22 Birmingham weekend events: Furnace Fest, Bolt for Breast Cancer + more (Oct. 8–11, 2026)

We are gearing up for another action-packed weekend in Birmingham, with fan-favorite events like Furnace Fest, Barber Vintage Festival and Bolt for Breast Cancer returning to the Magic City.

We might be in for some wet weather this weekend, so check for event cancelations before heading out.

Keep scrolling to get details for these events and many more happening October 8–11, 2026.👇

Check out some other guides we have to help you plan beyond the upcoming weekend:

• Fun things are happening all month long. See 42 October events here
• Spooky vibes await within our Halloween events guide
• Rock out with our October concert guide
• Get to carving: we have a pumpkin patch guide
• Support a better Birmingham with these fundraisers, galas + more
• Keep the seasonal vibes going: check out our fall festivals + Oktoberfests guide

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

Multi-day events, 10/8–10/11

1. Appalachian Heritage Series

• What: Join Oak Mountain State Park for the Appalachian Heritage Series celebrating the rich culture and history of the Appalachian region. Immerse yourself in the art, stories and music that feel like home with the series of October craft classes. The festivities will continue into November with the Appalachian Festival where you can enjoy live artisan demonstrations, traditional folk music, local vendors, various educational programs and hands-on activities for all ages.
• When:
  • Fireside Folklore: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 | 6PM–8PM
  • Pine Needle Basketry: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026 | 2PM–4PM
  • From Highlands to Hollers: Sun, Oct. 11, 2026 | 2PM–4PM
• Where: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
• Cost: Varies by event, registration for classes required
• More details

2. Calhoun County SkyTrail Festival

• What: Take a short trip out of Birmingham for a well worth it two-day celebration of birding, nature and art. The welcome event on Friday evening will include an art exhibition, hors d’oeuvres and a bourbon tasting. Saturday morning’s event will kick off the birding with guided tours and kid friendly crafts and educational activities at Choccolocco Park. You can register for both events or just one. All birding experience levels are welcome. 
• When: Fri, Oct. 9–Sat, Oct. 10, 2026
  • Friday: 5:30PM–7PM
  • Saturday: 8AM–11AM
• Where: Longleaf Event Center, 920 Museum Dr, Anniston, AL 36206
• Cost: $25+
• More details + tickets

3. 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival

• What: Head to Barber Motorsports Park October 9–11 for three days of vintage motorcycle racing, a massive swap meet, manufacturer demos, stunt shows, live music, family activities and more. Plus, explore the Barber Motorsports Museum and its world-class motorcycle collection.
• When: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026–Sun, Oct. 11, 2026 | 8AM-6PM
• Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094
• Cost: $34+ based on day, ticket type + experience | Kids ages 15 and under: Free admission with paying adult
• More details

4. Furnace Fest

• What: Move fast on these tickets—Furnace Fest is back for another weekend packed with punk, hardcore and metal music. The festival features dozens of acts on three stages at Sloss Furnaces, including headliners A Day to Remember and Bring Me the Horizon.
• When: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026 + Sun, Oct. 11, 2026 | Times vary—see festival lineup + schedule
• Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $89–$699
• More details + tickets (few tickets remain!)

Thursday events, 10/8

5. Red Cat Happy Hour Wine Tasting

• What: Red Cat Coffeehouse at Pepper Place is partnering with Balance Wine for a free wine tasting and live music to welcome in the fall vibes. This event is 21+ only, but the cafe will remain open to the public during the event.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 8, 2026 | 3:30–5:30PM
• Where: Red Cat Coffeehouse at Pepper Place, 2901 2nd Ave S, Ste 120, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: FREE
• More details

6. Alabama Symphony Orchestra at Saturn

• What: Tunes on Tap is back and kicking off with Alabama Symphony Orchestra playing for free at Saturn. The program will feature a blend of genres, mixing classical masterpieces with popular modern hits. 
• When: Thurs, Oct. 8, 2026 | 6PM
• Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: FREE
• More details

7. Thriller Dance Class

• What: Make an impression at your Halloween party this year by breaking out some killer dance moves to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Learn the moves at Cha House Bham, no experience required.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 8, 2026 | 6–8PM
• Where: Cha House Bham, 131 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $15
• More details + RSVP

Friday events, 10/9

8. VIVA Health Gala: A Night of the Arts

• What: Experience the best of local art in action, see a live performance from Broadway legend Bernadette Peters and support UAB Center for the Arts at the 2026 VIVA Health Gala. A Night of the Arts promises attendees an unforgettable evening celebrating the impact of community arts programs. 
• When: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 | 5:30PM
• Where: Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• Cost: $199
• More details + tickets

9. Dos Años de Salud

• What: Celebrate two years of Salud Taqueria this Friday with a curated lineup of live Mariachi music, a DJ, a photo booth and food and drink specials. Salud’s second birthday party is cowboy themed, so show up in style.
• When: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 | 6:30–11PM
• Where: Salud Taqueria, 1931 2nd Ave N #101, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: FREE
• More details

10. Jonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour All Over Again

• What: This sibling trio of heartthrobs returns to Birmingham on Friday, October 9. Get ready for the nostalgia as they bring some old fan favorites back to the stage at Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
• When: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 | 8PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $21+
• More details + tickets

