14 weekend events for Thanksgiving weekend in Birmingham—Nov. 28-30

With the Iron Bowl happening Saturday, family and friends in town for Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday, there’s no shortage of things to do this weekend in Birmingham! Thankfully, we’ve got you covered.

• Looking for places to watch the Iron Bowl? Check this out.
• Forgot to thaw the turkey? Here’s what’s open on Thanksgiving.
• Looking for bars for Thanksgiving Eve? We got you covered.
• Need something to do that’s not eating turkey? Click here.

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

Friday, Nov. 28—Sunday, Nov. 30

1. “Wicked: For Good” @ McWane Science Center’s IMAX Theater

• What: Experience the next chapter in Elphaba and Glinda’s epic tale in the second half of the two-part movie “Wicked.” Now labeled the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda enjoys life in Emerald City, basking in fame and popularity. When an angry mob rises against Elphaba, she must reunite with Glinda to transform herself—and all of Oz—for the better. Bonus: Watch it on the Southeast’s largest IMAX screen at McWane’s IMAX Dome Theatre!
• When: Friday, Nov. 21-Friday, Dec. 5 | Time varies by show date
• Cost: IMAX only: Adults (13-64) $9.95 | Kids (2-12) + Senior Citizens (65+) $8.95 | Kids (2 and under) free
• Details

2. Pecans for Autism fundraiser @ Participating locations + online

• What: Give a little, get a little when you shop Glenwood’s Pecans for Autism fundraiser this season. When you purchase, you aren’t just buying delicious snacks—you’re helping make a difference in others’ lives. Whether you purchase them as a gift or for yourself, your holiday snacking will be extra meaningful this year. The sale runs Nov. 1-Jan. 11—get your orders in now! 
• When: Saturday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Jan. 11
• Cost: Varies on purchase
• Details

3. Tamale Sale @ ¡HICA!

• What: DYK the ritual of preparing and sharing tamales at Christmas goes back centuries for Latin cultures? This holiday season, you can join in the fun by ordering this special cuisine during ¡HICA!’s annual tamale sale. Along with enjoying a great meal, you’ll be supporting ¡HICA!’s mission of empowering Latinos in Alabama.
• When:
  • Order online: Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Dec. 7
  • Order pick up: Thursday, Dec. 11, between 8AM-6PM
• Cost: Varies by order
• Details

4. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo

• What: The Birmingham Zoo lights up this holiday season with the return of Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. This year’s dazzling display will show off hundreds of larger-than-life installations (some brand new!) and more than one million lights. Add in hot chocolate, rides on the Red Diamond Express Train, live entertainment + more, and it’s a must-experience for all ages.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 | 5-9PM
  • The Birmingham Zoo is closed on November 27 + December 24-25.
• Cost: Adults $18.95+ | Kids (ages 2-17) $11.95+
• Details

5. Kimberly Akimbo @ The BJCC

• What: Broadway’s most heart-filled, laugh-through-your-tears musical is making a stop in Birmingham. Kimberly Akimbo, the Tony Award–winning story about a bright, quirky teen navigating life, family chaos and a race against time, lands at the BJCC with its unforgettable music and big dose of heart.
• When: Tuesday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 30 | Times vary
• Cost: $59+
• Details

Friday, Nov. 28

6. Regions Tree Lighting @ Regions Bank Building Downtown

• What: A tradition since the 1970s, Regions Bank lights its headquarters downtown with displays of a Christmas tree, wreath and stocking. The bank is holding a “flip the switch” party for the community the day after Thanksgiving. Also, be sure to check out the live entertainment and food trucks.
• When: Friday, Nov. 28 | 5PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

7. Birmingham Bulls vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers @ Pelham Civic Complex

• What: Catch the Birmingham Bulls on the ice as they bring speed, precision and scoring power against the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Plus—first 1000 adults get a Bulls replica jersey.
• When: Friday, Nov. 28 | 7PM
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

Saturday, Nov. 29

8. Iron Bowl Saturday

• What: Iron Bowl should be a holiday in Alabama—am I right? We’ve gathered a guide to places to watch the Iron Bowl around Birmingham if you and your crew cannot make it to Auburn! (War Eagle!)
• When: Saturday, November 29 | 6:30PM Kickoff
• Where:  Jordan-Hare Stadium | Auburn, Alabama
  • Watch locally in Birmingham using our guide!

9. Small Business Saturday

This Small Business Saturday, let’s show love to Birmingham’s heart and soul: its local shops, cafés, artisans and family-owned businesses. This Saturday, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who make our neighborhoods unique, create jobs across the state and keep Alabama’s economy strong!

So skip the big-box frenzy just for a day. Visit your favorite local boutique. Grab a meal at a family-owned restaurant. Explore a new neighborhood studio. Small shops make a big difference!

• When: Saturday, November 29
• Where: Across Birmingham
• We spoke with a few small biz owners around Bham for their tips.

Sunday Nov. 30

10. Museum store Sunday @ Birmingham Museum of Art

• What: The Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA) will join museum stores around the world to celebrate nonprofit retail and encourage shopping with a purpose. When you visit the BMA’s museum store on this special day, you’ll discover a fun holiday market featuring local vendors, art-themed activities and must-grab promotions.
• When: Sunday, Nov. 30 | 12PM-5PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

11. Skate Through the Decades @ CityWalk BHAM

• What: Roll into fun every Sunday in November at CityWalk Bham! When you strap on your roller skates, you’ll get to glide under the open sky while enjoying music that spans the decades. Bring your friends and family along—it’s the perfect way to get moving.
• When: Sunday, Nov. 30 | 4PM-6PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

12. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour @Iron City

• What: Get ready for a holiday glow-up, Birmingham! Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is bringing their vintage-pop flair to the Magic City with the Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour. Expect today’s biggest hits reimagined in swinging ’20s jazz, soulful Motown and holiday sparkle that’ll have you dancing in your seat.
• When: Sunday, Nov. 30 | 8PM
• Cost: $51+
• Details

13. Trussville Community Caroling and Tree Lighting Ceremony

• What: Trussville has one of the largest live Christmas trees in the Birmingham Metro area. Our favorite part of this event? The caroling.
• When: Sunday, Nov. 30 | 4-6PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

14. Bessemer Christmas Tree Lighting

• What: The “Marvel City” is holding its annual Christmas tree lighting on Sunday afternoon. Come at 4PM for some giveaways and raffles.
• When: Sunday, Nov. 30 | 5PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Coming soon events

• Mark your calendars for these upcoming events in December!

Happy Thanksgiving, Birmingham! 🦃

Did we forget your event? Let us know at gracegarrison@bhamnow.com, and I’ll add it to our list! Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.