22 weekend events: Birmingham Stallions, a salsa showdown + more (May 7-10)

We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! From chillin’ with the animals at the Birmingham Zoo’s Tails in the Trails: Dinos After Dark to cheering on the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium or experiencing the stunning collaboration of Alabama Ballet’s Unbound: Serenade + Carmina Burana with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, there’s something for everyone.

REMINDER: Sunday, May 10 is Mother’s Day—see special events and more below.

• Small Business Week is May 3–9: Support local + participate.
• Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10: Here’s how to celebrate.
• It’s Farmers Market Season: Shop fresh across Birmingham.
• Looking for live music? See 43 local concerts this May.

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

Events: Thurs, May 7

1. Better Basics Reads 

• What: Better Basics Reads returns for its largest annual volunteer event during the month of May, where community members will read in classrooms across 42 participating partner schools. No prior experience is necessary—just a love for reading and a passion for making a difference.
• When: Dates vary | Reading slots run from 12:30–1:30PM
• Where: Participating schools across Birmingham
• Cost: Free
• Details + Sign up

2. InToTo’ Creative Arts’s Spring Pop-Up Card + Art Sale

• What: Shop for a cause at InToto Creative Arts’ spring card and art sale, hosted at Chef Kristen Hall’s chic new studio, La Maison. Enjoy complementary refreshments and wine while browsing hand-printed cards, original artwork, prints and merch—all benefiting InToto’s healing arts programs and local artists. It’s a great excuse to grab a Mother’s Day gift or something special for yourself while supporting Birmingham artists and InToto’s healing arts programs.
• When: Thurs, May 7 | 5–8PM
• Where: InToTo’s Creative Arts
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Events: Fri, May 8

3. Nurture of Alabama Mental Health Day 2026

• What: Step up for mental health at this 5th annual event at Birmingham’s Linn Park. Attend for access to local mental health resources, including free depression + wellness screenings and low impact exercise opportunities. There will also be food trucks on site and the chance to register for door prizes.
• When: Fri, May 8 | 10AM–2PM
• Where: Linn Park
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

4. Friday Night Social Mixers: Fun, Friends & Pickleball!

• What: Grab your crew for a fun-filled night of pickleball on the courts at City Walk BHAM. There’s no cost—just show up and play.
• When: Fri, May 8 | 5:30–8PM
• Where: City Walk BHAM
• Cost: Free
• Details

5. ’Tails in the Trails: Dinos After Dark

• What: The Birmingham Zoo’s Junior Board is turning ‘Tails in the Trails into a full-on dino takeover with cocktails, local bites, music, animal encounters and a silent auction, all surrounded by life-size dinosaurs from the exciting exhibit Dino Safari. Sip tasty drinks under a 35-foot Brachiosaurus, hang with the T. rex family and hop on the Red Diamond Express for even more prehistoric action. This unique fundraiser benefits Carlito’s Casa, the zoo’s Giant Anteater’s habitat. *Must be 21+ to attend.
• When: Fri, May 8 | 6–9PM
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• Cost:
  • Event entry: $50 per person | $95 per couple
• Unlimited drinks wristband with entry: $70 per person | $135 per couple
• Details

6. Gimme Gimme Disco

• What: Slip on those platform shoes and boogie on down to Workplay. This event offers a legendary pop dance party celebrating the music of top bands of the disco era like Abba, Queen, Prince, Elton John, The Village People and more.
• When: Fri, May 8 | 8:30PM
• Where: Workplay Canteen
• Cost: $27.27
• Details

Events: Fri, May 8–Sun, May 10

7. Alabama Ballet presents Unbound: Serenade + Carmina Burana with Alabama Symphony Orchestra

• What: Ready to switch things up? Unbound brings a fresh, high-energy twist with a mixed repertory program that pushes ballet beyond the traditional. The coolest part? The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs live, bringing the music and movement together in a powerful way.
• When: 
  • Fri, May 8 | 7:30PM
  • Sat, May 9 | 7:30PM
  • Sun, May 10 | 2PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: Prices vary per seat | Tickets begin at $60
• Details | Tickets

