Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall
21 ways to support a better Birmingham: fundraisers, galas + more
Reading time: 10 minutes
People often reserve December as the season of giving, but why wait until then? Year-round, there are ways you can pay it forward, whether your passion lies in underserved communities, animals in crisis or environmental impacts.
We believe in the power of giving, so here are just a few ways to give your time or donations to those who need it most.
Keep reading to find 15 fundraisers and galas happening in Birmingham from August through October 2026.
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
Birmingham-area fundraisers + galas at a glance
August 2026 fundraisers + galas around Birmingham
1. United Ability’s 10th annual Journey of Hope
- What: You won’t want to miss the Omnium Circus performing at this fundraiser benefitting Birmingham-based nonprofit United Ability. Hear about United Ability’s impact on local families, celebrate honored advocates and be entertained by a performance like no other at the 10th annual Journey of Hope.
- When: Sat, Aug. 15, 2026
- 5PM: Doors open
- 6:30PM: Program starts
- 7:30PM: Dessert reception
- Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Cost:
- Adults 13+: $100
- Children 7-12: $35
- Children under 6: FREE
- More details + how to get tickets
2. Fork + Cork Chef’s Dinner Series
- What: Enjoy a private dinner and signature cocktails at Bayonet in Birmingham at one of (or all three) dinners in the Fork & Cork Chef’s Dinner series. Menus are curated by James Beard semifinalist Chef Rob McDaniel. Ticket sales benefit Children’s Harbor, offering no-cost resources to families of critically-ill children.
- When:
- Sports Dinner: Mon, Aug. 17, 2026 | 6PM
- Arts Dinner: Mon, Aug. 31, 2026
- Music Dinner: Mon, Sept. 14, 2026
- Where: Bayonet, 2015 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $500
- More details + tickets
3. Pooches on the Patio
- What: Enjoy cocktails and wagging tails at the annual Pooches on the Patio event at Vino benefitting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Here you can dine outdoors with your dog, meet some adorable and adoptable pups from GBHS and enter for a chance to win exciting prizes such as a $100 Vino gift card.
- When: Wed, Aug. 19, 2026 | 5:30-8PM
- Where: Vino, 1930 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
- Cost: Varies by menu item
- More details + reservations
4. Picasso Pets Gala, Wags to Riches
- What: Picasso Pets is more than your typical fundraiser gala — enjoy an elevated dining experience and get the chance to bid on incredible prizes, including a trip to Italy. This year marks 25 years of Picasso Pets and 30 years of Hand in Paw serving Birmingham communities with animal-assisted therapy services.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 6-10PM
- Where: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Cost: $250+
- More details + how to get tickets
5. KultureBall
- What: The 2026 KultureBall will be a star-studded evening bringing together celebrities, musicians and philanthropists from across the country to support nonprofit KultureCity in their mission to increase sensory accessibility programs. This year’s KultureBall will be hosted by Kristen Bell, known for roles including “The Good Place,” “Frozen” and “Nobody Wants This.”
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026
- Where: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: Varies by sponsorship level
- More details
6. Boiling n’ Bragging tailgate
- What: Show your school pride and show up for the 17th annual Boiling n’ Bragging football season kickoff party benefitting the Critical Care Transport team at Children’s of Alabama. The tailgate will include a cookout, low country boil, drink specials, cornhole and live entertainment.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 6-8:30PM
- Where: Oak St. in front of O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St, Birmingham, AL 35213
- Cost:
- Advance tickets: $30
- Door tickets: $40
- Kids 10 & under: FREE
- More details + tickets
7. RECLAIMED: Renaissance Runway
- What: See creative up-cycled styles from talented local designers at this thrift-forward fashion show, proving how easy it can be to give secondhand clothes a new life. Every ticket purchased benefits Alabama Goodwill’s job training and employment programs, creating career opportunities state-wide.
- When: Wed, Aug. 26, 2026 | 5-7:30PM
- Where: Events at Haven, 2515 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost:
- Early-Bird General Admission: $35
- General Admission: $45
- VIP: $65
- More details + how to get tickets
8. Diamonds for Life Gala
- What: Support Kid One Transport’s mission of breaking down roadblocks for children’s healthcare by attending the Diamonds for Life Gala. A ticket this event gets you an evening of dinner, dancing, a diamond giveaway and silent auction, all while helping provide life-saving transportation for children in need.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 27, 2026 | 7PM-10PM
- Where: The Club, 1 Robert S Smith Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Cost: $150
- More details + tickets
September 2026 fundraisers + galas around Birmingham
9. Cool Green Trees Ice Cream Social
- What: Cool off and support a cool cause at the Cool Green Trees Ice Cream Social at Jeni’s. 25% of all sales made during the social will go towards supporting Cool Green Trees’ mission of planting trees in urban heat islands across Jefferson County, lowering temps, filtering air pollution and beautifying neighborhoods.
- When: Thurs, Sept. 10, 2026 | 4-7PM
- Where: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, 219 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Varies by scoop, pint or merchandise item
- More details
10. Style in Motion: A Fashion Experience
- What: The FILES Arts Project presents Style in Motion: an evening centered on creativity, community and culture to raise funds for art education programs for youth in underserved communities in Birmingham. Enjoy unique styles, local talent and connection at this one-of-a-kind fashion show.
