22 WEEKEND EVENTS: Darter Fest, Magic City Pop-Up Plaza + more (May 29-31)

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Magic City Popup Plaza at Railroad Park
Visit Railroad Park on Friday, May 29 to explore the Magic City Pop-Up Plaza. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! Whether you’re catching a Birmingham Barons game at Regions Field, enjoying a nostalgic night at the 21+ Scholastic Book Fair at the Homewood Public Library or toasting your friends at Magic City Wine Fest, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, see our guides below for local Farmer’s Markets and more to experience across the city.

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

Birmingham events: Thurs, May 28–Sun, May 31

weekend events in Birmingham
Get your tickets to see the Birmingham Barons at Regions Field. (Bham Now)

1. Birmingham Barons vs Pensacola

  • What: Head to Regions Field to cheer on the Birmingham Barons as they take on Pensacola. Be sure to wear your Barons gear to show your home team support and grab a hotdog or two during the game.
  • When: 
    • Thurs, May 28 + Fri, May 29 | 7PM
    • Sat, May 30 | 6:30PM
    • Sun, May 31 | 2:05PM
  • Where: Regions Field
  • Cost: Varies by seat
  • Details

2. Working the Musical

  • What: Don’t miss Homewood Theatre’s last show of the season! “Working the Musical”— based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers—provides a vivid look at people the world often takes for granted. Nominated for six Tony Awards, this musical features songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda (the creator of Hamilton!) as well as Stephen Schwartz and James Taylor. 
  • When:
    • Thurs, May 28–Sat, May 30 | 7:30PM
    • Sun, May 31 | 2:30PM
  • Where: Homewood Theatre
  • Cost: $25 per ticket
  • Details

Birmingham events: Thurs, May 28

3. Magic City Wellness’ 10-Year Celebration

  • What: Celebrate wellness, art, community and 10 years with Magic City Wellness Center. The evening includes music, community, refreshments and a special pop-up exhibit of artist Carolyn Sherer’s Out All Night: Senior Prom Reimagined—a powerful collection exploring stories through reconceptualized vintage prom photography. 
  • When: Thurs, May 28 | 6–8PM
  • Where: Magic City Wellness Center
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

4. Plant and Pour: Mini Beer Glass Terrariums

  • What: Get your hands dirty during this unique class where you’ll design your own mini terrarium inside a Birmingham District Brewing Company beer glass. Your ticket includes one large pour (or non-alcoholic option), plus everything you need to build your terrarium, including a beer glass, soil, bark, moss and decorative elements. 
  • When: Thurs, May 28 | 6:30PM
  • Where: Birmingham District Brewing
  • Cost: $25 per ticket
  • Details + Sign up

5. Josh Turner

  • What: See country music powerhouse Josh Turner at the Alabama Theatre for a night of heartfelt lyrics, smooth melodies and an unforgettable live performance. Expect new tracks and beloved classics during the show.
  • When: Thurs, May 28 | 7:30PM
  • Where: Alabama Theatre
  • Cost: $60+
  • Details

6. Improv Comedy with The Peppermint Patties 

  • What: The Peppermint Patties return to Pink Lantern for another must-see show on Thursday, May 28. Enjoy a night of entertainment and delicious drinks.
  • When: Thurs, May 28 | 8–10PM
  • Where: Pink Lantern 
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

Birmingham events: Fri, May 29

Magic City Popup Plaza at Railroad Park
Magic City Popup Plaza at Railroad Park. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

7. Magic City Pop-Up Plaza

  • What: Head to Railroad Park’s Plaza on Friday evening to support local vendors, makers and artists at this fun pop-up market. Your dinner plans will be taken care of, too, since some of Birmingham’s favorite food trucks will be on site.
  • When: Fri, May 29 | 4–7PM
  • Where: Railroad Park
  • Cost: Free admission 
  • Details

8. Scholastic Book Nostalgia Night

  • What: Tap into your childhood nostalgia at this after-hours Scholastic Book Fair event with the Homewood Library Foundation. Browse classic favorites and new reads, sip drinks, enjoy light bites and relive the magic of book fair season—this time with a 21+ twist. Online shopping is available now—June 7! 
  • When: Fri, May 29 | 6:30–8PM
  • Where: Homewood Public Library
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

9. Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour

  • What: Get ready to laugh! Nate Bargatze brings his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour to Legacy Arena at the BJCC this Friday. Expect an easygoing night of laughs, relatable stories and clean, hilarious comedy. If you like stand-up that feels like hanging out with a really funny friend, this one’s an easy yes.
  • When: Fri, May 29 | 7PM
  • Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
  • Cost: $48.50+
  • Details | Tickets

10. ABBA Dance Party

  • What: Calling all dancing queens! Break out your best disco outfit for a late-night dance party feature all of ABBA’s top hits. *Must be 21+ to attend. 
  • When: Fri, May 29 | 10PM–2PM
  • Where: Pink Lantern
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

Birmingham events: Fri, May 29–Sat, May 30

11. ETC presents Hot Southern Porch

  • What: Enjoy a hilarious, fully-improvised comedy at Birmingham’s Theatre Downtown for two nights this weekend. Inspired by the dramatic flair of Tennessee Williams and filled with family tension, Southern heat and over-the-top porch drama, you can expect a night of chaotic characters and lots of laughter. 
  • When: Fri, May 29  + Sat, May 30 | 7:30PM
  • Where: Theatre Downtown
  • Cost: $12.75 per ticket
  • Details