8. Homestead Hollow Spring Arts and Crafts Festival

• What: Spring is the perfect time for festival fun. This weekend, visit Homestead Hollow in nearby Springville to experience handmade craft vendors, live music, local food, kids’ activities and pioneer demos like blacksmithing, whiskey making + quilting.
• When: Fri, May 8–Sun, May 10 | 9AM–5PM
• Where: Homestead Hollow
• Cost:
  • Adults: $10
  • Ages 12 and under: Free admission
  • Groups of 20 or more: $8 per person each
  • Parking: Free
• Details

9. Logan Martin Lakefest & Boat Show

• What: Catch some serious lake time at this 16th annual event. Over the weekend, check out one of the South’s largest in-water boat shows with over 80 models (some you can even test drive!), live music from the Velcro Pygmies, Kudzu, Deputy 5 + more, local food and dozens of vendors. There will also be a fireworks show on Friday night and a Mother’s Day “Mimosas for Mom” event on Sunday with one free mimosa available.
• When:
  • Fri, May 8 | 2–9PM
  • Sat, May 9 | 10AM–9PM
  • Sun. May 10 | 12–5PM
• Where: Lakeside Park, Pell City
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

10. Revolutionary Roots: Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History and Natural Beauty

• What: Vulcan Park & Museum is honoring America’s 250th by spotlighting Alabama changemakers—past and present—who helped shape the state and country. From Calvin McGhee and Carrie Tuggle to Virginia Durr, Clyde Foster, Ashley M. Jones and Dr. Carlos E. Alemán, the display highlights powerful stories that are often overlooked. It all comes together around a striking tree installation that shows just how deep Alabama’s roots run.
• When: Now–Jan. 2027
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
• Cost: Included in general admission
• Details

Events: Sat, May 9

11. Stamp Out Hunger with United Way Hands On

• What: The weekend is a good time to volunteer in Birmingham! On Saturday, May 9, you can help stamp out hunger by taking part in the United Way Hands On one-day food drive—one of the largest in the country. Volunteers will assist with unloading and organizing food donations.
• When: Sat, May 9 | Multiple shifts available—register to volunteer
• Where: Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
• Details + Sign Up

12. 2026 Birmingham Kidney Walk & Run

• What: Join the Alabama Kidney Foundation for a day of giving back and supporting local kidney patients in need. On May 9, head to the track at Spain Park High School to help raise funds for this important cause. 
• When: Sat, May 9
  • Registration: 8:30AM
  • Ceremony begins: 9:15AM
• Where: Spain Park High School track
• Cost: Free to walk | Considering joining a team or donating to show your support
• Details

13. Classics in Hueytown Park Car Show

• What: Roll up to this full day featuring classic rides and custom builds, including everything from Jeeps and Mustangs to Corvettes, trucks and motorcycles. You’ll also get to connect with local car clubs and see which ride takes home Best in Show in a variety of categories.
• When: Sat, May 9 | 10AM–2PM
• Where: Hueytown City Park
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

14. Vintage Car Cruise In

• What: Rev your engine for The Filling Station’s Vintage Car Cruise In on Saturday, May 9. You’ll get to hang out with the Dixie Vintage Auto Club—Alabama’s oldest car club—and check out some sweet rides outside.
• When: Sat, May 9 | 11AM–3PM
• Where: The Filling Station
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

15. 16th Annual Salsa Showdown benefiting Sidewalk Film

• What: Show your love for Sidewalk Film + Cinema at this tasty fundraising at Cahaba Brewing. There will be unlimited samples of chips + dip from participating restaurants + vendors, the chance to cast your vote for your favorite recipe, kids’ activities + live entertainment.
• When: Sat, May 9 | 12–5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
• Cost: $25 | Kids 5 and under: free admission
• Details

16. 2026 Garden Art Party “City of Lights” benefiting Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama

• What: Join Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama for an evening under the “City Lights” during this important fundraiser. There will be hundreds of silent and live auction items to bid on throughout the night.
• When: Sat, May 9 | 6–9PM
• Where: Haven
• Cost: $125 per ticket
• Details

17. Birmingham Stallions vs Dallas Renegades

• What:  Can’t get enough of the Birmingham Stallions? See them stand strong against the Dallas Renegades! Wear your favorite Stallions jersey and a big foam finger and show your love for the Magic City’s home team.
• When: Sat, May 9 | 7PM
• Where: Protective Stadium
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Details

18. Alabama

• What: Country icons Alabama hit the stage at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater on May 9, bringing a setlist packed with decades of fan-favorite hits to one of Birmingham’s newest music venues.
• When: Sat, May 9 | 7PM
• Where: Coca-Cola Amphitheater
• Details

Events: Sat, May 9–Sun, May 10

Enjoy the beautiful flowers at the Birmingham Rose Show. (Birmingham Botanical Gardens)

19. Birmingham Rose Show

• What: Fill your weekend surrounded by gorgeous blooms at the 72nd Birmingham Rose Show. Hosted by the Birmingham Rose Society and held at the lovely Birmingham Botanical Gardens, this is one of the largest horticultural shows in the southeast. See hundreds of roses on display, beautiful artistic arrangements and stunning photography featuring the flower in all its forms.
• When:
  • Sat, May 9 | 1–5PM
  • Sun, May 10 | 1–4PM
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Events: Sun, May 10

20. Lillie’s Cup Mother’s Day Tea

• What: Spend Sunday afternoon celebrating the mother figure in your life at the beautiful Arlington Antebellum Homes & Gardens. You can enjoy artisan teas, delectable treats and a self-guided tour of the gorgeous estate.
• When: Sun, May 10 | 10AM–4PM
• Where: Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens
• Cost:
  • General Admission: $66.59
  • Kids 5-12: $31.37
    • Ticket sale ends Sat, May 9.
• Details

21. Dead Mother’s Day Brunch

• What: Rojo Birmingham in Highland Park is hosting a “Dead Mother’s Day Brunch” for anyone whose mom lives only in memory. All guests are encouraged to bring framed pictures of their mothers, and they’ll be collecting prints for the walls of Mom’s Basement in Avondale.
• When: Saturday, May 9 | 11AM-3PM
• Where Rojo
• Details

22. Sunday Supper Club – Mother’s Day Brunch Edition w/ Chef Bynum

• What: Your Mother’s Day plans are set with this special brunch. Part of Crestwood Tavern’s Sunday Supper Club series, this edition features an amazing meal curated by Chef Bynum. Along with being an inspiring part of Birmingham’s rapid growing culinary scene and vibrant Southern food culture, he’s showcased his talents on Food Network’s Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games, had his signature ribs featured on the cover of O Magazine and more.
• When: Sun, May 10 | 12–3PM
• Where: Crestwood Tavern
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

Coming soon

• May 12: Give Back Night for Woodlawn Community Table @ Rojo
• May 13: Community Wellness Fair @ Protective Stadium
• May 13–27: Trussville Restaurant Week @ Participating restaurants
• May 15-17: Open Air Art Market Birmingham @ Linn Park
• May 16: Pelham Palooza @ Pelham City Park
• May 16: Birmingham Folk Festival @ Avondale Park
• May 17: Birmingham Taco Fest benefiting Bare Hands Inc @ Sloss Furnaces
• May 17: Do Dah Day @ Cahaba Brewing Co
• May 19–24: & Juliet presented by Broadway in Birmingham @ BJCC Concert Hall
• May 22–24: Symphony in the Park with Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ Railroad Park
• May 23: Forged in Steel: A Festival of Elements to Celebrate Birmingham’s Industrial Heritage and Innovation @ Sloss Furnaces
• May 24–25: Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue Spring Market @ Glenbrook Farms

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