ArtsBlockPartyUABCenterForArts1 22 weekend events: Sloss City, Fall Plant Sale + more Sept. 17–20 — UAB Center for the Arts Block Party is just one of many fun events happening this weekend, Sept. 17–20, 2026. (UAB Center for the Arts)

We’re gearing up for another unforgettable weekend in Birmingham, with fun events on the agenda ranging from live music and art parties to festive fall celebrations. There is something in store for everyone, so don’t let the last weekend of summer pass by while you stay home.

Scroll on to plan your perfect weekend in the Magic City, and check out our other guides for events you won’t want to miss.

Plan ahead with this list of events happening through the month of September
Rock out with our guide to concerts happening in September
Fall fever setting in? Here are some festivals + Oktoberfests to look forward to

Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it to our free calendar now.

Birmingham events 9/17–9/20

Thurs. 9/17

1. Rod Wave, Don’t Look Down Tour

The BJCC — Catch the Don’t Look Down tour this Thursday, September 17 at Legacy Arena at the BJCC. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

What: If emotional rap ballads and a whole crowd singing every word sounds like your kind of night, you’ll want to grab tickets to see Rod Wave in Birmingham on Sept. 17. Expect soulful vocals, melodic beats and hits like “Heart on Ice,” “Tombstone” + “Street Runner.”
When: Thurs, Sept. 17, 2027 | 8PM
Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: $53.85+
More details + tickets

2. Movies at Avondale Park

What: Movies at Avondale Park is back with free live music at 6PM every Thursday in September, followed by a movie under the stars beginning at dusk. Bring your family and friends, some snacks, lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy a free movie showing in the great outdoors.
When: Thurs, Sept. 17, 2026 | 6PM
- Movie: School of Rock
- Music: McKenzie Mason
Where: Avondale Park Amphitheater, 3839 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Cost: FREE
More details

3. Adult 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

4. Small Business Link Up

What: Build your business and connect with other local entrepreneurs at Small Business Link Up, hosted by Birmingham Business Alliance. Grow your network and have meaningful conversations in a casual setting this Thursday at Crestwood Tavern.
When: Thu, Sept. 17, 2026 | 5:30PM
Where: Crestwood Tavern, 5500 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
Cost: FREE
More details

5. Happy Hour for Hope

What: Join the Alabama Oncology Foundation for an evening of hope and community, benefitting Alabama cancer patients and their families. Happy Hour for Hope will feature live music, delicious food, complimentary drinks, and a silent auction for exciting prizes.
When: Thu, Sept. 17, 2026 | 5:30PM–8PM
Where: Cahaba Brewing Co, 4500 5th Ave S Bldg C, Birmingham, AL 35222
Cost: $100
More details + tickets

Fri. 9/18

6. Sloss City: EDM Music Festival

New lights under the viaduct at Sloss Furnaces. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now) — Tickets are going fast for this EDM festival at Sloss Furnaces. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

What: Get ready to dance! Birmingham’s EDM scene is having a major moment as Sloss City takes over Sloss Furnaces for this action-packed event. Expect seven national acts, 22 local + regional acts and immersive production at one of the Magic City’s most iconic venues.
When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026 | 4PM–12AM
Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham , AL 35222
Cost: $25+
More details

7. UAB Center for the Arts Block Party 2026

ArtsBlockPartyUABCenterForArts3 22 weekend events: Sloss City, Fall Plant Sale + more Sept. 17–20 — Join in for a creative celebration at the UAB Center for the Arts Block Party, on Friday, September 18, 2026 (UAB Center for the Arts)

What: UAB Center for the Arts is bringing back the community-favorite Arts Block Party on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Celebrate Birmingham’s arts scene with local food trucks, creative vendors, interactive activities, live music + a free outdoor concert featuring two-time Grammy-winning artist Terrance Simien. Bonus: You can soak up even more art during the event by strolling through the galleries at the Abroms-Engel Institute.
When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026 | 5PM
- 5PM: Event begins
- 7PM: Performance by Zydeco artist Terrance Simien
Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
Cost: FREE
More details

8. Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures

The beautiful Birmingham Zoo entrance. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now) — The annual Zoo Gala will celebrate Birmingham Zoo’s newest exhibit of axolotls. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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.
When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026 | 6-10PM
Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
Cost: $750
More details + tickets

9. Ashley McBryde, Into The Wild Tour

What: Get ready for a night of country music as Ashley McBryde brings her Into the Wild Tour to Birmingham’s historic Alabama Theatre. Sing along to fan favorites, hear some of her biggest hits and grab a drink at the bar.
When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026
- Doors: 7PM
- Show: 8PM
Where: Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: $46.03
More event details + tickets

Fri. 9/18–Sat. 9/19

10. Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale

people browsing plants at a plant sale — Stock up on all your garden essentials at the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

What: Calling all Birmingham plant lovers! One of the city’s favorite plant sales is back at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, with hundreds of regionally-selected plants to shop. Don’t miss your chance to stock up on natives, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs and more and have your gardening questions answered by garden experts. Tip: Bring a wagon or portable cart for easy plant hauling. There’s no way you’ll leave this event with just one!
When:
- Fri, Sept 18, 2026: 12PM–5:30PM
- Sat, Sept. 19, 2026: 8AM–2PM
- NEW BBG Member Hours:
  - Fri, Sept. 18, 2026: 8AM–12PM
Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Cost: FREE
More details

11. Live at McWane presents Skyview – Space rock band

band performing on stage — Skyview is bringing their out-of-this-world talent to McWane’s IMAX dome this weekend, Sept. 18 + 19, 2026. (McWane Science Center)

What: Experience an unforgettable evening of live music, discovery and immersive entertainment during this unique event featuring Florida-based cinematic space rock band Skyview. They’ll be performing original music inspired by the history of space set to a backdrop of immersive, full-dome visuals inside the IMAX Dome Theater. Before the concert, visit McWane Science Center for interactive space-themed activities, opportunities to see + touch authentic NASA spacecraft artifacts and hands-on experiences for all ages. Bonus: Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the event with a cash bar available to guests 21+.
When:
- Fri, Sept. 18, 2026 | 7:30PM
- Sat, Sept. 19, 2026 |4:30PM + 7:30PM
Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Cost: $29.50–$54.50
- McWane Members: $29.50
- General Admission: $34.50
- VIP: $54.50
More details

Sat. 9/19

12. Head Over Teal 5K/10K + Family Fun Day

What: Lace up for a good cause at the Head Over Teal 5K + 10K at The Preserve in Hoover. The annual race benefits the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation, supporting gynecologic cancer research, education and patient support. After you cross the finish line, be sure to stick around for fall-themed family entertainment, food + drinks.
When: Sat, Sept. 19, 2026 | 8AM
Where: The Preserve, 616 Preserve Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35226
Cost: $30–$35
More details + sign up

13. Black Warrior River Cleanup

What: Join a group of dedicated volunteers working to keep our waterways clean at the Black Warrior River Cleanup. The Black Warrior Riverkeepers will provide bags, gloves and safety vests, and they recommend everyone bring closed-toe shoes, clothes you can dirty, sunscreen and water. Reserve your spot today to ensure there are enough supplies to go around.
When: Sat, Sept. 19, 2026 | 10AM–12PM
Where: East Pinson Valley Recreation Center, 3000 Jefferson State Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35215
Cost: FREE
More details

14. Oktoberfest at Cahaba

What: Honoring Oktoberfest tradition, Cahaba Brewing Co. hosts their annual event featuring a seasonal Oktoberfest ale served in souvenir steins (while supplies last). Catch live music, shop local vendors, watch a weiner dog race or participate in a stein hoisting competition for a chance to win special prizes.
When: Sat, Sept. 19, 2026 | 12PM
Where: Cahaba Brewing Co, 4500 5th Ave S Bldg C, Birmingham, AL 35222
Cost: FREE
More details

15. Cha House Early Fall Market

What: Get ready for fall vibes, seasonal beverages, live music, local vendors and more at Cha House’s fall market in Avondale. Shop handcrafted goods from creative vendors and enjoy delicious Filipino food from Cafe Baboy food truck.
When: Sat, Sept. 19, 2026 | 12PM–4PM
Where: Cha House, 131 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Cost: FREE
More details

