Reviewed by: Grace Howard
The Magic City Carnival is rolling back into town Saturday, August 2
Reading time: 4 minutes
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From face paint to funnel cakes, there’s a little magic around every corner at the 3rd annual Magic City Carnival.
This annual fundraising festival is coming to Cahaba Brewing on Saturday, August 2, and it’s a great way to support one of our favorite local charities and have a blast while giving back.
Read on for everything you need to know.
Magic is waiting at Magic City Carnival
- What: Magic City Carnival, benefitting Pathways, a shelter dedicated to supporting and empowering women and children experiencing homelessness.
- Where: Cahaba Brewing Company patio, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
- When: Saturday, August 2 | 5PM – 8PM
- Cost:
- Free admission
- Carnival game tickets: $1 each or $15 for 20
- Unlimited activity wristband: $25
- VIP Pass: $40 (includes unlimited activity wristband & 2 drinks)
- Tickets: Tickets will be sold at the ticket booth on the day of the carnival. Tickets will not be available for purchase online this year.
Sneak peek at the festivities
Here’s a little glimpse at the excitement in store:
- Games for all ages like giant Jenga, build-a-bear, giant bowling + more
- Carnival food like funnel cakes, fried pickles, lemonade + more from Carnival Cravings
- Live DJ
- Face painting
- Axe throwing
- Hula hoop contest
- Bounce house
- 360 camera
- + more!
The event will also include a silent auction with exceptional prize baskets, such as:
- Diamonds Direct
- Taco Mama Gift Card
- Milo’s Hamburgers
- + more!
Pathways’ impact in Birmingham
Pathways is a Birmingham-based women and children’s shelter committed to addressing homelessness with compassion and comprehensive support. Their mission is rooted in housing, hospitality and hope—offering a safe space for women and children to rebuild their lives with dignity, care and the resources needed to move toward lasting stability.
The Magic City Carnival, organized by the junior board of Pathways, aims to raise funds and awareness for women and children experiencing homelessness.
“Homelessness sometimes has a really negative connotation, but they really are just people that want to be loved and supported. When we bring community members in and they see that, it really helps us to reduce that stigma.”
Riley Blum, President of Pathways Junior Board
The carnival’s fundraising efforts help provide services like early education, social work and housing for residents.
Giving back to the women + children of Birmingham
For over three decades, Pathways has played a critical role in the Birmingham community by not only addressing the symptoms of homelessness but also working to break the cycle for future generations.
Pathways supports womens’ path to stability and independence by providing:
- Basic services like showers + laundry
- Overnight emergency shelter
- Permanent supportive housing
- Free early childhood care for women + children
Beyond just providing shelter, their goal is to empower residents to be self-sufficient and independent.
“It is really important to have a safe place for these folks to go. A lot of other places aren’t necessarily built for women and children. We’ve done outreach to get more women exposed to what we do and how we can help find resources for them.”
Julie Thielen, Pathways Development Associate
Former Pathways resident Ivannasha Flute shared how the organization’s support helped her work two jobs, avoid depression and empowered her to start her lip gloss business, All Glossed Out.
“I know if I ever fall short, I can turn to them if I need something. They still check on us, to make sure we’re doing good. I’m thankful for them.”
Ivannasha Flute
Flute will have her own spot as a vendor at this year’s Magic City Carnival, so make sure to stop by and check out her custom lip glosses.
How you can support Pathways
There are many ways to stand alongside Pathways:
- Volunteering your time
- Donating goods
- Serving a meal
- Sponsoring a child
- Supporting their mission financially
You can also get involved through their Junior Board or sponsorships, helping extend the shelter’s reach and impact.
To learn more about Pathways, visit their website and follow them on Facebook + Instagram. Will we see you at the carnival Saturday, August 2?
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