Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
32 weekend events including the Alabama State Fair (April 17-19)
Reading time: 13 minutes

We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! Whether you’re taking on heart-racing rides at the Alabama State Fair or browsing your favorite Record Store Day finds at Seasick Records, there’s something for everyone in the Magic City.
Start planning now for these events and more—including the Birmingham Stallions’ first home game of the season and two live shows from Widespread Panic.
- Want more local classes? Check out our guide.
- Interested in live music? See 38 concerts happening this April.
- Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.
The weekend at a glance
Fri, April 17–Sun, April 19

1. Alabama State Fair—FINAL WEEKEND
- What: The Alabama State Fair returns this weekend with all the rides, food and entertainment you love. Be sure to check out extra attractions like a petting zoo and more.
- When: Fri, April 17–Sun, April 19
- Fridays: 4PM–11PM
- Saturdays: 12–11PM
- Sundays: 12–10PM
- See weekday hours
- Where: Birmingham Race Course
- Gate Price:
- Adults (ages 13-64): $15
- Youth (ages 5-12): $5
- Seniors (ages 65+): $5
- Kids (ages 4 and under): Free
- Wrist Bands:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: $30
- Saturdays + Sundays: $35
- Parking: Free
- Details
2. “Our Town”—FINAL WEEKEND
- What: Virginia Samford Theatre presents “Our Town,” Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic that explores everyday life and love in a small American town through rich character storytelling—an enduring piece that resonates with all ages.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7:30PM
- Sat, April 18–Sun, Apr 19 | 2:30PM
- Where: Virginia Samford Theatre
- Cost: Adult $50 | Child/Student $25
- Details
3. “Dear Evan Hansen”—FINAL WEEKEND
- What: Red Mountain Theatre and UAB Department of Theatre have brought this Tony Award-winning musical to Birmingham. The story follows Evan Hansen, a teen who has always felt invisible. When a tragic event shocks the community, Evan’s choices leave him at the center of it all. Note: Recommended for ages 13+ (Contains adult language and themes of suicide, drug abuse, depression, self-harm, bullying)
- When:
- Fri, April 17– Sat, April 18 | 7:30PM
- Sat, April 18 + Sun, April 19 (matinees) | 2PM
- Where: Red Mountain Theatre
- Cost: $40+ | Bham Now readers can use promo code NOWSAVE7 for $7 off your tickets.
- Details
4. Homewood Theatre’s Education Department presents “Freaky Friday” The Musical live
- What: Love “Freaky Friday the Musical?” This is your chance to see it in a new and exciting way. When you visit Homewood Central Park this weekend, you can catch Homewood Theatre’s Education Department performing the beloved show live. A beautiful park and live entertainment? Count us in!
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7PM
- Sat, April 18 | 2:30PM + 7PM
- Sun, April 19 | 2:30PM
- Where: Homewood Central Park
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
Fri, April 17–Sat, April 18

5. Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale
- What: The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host their annual spring plant sale this weekend, and you won’t want to miss it! This local favorite will feature hundreds of regionally-grown plants (shrubs, trees, flowers and more!) for you to buy for your home and garden this season. Plus, experts will be on-site to answer all of your questions. Payment by check + credit card only.
- When:
- Public Sale:
- Fri, April 17 | 8AM–5:30PM
- Sat, April 18 | 8AM–2PM
- Public Sale:
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
6. St. Elias Lebanese Food + Cultural Festival
- What: It’s the 28th year of the St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival, and you’ll definitely 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, April 17–Sat, April 18 | 10AM–9PM
- Where: St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
7. Jefferson County Greenway’s First-Ever 24-hour BioBlitz
- What: Don’t miss this exciting first-ever BioBlitz at Red Mountain Park, hosted by Jefferson County Greenways. For 24 hours, the community can explore the park, spot wildlife like bats and other nighttime creates and help identify as many species as possible alongside scientists and nature enthusiasts. This is a fun hands-on, family-friendly way to get outside, learn something new and contribute to real biodiversity reach in Birmingham.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 12–7PM
- Sat, April 18 | 7AM
- Where: Red Mountain Park (Frankfurt Drive entrance)
- Cost: Free
- Details
8. 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, a midway-style carnival, a car show, a free kid zone and more.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 5–10PM
- Sat, April 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
9. “Schoolhouse Rock, Live!”
- What: Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents “Schoolhouse Rock, Live!”—a high‑energy stage musical adaptation of the beloved educational series that brings classic songs like “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill” to life with fun storytelling and catchy tunes for kids and adults.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7PM
- Sat, April 18 | 11AM
- Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre
- Cost: Adult $28 | Senior $24 | Children $14
- Details
10. Widespread Panic
- What: For two straight nights, Widespread Panic will perform live at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater. Expect to pump your fist and sing along while celebrating Southern rock and blues.
- When: Fri, April 17 + Sat, April 18 | 7PM
- Where: Coca-Cola Amphitheater
- Cost: $89+
- Details
Fri, April 17 + Sun, April 19
11. Pagliacci/Cavalleria Rusticana
- What: Opera Birmingham presents Pagliacci/Cavalleria Rusticana at ASFA’s Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, a powerful double‑bill of verismo opera classics that weaves together two intense tales of love, jealousy, betrayal and revenge.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7:30PM
- Sun, April 19 | 2:30PM
- Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
- Cost: $36 | Students $20
- Details
Fri, April 17
12. Hippie Sabotage Give and Take Tour
- What: Spend a night with local brews from Avondale Brewing and live music from Hippie Sabotage. They’ll be bringing their Give and Take Tour to the stage, blending chill EDM and hip-hop for an awesome show.
- When: Fri, April 17 | 7–10PM
- Where: Avondale Brewing Co
- Cost: $44.57+
- Details
13. Mustache Bash featuring Mustache the Band
- What: Count down the days to boots, beats and a big impact this Friday, April 17. Mustache the Band will be bringing the best of ’90s country to the stage at The Edge in Homewood for a night of dinner, drinks and dancing. The event supports ourHOME’s first independent living home for adults with development differences.
- When: Fri, April 17 | Doors open at 6PM, Show starts at 7PM
- Where: The Edge, Homewood
- Cost: General Admission $75 | VIP $135
- Details
Sat, April 18

14. 20th Annual Gumbo Gala benefiting Episcopal Place
- What: The 20th Annual Gumbo Gala is a fun, family‑friendly fundraiser where teams around Birmingham compete to serve the city’s best gumbo. Come hungry! You can sample delicious bowls, enjoy live music and local brews all while supporting Episcopal Place, a nonprofit that provides affordable independent living and supportive services for low‑income seniors and adults with disabilities.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 12PM
- Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
- Cost: $20
- Details
15. Hometown Heroes Walk/5K & Home Run Derby + Paul Revere Midnight 1-Mile Run
- What: Lace up your sneakers for this annual community event featuring a competitive 5K run, a 1-mile fun walk/run and a youth/adult home run derby. Whether you’re a seasons runner or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, this event is for all ages and fitness levels.
- When + Cost:
- Hometown Heroes 5K: 8AM | $35
- Paul Revere Midnight 1-Mile Run: 11:50PM | $30
- Where: City Park, Pelham
- Details
16. HomeWise Expo 2026
- What: Get design, repair, financing, gardening, estate planning and sustainable solutions all in one place! Attend this event to meet experts, check out demos and find inspiration to build a better, stronger neighborhood. Bonus: HGTV design star Carmeon Hamilton will be at the event.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 10AM–4PM
- Where: Bill Harris Arena, Birmingham CrossPlex
- Cost: Admission is FREE with e-ticket.
- Details
17. Montevallo Arts Fest
- What: Get your art fix at this popular event at Orr Park in Montevallo. There will be more than 100 talented artists and artisans for you to discover, live music, a kids’ area, food trucks and more.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 10AM–5PM
- Where: Orr Park, Montevallo
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
18. Collected Birmingham Grand Opening
- What: Shop local at downtown Birmingham’s newest vintage and resale clothing store—Collected Birmingham. The Daily Edition Bham will be there from 12–3PM serving up specialty matcha and lattes, for an extra boost while you browse.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 12–6PM
- Where: Collected Birmingham
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
19. Urban Supply Vintage Market
- What: Looking for something new to do? This Saturday, you can experience the very first Vintage Market at Urban Supply on 1st Ave South in Birmingham. You’ll discover 50 vendors offering everything from vintage clothing and handmade goods to live music, food and family activities.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 4–10PM
- Where: Urban Supply, Parkside District
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
20. Magic City Tequila Festival
- What: The Magic City Tequila Festival is back for its second year. 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, April 18 | 5–9PM
- Where: Kress Building Rooftop
- Cost: $135.23
- Details
21. Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton
- What: Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton bring their powerhouse vocals and soulful stage presence to Legacy Arena for an evening of R&B classics, ballads and dynamic performances.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 8PM
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
- Cost: $89.60+
- Details
22. Record Store Day
- What: Celebrate Record Store Day at Seasick Records, where vinyl lovers and music fans come together for a day of limited‑edition releases and crate‑digging.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 8AM
- Where: Seasick Records
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
23. Ira Glass to share “Seven Things I’ve Learned”
- What: The legendary storyteller and This American Life creator Ira Glass is coming to UAB’s Alys Stephens Center for a night of career lessons and a walkthrough of his creative process in a unique live talk that blends humor and wisdom.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 7:30PM
- Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
- Cost: $39
- Details
24. Breakthrough T1D One Night in the Magic City Gala
- What: Breakthrough T1D’s One Night in the Magic City Gala brings community leaders, families and supporters to raise funds for type 1 diabetes research—expect cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, the powerful Fund A Cure segment and dancing.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 5:30PM
- Where: The Club
- Cost: $300
- Details
25. Birmingham Stallions vs Orlando Storm
- What: The Birmingham Stallions will face the Orlando Storm this Saturday in a must-see game at Protective Stadium. Bring your giant foam finger and get ready to cheer!
- When: Sat, April 18 | 3PM
- Where: Protective Stadium
- Cost: Varies by seat
- Details
26. 5th Annual Steps Against Melanoma
- What: Join the fight against melanoma this Saturday in the 5th annual Steps Against Melanoma walk. Your support helps fund research, supports patients and caregivers and helps move us closer to a future without melanoma.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 8AM
- Where: Veteran’s Park
- Cost: Free to walk
- Details
27. 3rd Annual Steps for Summer 5K & Wellness Festival
- What: Get ready to run! This third annual festival features a fun morning of movement, music and community for all ages in Birmingham. There will be live music, kid-friendly activities, giveaways and the chance to support camp scholarships and student programs that give kids access to enriching summer experiences like arts, sports and more.
- When: Sat, April 18 | 9AM
- Where: Sixth Avenue Baptist Church
- Cost: $30
- Details
28. Birmingham Moontime Market + Widespread Panic Pre-Party
- What: Seeing Widespread Panic live this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater? Don’t miss the pre-party at Avondale Brewing. There will be cold drinks, live jams from T.U.B., a market with curated vendors, bites from local food trucks and more.
- When: Sat, April | 12–4PM
- Where: Avondale Brewing Co
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
Sun, April 19

