussville Mall

Dog, Daze, Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce — Dog Daze Part 2 is Sunday, October 6. (Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce)

What: After a heavy day of rain during Trussville’s annual Dog Daze event on Sept. 14, the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a bit of a redo with a Dog Daze Take 2. The family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities, including food + vendors, inflatable games, a chalk art competition, a Pup Strut + more.
When: Sunday, Oct. 6 | 2-6PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

19. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” to City Walk @ City Walk BHAM

What: Follow the Yellow Brick Road to City Walk BHAM for an exciting fall festival on October 6. This family-friendly event will include fun games, a candy station and a variety of local venues. There will also be a Wizard of Oz Costume Contest and The Barkery’s Best “Toto” Contest.
When: Sunday, Oct. 6 | 2-6PM
Cost: Free admission
Details

20. Woodlawn Sunday Dinner @ 55th Place South, Birmingham

What: Gather around the table and break bread with those in the Woodlawn community in a celebration of food, family and fellowship. This annual fundraiser benefits the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, (WE) Lead Fellowship Program and general operating expenses that strive to end the cycle of intergenerational poverty and build a pathway to prosperity in Woodlawn.
When: Sunday, Oct. 6 | Noon-5PM
Cost: $115
Details

More events in Birmingham

Get ready to Shop Save & Share, October 16-27. (Junior League of Birmingham)