37 January events to kick off the new year in Birmingham

It’s a new year in the Magic City, and January is packed with events to get you moving, laughing, exploring and having fun around Birmingham. From cozy hikes and nature walks to black-tie galas, comedy pageants and hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone to kick off 2026 right.

Read on to see what January has in store, and start planning now.

CONTINUING EVENT: Don’t miss out on rollover events from December 2025, like Glow Wild at The Birmingham Zoo, The Magic of Model Trains at McWane Science Center and more.

Arts events

See artifacts from the Magic City’s history at the “From Steel to Stage: The History of Theatre in Birmingham” exhibit. (Vulcan Park & Museum)

1. From Steel to Stage: The History of Theatre in Birmingham

• What: If you love history, creativity and Birmingham culture, step back in time and see how our local theatre scene shaped the city we know today. From its industrial roots to a thriving cultural hub, this interesting exhibit explores the leaders, venues and performances that put the Magic City on the arts map. During your visit, you’ll see artifacts, photos and stories from local theatres and archives.
• When: Now-Jan. 11 
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
• Cost: Adults $8 | Seniors $6 | Kids (age 4+) $4 | Kids (age 3 and under)
• Details

2. Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific

• What: After more than a decade, the ASO is marking its return to large vocal works programming with the semi-staged concert production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific. The show blends a live orchestral performance with musical theatre, with veteran stage director Stacy Alley and UAB theatre chair Kelly Allison guiding the visual storytelling, and guest artists William Michaels and Birmingham-based Kristen Campbell headlining.
• When: Fri, Jan. 16 | 7PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall
• Cost: $36.50-$95.50
• Details

3. Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s The Farewell Symphony

• What: Join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a night of musical intrigue, beginning with Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 and ending with Haydn’s Symphony No. 45—two works as fascinating as they are unforgettable.
• When: Thurs, Jan. 22 | 6:30PM
• Where: Carver Theatre for the Performing Arts
• Cost: $25-$59.50
• Details

4. Orchestra Noir

• What: Get ready for an unforgettable night with Orchestra Noir, an Atlanta-based all-African American orchestra. Known for blending classical music with hip-hop, R&B and other Black cultural sounds, you’ll hear modern hits with orchestral arrangements and popular themed shows like the Y2K Meets ’90s Tour.
• When: Fri, Jan. 30 | 8PM
• Where: Alabama Theatre
• Cost: $53+
• Details

5. Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks: Luminous Legends Tchaikovsky & Brahms

• What: Enjoy orchestral storytelling at its finest in this must-attend concert that brings together composers whose music continues to inspire. Conductor Carlos Izcaray leads the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont, Tchaikovsky’s Suite No. 4 in G major, Mozartiana, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 3 in F major. Prepare for an unforgettable evening of orchestral mastery!
• When: Fri, Jan. 30 + Sat, Jan. 31 | 7PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall
• Cost: $12-$90
• Details

6. At Home: Mixtape

• What: Don’t miss a new exciting and evolving production by Alabama Ballet Artistic Director Christopher Stuart. This mixed-repertoire performance pushes the boundaries of dance in a one-of-a-kind performance, you won’t want to miss.
• When: Fri, Jan 30-Sun, Feb. 8 | Fri + Sat 7:30PM + Sun 2PM
• Where: Alabama Ballet Center for Dance
• Cost: $36.75
• Details

7. Monet to Matisse French Moderns, 1850-1950

• What: Make plans to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, opening in January. It features 100+ masterworks, with more than half from the Brooklyn Museum’s esteemed European collection. The exhibition highlights France’s role as the epicenter of modernism during a time of profound social, intellectual and political change, showcasing a range of paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Iconic artists on display include Paul Cézanne, Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and more.
• When: Fri, Jan. 30-May 24 | Time varies by ticket
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art
• Cost:
  • Adults: $19.51
  • Students, Veterans + Seniors ages 65+: $15
  • Kids ages 4-17: $10
  • Kids ages 3 and under: Free admission
• Details

Education events

8. Dried Floral Wreath-Making Workshop

• What: Join Tanis Clifton from Happy Trails Flower Farm for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of dried flowers and create your very own 6-inch wreath using her hand-dried botanicals.
• When: Thurs, Jan. 15 | 10AM-12PM
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• Cost: Members $50 | Nonmembers $55
• Details

