22 weekend events: Kentuck Festival, Barktoberfest + more Oct. 15–18

It’s time to start planning your weekend in Birmingham, and trust me, you won’t want to stay home after you see this entertaining lineup of events happening October 15–18, 2026.

Whether you’re an arts enthusiast, a nature lover, a sports fan or just looking to give back to your community, we’ve rounded up an exciting list with something for everyone.

Keep scrolling to find 22 ways to spend your weekend in Birmingham.

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

1. Friends of the Homewood Public Library $7 Bag Sale

• What: Book worms, this one is for you. Stock up on some of your favorite reads while supporting the Homewood Public Library during the Friends of the Homewood Public Library’s $7 Bag Sale. Fill a bag with all you can and check out for just $7.
• When: Fri, Oct. 16, 2026 + Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 | 10AM–4PM 
• Where: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Cost: $7
• More details

2. 55th Kentuck Festival of the Arts

• What: Kentuck Festival of the Arts is back for its 55th year, featuring more than 270 folk and contemporary artists, live music, craft demos, food trucks, local craft beers and kids activities. Proceeds from the festival support the following year’s festival and fund Kentuck Art Center’s year-round mission to perpetuate the arts, engage the community and empower the artist.
• When: Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 + Sun, Oct. 18, 2026
  • Saturday: 9AM–5PM
  • Sunday: 9AM–4PM
• Where: Snow Hinton Park, Hinton Pk Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
• Cost:
  • Single day pass: $15
  • Weekend pass: $25
  • Kids 12 & under: FREE
• More details + how to get tickets

Thursday, Oct. 15

3. Red Mountain Pollinator Garden Workday

• What: Join the volunteers at Red Mountain Park for a day of native planting, invasive plant removal and general beautification of the pollinator gardens. Wear protective shoes and clothes, bring a water bottle and prepare to get dirty.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 15, 2026 | 9AM–11AM
• Where: Red Mountain Park, 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Cost: FREE, application must be completed
• More details

4. Ballin’ in Boutwell

• What: Ballin’ in Boutwell tips off for a third season in Birmingham, getting fans up close to their favorite teams. This Thursday, you can see the Crimson Tide’s men’s and women’s teams take on Ole Miss and UAH, respectively.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 15, 2026
  • Alabama vs. UAH (women): 12PM
  • Alabama vs. Ole Miss (men): 8PM
• Where: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Varies by game + seat selection
• More details + tickets

5. Homewood Centennial Gala

• What: Celebrate 100 years of Homewood while helping fund a community teaching garden. Every dollar raised through the gala will go towards furthering Miss Sims Garden Botanical Park, improving public access to green spaces, fresh produce and local art. The Centennial Gala will have silent and live auctions, live entertainment, food and historic storytelling. 
• When: Thurs, Oct. 15, 2026
  • Pre-party on the Plaza: 5PM
  • Gala begins: 6PM
• Where: Rosewood Hall, 2850 19th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
• Cost: $100
• More details + tickets

6. Taste of Hoover

• What: Enjoy a fall evening in the scenic Aldridge Gardens while getting a taste of the vast culinary offerings Hoover has to offer. From the best caterers and restaurants to local favorite coffee shops, breweries and dessert shops, you’ll get to sample delicious dishes all night long.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 15, 2026 | 5PM–8PM
• Where: Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216
• Cost: $50
• More details + tickets

7. City Fit at CityWalk Bham

• What: Fall is the perfect time for outdoor fitness classes, and CityWalk is letting you sample all the fitness fun it is bringing to the table. Try three different types of movement all for free at this FLOW MVMT launch event. No experience required, good vibes encouraged.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 15, 2026 | 5:30PM
• Where: CityWalk Bham, 2200 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: FREE
• More details

Friday, Oct. 16

8. Barktoberfest

• What: Benefiting Hand in Paw’s animal assisted therapy programs, Barktoberfest is bringing classic Oktoberfest fun to the table with a stein hoisting contest and locally crafted seasonal beer. Bring your pet in costume for a chance to win the costume contest, hop into the themed photo booth and get a custom caricature drawn with your pet.
• When: Fri, Oct. 16, 2026 | 5:30PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 5th Ave S Bldg C, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $30
• 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. This event was rescheduled from Oct. 9 due to weather.
• When: Fri, Oct. 16, 2026 | 6:30PM–11PM
• Where: Salud Taqueria, 1931 2nd Ave N #101, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: FREE
• More details

10. Birmingham Bulls Opening Night

• What: The Birmingham Bulls’ 10th season on the ice begins this weekend with a game against the Pensacola Ice Flyers. You won’t want to miss this action packed opening game sure to set the stage (or ice) for another exciting pro hockey season.
• When: Fri, Oct. 16, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
• Cost: $22–$40
• More details + tickets

Saturday, Oct. 17

11. Halloween King’s Chair Sunrise Hike

• What: No spooks here, just stunning sunrise views. Put on your costume (as long as you can hike in it!) and join the 3.4 mile round-trip trek to the beautiful King’s Chair to start your day with the sunrise. 
• When: Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 | 5:45AM
• Where: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
• Cost:
  • Adults: $5 park entry fee
  • Kids ages 4-11: $2
  • Seniors: $2 
• More details

12. Homewood First Responder 5K

• What: Support your local heroes at this 5K and Kids Fun Run raising funds for the Homewood Police Foundation and Fire Department. Meet first responders, show your appreciation and say hello to McGruff the Crime Dog.
• When: Sat, Oct. 17, 2026
  • 5K: 8AM–11AM
  • Kids Fun Run: 9AM–11AM
• Where: The Trak Shak, 2839 18th St. S, Homewood, AL 35209
• Cost: 5K: $30 | Kids Fun Run: $15
• More details

13. Monster Market at Saturn

• What: Market season is in full swing! Check out Saturn’s Monster Market on Saturday, October 17. Shop all kinds of local vendors, enjoy tricks and treats, get a tarot reading and find some spooky gifts. This event was rescheduled from Oct. 10 due to weather.
• When: Sat, Oct. 17, 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. This event was rescheduled from Oct. 10 due to weather.
• When: Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 | 12PM–6PM
• Where: The Electric in Avondale, 4426 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: FREE
• More details

15. Yonder Walls Mural Festival

• What: The inaugural Yonder Walls Mural Festival will bring together local artists and artists from over yonder to celebrate Birmingham’s commitment to the arts. Painted in a single week in October and ending with a party, you can check out all the new murals on Saturday, October 17 and celebrate alongside the artists. Expect live music (with headliner Pynk Beard), vendors, food trucks and a community art wall.
• When: Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 | 12PM–8PM
• Where: Parkside District, 1301 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: FREE
• More details

Sunday, Oct. 18

16. “It’s Nice to Have You in Highland Park”

• What: Take a self-guided tour through one of Birmingham’s historic neighborhoods during this porch crawl and community outing. You can tour historic homes and gardens, enjoy live music and light refreshments and hear from local organizations that are working to make all of Birmingham a beautiful place to live. Tip: Start your adventure at Birmingham Historical Society to participate in a scavenger hunt.
• When: Sun, Oct. 18, 2026 | 3PM–5PM
• Where: Birmingham Historical Society | 2827 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Cost: FREE
• More details

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.