Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
24 weekend events: Birmingham Legion, jazz festival + more (Aug. 20-23, 2026)
Reading time: 12 minutes
Ready for the weekend, Birmingham? We are too, and to make planning a breeze, here are 23 things you can do in the Magic City Thursday, Aug 20–Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.
Keep scrolling to find new ways to connect with the community through the arts, sports, food, festivals and much more.
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
Birmingham weekend events, Aug. 20-23, 2026
Birmingham-area events: Thurs, Aug. 20–Sun, Aug. 23, 2026
1. Alabama Greek Picnic Weekend
- What: Get ready for a weekend full of culture, community and unforgettable vibes. Alabama Greek Picnic brings members of the Divine Nine and supporters from across the country to Birmingham for four days of line dancing, stroll competitions, local vendors, food trucks, games and more, fundraising for the Alabama Greek Foundation.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 20–Sun, Aug. 23, 2026
- Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: $10+
- More details
Birmingham-area events: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
2. Community Over Coffee
- What: The ACLU of Alabama is building connections in a laid back environment to encourage civic engagement. Join the conversation and discuss the topics most affecting our community.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 20, 2026 | 7PM–9PM
- Where: Lee’s Coffee at Workplay, 500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: FREE
- More details + RSVP
3. Plant Bingo Night
- What: Hop in to House Plant Collective for a family-friendly night of bingo, prizes geared towards plant lovers, new friends and good vibes. The evening will present six rounds of bingo with awesome prizes for the winners. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?
- When: Thurs, Aug. 20, 2026 | 6PM
- Where: House Plant Collective, 3621 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: $5
- More details + tickets
4. GASP fundraiser night at Jeni’s
- What: Have a positive environmental impact by supporting the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP), and enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream while you’re at it. 25% of all sales made at Jeni’s Ice Cream during the fundraiser will go towards GASP’s work for cleaner air.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 20, 2026 | 4PM–7PM
- Where: Jeni’s Ice Cream at Pepper Place, 219 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: Varies by order
- More details
5. Unity Football Classic
- What: Support two Birmingham City Schools as they take to Legion Field for the Unity Football Classic. The Ramsay Rams and the Jackson-Olin Mustangs will kick off football season under the lights this Thursday.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 20, 2026 | 7PM
- Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
- Cost: $11
- More details + tickets
Birmingham-area events: Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
6. “Come From Away” opening night at Red Mountain Theatre [DISCOUNT CODE]
- What: Don’t miss Red Mountain Theatre’s debut of this Tony-winning musical. Based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, where 38 planes landed unexpectedly after 9/11, the play captures how a small town welcomes thousands of international travelers with open arms. If you’re looking for a show that will tug at your heartstrings, this is it.
- When: Fri, Aug. 21, 2026 | 7:30PM
- Show runs through Sun, Sept. 20, 2026
- Thursdays + Fridays: 7:30PM | Saturdays: 2PM + 7:30PM | Sundays: 2PM
- Where: Red Mountain Theatre, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: $34+ | Group discounts available
- Discount: Use Bham Now code NOWSAVE7 for $7 off tickets!
- More details + how to get tickets
7. ART AT NIGHT
- What: Experience an art exhibit that immerses viewers in the legacy of Betye Saar, an influential artist of the Black Arts Movement. The gallery is family friendly, featuring local artists, an open mic, food, music and a welcoming community.
- When: Fri, Aug. 21, 2026 | 6PM–8PM
- Where: Studio 2500, 2500 26th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234
- Cost: $10 | Children 12 & under: FREE
- More details + tickets
8. Murder Mystery in Sin City
- What: Put your detective skills to the test at this Las Vegas-themed murder mystery dinner party. Hosted by Southern Ghost Girls, prepare for a thrilling evening of suspense and plot twists while you try to uncover the mystery of who committed the murder. Costumes are optional, but encouraged.
