23 Independence Day weekend events (July 2-5, 2026)

We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! Whether you’re testing your knowledge at a free trivia event, attending a World Cup watch party or celebrating Independence Day weekend with festivals and firework shows, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, see our guides below for more to experience across the city.

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

• It’s Farmers Market Season: Shop fresh across Birmingham.
• Looking for summer festivals? Discover 18 here.
• High heat making you sweat? Visit these local pools + splash pads.
• Need Independence Day plans? Don’t miss these fireworks + celebrations.

Events in Birmingham: Thurs, July 2

1. “Jurassic Park” Trivia

• What: Think you’re the ultimate “Jurassic Park” movie and book trivia buff? Gather a team (no more than 5!) and test your knowledge at this event at the Trussville Public Library. Prizes will be given for the best team name, best costume and an overall grand prize for the top trivia masters. Snack + drinks will be provided.
• When: Thurs, July 2, 2026 | 6PM–7:30PM
• Where: Trussville Public Library
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details + registration

2. Yoga Reading Group

• What: Enjoy a free yoga and reading group session with friends on Thursday, July 2 at Cha House. Along with relaxation and a good book, tea will be available for purchase to set the mood.
• When: Thurs, July 2, 2026 | 6:30PM–7:30PM
• Where: Cha House
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

3. Birmingham Legion FC vs Detroit City FC

• What: It’s a World Cup summer, and soccer is on everyone’s minds. Cheer on the Magic City’s local team, the Birmingham Legion, as they host Detroit City this Thursday. It’s Military Appreciation Night + stick around for fireworks after the game.
• When: Thurs, July 2, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Protective Stadium
• Cost: Varies by seat
• More event details

4. Hoover Music Trivia

• What: Head to The Casual Pint at The Grove in Hoover for an evening of live music trivia. It’s free to play and top teams will win prizes.
• When: Thurs, July 2, 2026 | 7PM–8:30PM
• Where: The Casual Pint at The Grove
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

Birmingham events: Thurs, July 2–Sun, July 5

5. Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits

• What: Spend an exciting July cheering on the Birmingham Barons at Regions Field in Birmingham. You’ll see them compete against the Montgomery Biscuits; Plus enjoy concessions, a gift shop + that always-needed seventh inning stretch. Fireworks shows take place after games on Friday, July 3, 2026 and Saturday, July 4, 2026.
• When:
  • Thurs, July 2, 2026–Fri, July 3, 2026 | 7PM
  • Sat, July 4, 2026 | 6:30PM
  • Sun, July 5, 2026 | 2:05PM
• Where: Regions Field
• Cost: Varies by seat
• More event details

Birmingham events: Fri, July 3 + Sat, July 4

6. PJ Party: Superman (1978)

• What: Break out your cutest pjs for a weekend movie matinee at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Superman (1978) will play for two mornings—Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4—plus enjoy light breakfast options for the whole family and a Bloody Mary + mimosa bar for adults.
• When: Fri, July 3, 2026 + Sat, July 4, 2026 | 10:30AM
• Where: Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema
• Cost:
  • Adult Matinee: $7.75
  • Senior (65+) Matinee: $6
  • Child (12 and under) Matinee: $6
• More event details

Events in Birmingham: Fri, July 3

Enjoy fun + fireworks at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. (City of Pelham)

7. Fire on the Water

• What: Fire on the Water—one of Pelham’s most anticipated Independence traditions—returns Friday, July 3. Arrive early and make a full day of it at Oak Mountain State Park’s Double Oak Lake, with beach volley, fishing piers, playgrounds, watercraft rentals and more, plus a fireworks spectacular at 9PM. Note: Guests are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and coolers, but alcohol is prohibited.
• When: Fri, July 3, 2026 | 4PM–9PM
  • *Park gates close to the public at 7PM, so get there early!
• Where: Double Oak Lake at Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham
• Cost: $15 per vehicle | $10 for Pelham residents with proof of residency
• More event details

8. World Cup Watch Party Series

• What: Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup? On Friday, July 3 see all-star teams compete on the big screen outside at the Trussville Entertainment District. Order food and beverages from Ferus Artisan Ales during the game and get 10% off.
• When: Fri, July 3, 2026 | 7:30PM–10:30PM
• Where: The Gateway, Trussville
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

Events in Birmingham: Sat, July 4

9. Birmingham Track Club’s Peavine Falls Fun

• What: The Peavine Falls Run returns for its 45th annual event during Independence Day weekend. The iconic 4th of July tradition in Central Alabama takes place at Oak Mountain State Park and features a fun course with a few hundred of your closest friends. The race starts and ends at Dogwood Picnic Pavilion on Terrace Drive.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | 7AM
• Where: Oak Mountain State Park
• Cost: $40 | Price increases to $45 after Thurs, July 2
• More event details

10. July 4th mini golf

• What: Grab the family for a day of July 4th mini golf at Putter Up in Pelham. Visit their website to register for an available time slot to play a 9-hole course that’s interactive and tech-infused.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | Times vary beginning at 9AM
• Where: Putter Up, Pelham
• Cost:
  • 9 holes (ages 12+): $14.99
  • 9 holes (ages 4-11): $9.99
  • 9 holes, Family Pack (2 adults + 2 kids ages 4–11): $45.99
• More event details + registration

11. Fourth of July with Birmingham District Brewing

• What: Raise a pint to America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4 at Birmingham District Brewing. The day will be filled with cold, local beer, patio sits and a family-friendly atmosphere. Bonus: You’ll be just a short walk from some of the city’s best fireworks viewing spots to see the annual Thunder on the Mountain show at 9PM.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | Begins at 11AM
• Where: Birmingham District Brewing Co
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