9. Intro to Clay with Larry Gibson

• What: Learn the basics of clay with local instructor Larry Gibson. You’ll discover different techniques like using coils, slab building and wheel throwing—and complete at least two projects each session.
• When: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 13, 20 + 27 + Feb. 3 + 10 | 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Where: Forstall Art Center
• Cost: $250 | Includes clay + glazes
• Details

10. The Summit for Alabama STEM Education and Workforce

• What: Spend two inspiring days connecting with teachers, informal educators and industry leaders to spark innovation and shape the future of STEM education in Alabama. This is your chance to help expand education, ignite passion and create pathways in STEM.
• When: Mon, Jan. 12-Tues, Jan. 13
• Where: BJCC, East Exhibit Hall
• Details

11. Birmingham AI 2026 Kickoff

• What: Join 500+ builders, leaders and community members for hands-on AI experiences, great food and conversations. Expect:
  • AI experiences
  • Meetings with industry peers + the local community
  • A main-stage program with BirminghamAI, OpenAI + a keynote speaker
  • Tips how to use AI in a meaningful way
• When: Wed, Jan. 14 | 4:3-PM-8PM
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus
• Cost: $30
• Details

12. Acting for the Non-Actor by Teaching Artist Brendan Powers

• What: No experience required. Must be ages 18+ to attend.
• Push your dreams of Broadway aside when you step into this welcoming class for anyone curious about the craft of acting. Led by professional actor and teacher Brendan Powers, you’ll take part in engaging acting exercises and scene work, plus gain insight into how actors prepare, make creative choices and bring stories to life.
• When: Saturdays, Jan. 24 + 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21 + 28 | 1-2:30PM
• Where: ArtPlay Dance Studio
• Cost: $175
• Details

13. New Year, New Skills: Glassblowing

• What: Ring in the new year with a new skill—glassblowing! On January 25, visit Cahaba Brewing Company for a fun class where you can try your hand at glassblowing on an ornament, pumpkin or cup.
• When: Sun, Jan. 25 | 11AM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co, 
• Cost: 
  • Blown ornament: $30
  • Blown Pumpkin: $40
  • BYO Cup: $60 
• Details

Entertainment events

14. 2026 53rd Annual Birmingham Boat Show

• What: Set sail at Alabama’s biggest boating event! The Birmingham Boat Show, the state’s oldest and largest, returns with over 250,000 sq. ft. of boats, motors, fishing gear, guides, outfitters and all the latest outdoor gear. From its historic beginnings in 1972 to today, it’s the ultimate stop for boat lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
• When:
  • Thurs, Jan. 22 + Fri, Jan. 23 | 12PM-8PM
  • Sat, Jan. 24 | 11AM-8PM
  • Sun, Jan. 25 | 12PM-5PM
• Where: BJCC
• Cost: Adults $15 | Kids (ages 12 and under) free admission
• Details

15. New Year’s Day at the District 

• What: Spend the first day of the new year at District Brewing Company. Get a full pint, grab a seat catch a college bowl game and more.
• When: Thurs, Jan. 1 | 12PM
• Where: District Brewing Co 
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

16. Blue Man Group 

• What: Plan now to see this wild inventive performance art trio known for their blue-painted skin, silent personas and electrifying blend of music, comedy and theatrics. Expect a sensory explosion with custom-made instruments, vibrant visuals and audience interaction.
• When: Wed, Jan. 7 + Thurs, Jan. 8 | 7PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: $57 to $133+
• Details

17. All Your Friends: The Indie Party

• What: Grab your friends for an epic indie dance party at Saturn filled with all your playlist favorites.
• When: Fri, Jan. 16 | 8:30PM
• Where: Saturn
• Cost: $27.12
• Details

18. MLK Day Drum Run

• What: Celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during this 8th annual event. The race features a lineup of drumlins musicians from Birmingham area schools and organizations that perform along the race course while motivating runners and walkers. You can also expect a warm up, music, timing, goodie bag, race t-shirt and more.
• When:
  • 5K + 10K: 8AM-10:30AM
  • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Youth + Adult): 9AM-10:30AM
• Where: Fourth Avenue Historic District of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District
• Cost:
  • 5K: $40
  • 10K: $50 (Runners only!)
  • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk—Youth + Adult: $20
• Details

