Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
This free event kicks off more smart ways to promote our food scene—Thursday Aug. 13, 2026
Reading time: 4 minutes
Sponsored
Birmingham’s favorite food and beverage initiative is entering a new chapter. Magic City Sips is kicking off its newest season with a free networking event on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, and they’re inviting local restaurant, bar, lounge, brewery and coffee shop owners to connect and learn how to grow their businesses year-round. If your business serves food or drinks, this is the place to be.
Read on to see how you can help support Birmingham’s award-winning food scene, its talented business owners and workers and all of those who love what’s on the menu in and around the Magic City. Let’s dig in! 👇
What is Magic City Sips?
Magic City Sips officially launched in 2023 through the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity to promote and support the city’s locally owned food and beverage businesses. Now, the initiative is expanding beyond just a campaign, becoming Birmingham’s go-to resource for discovering where to eat, drink and experience the city’s nationally recognized culinary scene—all year long.
“Magic City Sips is an important initiative of the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity because our local restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops and other food and beverage establishments play a vital role in Birmingham’s economy and culture.
Our goal is to increase awareness of these local businesses, encourage residents and visitors to experience all that Birmingham has to offer and help ensure these establishments continue to thrive. By shining a spotlight on the incredible food and beverage community across our city, we’re investing in the long-term success of the businesses that help make Birmingham a destination.”
Lakeela Lowe, Data Management Coordinator for the City of Birmingham Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity
You’re invited to the official kickoff event for Magic City Sips!
Whether your business has participated before or if your team is new to Magic City Sips, this event offers a chance to see how the program is evolving—all while enjoying a fun night of connection and networking.
- Where: Avenue D Events | 3008 4th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233
- When: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 5-8PM
- Cost: FREE for Magic City Sips members, but please register here for planning purposes
- Connect: Find Magic City Sips on Facebook + Instagram
Why restaurant and bar owners should attend: Owners and operators of restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, lounges and other food and beverage businesses will have the opportunity to:
- Connect with fellow food + drink professionals
- Celebrate Birmingham’s growing culinary community
- Learn about expanded Magic City Sips marketing opportunities
- Discover new ways to increase visibility throughout the year + help drive traffic to your location
Magic City Sips is an investment in Birmingham’s future
Magic City Sips isn’t just promoting businesses during a single campaign window anymore. It’s becoming an ongoing platform that helps residents and visitors discover Birmingham’s local food and beverage scene every season of the year.
Participating businesses will receive continued exposure through Magic City Sips’ digital channels, including:
- Featured business spotlights
- Signature menu item highlights
- Seasonal promotions
- Special events
- Local dining recommendations
The more businesses participate throughout the year, the more opportunities they’ll have to be featured and introduced to new customers. Register your business now!
If you own or operate a food or beverage business in Birmingham, this August 13th Kickoff networking event is your opportunity to meet fellow industry leaders, learn about new promotional opportunities and help shape the future of Magic City Sips! Will we see you there? Register now!
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