12. Stars, Stripes & Strays benefiting Greater Birmingham Humane Society

• What: The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be at Cahaba Brewing on Saturday, July 4 for a day of tail wagging fun, cold beer and giving back. There will be hot dog specials from The Current and Cahaba Brewing will release its Paws Against the Machine Peach Sour beer with a portion of proceeds from every pour benefiting the animal shelter.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | 11AM–10PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

13. Pokémon Go Meet Up

• What: Pokémon fan? Scarlet Raven Gaming in Trussville will cast a Lure on Saturday, July 4 so you can try and catch ’em all and hang out with fellow Pokémon Go players.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | 3:30PM–6:30PM
• Where: Scarlet Raven Gaming, Trussville
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

14. Homewood July 4th Festival

• What: If you’re looking to entertain your family or friends, downtown Homewood’s annual Fourth of July celebration is a great choice. The fun kicks off at 5PM along 18th Street South and 29th Avenue South with inflatables and rides for kids, music and more. Tip: Bring chairs! Downtown Homewood is one of the best locations in Birmingham to see the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks show from Vulcan Park & Museum.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | 5PM–9PM
• Where: Downtown Homewood
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

15. Shriner Ridge Revival 7.4 Mile Trail Run

• What: Swap fireworks for trail shoes at this one-of-a-kind Fourth of July race. You’ll have the chance to tackle 7.4 miles to the top of King’s Chair just in time for a breathtaking golden-hour sunset, followed by a post-run party with swag.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Oak Mountain State Park
• Cost: $70
• More event details

16. Thunder on the Mountain

• What: Thunder on the Mountain returns this year for its annual July 4 celebration. This must-see spectacular features more than 2,500 fireworks and effects in a 20-minute show synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack. Music is broadcast on iHeartMedia Birmingham radio stations, including 102.5 The Bull, 103.7 The Q, Magic 96.5 and News Radio 960 WERC. Find a spot near Vulcan, look up at the sky and enjoy the show. 
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | Fireworks begin at 9PM
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

17. Radio Cult, Crypt 24 & Dirty Holly

• What: Skipping July 4 fireworks? Head to The Nick in Birmingham’s Southside for live music from Radio Cult, Crypt 24 & Dirty Holly beginning at 9PM. *Must be 21+ to attend.
• When: Sat, July 4, 2026 | 9PM
• Where: The Nick
• Cost: $7
• More event details

Birmingham events: Sun, July 5

18. America’s Birthday Celebration

• What: Wrap up Independence Day weekend with live music and fireworks on Sunday, July 5 at The Backyard in Leeds. There will be food and drinks inside, along with arcade games, pool and more.
• When: Sun, July 5, 2026 | 10AM–10PM
• Where: The Backyard, Leeds
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

19. Punk Rock Yard Sale

• What: Spend a Sunday afternoon at the monthly punk rock yard sale at Wantfull Things in Birmingham. There will be live music and local vendors to shop, plus a coffee stand and fried pies for purchase. For ages 18+, check out the tattoo flash sale for designs ranging from $40 to $200.
• When: Sun, July 5, 2026 | 12PM–6PM
• Where: Wantfull Things
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

Continuing events in Birmingham

20. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” [DISCOUNT CODE]

• What: An undersea adventure awaits you at Red Mountain Theatre with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” This special production features all your favorite characters (including Ariel, of course!), upbeat songs, dazzling costumes and a spectacular stage set that brings this beloved story to life. Bonus: All ages will enjoy it!
• When: Now–July 19, 2026 | Times vary by show date
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre’s Cromwell Theatre
• Cost: $40+ | Discounts for children ages 2–12 | get $7 off your ticket with discount code NOWSAVE7
• More event details

21. Dino Safari at the Birmingham Zoo

• What: Life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs have taken over the Birmingham Zoo—and they’ll be sticking around until November 1! That’s plenty of time for you and your crew to go on a wild adventure filled with interactive experiences and prehistoric fun. When you visit, expect 23 life-sized robotic dinosaurs that move, breathe and roar, fun Dino facts from dedicated Dino Guides and more.
• Fun fact: Did you know the Birmingham Zoo was named the #1 attraction in the city? 
• When: Now–Nov 1, 2026 | Wed–Sun 9AM–5PM
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• Cost: Included in general admission to the Birmingham Zoo
  • Adults: $24
  • Seniors (60+), Military/First Responders/College Students: $20
    • Kids (2–12): $19
• More event details

22. Survival of the Slowest (special exhibit)

• What: A real sloth is coming to McWane Science Center! Survival of the Slowest opened June 13 and features live animal encounters and interactive fun that show how being a little bit slower than most (or a bit unusual) can be a superpower in the wild. Bonus: This exhibit is for all ages, so bring the whole family and spend the day exploring.
• When: Now–Dec. 2026
  • New summer hours—open daily until August 9
    • Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM
    • Sat 10AM–5PM
    • Sun 12PM–5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center
• Cost: General admission to McWane
• More event details

23. Revolutionary Roots: Celebrating Alabama’s Unique History + 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
  • Sun–Thurs 10AM–8PM
  • Fri–Sat 10AM–9PM
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
• Cost: $8
• More event details

Birmingham events coming soon

• July 11: 50 Years of Legacy Free Festival + Concert—Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• July 11: Drive Electric Alabama @ Hoover Metropolitan Concert + Brock’s Gap Brewing Company
• July 17–19: Field & Stage Music Festival—Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• July 28 + 29: The R&B Tour Starring Usher Raymond & Chris Brown—Protective Stadium
• July 29: Dude Perfect—Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Aug 8: Dragon Boat Race & Festival benefiting Mitchell’s Place—East Lake Park
• Aug 23: Pickleball for a Purpose—The Picklr, Vestavia
• Aug 28: Benson Boone—Legacy Arena at the BJCC

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