19. Rumors ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

• What: Fleetwood Mac fan? You’ll love the tribute band Rumors ATL. They’ll be lighting up the stage at Iron City on January 9 and you’ll want to be in attendance. All ages are welcome to attend.
• When: Fri, Jan. 9 | 8PM
• Where: Iron City Bham
• Cost: $30.25+
• Details

20. Live Music: Jazz Guitar with Ethan Brown 

• What:Enjoy an afternoon of tea and jazz at Cha House Bham. Guitarist Ethan Brown will perform a live set—plus you can purchase delicious tea to bring home with you after the show.
• When: Sat, Jan. 3 | 1-4PM
• Where: Cha House Bham
• Cost: $10 suggested cover
• Details

21. True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner 

• What: An evening full of intrigue, hilarity and unscripted moments await you during this True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show. During the event, you’ll tackle a hilarious and challenging crime while feating on a delicious dinner. But watch out—you may find yourself as a prime suspect!
• When: Sat, Jan. 10 | 6-9PM
• Where: Marriott Birmingham
• Cost: General Admission $63.99 | Suspect Package $24.99
• Details

22. Miss Magic City Comedy Queen

• What: Get ready to laugh, Birmingham! Miss Magic City Comedy Queen is back on January 18, bringing big jokes, bold creativity and fierce competition to Five Points South. The winner earns a coveted spot at the National Miss Comedy Queen Pageant in Orlando (and a Magic City track record that’s already top-10 worthy).
• When: Sun, Jan. 18 | 7PM
• Where: Birmingham Festival Theatre
• Cost: Reserved Seating $28 | Live Stream $10
• Details

23. Birmingham Business Alliance Link Up

• What: Mix, mingle and make connections! Birmingham Business Alliance’s Link Up is a happy hour event designed specifically for small business owners. Attend to network, swap ideas and grow your local business circle.
• When: Thurs, Jan. 22 | 5:30PM-7PM 
• Where: Birmingham Business Alliance
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

24. The Moth Open Mic StorySLAM: New Leaf (First-Timers Night)

• What: The Moth StorySLAM hit Birmingham with its New Leaf theme in January. First-timers and seasoned storytellers are invited to share (or soak up) true, five-minute tales about bold beginnings, clean breaks and the chapters in their lives that changed everything. Must be ages 18+ to attend.
• When:  Mon, Jan. 26 | 7:30PM
• Where: Saturn
• Cost: TBD—tickets are on sale soon | Seating is first-come, first-served.
• Details

25. The Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”

• What: You’ll shout encore at this epic show featuring The Black Jacket Symphony performing Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” live in concert at the BJCC.
• When: Fri, Jan. 30 | 8PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: $49.55+
• Details

Good cause events

26. Make-a-Wish Trailblazer Challenge

• What: Ready to step into an adventure that changes lives? The Make-A-Wish Alabama Trailblaze Challenge pairs 12 weeks of guided training with a powerful mission, culminating in a one-day, 26.3-mile hike on the scenic Pinhoti Trail. Along the way, you’ll raise critical funds to help grant wishes for Alabama kids, turning every mile into meaning impact.
• When: Must attend info session by Jan. 22 | Weekend hiking dates: April 17-19 | May 1-3 | June 25-29
• Where: Pinhoti Trail
• Cost: Free to participate
• Details

27. Connect to your Coast with ACF 

• What: Drop by this free event to enjoy great beer, meet fellow coastal champions and learn how you can help protect Alabama’s precious coastal environment—all hosted by the Alabama Coastal Foundation.
• When: Thursday, Jan. 8 | 11AM-8PM
• Where: Back Forty Beer Co
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

28. 2026 Bourbonham benefiting National Multiple Sclerosis Society

• What: Raise your glass for a great cause! Gather with fellow bourgon lovers from across the South to sample a wide range of standout pours—all while supporting research, advocy and programs that improve the lives of people living with MS.
• When: Sun, Jan. 18 | 2PM-5:30PM
• Where: The Club, Inc.
• Cost:
  • VIP: $200
  • Couples: $200
  • General Admission: $150
  • Ticket sales close on Jan. 9, or earlier if sold out.
• Details

