21 weekend events, including a delicious Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 28-Mar. 2

Reviewed by: Grace Howard

Reading time: 8 minutes

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The Exceptional Foundation
Hats off to one of the most exciting Chili Cook-Offs in Birmingham. (The Exceptional Foundation)

Are you ready to dive into the weekend? We’ve rounded up 21 top events around Birmingham, like the Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off and Mardi Gras celebrations, including a paw-some pet parade benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Read on for what’s happening February 28 through March 2.

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

Continuing events in Birmingham

Birmingham Museum of Art
John Rhoden’s sculpture exhibit, Determined to Be, is on display now. (Birmingham Museum of Art)

1. Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden @ Birmingham Museum of Art

  • What: Explore famous artist + Bham native John Rhoden’s exhibit featuring his collection of 50 sculptures open now at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Rhoden has been internationally recognized for his work in wood, bronze + stone sculpture. You may recognize his sculpture of the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, which stands outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  
  • When: Now-April 2025
    • Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
    • Sunday 12-5PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

2. Alabama Ballet presents Peter Pan @ BJCC Concert Hall

  • What: Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan ended up in Neverland? Find out in this version of the beloved story that features all the characters you know and love. 
  • When: 
    • Friday, Feb. 28 | 7:30PM
    • Saturday, Mar. 1 + Sunday, Mar. 2 | 2PM
  • Cost: $48+
  • Details | Tickets

3. Sacred Places exhibit @ McWane Science Center

  • What: You won’t want to miss exploring McWane’s latest traveling exhibit—Sacred Places. You’ll encounter various locations worldwide where people experience illuminations, perform acts of faith or seek spiritual fulfillment. 
  • When: Now-May 18, 2025
  • Cost: Included in general admission to McWane
  • Details

4. From Steel to Stage: The History of Theatre in Birmingham @ Vulcan Park & Museum

  • What: Get ready to explore the realms of Birmingham’s most iconic auditoriums, shows, + more at Vulcan Park & Museum’s newest exhibit. You’ll discover the beginnings of 14 local theaters, including The Alabama Theatre, The Lyric, Red Mountain Theatre + more. 
  • When: Now-January 11, 2026
    • Sunday, Mar. 2 | 10AM-6PM
    • Friday, Feb. 28 + Saturday, Mar. 1 | 10AM-8PM
  • Cost: Adults $6 | Seniors $5 |Kids under age 4, free admission
  • Details

Friday, February 28-Saturday, March 1 events

5. Cottontail’s Village Festival @ The BJCC

  • What: Ring in spring early at this annual shopping event. You’ll have three days to explore more than 500 booths featuring vendors from across the U.S. selling a variety of gifts like apparel, gourmet food, jewelry, spring decor and more.
  • When:
    • Friday, Feb. 28 + Saturday, Mar. 1 | 10AM7PM
    • Sunday, Mar. 2 | 12PM-5PM
  • Cost: Advanced Early Bird (ages 13+) $11 | Kids (ages 6-12) $5 | 4-Pack $9
  • Details

6. Ferus Tiki Takeover – A Pop Up Bar @ Ferus Artisan Ales–Trussville

  • What: Escape to a tropical paradise without leaving Trussville during this fun tiki takeover. The Ferus Private Event Space will be turned into a vibrant atmosphere with tasty tropical cocktails and small plates. *Must be age 21+ to attend.
  • When: Feb. 28-Mar. 1 | 5-11PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

Friday, February 28-Sunday, March 2 events

Dill Pickers, Community Series, Virginia Samford Theatre
You’ll love the music and storytelling of this popular band during the Community Series at Virginia Samford Theatre in Birmingham. (Dill Pickers)

7. SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical @ Red Mountain Theatre

  • What: Travel with diva icon Donna Summer on her path to stardom in this electrifying musical tribute at Red Mountain Theatre.
  • When: 
    • Friday, Feb. 28 | 7:30PM
    • Saturday, Mar. 1 | 2PM + 7:30PM 
    • Sunday, Mar. 2 | 2PM
  • Cost: $40+ with discounts for children ages 2-12
  • Details

8. Community Series–The Dill Pickers @ Virginia Samford Theatre

  • What: Catch the Dill Pickers live at the Virginia Samford Theatre this February for a week of great music. This popular vocal string band brings their instrumental talents to the stage with music + story. All ages are welcome!
  • When: 
    • Friday, Feb. 28 | 7:30PM 
    • Saturday, Mar. 1 + Sunday, Mar. 2 | 2:30PM 
  • Cost: $36
  • Details

Friday, February 28 events in Birmingham

9. Strings at Sunset: An Enchanted Evening @ Lumi

  • What: You’ll be swept away into a world of magic and music during this concert where a live string quartet will serenade you. If you adore timeless music, romantic atmospheres, and beautiful sunsets, this event’s for you.
  • When: Friday, Feb. 28 | 4PM
  • Cost: $30
  • Details

