4 unique ways to champion Birmingham’s arts scene this fall

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Birmingham’s arts scene has plenty to look forward to this fall, and the UAB Center for the Arts is bringing a lineup that makes it easy to get involved and keep the arts thriving.

From seeing Broadway legend Bernadette Peters to exploring a new exhibition at Abroms-Engel Visual Institute of the Arts (AEIVA) or bringing your family to ArtPlay for creative fun, here are four ways to experience and support the arts in the Magic City this season.

1. See Broadway legend Bernadette Peters in Birmingham at the 2026 VIVA Health Gala—Oct. 9, 2026

It’s true: Broadway legend Bernadette Peters is coming to Birmingham!

A two-time Tony Award winner, Peters has spent more than six decades on stage and screen, starring in Broadway favorites like “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods” and “Hello, Dolly!” She’s also a recipient of the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her humanitarian work.

She’ll take the stage at the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall during the 2026 VIVA Health Gala on Friday, October 9, which features an evening filled with music, art and fundraising.

This year’s gala also honors Dr. and Mrs. Ray Watts for their longtime support and advocacy for the arts at UAB. Dr. Watts, UAB’s longest-serving president, helped establish UAB Center for the Arts as a strategic home for the Alys Stephens Center, AEIVA, ArtPlay and Arts in Medicine. 

Most importantly, the gala raises funds for all four UAB Center for the Arts organizations, helping bring arts experiences to Birmingham and beyond.

Event details:

• When: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 | 5:30PM
• Where: Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham
• Cost: $199
  • Your ticket includes:
    • Complimentary valet parking
    • Access to all pre-performance festivities + experiences.
    • Complimentary hors d’oeuvres + beverages. New this year: specialty mocktails!
    • Complimentary show cup
    • Premium seating for Bernadette Peter’s performance in the Jemison Concert Hall
• Learn more + get tickets
• Can’t attend? Donate here.

Your evening begins with a pre-reception, featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a contemporary art gallery experience where you will help select the next work added to AEIVA’s permanent collection. You will also see AIM in action and enjoy a special performance by ArtPlay’s talented young artists, who will open the show in the Jemison Concert Hall.

2. Explore a new contemporary art exhibition at AEIVA in Birmingham—opens Oct. 22, 2026

_{AEIVA hosts 6-10 exhibitions a year featuring shows from contemporary regional, national and international artists, plus annual student and faculty showcases. (Bham Now)}

Love contemporary art? Head to AEIVA for its newest exhibition—Kahlil Robert Irving: 40acres (of TREES| to a 40oz_BRICKS). Opening Thursday, Oct. 22, you’ll discover new and recent works from the St. Louis-based artist that explore history, place, media and public life through large-format paintings and sculptures.  

Event details:

• When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026–Saturday, Mar. 13, 2027
  • Opening + Artist Talk: Thurs, Oct. 22, 2026 | 5PM–7PM
• Where: AEIVA, 1221 10th Ave S, Birmingham
• Cost: Free admission
• Event details

Explore more exhibits + events at AEIVA.

3. See how UAB Arts in Medicine makes an impact in Birmingham—new events in Oct. 2026

_{From magic to music, UAB Arts in Medicine brings arts programming to people of all ages receiving inpatient or outpatient clinical care. (UAB Center for the Arts)}

Sometimes, a creative activity provides a welcome moment of escape, whether it’s a good song that boosts your mood or a colorful painting that brightens up a hospital room.

This is the idea behind UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM), which brings free creative arts experiences to patients, families and staff across Birmingham.

Since 2013, AIM has touched more than 170,000 people through music, visual art and other creative experiences. As one of the four arts organizations within UAB Center for the Arts, it’s another meaningful way you can support the arts in Birmingham this Fall 2026.

Don’t miss AIM events, like:

• Becoming Ourselves through Story, Play, and Performance Across the Lifespan—Monday, Oct. 9, 2026
  • Explore how storytelling, play + performance shape identity, build empathy + strengthen relationships. Dr. Thalia Goldstein + Dr. Megan Lewis will share insights from psychology + theatre.
• Wang & Trionfo—Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
  • Hear internationally acclaimed accordionist Hanzhi Wang + flutist Anthony Trionfo perform as part of the Young Concert Artists on Tour program. The performance takes place in The Kirklin Clinic Atrium.

Learn more about AIM + how you can show your support.

4. Attend ArtPlay Halloween Family Day—Oct. 24, 2026

_{You and the fam will love UAB’s ArtPlay Halloween Family Day on Oct. 24, 2026. (UAB Center for the Arts)}

If you haven’t been to UAB’s ArtPlay in Birmingham’s Southside yet, this is the perfect reason to visit. Located in a gorgeous historic home, it’s a creative hub where kids, adults and artists can learn, create and try something new. 

The perfect way to check it out? ArtPlay Halloween Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. 

You and your kiddos can make art, play games, listen to a story and enjoy plenty of Halloween fun.

Event details:

• When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 | 1PM-4PM
• Where: ArtPlay, 1006 19th St S, Birmingham
• Cost: Free
• Get event details

Check out more events at ArtPlay.

Support the arts in Birmingham in Fall 2026

Whether you’re catching a Broadway legend, exploring artists at AEIVA, seeing AIM in action or spending the afternoon with the kids at ArtPlay, there are plenty of ways for you to experience and support UAB Center for the Arts in Birmingham this fall. 

Want more ways to experience UAB’s ArtPlay, AEIVA and other arts programs in Birmingham? Go behind the scenes with us.

Learn more about UAB Center for the Arts and find more ways to support its programs.

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