12 ways to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in the Birmingham area

This month marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, and communities across the Birmingham area are holding ceremonies, service projects and tributes to honor those we lost. Here’s your guide to Patriot Day events happening this week.

1. Birmingham Corps + AmeriCorps Alabama 9/11 Day of Service

• What: Birmingham Corps and AmeriCorps Alabama are joining the national 9/11 Day of Service, helping pack more than 20 million meals for families facing food insecurity across 50+ cities. Event Support Team roles are open now, from leading a packing line to greeting volunteers at check-in—no experience necessary, training provided.
• When:
  • Set Up Shift: Thurs, Sept. 10, 2026 | Noon–4PM
  • Event Support Team Shift 1: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7:30AM–1PM
• Where: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (North Exhibit Hall), 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Free, ages 18+
• Sign up here

2. UAB Army ROTC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• What: UAB Army ROTC Cadets invite all UAB students and employees to join a self-paced physical training event, climbing the stairs of PNC Field in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Dress in athletic clothing and tennis shoes, and bring water.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 5:30AM–7AM
• Where: PNC Field, 800 11th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Cost: Free
• More event details

3. City of Birmingham 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Recognition

• What: The City of Birmingham will hold its official recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at Birmingham City Hall.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 9:15AM
• Where: Birmingham City Hall, Short 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL
• Cost: Free

4. Vestavia Hills, Homewood + Mountain Brook Joint Patriot Day Ceremony

• What: The cities of Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Mountain Brook are holding their annual joint Patriot Day ceremony, rotating host cities each year, and 2026 marks Homewood’s turn. The hour-long ceremony includes a presentation of the colors, remarks and patriotic music.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 9AM–10AM
• Where: SoHo Plaza, 2850 19th Street S, Homewood, AL 35209
• Cost: Free, open to the public

5. Mayor’s Veterans Luncheon — Irondale

• What: Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. invites all veterans in the Irondale community to a special fellowship luncheon honoring their service, sacrifice and dedication to the country. Lunch will be provided, and the keynote speaker is U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Jason Miller, Marine Corps J.R.O.T.C. Instructor at Shades Valley High School.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 11:30AM–1PM
• Where: Irondale Public Library, 1032 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale, AL 35210
• Cost: Free
• RSVP here (Note: RSVP requested but not required)

6. 9/11 Tribute Run

• What: This free 5K/10K group run/walk begins and ends at the Trussville Veterans Memorial, honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Wear your most patriotic attire. The event kicks off with a five-minute devotional and short prayer, followed by the run’s start after taps is played. No prior registration required — just show up and sign in.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6PM
• Where: Veterans Memorial, 55 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173 (parking across the street at Church of the Holy Cross, 90 Parkway Dr)
• Cost: Free
• More event details

7. Take Back The Day Concert

• What: This free concert honors Army Major Dwayne Williams, a decorated Ranger and paratrooper who had been stationed at the Pentagon for about two months when he was killed there. Organized by his brother, the night features live music from Kim Harmon (an award-winning Aretha Franklin tribute artist) and Rob Langford (an award-winning Elvis tribute artist), plus special guest bands Minor Adjustment and Trussville’s Finest. The show benefits American Legion Post 205.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6PM–10PM
• Where: The Gateway, Trussville, AL
• Cost: Free
• RSVP here

8. Birmingham Barons 9/11 Remembrance Game

• What: The Barons take on the Knoxville Smokies for a 9/11 Remembrance Game as part of Fan Appreciation Weekend. The first 600 fans ages 13+ will receive a free “United We Stand” remembrance t-shirt, designed by Voltron Printing, honoring the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago. The night also includes Friday Night Fireworks.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Regions Field, Birmingham, AL
• Cost: Ticketed
• Schedule + tickets

9. “Come From Away” at Red Mountain Theatre

• What: A quarter-century after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Tony Award-winning musical “Come From Away” tells the remarkable true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers with extraordinary kindness and humanity. Featuring local performers you’ll recognize from some of Birmingham’s top theatre productions, the show runs through Sept. 20, including a performance on 9/11 itself.
• When:
  • Thurs, Sept. 10–Sun, Sept. 20, 2026
  • Thurs + Fri: 7:30PM
  • Sat: 2PM + 7:30PM
  • Sun: 2PM
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre’s Cromwell Theatre, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: $34+ | Use Bham Now promo code NOWSAVE7 for $7 off your purchase
• More event details + tickets

10. Patriots Day Wreath Laying & Taps Ceremony + National Day of Service

• What: On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery will host a brief 15-minute ceremony remembering the heroes of Sept. 11 and honoring War on Terror veterans and first responders in attendance. The ceremony is followed by a National Day of Service, presented by Carry The Load in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, where volunteers can help clean headstones and beautify the grounds (cleaning supplies and water provided). Registration for the Day of Service is free but required.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026
  • Ceremony: 9AM
  • National Day of Service: 10AM–1PM
• Where: Committal Shelter 3, Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
• Cost: Free
• Register for the Day of Service

11. City of Hoover 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• What: Join the City of Hoover for a remembrance ceremony and “Climb to Remember,” commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony kicks off in the Riverchase Galleria Food Court, followed immediately by a stair climb in the Galleria Towers — the equivalent of 110 stories. The event benefits the Hoover Public Safety Charity Foundation, and t-shirts are included with registration. No ticket is needed to attend the ceremony; a donation-only ticket is available for those who’d like to support the cause without climbing.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 9AM
• Where: Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, AL
• Cost: Free to attend the ceremony; registration required to climb
• Register here

12. 21st Annual/25th Anniversary Commemorative 9/11 Ride

• What: The American Legion Riders host their annual ride to remember the events and lives lost on Sept. 11. It’s the ride’s 21st year, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
• When: Sun, Sept. 13, 2026 | 9:30AM
• Where: American Legion SSG Michael W Hosey Post 205, Clay-Trussville, AL
• Cost: Free
• More event details