10. Brian Reed – Creating S-Town: A New Way to Tell a Story @ Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

  • What: If you couldn’t get enough of the podcast S-Town, this is the event for you. Brian Reed, the creator and storyteller of S-Town, will share his insights on the creation of the podcast and will take part in a live Q&A.
  • When: Friday, Feb. 28 | 7PM
  • Cost: $35-$45
  • Details

Saturday, March 1 events in Birmingham 

McWane Science Center, Big Machines Day
Spend a fun and educational day Big Machines Day in Birmingham. (McWane Science Center)

11. Rose Garden Work Day @ Avondale Park 

  • What: Spend some time sprucing up Avondale Park this weekend by helping prep the historic rose garden for spring. No gardening or rose experience is necessary—experts will be on hand to give instructions.
    • Note: Bring pruning shears and be sure to wear gloves + long sleeves.
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 8:30-11:30AM
  • Cost: Free
  • Details

12. Big Machines Day @ McWane Science Center

  • What: McWane’s biggest event returns for its 13th year on March 1. Your whole family will have the chance to discover + explore some of the coolest machines you’d typically find on a construction site, like an excavator, big + small cranes, a Birmingham fire truck + more.
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 10AM-4PM
  • Cost: Included in general admission to McWane
  • Details

13. 21st Annual Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off @ Brookwood Village

  • What: Don’t miss The Exceptional Foundation’s biggest event of the year. This annual fundraiser is a family-friendly event featuring live music, a kids’ zone, drinks and all the chili you can eat. 
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 10:30AM-3PM
  • Cost: $15
  • Details

14. Mardi Gras Parade @ Bluff Park

  • What: Start your Saturday off right at the Bluff Park Mardi Gras Parade.. There will be beads, floats + Mardi Gras magic, plus an afterparty at The Electric with food + vendors.
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 11AM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

15. Mardi Gras Party @ Birmingham District Brewing Co.

  • What: Mark your calendar for this festive Mardi Gras celebration. The day will be filled with lively activities, great food from the Cravin’ Cajun food truck, live music from Taylor Hollingsworth + more. Birmingham District Brewing will also release their highly-anticipated Mardi Gras brew and exclusive King Cake flights.
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 12PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

16. Pink Palace Casino @ Soiree Event Gallery

  • What: Gussy up for an evening of food + fun during this fundraiser benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. The night will include Vegas-style casino games, a silent auction, food by Kathy G. & Co., $500 in gaming money + more. 
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 7-10:30PM
  • Cost: $100
  • Details

17. Justin William: Illusionati Tour @ The BJCC

  • What: Comedian and magician extraordinaire Justin Willman rose to fame as the star and creator of hit Netflix series The Magic Prank Show with Justin Willman and Magic For Humans. Blending humor and live magic, Willman’s Illusionati Tour will bring plenty of laughs—and jaw-dropping sleight-of-hands—to the BJCC Theatre’s stage.
  • When: Saturday, Mar. 1 | 7PM
  • Cost: $35.50+
  • Details

18. Neon Electric – An 80s Dance Party @ Saturn

  • What: Fall into the Upside Down at Saturn this March as they play music from Stranger Things + great 80s dance music from bands like The Cure, Prince, Michael Jackson + Duran Duran. *Must be ages 18+ to attend.
  • When: Mar. 1 | 8:30PM
  • Cost: $7
  • Details

Sunday, March 2 events in Birmingham

dog
You and your dog will love the Paw-Di Gras Parade in Cahaba Heights. (Lacey Spear / Huntsville Blast)

19. Mardi Party @ The Edge Homewood

  • What: Love Mardi Gras? Head to The Edge in Homewood for an afternoon filled with food, entertainment and shopping.
  • When: Sunday, Mar. 2 | 12-6PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

20. Circle the Globe Highlights Tour @ Birmingham Museum of Art

  • What: Join this free tour showcasing nearly 30,000 works of art from around the globe. You’ll see art from the Americas, Africa, Asia + more.
  • When: Sunday, Mar. 2 | 1-2PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

21. Paw-Di Gras Parade @ Heights Village

  • What: Don’t miss a paw-some good time at this inaugural Cahaba Heights event benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. There will be lots for your family to enjoy, like food, drinks, live music and kids’ activities. But, the main highlight of this Mardi-Gras-inspired event is the parade where pets and their humans can strut their stuff in style.
    • Note: The parade begins at Meadowbrook Park and ends at the Regions parking lot in Heights Village.
  • When: Sunday, Mar. 2 | 3:30-6:30PM
  • Cost: $25 per household
  • Details

More events coming up in Birmingham

Taste of Homewood (Homewood Chamber of Commerce)
1918 Catering has been a winner for the past two years at Taste of Homewood. (Homewood Chamber of Commerce)

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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