Want to sample Birmingham’s best gumbo? Gumbo Gala returns April 18

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Do you have what it takes to make the best gumbo in Birmingham? On Saturday, April 18, Birmingham’s top gumbo gurus will bring their A-game to the 20th Annual Gumbo Gala, a family-friendly gumbo cook-off hosted at Cahaba Brewing Co.

Whether you’re there to put your gumbo recipe to the test or just want to enjoy delicious takes on the Cajun classic, read on to learn all about this event + how it raises funds for local non-profit senior living community Episcopal Place.

Gumbo Gala is back in Birmingham for a 20th year 🥘

If you’re on the hunt to find the best gumbo in Birmingham, your best bet is to snap up a ticket to the annual Gumbo Gala at Cahaba Brewing Co. on Saturday, April 18.

Now in its 20th year, Gumbo Gala is a friendly gumbo cooking competition and an annual fundraiser for Episcopal Place, a unique non-profit that provides affordable housing and services for low-income seniors at its facility in Highland Park. At the Gumbo Gala, you’ll find dozens of delicious gumbos, refreshing cocktails, live music and much more—including the exclusive EpiscopALE brewed by Cahaba Brewing Co.!

• What: The 20th Annual Gumbo Gala, benefiting Episcopal Place
• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Noon to 4 PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Tickets: Advanced tickets available online starting at $20 | $25 at the door

Gumbo Gala was founded to benefit local nonprofit Episcopal Place

Since its inception in 2006, Gumbo Gala has not only become a beloved Birmingham tradition—it’s also played a crucial role in raising funds to help care for the needs of Birmingham’s local seniors.

After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast—particularly New Orleans—in 2005, four couples displaced by the disaster moved into Episcopal Place. Knowing how much the new residents missed the food, music and culture of Louisiana, Episcopal Place board members, staff and volunteers developed the concept for the inaugural Gumbo Gala in their honor—and the rest is Gumbo Gala history.

Today, Gumbo Gala has grown into a full-fledged gumbo festival, drawing crowds from across the region to sample gumbo while raising funds to support Episcopal Place.

“Over the past 20 years, Gumbo Gala has grown into our signature event—and it truly means the world to us. It helps fund the supportive services our residents rely on every single day. They count on us for rides to the doctor or grocery store. For some, the noon meal we serve is their one good, dependable meal of the day. And just as important, they count on the activities and fellowship that give them a reason to get up, get out, and spend time with friends.

None of that comes easy or cheap, but it’s all made possible by the incredible generosity of our local parishes, grant funders, individual donors—and of course, Gumbo Gala. This year, we’ll surpass $1 million raised, and I could not be more proud.”

Tim Blanton, Executive Director, Episcopal PLace

Located in Birmingham’s beautiful Highland Park neighborhood at 1112 26th St S, Episcopal Place is a unique partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Episcopal Foundation that provides affordable housing and independent living for seniors and adults with disabilities.

But Episcopal Place is more than just a place to live: It’s a true community where residents find new purpose and connection. In addition to affordable housing, residents have access to a variety of programs that foster independence, including:

• 141 affordable apartments, with rental rates based on income.
• Financial assistance for residents in need, including help with bills, medical expenses, co-pays, etc.
• Free supportive services to help residents live independently, including transportation to medical services, grocery stores, banks, shopping + more.
• Daily activities + events, morning exercise, socials + weekly faith-based services.

Your ticket to Gumbo Gala helps support Episcopal Place in its mission to provide low-income seniors and disabled adults safe and affordable housing and access to related services in a welcoming, home-like environment. 

• Episcopal Place: 205.939.0085 | Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook
• Address: 1112 26th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Gumbo Gala at Cahaba Brewing Co. 👇

Gumbo Gala is a true family-friendly occasion, with live music, ice-cold beverages like the signature EpiscopALE and—of course—endless samples of delicious gumbo from 30+ gumbo teams.

At the Gumbo Gala, you’ll quickly find that no two gumbo recipes are the same. While most gumbos include the Creole “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers and celery, some gumbo makers prefer shrimp, oysters and crab over the quintessential chicken and Andouille sausage. Some use okra to thicken up the roux—and whether or not to add tomato remains a deeply controversial topic.

Whichever way you prefer your gumbo, you’re sure to find a team stirring up your favorite version at Gumbo Gala. The best part? A $20 ticket is all you need to sample dozens of gumbos from teams from all around the region.

Showcase your gumbo skills at the 2026 Gumbo Gala

Want to join in on the action at the 20th annual Gumbo Gala? With several categories and gumbo styles, you and your team can battle for bragging rights (and the coveted “Silver Pot”) by impressing the hungry crowd and panel of expert gumbo judges.

• Gumbo categories
  • Chicken + sausage
  • Seafood
  • Specialty
• Gumbo teams
  • Professionals
  • Backyard chefs

Click here to learn more about what it takes to build a Gumbo Gala team + sign up today.

Get your tickets to the 20th Annual Gumbo Gala 🎟️

• What: The 20th Annual Gumbo Gala, benefiting Episcopal Place
• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Noon to 4 PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Tickets: Advanced tickets available online starting at $20 | $25 at the door

Gumbo Gala is made possible by support from Wind Creek Hospitality, The Ennis Family, Coca Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Lynn Campisi PC, SPM, Protective Life, Councilor Hunter Williams, Leafguard of Alabama, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, LeafFilter of Alabama, Bham Now, Birmingham Mountain Radio and T-Mobile.

Ready to get your gumbo on? Tag us @bhamnow with your pictures from the 20th Annual Gumbo Gala at Cahaba Brewing Co. on Saturday, April 18!

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