15 MLK weekend events in Birmingham—Jan. 16-18

We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! From sports games to concerts, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re resting or looking for adventure, we’ve got you covered.

• Looking for ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy? Learn more here.
• What’s open and closed on MLK Day? Find out.
• Calling all hockey fans! Look ahead to the Birmingham Bulls 2026 games.

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

Friday, Jan. 16—Saturday, Jan. 17

1. Getting Comfortable with Color with Julie Snidle @ Forestall Art Center

• What: Getting Comfortable with Color with Julie Snidle is a hands-on workshop designed to build confidence in color mixing through guided exercises using R&F Pigment Sticks, showing how to create dozens of colors from just three parent colors plus white.
• When: Friday, Jan. 16—Saturday, Jan. 17
• Cost: $350
• Details

Saturday, Jan. 17—Sunday, Jan. 18 

2. Season Opener @ Barber Motorsport Park

• What: Kick off the season at Barber Motorsports Park with high-speed action, world-class racing and an electric atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
• When: Saturday, Jan. 17—Sunday, Jan. 18 
• Cost: Admission to Barber Motorsports Park
• Details

Friday Jan. 16

3. Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

• 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
• Cost: $36.50-$95.50
• Details

4. All Your Friends: The Indie Party @ Saturn

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

5. Nature at Noon with Alabama Audubon @ Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

• 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
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

6. ASFA Creative Writing Presents: Creative Writing Showcase @ Alabama School of Fine Arts

• What: ASFA Creative Writing presents an evening of bold voices and original work as students take the stage for a dynamic Creative Writing Showcase at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
• When: Fri, Jan. 16 | 1:30PM-3PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Saturday, Jan. 17

7. Dance Across Birmingham @ BJCC

• What: Dance Across Birmingham at the BJCC is a free, high-energy day of dance for all ages and skill levels featuring a wide variety of styles taught by local instructors, culminating in a community dance showcase that spotlights the region’s best talent.
• When: Saturday, Jan. 17 | 10AM-7PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

8. MLK Day Drum Run @ Fourth Avenue Historic District of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District

• 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, a goodie bag, a race t-shirt and more.
• When: Saturday, January 17
  • 5K + 10K: 8AM-10:30AM
  • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Youth + Adult): 9AM-10:30AM
• Cost:
  • 5K: $40
  • 10K: $50 (Runners only!)
  • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk—Youth + Adult: $20
• Details

9. Birmingham Squadron vs Motor City Cruise @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC

• What: Cheer on the Birmingham Squadron this January as they take on competitors like the Toronto Raptors, Greensboro Swarm and more.
• When: Sat, Jan. 17 | 6PM
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

10. Bama Bash Challenge @ Birmingham CrossPlex

• 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
• Cost: Athletes $75 | CrossPlex members $44
• Details

11. MLK Social and Serve @ SLIDE CAFE 

• What: MLK Social and Serve at Slide Cafe brings people together for connection, conversation and meaningful service in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• When: Sat, Jan. 17 | 11AM-2PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Sunday Jan. 18

12. Miss Magic City Comedy Queen @ Birmingham Festival Theatre

• What: Get ready to laugh, Birmingham! Miss Magic City Comedy Queen is back this Sunday, 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
• Cost: Reserved Seating $28 | Live Stream $10
• Details

13. 2026 Bourbonham benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society @ The Club 

• What: Raise your glass for a great cause! Gather with fellow bourbon 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
• Cost:
  • VIP: $200
  • Couples: $200
  • General Admission: $150
• Details

14. Double Take! Nathan Avakian and Donnie Rankin at the Mighty Wurlitzer @ Alabama Theatre

• What: A night of musical “Double Take!” magic as Nathan Avakian and Donnie Rankin bring the Mighty Wurlitzer to life at the historic Alabama Theatre.
• When: Sun, Jan. 18 | 2PM
• Cost: $57.42
• Details

15. Tulsa Golden Hurricane at UAB Blazers @ Bartow Arena

• What: Catch the Tulsa Golden Hurricane face off against the UAB Blazers at Bartow Arena for an exciting showdown.
• When: Sun, Jan. 18 | 2PM
• Cost: $16-$50
• Details

Coming Soon Events

• Jan.22-25—2026 53rd Annual Birmingham Boat Show @ BJCC
• Jan. 30—The Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” @ The BJCC
• Jan. 31—Electronic Drop-Off and On-Site Paper Shredding @ The Birmingham Zoo
• Jan. 31—Jazz Cat Ball benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society @ Finley Center

Want more events? Visit our website calendar. You can also add your event for free on our calendar.

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