Saturday events, 10/10

11. Trussville Library Bookin’ It 5k

• What: The annual Bookin’ It 5K raises funds for Trussville Public Library, enabling them to continue their programs year round. Register before Oct. 3 for a discounted registration fee. The race is chip-timed and participants will receive a free t-shirt. 
• When: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026
  • Sponsor tables, giveaways + food trucks: 6:30AM
  • Pre-race warm up: 7:50AM
  • Race begins: 8AM
• Where: Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
• Cost: $35
• More details + tickets

12. Fall Community Harvest

• What: Learn from Birmingham Botanical Gardens Horticulturist Katelyn Bahr how to properly harvest crops such as okra, peppers, tomatoes and beans growing at BBG. Volunteers will help donate the harvested goods to The Foundry, a Birmingham-based rehabilitation program. Registration is required for the limited spots.
• When: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026 | 11AM–12PM
• Where: Bruno Vegetable Garden, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Cost: FREE
• More details + register

13. Monster Market at Saturn

• What: Market season is in full swing! Check out Saturn’s Monster Market on Saturday, October 10. Shop all kinds of local vendors, enjoy tricks and treats, get a tarot reading and find some spooky gifts.
• When: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026 | 12PM–4PM
• Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: FREE
• More details

14. Mom’s Vintage Market

• What: Can’t get enough of vintage finds and handmade goods? Swing by the parking lot outside Bruto and The Electric in Avondale to see what’s in stock at Mom’s Vintage Market.
• When: Sat, Oct. 10, 2026 | 12PM–6PM
• Where: The Electric in Avondale, 4426 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: FREE
• More details

Sunday events, 10/11

15. Bolt for Breast Cancer

• What: Lace up your sneakers on Oct. 11 to help fund life-saving research at the annual Bolt for Breast Cancer 5k + Dolly Dash Fun Run. Run the races, rep your team or just show up for some family fun to support a worthy cause.
• When: Sun, Oct. 11, 2026
  • Day-of registration: 12:30PM | Races begin: 2PM
• Where: Crestline Field, 49 Vine St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
• Cost:
  • Adults: $35 | Children: $25 | Lazy Day: $30
• More details

16. Young Professionals Giant Pong Tournament

• What: Partner up and bring your game face to this giant version of a cup pong tournament with prizes on the line. Young Professionals of Birmingham is hosting the event as a fun way to meet other local professionals and fund-raise for future networking events.
• When: Sun, Oct. 11, 2026 | 3PM
• Where: Sidebar Bham, 2929 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: $20 per person
• More details + RSVP

Ongoing events

17. Hoots & Howls: Daytime Halloween Event

• What: Trick or treat at 10 different candy stations throughout the zoo and enjoy magic shows, interactive animal shows, a dino dance party, costume parade and lawn games.
• When: Saturdays + Sundays in Oct. 2026 | 10AM-4PM
• Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Cost: $5.50–$15, Candy trail tickets are not included with regular zoo admission.
• More details

18. FearFest: Halloween After Dark

• What: If seasonal haunts are your thing, head to Alabama Adventure for FearFest: Halloween After Dark. During the event, the park transforms with two haunted houses, two haunted trails and roaming scare actors to catch you off guard. Add in amusement park rides and Halloween-themed treats, and you’ve got the perfect spooky night out. 
• When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026–Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
  • Fridays + Saturdays: 6PM-10PM
  • Sundays: 6PM–9PM
• Where: Alabama Adventure, 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer, AL 35022
• Cost: FearFest 1-Day Ticket: $29.99 | FearFest Maze Pass: $20 | Parking: $5 online, $10 at event
• More details + tickets

19. Dino Safari

• 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. Fun fact: They’ve been named Birmingham’s #1 attraction of the year. 
• 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 (ages 60+), Military/First Responders/College Students: $20
  • Kids (ages 2–12): $19
• More event details

20. 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: 12PM–5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane Science Center
  • Adults (ages 13-64): $20.95 each
  • Kids (ages 2-12): $16.95 each
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $19.95 each
  • Kids (under age 2): Free admission
• More event details

21. Barbie™ You Can Be Anything™: The Experience!

• What: Get dolled up in your hottest Barbie pink and maybe just one shoe (because who knows where the other one went?!), then head to McWane Science Center for this exciting experience. Explore six decades of Barbie careers through hands-on activities, meet inspiring women, learn about Barbie creator Ruth Handler and even step inside a life-size Barbie box for the ultimate photo op. Whether you have a kid in their Barbie prime or loved the doll growing up, this is one event you won’t want to miss out on. 
• When: Sat, Sept. 26, 2026–Sun, Jan. 10, 2027
  • Wed–Fri: 9AM–5PM
  • Sat: 9AM–5PM
  • Sun: 12PM–5PM 
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane Science Center
  • Adults (ages 13-64): $20.95 each
  • Kids (ages 2-12): $16.95 each
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $19.95 each
  • Kids (under age 2): Free admission
• More event details

22. 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

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

What are you planning to do in Birmingham this weekend? Tag us on socials @bhamnow to let us know!