28 spring festivals to plan for now, like Holi + Magic City Art Connection

Spring in Birmingham means two things: warmer weather and a festival calendar that fills up fast. From March through May, the Magic City comes alive with food, music, art and community celebrations. To help you keep up, we’ve rounded up some of the best spring festivals our city has to offer.

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March festivals

1. Chili Cook-Off benefiting The Exceptional Foundation

• What: Get your chili on at the 22nd Birmingham Chili Cook-Off, now at a brand-new location: The Urban Center at Liberty Park. You’ll have the chance to sample 150+ cook teams, listen to live music and let the kids burn off energy at the fun-filled kids’ zone. All proceeds support The Exception Foundation.
• When: Sat, Mar 7 | 10:30AM–3PM
• Where: The Urban Center at Liberty Park
• Cost: $15 in advance | $20 at the gate | Children under 12 get in free
  • Get an early bird discount through March 6.
• Details

2. Kites & Bites

• What: Grab your family and your best-flying kite for a laid-back afternoon at Pelham City Park. This annual gathering includes live music from the Birmingham-based band Pine Song Players, kids activities, kit giveaways and food trucks like Orbit City, El Compa Taco and Kona Ice. Bonus: Leashed, well-mannered dogs are welcome.
• When: Sun, Mar 8 | 3:30AM–6PM
• Where: Pelham City Park
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

3. Mt. Laurel Spring Festival

• What: This annual festival is sure to be your family’s newest tradition. This vibrant street fair celebrates the best of spring in the Town of Mt. Laurel with delicious dishes from local restaurants and food trucks, artisan and farmer pop-up booths and live music.
• When: Sat, Mar 14 | 10AM–3PM
• Where: Mt Laurel Avenue
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

4. Cherry Blossom Festival

• What: Stop and smell the cherry blossoms—one of Birmingham’s most beloved spring festivals is back on Saturday, March 21. Hosted by the Japan-America Society of Alabama and the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, this family-friendly event showcases cultural exhibits and activities for all ages. There will also be Japanese food, music and exciting martial arts demonstrations.
• When: Sat, Mar 21 | 10AM–4PM
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

5. Indy 5K presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

• What: Hit the track like never before at The INDY 5K at Barber Motorsports Park. Run the 17-turn road course and enjoy Friday General Admission to the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix as part of your race experience. This is a one-of-a-kind way to feel the thrill of the track—no car required!
• When: Fri, Mar 27 | 5PM 
• Where: Barber Motorsports Park
• Cost: 5K $40 | Sleep In $35
• Details

6. Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix

• What: Move into the fast lane for this high-octane racing event supporting Children’s of Alabama. The weekend will include epic races, delicious food and must-attend fan experiences.
• When: Fri, Mar 27-Sun, Mar 29
• Where: Barber Motorsports Park
• Cost: $37+ 
• Details

April festivals

7. Funky Fish Fry benefiting Mitchell’s Place + Autism Support of AL

• What: Held each April during Autism Acceptance Month, this is your chance to help make a difference for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder in Alabama. During the day, expect live music from The Drennen Brothers, Murph + Automatic Slim, fun merch, Avondale brews and a plate of fried catfish with all the fixings. Note: This is a rain or shine event.
• When: Sat, Apr 11 | 11:30AM–5PM
• Where: Avondale Brewing Co
• Cost: 
  • Gen. Admission: $10 (Entry only/No food or drink)
  • 1 Ticket: $30
  • 2 Tickets: $45
  • To-Go Ticket or Small Plate: $15
  • Kids (12 and under): Free admission; Does not include food.
• Details

8. CahabaQue BBQ Cook-Off benefiting Breast Cancer Research Foundation of AL

• What: Enjoy an afternoon filled with barbecue and beer at this beloved semiannual event benefiting Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Featuring local backyard grillers and professionals, guests can try all-you-can-eat samples and vote for their favorites, PLUS savor craft beer and live music.
• When: Sat, Apr 11 | 12–3PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
• Cost:
  • Advance $15 (ages 11+)
  • At gate: $20 (ages 11+)
  • Kids (ages 10 and under): free admission
  • VIP: $50
• Details

9. Holi: A Festival of Color

• What: Mark your calendar for one of the most colorful events of the year—the Holi Festival! Inspired by the traditional Indian celebration of spring and the triumph of good over evil, this magical event comes to life at the Birmingham Museum of Art in partnership with City Walk BHAM. Enjoy live music, dance performances, interactive art activities and the joyful tossing of colored powders.
• When: Apr 11 | 12–5PM
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art + City Walk BHAM
• Cost: Free admission | Auditorium performances $5 per ticket
• Details

