27 weekend events including Otey’s Fest (July 23-26)

Your weekend plans are calling, Birmingham! Whether you’re getting your festival glow-up on at Artchella, celebrating 17 years of Otey’s Fest or watching the hilariously entertaining Boom Ball at Regions Field, there’s something for everyone.

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

• 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.
• Catch live music all month: See 26 concerts in July.

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

Birmingham events: Thursday, July 23, 2026

1. Under the Lights

• What: See Sloss Furnaces in a whole new light at this free party celebrating the new lights installation beneath the First Avenue Viaduct. The night will feature live music, guided tours, live aluminum casting, on-site poster printing and more ways to enjoy one of Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks.
• When: Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 8PM–10PM
• Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: Free admission | Must RSVP to attend
• More details

2. Art After 5: Artchella

• What: Channel your inner festival-goer at this exciting event at the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). Enjoy live music, themed cocktails, a photo booth, festival-inspired face painting, hands-on activities, food trucks and an LED performance by Luminarts Entertainment. The BMA’s galleries will also be open during the event, so be sure to give them a stroll while you’re there.
• When: Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 5PM–8PM
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Members: Free admission | Nonmembers: $10
• More details + tickets

Birmingham events: Friday, July 24, 2026

3. Financial Literacy Event: Coffee Pop-Up at Caveat

• What: Need financial info? Get any one drink free at Caveat Coffee in Homewood on Friday, July 24 when you ask a financial question to an AlaTrust expert.
• When: Friday, July 24, 2026 | 9AM–10AM
• Where: Caveat Coffee, 2832 Linden Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

4. BRW Food Truck Pop-Up Park

• What: Kick off Birmingham Restaurant Week early at this street-food fare featuring local food truck featuring barbecue, hot wings, desserts and more.
• When: Friday, July 24 | 11AM–2PM
• Where: Linn Park, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

5. Motors on Main July Cruise-In benefiting Magic Moments

• What: The whole family will be entertained at this downtown Leeds event. On Friday, July 24, Parkway Drive comes alive for a night of cool cars, great food, live music and community fun. You can also score exclusive sales at the small local businesses within walking distance of the event. Proceeds from the event will benefit Magic Moments.
• When: Friday, July 24, 2026 | 5:30PM–8:30PM
• Where: 9003 Parkway Dr, Leeds, AL 35094
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

6. Steel Magnolias

• What: Grab your besties and head to the historic Alabama Theatre for a screening of the beloved Southern classic Steel Magnolias. You’ll follow a young beautician as she finds her place in a small Louisiana town and becomes part of a close-knit group of women who prove friendship, laughter and a good hair appointment can get you through almost anything. Tip: Arrive on time for a sing-along accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ before the film begins.
• When: Friday, July 24, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $12.77
• More details + tickets

7. Jesse Welles

• What: Catch Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter and guitarist Jesse Welles live in concert at Avondale Brewing Company on Friday, July 24. Expect an evening of acoustic folk, country and rock music, plus great brews from Avondale.
• When: Friday, July 24, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Avondale Brewing Co, 201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $40+
• More details + tickets

Birmingham events: Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, 2026

8. Birmingham Summer Market Days: Food Trucks, Vendors & Creative Experience

• What: Shop, sip and stroll your way through a full weekend of Birmingham Summer Market Days. There will be handmade goods from artisan vendors, bites from local food trucks, live music and activities for all ages. 
• When: Fri, July 24–Sun, July 26 | 10AM–7:30PM
• Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

9. Birmingham Creative Arts Pop-Up

• What: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of arts right in the heart of Birmingham during this fun pop-up. Hosted by Birmingham Creative Arts, the event offers a full day celebrating creativity and artistic expression through hands-on art experiences with local talent. 
• When: Fri, July 24–Sun, July 26 | 8AM–6PM
• Where: BJCC, 1001 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

10. Open Air Market Birmingham

• What: Enjoy fresh air while shopping at this laid-back event featuring local artists. Taking place in downtown Birmingham at Linn Park, you’ll discover unique art pieces and the people who created them.
• When: Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 8AM–6:30PM
• Where: Linn Park, 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

