Magic City Art Connection’s 42nd year + Corks & Chefs April 25-27—what to know before you go

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Magic City Art Connection (MCAC) is set to take over Sloss Furnaces from April 25-27. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience one of Birmingham’s most iconic events. Whether you’re there to view the art, sample the food or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, MCAC promises a weekend full of creativity, inspiration and connection. FIND ART is the Festival’s slogan, and you will everywhere you go at Sloss.

Magic City Art Connection—Event Details

Magic City Art Connection has been a cornerstone of the Birmingham arts scene for over four decades. Celebrating its 42nd year, this annual spring festival brings together artists, collectors and art lovers from the state, region and around the country. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse programming, MCAC is not just an art show—it’s a cultural celebration.

The festival’s mission is clear: Create. Inspire. Educate. Collect. Taste.

• What: Magic City Art Connection, Birmingham’s largest city center outdoor arts festival
• When:
  • Friday, April 25 | 12-6PM
  • Saturday, April 26 | 10AM-6PM
  • Sunday, April 27 | 10AM-6PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd Street North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35222
• Tickets: $12 Advance/$15 Gate ticket gets you in all 3 days | Kids 18 & under receive free entry | Magic City Art Connection recommends purchasing tickets in advance for the best value.

Psst—Free Parking at Sloss Grassy Lot OR on the street. If you are taking a bike, ride over to MCAC and valet at the Redemptive Cycles booth by Fest Gate.

Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham

In addition to the visual arts, MCAC is also known for its exciting and delicious parallel event that delves into the culinary art world. Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham celebrates its 28th edition in 2025 and remains Birmingham’s longest-running outdoor tasting event.

• When: April 26 & 27 | 12-3PM each day
• Tickets (ADVANCE):
  • $60 Single Day
  • $95 Two-Day
• Tickets (GATE):
  • $70 Single Day
  • $105 Two-Day

As of press time, some featured restaurants and cocktails you can indulge in include:

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 & SUNDAY, APRIL 27

• Distributor Partners:
  • Alabama Crown
  • Alabev
  • International Wines
  • Republic National Distributing Company
  • United Johnson Brothers of Alabama
• Alabev Craft Brews, Wines, & More
  • Avondale Brewing Company – Birmingham, AL
  • Druid City Brewing – Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Good People Brewing Company – Birmingham, AL
  • Straight to Ale – Huntsville, AL
  • Yellowhammer Brewing Company – Huntsville, AL
  • Sunboy
  • Island Grove Wine Company
  • Mezy
  • The Retreat

If you can’t join Corks & Chefs this year, don’t worry! There are food trucks available as well to grab a bite.

150 Juried Artists on display

The Magic City Art Connection hosts 150 juried fine artists nationwide to showcase their works. With thousands of art pieces on display, the festival offers something for every art enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, MCAC is the perfect place to explore diverse mediums, styles and price points.

MCAC’s 2025 Featured Artist is Birmingham’s Dori DeCamillis. “In Them I Read Such Art” was selected for the 42nd annual Festival poster design and marketing campaign. Fun fact: Birds from our very own Birmingham Zoo were the muses for Dori’s oil painting.

“My early paintings in this series represented my mind states. They were meant to capture perspectives about myself and life, including feelings, attitudes, foibles, aspirations, and habits. As the series has progressed my images evolved to embody universal human perspectives, from clear seeing to distorted interpretations of reality.”

Dori DeCamillis, Artist

This year, Ray Wetzel, Director and Curator of the Gadsden Museum of Art, will serve as the 2025 Festival Juror, awarding cash prizes to a select group of artists.

The MCAC experience is an opportunity to discover new artists and connect with old favorites, as well as the chance to witness new talent emerge.

Special exhibitions + screenings & performance

The Exhibiting Artists are the heart of the Festival. But artists are celebrated everywhere at MCAC.

This year, the Festival is showcasing profiles of talented Alabama Artists at special screenings of APT’s Monograph series. Find these interviews playing inside the Bath House, located on your left after passing through Sloss’ perimeter gate.

Additionally, the High School Sculpture Project will feature large-scale installations from local students showcasing the emerging talent in Birmingham’s young educational community. This year’s theme is entitled “Modular Dappling.”

Be sure to check out live music and dance performances Saturday & Sunday at the City View Stage adjacent to the Visitor Center.

Make Art @ MCAC for all ages

For those looking to roll up their sleeves, get creative, and make art at MCAC, the Festival offers two hands-on experiences open to all ages. 

Adults can attend Collectors Classroom, which features instructional classes led by working artists in various genres and mediums, including Plein Air Painting, Papermaking, Printmaking, Casting, and more. Limited spaces are available. Sign up at www.magiccityart.com.

Plus—the Imagination Festival is a place carved out at the Festival especially for the kids. IF’s unmatched arts educational programming will feature a multitude of individual and collaborative workshops and art experiences that will unlock the creativity of every child. Friday is reserved for visiting elementary schools. Saturday & Sunday is open to families. 

Order your advance tickets for the 42nd Magic City Art Connection on April 25-27 at Sloss Furnaces. Don’t forget to follow Magic City Art Connection on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with updates before the event.

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