10. Birmingham Festa Italiana

• What: Ever wanted to stomp grapes or have a reason to eat gelato for hours? This is your chance! Festa Italian returns to Sloss Furnaces for its third year with musical performances, delicious cuisine, cooking demos, dancing, a bocce ball tournament, a Cultural Village and so much more.
• When: Apr 11 | 12–9PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces
• Cost:
  • Advance Gen. Admission: $11.66
  • Kids (10 and under): free admission
  • Raffle ticket: $53.11
• Details

11. Paws in the Park

• What: You and your pups will jump for joy over this park-filled gathering. There will be a variety of vendors, entertainment, face painting, hula hooping, local food trucks and more. Tip: Bring a donation of dog or cat food and show your support for the Alabama Pet Pantry.
• When: Sun, Apr 12 | 2–5PM
• Where: Pelham City Park
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

12. Gardendale Magnolia Festival

• What: If you’re looking for a spring festival your whole family can enjoy, check this one out in Gardendale. There will be 160+ vendors, two stages of live entertainment, a pooch parade, midway-style carnival, car show, free kid zone and more.
• When: Fri, Apr 17 | 5–10PM
• Sat, Apr 18 | 10AM–5PM
• Where: Gardendale Civic Center
• Cost: Free admission + parking
  • Carnival wristbands: $20 on Friday | $25 on Saturday
  • Carnival ride tickets: $1 each
  • Pony Rides + Farm Bus Petting Zoo: $5
• Details

13. St. Elias Lebanese Food + Cultural Festival

• What: It’s the 28th year of the St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival and you’ll want to attend! For two fun-filled days, you can experience authentic Lebanese dishes, including kibbeh, meat pies + various pastries, live music + traditional Dabke dancing, guided church tours and a silent auction.
• When: Fri, Apr 17–Sat, Apr 18 
• Where: St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

14. Magic City Tequila Festival 

• What: Bottoms up, Bham! The Magic City Tequila Festival is back for its second year this April and it’s going to be a blast! Held on the Kress Building’s rooftop, the evening will be filled with premium tequila tastings, delicious food, a live DJ, rooftop games and nonstop entertainment.
• When: Sat, Apr 18 | 5–9PM
• Where: Kress Building Rooftop
• Cost: $135.23
• Details

15. 43rd Annual Magic City Art Connection

• What: Magic City Art Connection—one of Birmingham’s most iconic events—is set to take over Sloss Furnaces April 24-26. Running for three days, you’ll get to admire and buy art and creations from hundreds of juried artists, see special exhibits, screenings + performances, enjoy great local food and more. The best part: all ages will love it!
• When: 
  • Fri, Apr 24 | 12–6PM
  • Sat, Apr 25 | 10AM–6PM
  • Sun, Apr 26 | 10AM–5PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces (under the main casting shed)
• Cost: 
  • Advance: $12 (includes admission on any single day or all 3 days)
  • Kids (18 and under): free admission
• Details

16. Corks & Chefs

• What: If you love Magic City Art Connection, you’ll want to grab tickets to its premier culinary arts event—Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham. Celebrating its 29th year, it’s one of the city’s longest-running outdoor tasting events and features local culinary dishes paired with wine, craft beer, cocktails and spirits.
• When: Sat, Apr 25–sun, Apr 26 | 12–3PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces
• Cost: TBD
• Details

17. Homewood Library Foundation Block Party

• What: If you love the Homewood Public Library, be sure to attend their Block Party on Saturday, April 25. This family-friendly event features music, food samples from local restaurants, beverages and fun activities for all ages—plus, it’s a great way to support a local Birmingham-area library.
• When: Sat, Apr 25 | 4–6:30PM
• Where: Homewood Public Library
• Cost:
  • $25 (Ages 21+)
  • $10 (ages 4–20)
  • Free admission (ages 0-3)
• Details

18. 15th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival 

• What: Award-winning national and local blues musicians and legendary barbecue? Count us in! On Saturday, April 25, head to the Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival for great food, live music (Dexter Allen, Karen Wolfe, Rick Harris + more!), family-friendly activities, art vendors and more. Tip: Bring a chair of blanket and set up your spot for the day.
• When: Sat, Apr 25
  • Gates open: 11AM
  • Live music begins: 12PM
• Where: DeBardeleben Park, Bessemer
• Cost:
  • Gen. Admission: $10 online or in person at Bob Syke’s Bar B Q Restaurant
  • At gate: $15
• Details

19. Vestavia Hills Wing Ding

• What: Don’t miss this community-focused charity cook-off featuring one of your favorite eats—chicken wings! Organized by Leadership Vestavia Hills, the gathering includes live music, a kids’ zone and numerous teams competing for “Best Wings in the City.”
• When: Sat, Apr 25 | 4–7PM 
• Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall
• Cost: $12 | Gen. Admission ticket GA ticket required for ages 10+
• Details