Birmingham events: Sat, May 30

weekend events in Birmingham
Cheer on the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium. (Dr. Joseph Wu / Bham Now)

12. Birmingham Stallions vs Houston Gamblers

  • What: Can’t get enough of the Birmingham Stallions? See them take the field at Protective Stadium as they challenge the Houston Gamblers. Be sure to wear your Stallions gear and show your love for the Magic City’s home team.
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 2PM
  • Where: Protective Stadium
  • Cost: $15.30+
  • Details

13. Hops and Hope Fundraiser benefiting Alabama Pancreas Cancer Foundation

  • What: Fill your evening with live music, food, games and a silent auction packed with exciting items while supporting the Alabama Pancreas Cancer Foundation. 
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 2–6PM
  • Where: Cahaba Brewing Company
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

14. Howard’s Unlimited Presents: The Inaugural All White Bash

  • What: Dress to impress in your freshest white ‘fits and visit Howard’s Unlimited for its first-ever All White Bash. There will be music, dancing and the chance to mix, mingle and party in style. *Must be 21+ to attend. 
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 2–7PM
  • Where: Howard’s Unlimited Lounge & Cocktail Bar
  • Cost: $12.51
  • Details

15. Bloom Bazaar

  • What: The blocks of City Walk BHAM come alive on Saturday during this pop-up event celebrating Black-owned businesses, culture and local artistry. Shop over 20 local vendors offering everything from self-care items and artwork to gifts and apparel. Plus—swing by the special floral bar with Bria’s Bouquet to build and take home custom flower arrangements (free while supplies last).
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 4–8PM
  • Where: City Walk BHAM
  • Cost: Free admission 
  • Details

16. Magic City Wine Fest 2026

Magic City Wine Fest
Raise your glass: Magic City Wine Fest returns to the Hoover Met on May 30. (Bham Now)
  • What: Sip your way through more than 100 wine and beer samples at the Magic City Wine Fest at the Hoover Met. With live music, souvenir cups, VIP perks and plenty of drinks to try, it’s the perfect excuse for a fun night out with friends.
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 6–9PM
  • Where: Hoover Met
  • Cost: 
    • General Admission: $64.29
      • Include: All beverage samples + souvenir cup. 
    • VIP: $91.72
      • Includes: 30-minute early entrance, all beverage samples, special souvenir cup, VIP lanyard + VIP seating
  • Designated Driver: $28.42
    • Includes: Event admission + complimentary water
  • Details

17. Up-Down Prom 2026

  • What: This is your chance to have the prom you always wanted. On Saturday, May 30, Up-Down Bar is hosting a nostalgic night where you can dress up, bring a date or your crew and relive prom—this time with cocktails, arcade games, a photo booth and absolutely no chaperones! 
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 7PM
  • Where: Up-Down Bar
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

18. Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights – A Night of 90s Country

  • What: Throw on your boots and hit the dance floor for a night of ‘90s country hits, line dancing and honky-tonk vibes at All Good Beverage Co. There will be plenty of singalongs, lively energy and a Saturday night soundtrack packed with your favorite country songs. 
  • When: Sat, May 30 | 8PM
  • Where: All Good Beverage Co
  • Cost: $19.53
  • Details

Birmingham events: Sun, May 31

Alabama Environmental Council, Darterfest
Show your environmental side at the annual Darter Fest in Birmingham on May 31 at Cahaba Brewing Co. (Alabama Environmental Council)

19. 13th Annual Darter Fest

  • What: Join the Alabama Environmental Council (AEC) for the 13th annual Darter Fest. This special day of family-friendly festivities includes live music, food + drinks, kids’ activities and more. Your support helps the AEC’s watershed education program for Birmingham City Schools, with particular emphasis on the Watercress Darter—a tiny fish unique to Birmingham that needs our help! Check out our YouTube video to learn all about this special creature.
  • When: Sun, May 31 | 12–5PM
  • Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
  • Cost: 
    • General Admission: $17.85
    • VIP: $55.20 (Includes access to a private lounge with complimentary food, drinks and preferred access to the music stage.
  • Details

20. Jelly Roll: The Little Ass Shed Tour

  • What: End the month on a high note with Jelly Roll during his show at Birmingham’s Coca-Cola Amphitheater. From country ballads to Grammy-winning hits, you and your pals are sure to have an awesome night. 
  • When: Sun, May 31 | 7PM
  • Where: Coca-Cola Amphitheater
  • Cost: $46.64+
  • Details | Tickets

21. Redemptive Cycles Community Dinner

  • What: Hang out with Birmingham’s cycling community at this laid-back potluck-style meal filled with good conversation and connection with fellow riders. It’s all in support of Redemptive Cycles, so bring a dish, meet new people and enjoy a night built around bikes and community.
  • When: Sun, May 31 | 7PM
  • Where: Redemptive Cycles
  • Cost: Bring a dish to share: $5 | No dish: $15
  • Details

22. Southern Soul Rising Stars

  • What: Three of the genre’s hottest voices come together for one big night in Birmingham. Marcellus the Singer brings smooth, feel-good vocals, Fat Daddy turns up the energy and Mike Clark Jr. brings heartfelt, real-life storytelling through soul music. From slow jams to crowd favorites, expect a full night of nothing but Southern soul vibes.
  • When:  Sun, May 31 | 8PM
  • Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
  • Cost: $56.75+
  • Details | Tickets

Events coming up soon in Birmingham

UAB Center for the Arts, Whimsical Wednesdays
Sign up now for unique art classes taking place on Wednesdays, June 10–July 15, at ArtPlay in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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

Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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