Birmingham events: Saturday, July 25, 2026

11. Bessemer Farmers Market’s Community Food Drive Day

• What: Spend the morning of Saturday, July 25 stocking up on fresh local produce and more at the Bessemer Farmers Market. While you shop the market’s vendors, you can also support those fighting food insecurity by donating canned goods and other nonperishable items to the Community Food Drive that will be set up during the event.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 9AM–1PM
• Where: Bessemer Recreation Center, 100 14th St, Bessemer, AL 35020
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

12. The All Sports Show

• What: Looking to buy, sell or trade sporting items like sports cards, jerseys, memorabilia and supplies? Make plans to attend The All Sports Show at Gardendale Civic Center. Throughout the event, there will also be food and snacks available for purchase, free sports cards packs for kids, free estimates on items from vendors and more.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 10AM–4PM
• Where: Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071
• Cost: $5 entry | Free admission ages 13 and under
• More details

13. Sci-Fi Fantasy Faire

• What: Adults and kids alike will have a blast at this Sci-fi/Fantasy Faire at the Hoover Public Library. There will be discussion panels on fandom favorites, a costume contest, vendors, open gaming and more. There will also be a KidCon for local kiddos to check out during the main event. Don’t forget to dress up!
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 10AM–5PM
• Where: Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

14. Lagerville 2026: Smooth Brews & Yacht Rock Grooves

• What: If you love a clean, crisp lager, this is the event for you. Spend Saturday, July 25 at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville to try a new limited lineup of exclusive, small-batch lagers with a background of live yacht rock grooves.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
  • Begins: 11AM
  • Music: 7PM–9:30PM
• Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St, Ste 111, Trussville, AL 35173
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

15. Renew Fest

• What: Renew Birmingham Cookout and Car Show returns this year bigger, better and with a brand new name—Renew Fest. The free celebration brings together families, neighbors, businesses, community organizations and local leaders for an afternoon of food, live entertainment, family activities and a car show. There are also plenty of resources to explore related to education, health and wellness, employment and workforce development, youth programs, community services and more.
• When: Sat, July 25, 2026 | 3PM–7PM
• Where: Downtown Ensley (across from Cottons), 1927 Avenue D, Ensley, AL 35218
• Cost: Free admission
• More event details

16. Otey’s Fest

• What: Otey’s Fest is back for its 17th year of live music, community fellowship, a great cause and an all-around good time. See bands like Panic Stricken and enjoy cookout-style favorites and drinks like beer, seltzers + cocktails. A portion of event proceeds supports the Phoenix Club of Birmingham, a young men’s leadership club that supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama and aims to meet the needs of other Birmingham area kiddos. 
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 6PM
• Where: Otey’s Tavern, 224 Country Club Pk, Birmingham, AL 35213
• Cost:
  • General Admission early bird: $25.00
  • Vulcan Tire & Automotive VIP early bird: $150.00
  • Free Shuttle Service available
• More details

17. Railyard Concert Series: Drunken Prayer + Steel City Jug Slammers

• What: Enjoy drinks and live music during the Railyard Concert Series at Rails & Ales in Leeds. Tunes will include authentic roots music by two must-see acts: Drunken Prayer and the Steel City Jug Slammers.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Rails & Ales, 1210 6th St, Leeds, AL 35094
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

18. Boom Ball

• What: Experience baseball in an all-new way with a night of Boom Ball at Regions Field. The game blends classic baseball with live entertainment for a wild, fast and rule-bending event.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 5PM–9PM
  • Boom Fest: 5PM–6:30PM
  • Opening Ceremonies: 6:30PM–7PM
  • Game Time: 7PM–9PM
• Where: Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: $29.54+
• More details | Tickets

19. I Want My MTV: 80’s Dance Party featuring Neon Electric

• What: Grab your hairspray and tease that hair! Neon Electric brings the hits of the 80s to Saturn for an epic dance party on Saturday, July 25. A pair of weekend passes to Shaky Knees in Atlanta will be given away at midnight, so be sure to keep boogieing until then for a chance to win. *Must be 18+ to attend.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | Door open at 8PM, Show starts at 9PM
• Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $18.60+
• More details