16. The Midnight Effect Dance Party

What: You’re in for a scary good time at Saturn this Saturday night with gothic, new wave and EDM mixes, live mixed visual effects and giveaways at midnight. Live DJs will keep the vibes up all night long, celebrating spooky season with tunes you can’t help but move to. Beware: Saturn is an 18+ venue.
When: Sat, Sept. 19, 2026
- Doors: 7PM
- Show: 8PM
Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Cost: $9.60
More details + tickets

Sun. 9/20

17. Oktoberfest at Pepper Place

Guide to local pop-up markets — Pepper Place will host its 4th annual Oktoberfest this Sunday, September 20, 2026, with food available from The Son of a Butcher. (Bham Now)

What: The fourth annual Oktoberfest at Pepper Place promises to be the biggest one yet. Kicking off at 1PM, The Son of a Butcher is serving up seasonal food while guests enjoy local vendors, live music and lots of fall fun. Make sure to RSVP so there’s plenty of food to go around.
When: Sun, Sept. 20, 2026 | 1PM–5PM
Where: The Son of a Butcher, 2810 Third Ave S, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: FREE
More details + RSVP

18. Indian Springs School Admission Preview Day

What: If you’re exploring private schools in Birmingham, a campus visit tells you much more than skimming a website ever could. Indian Springs School welcomes prospective students + families for its Fall 2026 Admission Preview Day on Sept. 20, where families can:
- Tour the 350-acre campus
- Meet faculty + current students
- Learn more about the admission process
- Explore academic, arts + athletic opportunities
When: Sun, Sept. 20, 2026 | 2PM–4PM
Where: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Drive, Pelham, AL 35124
Cost: FREE, RSVP required
More event details + registration

19. Get Healthy on the Railroad

What: Learn how to make healthy eating a little more delicious at Get Healthy on the Railroad on Sept. 20, 2026. Chef Lawanda Buckhannon leads this free cooking class at Railroad Park, sharing tips and recipes you can take to your own kitchen at home.
When: Sun, Sept. 20, 2026
- Registration opens: 3PM
- Class begins: 3:30PM
Where: Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Cost: FREE
More event details

Ongoing events

20. “Come From Away”—closing weekend [DISCOUNT CODE]

Three travelers standing on a city street, each with a hardshell rolling suitcase in blue, green, and gold, with a downtown skyline behind them — See “Come From Away” at Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham during its closing weekend. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

What: A quarter-century after the September 11 attacks, 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. This is the show’s closing weekend—get tickets now to see “Come From Away” before it exits the Birmingham stage on Sunday, September 20.
When: Closing weekend, Thurs, Sept. 19, 2026–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

21. Southbound Food Festival

Two girls eating corn on the cob at the Southern Living Tailgate Stage during an outdoor festival — Celebrate Birmingham’s dynamic food scene at Southbound Food Festival in Birmingham. (Caleb Chancey / Southbound Food)

What: Gather your foodie-loving friends! One of Birmingham’s biggest food lovers’ weekends returns for its fourth year, Sept. 18–27, 2026. Southbound Food Festival features 100+ chefs from Birmingham and across the South serving up multi-course dinners, live-fire cooking, chef demos, music + plenty of opportunities to eat big.
When: Fri, Sept. 18, 2026–Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Where: Multiple venues in Birmingham, including Sloss Furnaces + Pepper Place
- Sloss Furnaces: 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Pepper Place: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Cost: Varies by experience: $60.34–$230.71
More event details + tickets

22. Alabama State Fair

What: The Alabama State Fair returns for another exciting year at the Birmingham Race Course. Don’t miss out on thrilling rides, fun attractions, fair food favorites and so much more.
When: Fri, Sept. 18–Sun, Sept. 27, 2026
- Fridays 4PM–11PM
- Saturday: 12PM–11PM
- Sunday: 12PM–10PM
- Monday + Thursday: 4PM–10PM
Where: Birmingham Race Course, 1000 John Rogers Dr, Birmingham, AL 35235
Cost:
- Adults (ages 13-64): $10.40
- Seniors (ages 65+): $5.20
- Youth (ages 5-12): $5.20
- Kids (ages 4 and under): FREE
More event details + tickets