- When: Fri, Aug. 21, 2026 | 6:30PM-9PM
- Where: Arlington Historic House, 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
- Cost: $65.86
- More details + tickets
Birmingham-area events: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
9. Ukrainian Cultural Festival
- What: Celebrate Ukrainian culture, community and 35 years of independence at this family-friendly festival in Homewood. There will be traditional performances, authentic Ukrainian food and a chance to learn more about Ukraine’s rich heritage.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 2PM–3:30PM
- Where: Homewood Senior Center, 816 Oak Grove Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
10. Magic City Carnival benefiting Pathways
- What: Have some fun and support a good cause at this family-friendly event featuring carnival games, fair foods, drinks, pet activities, music, a silent auction and so much more. All proceeds from the event benefit Pathways’ shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 5PM–8PM
- Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S, Bldg C, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
11. Picasso Pets: 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 | 6PM–10PM
- Where: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
- Cost: $250+
- More details + how to get tickets
12. 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
13. 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 | 6PM–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
14. Birmingham Legion FC vs. Sporting Jax
- What: Just because the World Cup has wrapped up doesn’t mean the soccer enthusiasts are out of luck. Cheer on the Magic City’s local team, the Birmingham Legion, as they take on Sporting Club Jacksonville at Protective Stadium this weekend.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 7PM
- Where: Protective Stadium, 1001 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $27.60+
- More details + tickets
15. Latinos Con Onda 7th Anniversary Party
- What: Celebrating seven years of culture, community and fun, Latinos Con Onda’s 7th Anniversary Party promises to be the biggest one yet. Featuring Latin food, music, activities and shopping, the party is highlighting all the best of Birmingham’s Latin community.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 9PM
- Where: Workplay, 500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: $58.99
- More details + tickets
16. Five Points South Summer Sampler
- What: Soak up some end of summer fun this weekend at the Summer Sampler where you can enjoy live music, mix and match sample dishes from local restaurants and cool off with cold drinks. Bring the whole family, including pets, plus your own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the laid back atmosphere.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 5PM–9PM
- Where: Brother Bryan Park, 2100 Magnolia Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Cost: FREE
- More details
17. Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival
- What: Celebrate Birmingham’s vast history of jazz music and culture at this free family-friendly festival. Enter giveaways, enjoy live music performances all day and support local businesses and artists in the Magic City’s historic business district.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 2PM–10PM
- Where: 1701 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: FREE
- More details
18. UAB Athletics Fall Fan Fest
- What: Kick off a new season with the Blazers at this family-friendly event full of fun, food trucks, meet-and-greet opportunities with UAB athletes and autograph sessions. Free and open to the public, this event encourages everyone to feel the team spirit.
- When: Sat, Aug. 22, 2026 | 10AM–12PM
- Where: UAB Legacy Pavilion, 1219 Sixth Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: FREE
- More details
Birmingham-area events: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
19. Pickleball for a Purpose
- What: Pickleball for a Purpose returns for its second year, and it’s going to be a smashing success. Whether you sign up to play in the tournament or watch from the stands, you’ll be supporting the Avadian Foundation’s efforts to partner with organizations throughout Alabama in four key areas: affordable housing, financial literacy, financial education and small business development.
- When: Sun, Aug. 23 | Times vary by tournament
- Where: The Picklr Vestavia, 1031 Montgomery Hwy #101, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Cost: $25+ to play | Free to watch
- More details + how to play
20. A “Grown-Up” Book Fair
- What: Remember the joy of school book fairs? Get all the nostalgia—with better drinks—at this adult book fair in the Trussville Entertainment District. The afternoon will be filled with local authors, independent booksellers and lots of new reasons to shop.
- When: Sun, Aug. 23, 2026 | 3PM–6PM
- Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St, Ste 111, Trussville, AL 35173
- Cost: Free admission
- More details
21. Mahjong + Mocktails
- What: Hosted by the Addiction Prevention Coalition Junior Board, this evening will support their mission to end the cycle of addiction for local families. Enjoy mahjong open play, snacks, handcrafted mocktails, raffles and a silent auction all while contributing to a worthy cause.
- When: Sun, Aug. 23, 2026 | 1PM–4PM
- Where: All Good Beverage Co., 3501 1st Ave S Ste 101c, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: $60+
- More details + tickets
Continuing events in Birmingham
22. 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, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Cost: $8
- More event details
23. Survival of the Slowest (special exhibit)
- What: A real sloth is now at the 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
- Wed.–Fri. | 9AM–5PM
- Sat. | 10AM–5PM
- Sun. | 12–5PM
- Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: General admission to McWane
- More event details
24. 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. The Birmingham Zoo was also 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
Upcoming Birmingham-area events
- Aug. 24–30: 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival 2026—Birmingham-area venues
- Aug. 26: RECLAIMED: Renaissance Runway—Haven Events
- Aug. 28: Benson Boone—Legacy Arena at the BJCC
- Aug. 29: Brews, Brains + Bids—Brock’s Gap Brewing Company
- Aug. 29: Cafecito Social—Bandido Coffee
- Aug. 30: Five Points Vintage Market—Monday Night Brewing Company
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Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
