17 MLK Day weekend events in Birmingham, Jan. 17-20

Reading time: 6 minutes

(MLK Day 5K Drum Run)
MLK Day 5K Drum Run @ 4th Ave in Birmingham. (MLK Day 5K Drum Run)

Looking for your weekend plans? Check out these exciting events happening across Birmingham, January 17-20.

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

Don’t forget! MLK Day is Monday, January 20. Here’s how to celebrate all weekend.

Continuing Events

1. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo

Glow Wild - Birmingham Zoo 2024
(Birmingham Zoo)
  • What: It’s your last chance to witness the stunning illuminations of Glow Wild at The Birmingham Zoo. Grab your family and friends for one final—and memorable—hurrah!
  • When: Now-Jan. 20 2025
  • Cost: Adults $13.95-$23.95 | Children (ages 2+) $10.95-$14.95 | Children (under age 2) FREE
  • Details

Friday, Jan. 17 events in Birmingham

2. Bad Movie Night @ Sidewalk Film + Cinema

  • What: Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema will play the best in bad movies this Friday night. Grab a drink at the bar and reserve your seat.
  • When: Friday, Jan. 17 | 8:45PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

3. UAB’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration @ 19th Street South, Birmingham

  • What: Join the Heersink School of Medicine for the 2025 commemoration, featuring inspiring keynote speaker Lisa McNair, author of Dear Denise: Letters to a Sister I Never Knew. A free lunch is included.
  • When:  Friday, Jan. 17 | 11:30AM-1PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

Friday, Jan. 17-Saturday, Jan. 18 events in Birmingham

4. Shopping Shindig @ So So Spiffy

So So Spiffy
Shop So So Spiffy in Birmingham for amazing finds. (Bham Now)
  • What: Want to decorate your home? Don’t miss your chance to shop So So Spiffy’s curated collections of rugs, sofas, chairs, dining tables, accessories, art, and more this weekend.
  • When: Friday, Jan. 17 + Saturday, Jan. 18 | 9AM-5PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

Saturday, Jan. 18 events in Birmingham

5. Winter Birding in Alabama @ Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to see birds + get outside in nature. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
  • What: Join secretary and long-time member of Alabama Audubon Greg Harbor for an up-close look at the many different birds that visit our state during the winter. You’ll learn how to identify them and how you can attract them to your own yard.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 9-11AM
  • Cost: Garden members $40 | Nonmembers $45
  • Details

6. MLK Day 5K Drum Run @ 4th Ave in Birmingham

  • What: Slip on your running shoes! The MLK Day 5K Drum Run on 4th Avenue in Birmingham is this Saturday. Join in the fun and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a lively mix of fitness and community.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 7AM
  • Cost: $20+
  • Details

7. Gasolina Reggaeton Party @ Workplay

  • What: Get ready to turn up the heat at the Gasolina Reggaeton Party at Workplay. You’ll hear the hottest beats while dancing all night long.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 9PM
  • Cost: $12
  • Details

8. 13th Birthday Celebration @ Cahaba Brewing Company

Cahaba Brewing
Celebrate Cahaba Brewing Company in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
  • What: Join Cahaba Brewing Company as they celebrate 13 amazing years in Birmingham. Enjoy a jam-packed day of special events, exclusive offers, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Cheers!
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 10AM-11PM
  • Cost: Free Admission
  • Details

9. 18th Annual Birmingham Chinese New Year Gala @ UAB

  • What: Don’t miss this exciting event in Birmingham! You’ll enjoy a vibrant evening filled with cultural performances and festive traditions to ring in the Lunar New Year.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 2-6PM
  • Cost: $10+
  • Details

10. The Margaret’s 3rd Anniversary Party @ The Margaret

  • What: Head to The Margaret for its 3rd anniversary this Saturday. Mixologists Linley & Tonya will be crafting delicious cocktails and plenty of refreshing non-alcoholic options to enjoy.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 7PM
  • Cost: Free Admission
  • Details

11. Annie @ The Bjcc

(American Theatre Guild)
See Annie at the BJCC. (American Theatre Guild)
  • What: Don’t miss Annie at the BJCC! Join us for a night of joy, hope, and unforgettable music.
  • When: Friday Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 19 | Showtimes vary
  • Cost: $57+
  • Details

12. Tickling the Ivories: Celebrating 10 Years @ The Dance Foundation

  • What: Gussy up for this black-tie affair to commemorate a decade of music excellence. There will be 120 minutes of captivating performances by pianists Mario Cooper, Cameron Sankey and West Byrd.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18 | 5PM
  • Cost: $30
  • Details

Saturday, Jan. 18-Sunday, Jan. 19 events in Birmingham

13. Repticon Trussville @ Trussville Civic Center

  • What: Spend the weekend with live animals from around the world during this reptile and exotic animal expo. There will also be unique pets and products to purchase.
  • When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 9AM-4PM | Sunday, Jan. 19, 10AM-4PM
  • Cost:
    • 1-day ticket: Adults $10 | KIds (ages 5-12) $5 | Kids (ages 4 and under) FREE
    • 2-day tickets: Adults $12 | Kids (ages 5-12) $6 | Kids (ages 4 and under) FREE
  • Details

Sunday Jan. 19 events in Birmingham

14. Wicked Sing-Along Drag Brunch @ Stardome

Wicked
Get your Wicked on in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
  • What: Dress up and get wicked during this must-attend event at the Stardome in Birmingham. Expect a vibrant, fun-filled event with live performances, iconic songs, and a delicious brunch.
  • When: Sunday, Jan. 19 | 1-3PM
  • Cost: $20
  • Details

15. Magic City Octane @ Leeds Outlet

  • What: Magic City Octane is an exciting event mixing motorsports and entertainment. Attend this weekend for a morning of high-energy action and incredible stunts.
  • When: Sunday, Jan. 19 | 8-11AM
  • Cost: Free admisson
  • Details

16. Birmingham Squadron vs. Wisconsin Herd @ Legacy Arena at The BJCC

Birmingham Squadron
Birmingham Squadron vs. Wisconsin Herd at the Legacy Arena at The BJCC. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
  • What: Don’t miss the action as the Birmingham Squadron take on the Wisconsin Herd. This is one intense matchup you won’t want to miss.
  • When: Sunday, Jan. 19 | 3PM
  • Cost: $17+
  • Details

17. Freeman Cabaret Series Presents: Homewood Theatre Sings Disney @ Homewood Theatre

  • What: This lively event features all of your favorite Disney tunes brought to life by talented local performers. Who can resist?
  • When: Sunday, Jan. 19 | 7PM
  • Cost: Ticket prices vary
  • Details

Don’t forget! MLK Day is Monday, January 20. Here’s how to celebrate all weekend.

More events in Birmingham

World of Wheels
51st Annual World of Wheels Custom Auto Show. (World of Wheels)

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Grace Garrison
Grace Garrison
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