29. Bark and Bloom at Tails by the Rails
- What: Brighten the City of Irondale’s dog park by planting flowers while enjoying some springtime fun with your pups. Strawberry lemonade will be available, plus a pup cup buffet with special toppings, like bananas and dog-friendly berries.
- When: Sun, April 19 | 2–4PM
- Where: Ellard Park
- Details
30. Ballet in the Park
- What: This annual event from Magic City Performing Arts showcases our amazing local dance talent with a fun, family-friendly performance at Railroad Park. Tip: Bring your blankets, lawn chairs + snacks.
- When: Sun, April 19 | 3PM
- Where: Railroad Park
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
31. Birmingham Legion FC vs Indy Eleven @ Protective Stadium
- What: Get ready for a showdown as Birmingham Legion FC takes on Indy Eleven in a high-stakes clash packed with intensity, passion and nonstop action.
- When: Sun, April 19 | 4PM
- Where: Protective Stadium
- Cost: Varies by seat
- Details
32. Taste of Huffman
- What: Music lovers, this one’s for you! Taste of 4th, Inc. kicks off their Music in Communities series this Sunday with a free family-friendly evening filled with live music, food trucks and good vibes.
- When: Sun, April 19 | 5–7PM
- Where: Huffman Ballpark
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
Coming up

- April 20: Grants Mill Earth Week Walking Cleanup
- April 21: Annual Bay of Pigs Commemoration
- April 21: Tunes on Tap with Alabama Symphony Orchestra
- April 22: Willie Nelson & Family
- April 24: Birmingham Stallions vs DC Defenders
- April 24–26: Magic City Art Connection
- April 25: End Addiction BHAM Walk benefiting Addiction Prevention Coalition
- April 25–26: Corks & Chefs
- April 25: Wing Wars benefiting Blood Cancer United
- April 25: Homewood Library Foundation Block Party
- April 25: Birmingham Chapter EV Showcase
- April 25: Earthbound’s Earthiest 2026
- April 25: 15th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival
- April 25: Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- April 26: Jewish Food + Culture Festival
- April 29–May 3: Regions Tradition presented by Coca-Cola
- May 13–27: Trussville Restaurant Week
- May 22–24: Symphony in the Summer with Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.


