Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
FREE music, vendors + family fun at the 2026 UAB Center for the Arts Block Party
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Birmingham’s premier arts and culture hub is bringing back its community-favorite art, music and vendor event (for FREE!). Keep reading to learn about the 2026 UAB Center for the Arts Block Party on Friday, September 18, unique events at Alys Stephens Center, an upcoming gala and more.
UAB Center for the Arts Block Party lights up Birmingham, Sept. 18, 2026
Bring the whole family to this interactive arts event. Here are the details:
- What: 2026 UAB Center for the Arts Block Party
- Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham
- When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026 | 5PM–9PM
- 5PM: Event begins
- 7PM: Performance by Zydeco artist Terrance Simien
- How much: FREE
Fun fact: This season marks 30 years of performances at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center!
How to celebrate the magic of local arts at the 2026 UAB Center for the Arts Block Party
Mark your calendar for a magical evening on Friday, September 18 in Birmingham. (UAB Center for the Arts)
Celebrate the local arts community with an immersive cultural experience featuring:
- Local food trucks
- Creative vendors
- Interactive craft booths + activities led by UAB Center for the Arts students + faculty
- DJ + live music performances
- Giveaways + freebies
This year features a free outdoor concert with two-time Grammy award-winning artist Terrance Simien. Backed by his live band, Simien will bring the rich traditions of Black American zydeco music to life through soulful vocals, infectious rhythms and cultural storytelling.
Pro tip: While you’re soaking up the music, save time for a little art, too. Wander through the galleries at the Abroms-Engel Institute.
Current exhibits include:
- Erin Jane Nelson: Living and Working: Explore ecology and the effects of climate change through ceramics, textiles + photography.
- In the Moment: Recent Acquisitions to AEIVA’s Permanent Collection: See work from 17 Alabama and nationwide artists, many on view for the first time, highlighting the idea of collecting art in the moment it’s made.
Why UAB Center for the Arts serves as a pillar for the Birmingham arts community
The free 2026 UAB Center for the Arts Block Party is just one way UAB Center for the Arts strives to ignite, engage and empower locals through immersive artistic experiences.
This premier cultural center offers a variety of art-centered experiences to the Birmingham region including:
- Live concerts
- Contemporary art exhibitions
- Community art classes
- Healing arts programs
- + more!
“Our mission is to enrich the entire community through the arts by presenting artists of high merit, offering innovative education and enhancing wellbeing through creative practice, ensuring access for all.”
Charlie D Ray, UAB Center for the Arts
If you want to support their ongoing effort to uplift the arts community, donate to their programming funds or continue attending their events.
More events with UAB Center for the Arts: Viva Health Gala + more
Don’t let the fun stop at the UAB Center for the Arts Block Party! Check out upcoming programming at UAB Center for the Arts, including:
- Sept. 27, 2026: Celebrating 30 Years of RENT: Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp
- Oct.18, 2026: Black Violin
- Oct. 25, 2026: Moonlight Princesses: A Tribute to Demon Hunters
- Jan. 31, 2027: Blind Boys of Alabama
- Feb. 28, 2027: An Evening with Audra McDonald
- Mar. 7, 2027: Step Afrika!
Plus, don’t miss the 2026 VIVA Health Gala featuring Broadway legend Bernadette Peters. Enjoy special performances, a dinner by the team at Helen and the chance to help select the next work added to UAB Center for the Arts’ permanent collection. Even better, the event raises vital funds that directly support AEIVA, the Alys Stephens Center, ArtPlay and Arts in Medicine.
- When: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 | 5:30PM
- Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham
- Cost: $199+
- Tickets
Show your support for UAB Center for the Arts and their mission to enrich the Birmingham community through the arts. Explore more events and learn more at UAB Arts’ website.
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