20. Moth Night

• What: Grab your flashlight and head to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve for an evening of moth spotting, nocturnal animal encounters, guided hiking, crafts, games and live moth identification.
• When: Sat, July 25, 2026 | 8PM–10PM
• Where: Turkey Creek Pavilion, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
• Cost: Members: $5 | Nonmembers: $10
• More event details

21. A Taylor Swift Listening Party

• What: Calling all Swifties! Grab your friends for a night celebrating every era of Taylor Swift’s music career. Expect interactive fan activities, photo ops, themed cocktails and a curated listening experience perfect for a sing-along.
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 9PM–2AM
• Where: PopUp Bar Bham, 2335 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $17.85
• More details

Birmingham events: Sunday, July 26

22. Pickleball Palooza 2026 benefiting Red Mountain Grace

• What: Grab your paddle and play for a purpose at Red Mountain Grace’s fourth annual mixed doubles tournament. With beginner and intermediate brackets, there’s a spot for every skill level. All event proceeds support housing for families traveling to Birmingham for extended medical stays through Red Mountain Grace.
• When: Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 1PM–5PM
• Where:  The Picklr, 1031 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Cost: $40 per player 
• More details

23. 12th Annual Alabama Music Awards

• What: Get ready for live tunes, big vibes and local stars rocking the stage during the 12th Annual Alabama Music Awards. Expect an unforgettable night celebrating the state’s top musical talent with a lineup that includes Alexis ‘Kiko, Can The Poet, the Alter Ego Band, Sherry Reeves, Southern Star, Tra’shawn and more.
• When: Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 2PM–11PM
  • Red Carpet: 2PM
  • Pre Show: 4:45PM
  • Award Show: 6PM
• Where: Carver Theatre/Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, 1701 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $35 in advance | $45 at door | $75 for VIP
• More event details

24. Sunday in the Park

• What: Car enthusiast? This one’s for you. Bring your ride to Tom Bradford Park on Sunday, July 26, for an afternoon of checking out cool cars, meeting fellow gearheads and enjoying good outdoor vibes.
• When: Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 2:30PM–6PM
• Where: Tom Bradford Park, 1701 Edwards Lake Rd, Birmingham, AL 35235
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

25. “A Work in Progress” Sitcom Pilot Premiere

• What: Grab a seat for the premiere of “A Work in Progress,” a locally produced sitcom pilot featuring talent from across the Birmingham area, Alabama and Georgia. The 38-minute comedy follows an up-and-coming TV writer who moves to Atlanta to chase her dream job and the unexpected chaos that comes with it. The free screening will be followed by a Q&A and meet-and-greet with the team behind the production.
• When: Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 7PM–8:30PM
• Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St, Ste 111, Trussville, AL 35173
• Cost: Free admission
• More details

Continuing events in Birmingham

26. 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 to see 23 life-sized robotic dinosaurs that move, breathe and roar, get fun Dino facts from dedicated 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, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• 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

27. Survival of the Slowest (special exhibit)

• What: A real sloth now at McWane Science Center! Survival of the Slowest is bringing 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 until August 9, 2026
    • Monday–Friday: 9AM–5PM
    • Saturday: 10AM–5PM
    • Sunday: 12PM–5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: General admission to McWane
• More details

Birmingham events: coming soon

• July 27: Grow with Magic City Sips: SIP. Connect. Grow—The Hardwick
• July 28–29: The R&B Tour Starring Usher Raymond & Chris Brown—Protective Stadium
• July 28–31: Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Lookouts—Regions Field
• July 29: Dude Perfect—Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• July 30: Kitschy Christmas in July Party—Haven in Birmingham
• July 30: Magic City Cocktail Challenge benefiting American Cancer Society—Iron City Bham
• July 30–Aug. 8: Birmingham Restaurant Week—Participation locations
• Aug. 1: Trussville Dog Daze—Historic Trussville Mall 
• Aug. 8: Dragon Boat Race & Festival benefiting Mitchell’s Place—East Lake Park
• Aug. 15: Serenity Rising Community Day—McAlpine Recreation Center
• 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.