Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
19 weekend events: Sidewalk Film Festival, Battle of the Bands + more (Aug. 27–30)
Reading time: 10 minutes
Ready for the weekend Birmingham? We sure are, so we’ve put together a list of events happening around Birmingham August 27–30, 2026. From concerts to festivals, markets and much more, this weekend has something to offer for everyone.
Here’s your guide to events happening in the Magic City August 27–30.
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
Birmingham weekend events at a glance
Birmingham events, Thurs, Aug. 27–Sun, Aug. 30, 2026
28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival 2026
- What: Sidewalk Film Festival, one of Birmingham’s biggest annual celebrations, is back August 24–30, and it’s bringing 200+ films, filmmaker Q&A’s, workshops, block parties and more to the Magic City’s downtown.
- When: Mon, Aug. 24–Sun, Aug. 30, 2026
- Where: Downtown Birmingham Historic Theatre District (See all participating venues)
- Cost: Day Pass: $50 | Weekend Pass: $120 | VIP Pass: $300
- More event details + tickets
Birmingham events Thurs, Aug. 27, 2026
Nature Trivia Night
- What: Join naturalist Henry Hershey in Rushton Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a fun evening of questions and conversation—trivia style. Don’t miss your chance to test your knowledge and compete for prizes—no gardening experience needed.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 27, 2026 | 7PM–9PM
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Rushton Garden), 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- Cost: Members: $15 | Nonmembers: $20
- More details
Barons vs. Trash Pandas
- What: Catch Thirsty Thursday at Regions Field while the Birmingham Barons take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Support our home team and enjoy select discounted drinks, and for the game highlight, Augtoberfest, the first 600 fans age 21+ will receive a free beer stein.
- When: Thurs, Aug. 27, 2026 | 7PM
- Where: Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Cost: $15
- More details + tickets
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
Birmingham events Fri, Aug. 28, 2026
Benson Boone, Wanted Man tour
- What: Benson Boone is backflipping his way to Birmingham on his Wanted Man Tour 2026, and you’ll want a front-row seat! Expect an electric performance with infectious tunes you’ll be singing well after the show ends.
- When: Fri, Aug. 28, 2026 | 8PM
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $49.05+
- Tickets
The Pretty Reckless concert
- What: Did you know Cindy Lou Who from “The Grinch” (2000) and Jenny from “Gossip Girl” grew up to be the lead singer in a rock band? Taylor Momsen fronts The Pretty Reckless, and they are bringing their tour to Avondale this weekend.
- When: Fri, Aug. 28, 2026 | 7PM
- Where: Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st Street S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: $49
- More details + tickets
Birmingham events Sat, Aug. 29, 2026
Lifeline’s Run for One 5K
- What: On Saturday, August 29, show your support for Lifeline’s global orphan care ministry in a morning race at Veterans Park. Along with a fun-filled race, there will be family-friendly activities including bounce houses, food trucks, face painting and more.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026
- Registration: 7AM
- 5K: 8AM
- 1 Mile Fun Run: 8:45AM
- Awards: 9:45AM
- 10AM: Family Festival
- Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Rd, Meadowbrook, AL 35242
- Cost:
- 5K Participant: $35
- Fun Run Participant: $25
- Run Where You Are: $40
- More details + sign up
The R&B Brunch Experience
- What: Dance and sing your heart out at this one of a kind combination of great music, delicious food and hand-crafted cocktails. Guests can expect an emotional rollercoaster guided by the music that reminds us of history, heartbreak, celebrations and life in general.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026 | 1PM
- Where: BJCC North Exhibition Hall, 1160-1582 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $25
- More details + tickets
Dimples Flowers grand opening
- What: Dimples Flowers is not new to Birmingham, but the florist’s first public brick and mortar location is. Join Dimples in celebrating the new location at the grand opening on Saturday, August 29, where guests can build their own bouquet, enjoy refreshments while browsing the store and meet the store mascot, Winnie the Australian Shepherd.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026 | 10AM
- Where: Dimples Flowers, 5528 First Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35212
- Cost: FREE
- More details
Bama Backwoods Statewide Line Dance Marathon
- What: Celebrate southern soul and line dance culture at this unforgettable evening. Music, energy and southern traditions will keep the crowd moving all night long so wear your comfiest pair of boots.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026 | 7PM
- Where: BJCC North Exhibition Hall
- Cost: $20
- More details + tickets
Cafecito Social, Bandido Coffee
- What: Don’t miss out on some end-of-summer fun at Bandido Coffee Co. featuring live Latin beats and special deals on coffee, tacos and matcha. Grab your crew and soak up what’s left of the summer sun.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026 | 12PM–3PM
- Where: Bandido Coffee Co. 1101 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Cost: FREE
- More details
Calera + Shelby Train Ride
- What: All aboard for this nostalgic ride back in time on a vintage railroad tour through Shelby County, including a portion of the L&N Alabama Mineral Railroad, established in 1891. The ride is about 75 minutes of fresh air, beautiful views and relaxation.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026
- First ride departs 10AM
- Second ride departs 1PM
- Where: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 1919 9th St, Calera, AL 35040
- Cost: $14+
- More details + tickets
Brews, Brains + Bids
- What: Fundraising for SafeHouse, the 3rd annual Brews, Brains + Bids combines trivia, silent auctions and local craft beer for a full evening of fun for a good cause. Items to bid on include concert tickets, a beach vacation, passes to local entertainment and much more.
- When: Sat, Aug. 29, 2026 | 6PM
- Where: Brocks Gap Brewing Co., 500 Mineral Trace Ste 100, Hoover, AL 35244
- Cost: $10
- More details + tickets
Birmingham events Sun, Aug. 30, 2026
Legends at Legion Field Battle of the Bands
- What: Feel the music and celebrate historically black colleges and university bands at the official HBCU season opener. Eight bands and over 30,000 fans sharing culture and tradition all on one field. Expect head-to-head music, scholarship and network opportunities for future HBCU band students and lots of school spirit.
- When: Sun, Aug. 30, 2026 | 3PM
- Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
- Cost: $35+
- More details + tickets
Five Points Vintage Market
- What: Shop vintage clothes, shoes, jewelry and more at the Five Points Vintage Market, featuring 18 curated vendors.
- When: Sun, Aug. 30, 2026 | 12PM–6PM
- Where: Monday Night Brewing, 14 12th St S, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
- Cost: FREE
- More details
Continuing events in Birmingham
“Come From Away” at Red Mountain Theatre
- 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–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
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
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
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
- Sept. 11 + 12: 2026 Birmingham Artwalk—20th St N, Birmingham, AL
- Sept. 13: Style in Motion: A Fashion Experience—Clubhouse on Highland
- Sept. 17: Adult Lit Spelling Bee—Location TBD
- Sept. 18: Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures—Birmingham Zoo
- Sept. 18–27: Southbound Food Festival—Multiple venues in Birmingham
- Sept. 24: Firehouse of Hope Gala—Grand Bohemian Hotel
- Sept. 25: Opening Night in Hollywood, Alabama Symphony Orchestra—UAB Alys Stephens Center
What are your weekend plans, Birmingham? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.
