Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
13 unique gift ideas for those hard-to-shop-for people in Birmingham
Reading time: 7 minutes
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If you’re anything like me, your holiday gift list is full of people who claim they, “don’t need anything this year.”
If you’re struggling to find thoughtful gifts for these hard-to-shop-for people in your life, we’ve rounded up 13 unique events in Birmingham—with ideas for everyone from musical theater junkies to heavy metal headbangers.
BONUS: Read on to find out how you can win 4 front-row tickets to one of these unique experiences below 👇
For the cowboy in your life
On January 4, some of the best bull riders in the world will put their talents to the test at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour in Birmingham.
This is only the second time in history that PBR has brought this high-intensity competition to the BJCC, so don’t miss your chance to see this thrilling showcase!
- What: PBR: Velocity Tour
- When: Saturday, January 4 | 7PM
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $20
For the one who always looks forward to tomorrow
A heartwarming classic, Annie has captivated generations of theatergoers since its Broadway debut in 1977. Now, Broadway in Birmingham is bringing this timeless celebration of family, determination and the American spirit to The Magic City!
- What: Annie presented by Broadway in Birmingham
- When: Tuesday, January 14 — Sunday, January 19
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $51
For the bad boy
Known for his iconic roles in the Bad Boys franchise, Big Momma’s House and his sitcom Martin, actor and comedian Martin Lawrence is bringing his newest standup material on the road with his Y’all Know What It Is! tour.
Accompanied by Loni Love, Benji Brown and beloved local comedian Rickey Smiley, this night with Martin Lawrence will be filled with nonstop laughter.
- What: Martin Lawrence: Y’all Know What It Is! Tour
- When: Saturday, January 18 | 8PM
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $35
For the one with the Force
In 1977, Star Wars: A New Hope revolutionized the space fantasy genre and launched one of the most popular science fiction franchises of all time.
Now, you can relive your favorite moments with Luke, Leia, Han Solo and Darth Vader—all backed by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s captivating renditions of John William’s iconic score.
- What: Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
- When: Friday, January 24 + Saturday, January 25 | 7PM
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $32
For the big top enthusiast
After a six-year hiatus, The Greatest Show On Earth® is back and better than ever.
Fun for the whole family, The Greatest Show On Earth® features 75 performers from 18+ countries performing jaw-dropping acts, including the triangular highwire, the world’s tallest unicycle, the criss-cross flying trapeze and much more.
- What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents The Greatest Show on Earth®
- When: Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2 | Various times
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $20
For the air guitar hero
In 1981, American rock band Journey released Escape, their most popular studio album with hits like “Who’s Crying Now,” “Open Arms” and—of course—”Don’t Stop Believin’.”
On Saturday, February 8, you can listen to Escape performed front-to-back (the way Journey intended) by The Black Jacket Symphony.
- What: The Black Jacket Symphony presents Journey’s “Escape”
- When: Saturday, February 8 | 8PM
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $29.50
For the fierce queen
A global sensation, SIX is a musical retelling of the lives of King Henry VIII’s six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr.
SIX won 23 awards in the 2021-22 Broadway season—including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical—so you know it’ll live up to the hype!
- What: Six presented by Broadway in Birmingham
- When: Tuesday, February 11 – Sunday, February 16 | Various times
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $62.90
For the Food Network fanatic
Alton Brown—the famed foodist known for hosting Good Eats on Food Network—is bringing his educational culinary content on the road for his final (?) tour. Expect culinary mega-hacks, funny food songs and plenty of laughs!
- What: Alton Brown Live: Last Bite
- When: Saturday, February 22 | 7:30PM
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $26
For the one who says, ‘How did he do that?’
Star and creator of the hit Netflix series The Magic Prank Show with Justin Willman and Magic For Humans, Justin Willman is a comedian and magician skilled in the art of magic—and he’s bringing his talents to Birmingham!
- What: Justin Willman: Illusionati Tour
- When: Saturday, March 1 | 7PM
- Where: BJCC Theatre, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $35.50
For the exhausted educator
Made by teachers for teachers, Bored Teachers: The Struggle Is Real! Comedy Tour is the perfect stress-relieving getaway for the fearless educators in your life.
- What: Bored Teachers: The Struggle Is Real! Comedy Tour
- When: Friday, March 14 | 7:30PM
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $35
For the adrenaline junkie
On March 22, the BJCC will transform Protective Stadium into an impressive dirt track for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. See elite motorbike riders clash head-to-head and earn points toward the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship Finals fueled by Monster Energy.
- What: Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship
- When: Saturday, March 22 | 5:30PM
- Where: Protective Stadium, 1020 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $25
For the one who loves a good scare
Set inside the Insidious universe, Insidious: The Further You Fear is a brand-new live horror experience debuting in 2025.
With real-life interactions and jaw-dropping special effects, this experience will bring you further into the terrifying world of Insidious than you ever thought possible.
- What: Insidious: The Further You Fear
- When: Sunday, April 6 | 6:30PM
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $73.96
For the headbanger
In 2000, heavy metal band Disturbed released their critically acclaimed debut album The Sickness. Now the band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the album with a special tour packed with hits and audience favorites.
- What: Disturbed: The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour
- When: Wednesday, April 16 | 6:30PM
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: Available online starting at $39.50
Win tickets to see the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Birmingham
Which of these events would you like to see in 2025? Tag @thebjcc your +1 in the comments on Facebook to let them know!
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