20. Jewish Food + Culture Festival

• What: Spend a spring day celebrating Jewish food and culture during this spirited festival. Throughout the day, there will be live music, dancing, a market and family-friendly activities. Don’t forget the food! There will be a wide selection of traditional menu items to try from matzah ball soup to falafel and babka.
• When: Sun, Apr 26 | 11AM-3PM
• Where: BJCC or Levite Jewish Community Center???
• Cost:
• Details

21. Heights Hangout

• What: Join your neighbors and meet new ones at this community event in Cahaba Heights. On the agenda: live music, local food + drinks, pop-up shops and a kids’ zone with inflatables.
• When: Sun, Apr 26 | 2–7PM
• Where: Heights Village, Cahaba Heights 3138 Cahaba Heights Road
• Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
• Cost: $12.51 | Kids (ages 4+) $7.18
• Details

May festivals

22. Furnace Chicken Festival

• What: Last year marked inaugural Furnace Chicken Festival, and it was a delicious success! Returning this April to Sloss Furnaces, the one-of-a-kind event brings people together for mouthwatering chicken dishes, unique vendors, live performances from local + national artists, a “Best Wing Competition” and more.
• When: May 2 | 1PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces
• Cost: 
  • Gen. Admission: $17.10
  • Early Bird VIP: $38.86
  • The V949 Listener Exclusive: $11.39
• Details

23. Homestead Hollow Spring Arts and Crafts Festival

• What: Experience the charm of Homestead Hollow at their Spring Arts and Crafts Festival. You’ll discover fine arts and unique handmade crafts alongside pioneer demonstrations like wood carving, blacksmithing and whiskey making. There will also be live local entertainment throughout the day, great food like barbecue, funnel cakes and fried pies, plus loads of activities for kids, like wagon rides and face painting.
• When: Fri, May 8-Sun, May 10 | 9AM–5PM
• Where: Homestead Hollow
• Cost: 
  • Adults: $10
  • Kids 12 and under: free admission
  • Groups of 20+: $8 each
  • Parking: free
• Details

24. 15th Annual Salsa Showdown benefiting Sidewalk 

• What: Turn up the heat at this year’s Salsa Showdown hosted by the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. You’ll get to sample some of the city’s best salsa, guacamole, queso and specialty dips, vote for your favorites and catch a live cooking demo, live music and a fiery Hot Pepper Eating Contest with a cash prize. Bonus: this year’s showdown takes place during Cahaba Brewing Company’s Mother’s Day Market so you can shop and eat all in one place.
• When: May 9 | 12–5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
• Cost:
  • Advance: $20
  • Day of: $25
  • Kids (5 and under): free admission
• Details

25. Birmingham Folk Festival

• What: If you love live music, local art and family-friendly activities, attend Birmingham Folk Fest on May 16. Taking place at Avondale Park, you’ll come for the tunes and stay for the community.
• When: May 16 | 11AM–7PM
• Where: Avondale Park
• Cost: Free admission  | Donations requested
• Details

26. Birmingham Taco Fest benefiting Bare Hands, Inc.

• What: Don’t miss this taco-tactic day at Sloss Furnaces! Benefiting Bare Hands, Inc.’s arts programs, this unique event features tacos from top local vendors, live music, dancing, art activities and a local market.
• When: Sun, May 17 | 1–7PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces
• Cost: 
  • Early Entry: $42.74
  • Gen. Admission: $11.66
  • Kids (12 and under): free admission
• Details

27. Magic City Wine Fest 2026

• What: Want to take your taste buds on a global adventure? Magic City Wine Fest is your ticket! You’ll get to sample 100+ wines and beers, enjoy live music, savor bites from local food vendors and support local charities. Must be 21+ to attend.
• When: Sat, May 30 | 6–9PM
• Where: Hoover Met Stadium
• Cost: 
  • Gen. Admission: $64.29
  • VIP: $91.72
  • Designated Driver: $28.42
• Details

28. 13th annual Darter Fest

• What: This May, show your love for one of Birmingham’s most unique native species—the Watercress Darter. Along with enjoying signature darter beer from Cahaba Brewing Company, food trucks, live music and kids’ activities, you’ll also help support watershed education programs for Birmingham City Schools while raising awareness for this endangered species.
• When: Sun, May 31 | 12–5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
• Cost: 
  • Advance: 
    • Gen. Admission: $15
    • Advance VIP: $50
  • Day of event: 
    • Gen. Admission: $20
    • VIP: $60
• Details

Bonus: Do Dah Day is another spring festival favorite in Birmingham! While we await more info on this special dog-loving event, you can find more info here.

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

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