- When: Sun, Sep. 13, 2026 | 5PM
- Where: Clubhouse on Highland, 2908 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Cost: $35+
- More details + tickets
11. Adult Lit Spelling Bee
- What: Test your spelling skills at the Birmingham Jumpstart Adult Lit Spelling Bee, where friendly competition supports literary advancement in our community. Participants will compete in five rounds of increasing difficulty until one is crowned champion, and all proceeds from the event go towards Jumpstart’s educational programs.
- When: Thurs, Sept. 17, 2026 | 6PM
- Where: Location information provided after ticket purchase
- Cost: $25+
- More details + tickets
12. Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures
- What: Support Birmingham Zoo and celebrate the new axolotl exhibit at the 2026 Zoo Gala. The gala promises guests a sophisticated, purpose-driven evening of unique animal encounters, live music, auctions and curated dinner from Hot & Hot Fish Club.
- Note: This event is limited to adults 21+
- When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026 | 6-10PM
- Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Cost: $750
- More details + tickets
13. Firehouse of Hope Gala
- What: Support Firehouse Ministries in restoring hope for men experiencing homelessness in Birmingham by attending their annual fundraiser. The evening offers live music and a live auction where guests can bid on incredible experiences such as international vacations, local luxury staycations and an exclusive dinner prepare table side by Chef George Sarris.
- When: Thurs, Sept. 24, 2026 | 5:30PM
- Where: Grand Bohemian Hotel, 2655 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Cost: $200
- More details + tickets
14. Tulip Gala
- What: The Parkinson Association of Alabama is hosting its 2nd annual Tulip Gala to raise crucial funds for families battling Parkinson’s disease. This year’s keynote speaker, Heisman Trophy recipient Tim Tebow, has firsthand experience with the effects of Parkinson’s disease which his father battled until his passing in April 2026. The evening will feature music, food and philanthropy, bringing hope to thousands of Alabamians.
- When: Thurs, Sept. 24, 2026
- Where: Location provided with ticket
- Cost: $500
- More details + tickets
15. Opening Night in Hollywood
- What: Step out of Birmingham and into Hollywood at Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s largest philanthropic event of the year. “Opening Night in Hollywood” offers a night of genuine fun, dancing, cocktails and live music performances inspired by classic films. ASO is Alabama’s only full-time professional orchestra, and this event enables them to carry on programming year-round.
- When: Fri, Sept. 25, 2026 | 6:30PM
- Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Cost: $500+
- More details + tickets
October 2026 fundraisers + galas around Birmingham
16. Special Equestrian Charity Golf Classic
- What: Grab your clubs for the 20th annual Special Equestrians Charity Golf Classic, encouraging some friendly competition while supporting horse-assisted therapy programs for people with disabilities. Players can expect a beautiful day of golf, breakfast and lunch provided and multiple opportunities to win fun prizes.
- When: Thurs, Oct. 1, 2026 | 7:30AM
- Where: Highland Park Golf Course, 3300 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Cost: $200+
- More details + registration
17. Antiques at the Gardens
- What: Join the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens in their mission to keep the gardens accessible and beautiful all year long. Antiques in the Gardens presents lectures from renowned designers, artists, florists, architects, landscapers and more from across the country, kicked off by the Gala in the Gardens. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Antiques at the Gardens.
- When: Thurs, Oct. 1–Sun, Oct. 4, 2026 | Times vary by event
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Cost: Varies by event
- More details + tickets
18. 2026 VIVA Health Gala: A Night of the Arts
- What: Experience the best of local art in action, see a live performance from Broadway legend Bernadette Peters and support UAB Center for the Arts at the 2026 VIVA Health Gala. A Night of the Arts promises attendants an unforgettable evening celebrating the impact of community arts programs.
- When: Oct. 9, 2026 | 5:30PM
- Where: Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- Cost: $199
- More details + tickets
19. Trussville Library Bookin’ It 5k
- What: The annual Bookin’ It 5K raises funds for Trussville Public Library, enabling them to continue their programs year round. Register before Oct. 3 for a discounted registration fee. The race is chip-timed and participants will receive a free t-shirt.
- When: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026
- Sponsor tables, giveaways + food trucks: 6:30AM
- Pre-race warm up: 7:50AM
- Race begins: 8AM
- Where: Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
- Cost:
- $30 until Oct. 2
- Prices increase to $35 on Oct. 3
- More details + tickets
20. Homewood Centennial Gala
- What: Celebrate 100 years of Homewood while helping fund community teaching garden. Every dollar raised through the gala will go towards furthering Miss Sims Garden Botanical Park, improving public access to green spaces, fresh produce and local art. The Centennial Gala will have silent and live auctions, live entertainment, food and historic storytelling.
- When: Thurs, Oct. 15, 2026
- Pre-party on the Plaza: 5PM
- Gala begins: 6PM
- Where: Rosewood Hall, 2850 19th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
- Cost: $100
- More details + tickets
21. The McNew Project, Royal Impact Gala
- What: Enjoy a glamorous evening celebrating the power of accessible art at the Royal Impact Gala, hosted by The McNew Project in partnership with InToto Creative Arts. The gala aims to raise funds for an organization making lasting local impact in underserved communities through artistic expression, connection and healing.
- When: Fri, Oct. 30, 2026 | 7PM
- Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $75+
- More details + tickets
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