29. Jazz Cat Ball benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society

• What: Glam it up for a great cause! The Jazz Cat Ball returns January 31, bringing black-tie vibes, dinner, music, a casino and can’t-miss auctions to one of the South’s largest animal rescue fundraisers. All benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
• When: Wed, Jan. 31 |
• Where: Finley Center
• Cost: Based on ticket type
• Details

Nature events

30. Electronic Drop-Off and On-Site Paper Shredding

• What: It’s time to clear out all your old tech and papers! Swing by the Birmingham Zoo on January 31 for this recycling event that lets you drop off your unused laptops, cell phones, cords, small appliances and more. Have a stack of paper to shred? You can bring up to five boxes!
• When: Jan. 31 | 9AM-11:30AM
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• Cost: Free
• Details

31. First Day Hike

• What: Start 2026 on the right foot with a refreshing, family-friendly hike to Grace’s Gap Overlook at Red Mountain Park. You’ll learn about winter flora, local wildlife and the mountain’s rich mining history along the way. This 4-mile hike includes rest stops—be sure to bring a water bottle and bundle up.
• When: Thurs, Jan. 1 | 9AM-12PM
• Where: Red Mountain Park
• Cost: Members free | Nonmembers $5
• Details

32. Plant and Pour: Fairy Gardens

• What: Sip, create and let your imagine and fairy wings grow. This sweet gathering lets you design and create your own whimsical fairy garden, complete with charming details and greenery. Space is limited—RSVP to victoria@birminghamdistrictbrewing.com.
• When: Tues, Jan. 13 | 6:30PM
• Where: Birmingham District Brewing Co
• Cost: $40
• Details

33. Nature at Noon with Alabama Audubon

• What: Join Alabama Audubon for a Nature at Noon bird-watching walk at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, one of the region’s most ecologically rich spots and home to several endangered species. This easy, hour-long stroll is a great way to spot local birds and soak up nature. No experience is required to participate.
• When: Fri, Jan. 16 | 12PM-1PM
• Where: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

34. Eco-Poetry Zine Workshop

• What: Get creative in the great outdoors! Local poet and Alabama Master Naturalist H. M. Cotton will guide you through tuning into nature, writing your own eco-inspired poetry and even making a mini-zine to show it off. Supplies are included.
• When: Sat, Jan. 24 | 10AM-12PM
• Where: Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
• Cost: Members $20 | Nonmembers $25
• Details

Sporting events

35. Birmingham Squadron January 2026 Home Games

• What: Cheer on the Birmingham Squadron this January as they take on competitors like the Toronto Raptors, Greensboro Swarm and more.
• When: 
  • Birmingham Squadron vs Osceola:
    • Thurs, Jan. 8 | 7PM
    • Sat, Jan. 10 | 6PM
  • Birmingham Squadron vs Toronto Raptors: Sun, Jan. 11 | 5PM
  • Birmingham Squadron vs Motor City Cruise:
    • Thurs, Jan. 15 | 1PM
    • Sat, Jan. 17 | 6PM
  • Birmingham Squadron vs Greensboro Swarm: Mon, Jan. 19 | 1PM
  • Birmingham Squadron vs Cleveland Charge:
    • Thurs, Jan. 22 | 7PM
    • Sat, Jan. 24 | 6PM
  • Birmingham Squadron vs Sioux Falls: Wed, Jan. 28 | 7PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

36. Bama Bash Challenge

• What: All-Star, Rec, School and Dance teams will compete in this fun and competitive cheerleading event at the Birmingham CrossPlex. See them jump, tumble and dance as they compete to earn bids to the national championships
• When: Sat, Jan. 17 | 7AM
• Where: Birmingham CrossPlex
• Cost: Athletes $75 | CrossPlex members $44
• Details

37. Pickleball 101 Clinic

• What: Looking for a way to get active in the new year? Pickleball is a great choice, and is still trending among all ages in Birmingham. During this session, you’ll learn all the fundamentals of the game from scoring to serving. A limited supply of paddles is available, so bring your own if you can.
• When: Sun, Jan. 25 | 1PM
• Where: Levite Jewish Community Center
• Cost: Free
• Details + Register

Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar. For more events in Birmingham, sign up for our FREE newsletter.