How to plan a solo night out in Birmingham: symphony, cocktails + more

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There’s a certain magic in a solo night out to catch the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) live in Birmingham, turning the whole night into a more immersive experience—just you, the music and the moment unfolding around you.

If you’ve ever thought about going solo, here’s why a night with the ASO is the perfect excuse—and what you can expect when you go.

What sets ASO apart

World-class musicians

I’ve lived in the Greater Birmingham Area for years, and it still feels a little surreal to sit in a concert hall and watch world-class musicians perform just a few miles from my home. 

This isn’t some second grade recital or elevator background music—the ASO is the real deal! 

Every musician you see on stage with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra is classically trained, bringing years—often decades—of education, discipline and artistry to each performance. 

There’s a special kind of pride that comes with being able to support a hometown institution that elevates Birmingham’s cultural scene in a big way. 

Full immersion—no distractions

A night of no stress, no pressure and no distractions—sounds like a dream-come-true, doesn’t it? Attending an ASO performance is a wonderful way to escape the daily drama, to-do lists or kiddos begging for your attention. 

Each show is fully immersive, so you can fully tune into the music, the atmosphere and the moment. It’s reflective, energizing and honestly, kind of empowering.

A variety of shows

A big misconception about the symphony is that it’s only for serious classical music fans. This is one myth I’m excited to bust. 

Yes, there are traditional classic concerts, but there is also:

• SuperPOPS! performances
• Movie nights with live orchestra accompaniment
• Themed concerts
• Collaborations that are fresh + fun

One SuperPOPS! concert I’ll never forget was Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert.The night was packed with iconic music from the films, and the energy in the hall was electric. 

Conductor Chris Confessore kept the night lively with personal stories, humor, and behind-the-scenes insights that made the music even more engaging.

The finale? An epic surprise! The string musicians’ bows lit up like lightsabers, earning a storm of applause.

Bonus: While this guide is all about solo nights, it’s worth noting that the ASO also offers family-friendly programs for all ages and experience levels. So after your “me time” adventure, considering bringing the fam along for a fun outing.

Ticket prices: typically range from $12-$100 | See ASO’s upcoming events.

Supporting local arts + community

If you like supporting local arts, going to an ASO performance is an easy—and enjoyable—way to do it. Whether you’re buying a ticket or making a donation, you’re helping keep a full-time professional orchestra right here in our state.

Your support also fuels:

• Exceptional programming
• Music education initiatives
• Affordable access to high-quality performances

Attending solo doesn’t mean you’re alone—it means you’re part of something bigger. 

What to know before you go—it’s more than you expect

The venue

ASO performs at a variety of venues in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

While the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs at several locations around Birmingham—the Birmingham Zoo, Samford University and Railroad Park—Jemison Concert Hall at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center is their true home. 

It’s a standout venue with:

• Incredible acoustics
• Elegant-but-not-stuffy architecture
• Seating that creates an intimate atmosphere

I can’t be the only one who enjoys seeing the musicians cue one another or the conductor energetically waving his baton on the podium.

Add Jemison Concert Hall to your GPS before you go: 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294

Dress + vibes

When you hear the word “symphony,” you likely picture tuxedos and glittering gowns, but most ASO performances are “come as you are.”

You’ll see everything from:

• Jeans + sneakers
• Business casual outfits
• Cocktail dresses

The rule of thumb: Wear what makes you feel best!

For me, a solo night with the ASO usually means business casual: jeans, fun heels and a comfy top. 

Pro tip: Bring a jacket. Concert halls tend to run movie-theater cool, so you’ll be glad you did. 

Pre-show drink or meal 

Planning a little treat is one of my favorite parts of a solo date. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars near the Jemison Concert Hall in Birmingham, whether you want:

• A pre-show dinner:
  • Chez FonFon:
    • Rec: burger or moule fries + Crimson & Clover cocktail
    • Menu
    • Distance from concert hall: .8 miles/5 minutes
      
  • Tasty Town:
    • Rec: Pastichio + seasonal sparkling lemonade
    • Menu
    • Distance from concert hall: 1 mile/6 minutes

• A post-show drink:
  • Tucana Tiki Bar:
    • Rec: Tiki-inspired Hotel Nacional cocktail
    • Menu
    • Distance from concert hall: 1 mile/6 minutes
      
  • Continental Drift—recently received James Beard nomination for Outstanding Cocktail Service
    • Rec: Deep Eddy Lemon martini
    • Menu
    • Distance from concert hall: 1.2 miles/7 minutes

Seating

Going solo is the perfect excuse to choose exactly where you want sit. 

Good news: there are no bad seats at the Jemison Concert Hall. Whether you like to be front and center, farther back or up in the balcony, you’ll have a nice view and sound experience. 

What’s even better—you don’t have to leave the concert hall for a drink. Most ASO performances have a bar set up during intermission, so you can grab a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail before heading back to your seat. 

Parking

You’ll love this—parking is actually easy!

• There’s a free parking lot right outside Jemison Concert Hall
• Street parking nearby if the lot fills up

Another perk of going solo: You can make a quick exit or linger post-concert as long as you like! 

The atmosphere + music

There’s nothing quite like live orchestral music. The quiet anticipation before the first note, the collective pause of the audience, the applause at the end—it’s all part of the experience.

The sound fills the room in a way recordings can’t, and the emotional highs and lows hit so much deeper. 

Plus, just when you think you know what to expect, the ASO delivers a surprise, like:

• a guest soloist
• an unexpected collaboration
• a playful moment that gets the whole room buzzing

Ready to experience the ASO for yourself? Your next favorite solo date might just be waiting in the concert hall. I definitely recommend it.

Check out upcoming performances with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra + get your tickets now.

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