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Every summer, I Love Irondale Day gives neighbors, families and visitors another reason to celebrate one of Birmingham’s most welcoming communities.

The annual event returns on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a fresh twist. This year’s theme, “AI Love Irondale Day,” brings exciting hands-on tech experiences to the festival, along with favorites like live music, train rides and family fun.

Read on for a few reasons we’re excited about I Love Irondale Day 2026, from robots and interactive experiences you can try for yourself to free food for the first 500 guests, a must-see drone show and more.

What is I Love Irondale Day 2026?

Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. and three others in I Love Irondale shirts pose in front of Irondale city development banners — The best part of I Love Irondale Day is everyone shows up ready to celebrate, including Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. (3rd from left). (City of Irondale)

What: I Love Irondale Day 2026, a free community celebration featuring hands-on technology, live entertainment + family fun
When: Sat, July 18, 2026 | 4PM–9PM
Where: Irondale City Hall, 101 20th St S, Irondale, AL 35210
Cost: Free admission

Explore hands-on technology at I Love Irondale Day 2026

A young vendor smiles behind a table displaying colorful cartoon-themed paintings at the Irondale Young Entrepreneurs market booth — The Young Entrepreneurs Market gives Irondale’s next generation a chance to showcase their creativity, products and big ideas. (City of Irondale)

Let’s be honest: You’ve probably used AI today without even thinking about it. Whether asking your phone for directions, getting personalized recs online or using ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, technology continues to be a constant in everyday life.

Love it, hate it or still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about? I Love Irondale Day 2026 is a chance to get a closer look at the technology shaping our everyday lives.

Here’s a peek at a few things you’ll discover during the event:

Robot demos + hands-on STEM activities
Police + fire drone displays
An all-electric Irondale police vehicle
Content creator stations
Interactive AI experiences including a scavenger hunt + chance to imagine what Irondale’s future could look like
Assistance downloading + using the new MAX On-Demand transit app

Catch this: The Mayor’s Desk Podcast will be broadcasting live on Saturday, July 18 at 4:45PM, featuring Irondale’s Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. and a special guest from the tech world. Tune in on the Mayor’s Desk Podcast YouTube channel.

Food, live music and family fun return to I Love Irondale Day

Crowd seated in chairs and under canopy tents watching a live band perform on an I Love Irondale stage at dusk

A woman in a colorful dashiki skirt fans herself while dancing among a crowd of attendees seated in white folding chairs at I Love Irondale Day

_{I Love Irondale Day brings neighbors together for a celebration full of fun, connection and hometown spirit. (City of Irondale)}

This year’s festival blends innovation with tradition, creating a celebration that honors everything the community loves while embracing Irondale’s mantra of building the future.

Here are some things that will return:

Food (free for the first 500 guests)
Community booths + activities
Heidi’s Kids’ Zone—bounce house, giant water slide, crafts + games
The Young Entrepreneurs Market
The KultureCity sensory activation vehicle
Train rides
Live music with Deputy 5, The Tony Tatum Experience + line dancing with tunes from DJ Maverick

Bonus: While you’re there, check out The Freedom Truck, a traveling interactive history museum that’s stopping in Irondale as part of America’s 250th celebration.

Don’t miss the 300-drone show at I Love Irondale Day

Drones forming the lit message I Heart Irondale in the night sky above railroad tracks and a lit building

Hundreds of illuminated drones form the shape of a steam locomotive in the night sky above Irondale

A smiling woman in an Irondale shirt stands among hundreds of drones lined up on a field, ready for launch — See hundreds of drones light up the sky for an unforgettable show at I Love Irondale Day. (City of Irondale)

At 8:45PM, be sure to look up as 300 drones light up the night sky with a one-of-a-kind show celebrating Irondale’s past, present and future. Consider this your reminder to charge your phone—because you’ll want to capture this one.

Whether you’re coming for the entertainment, bringing the kids for a day of fun or simply curious about this year’s theme, I Love Irondale Day 2026 is your chance to celebrate everything that makes Irondale special.

For more happening in the City of Irondale, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.

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