20 weekend events around Birmingham: NASCAR, Halloween fun + more, Oct. 22–25

Now that the weather in Birmingham feels like fall, it’s the perfect time to get into some seasonal festivities. The weekend of October 22–25 is packed with Halloween events, outdoor activities and so much more, so get ready to drop these weekend plans in your group chat.

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 ready to carve: We have a local 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. YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway

• What: Start your engines! One of NASCAR’s biggest weekends is back on the track at Talladega Superspeedway and it’s just an hour’s drive from Birmingham. The YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series Chase race promises race fans and families a three-day lineup of adrenaline-filled events both on and off the track including truck races, a rodeo, a concert and of course the YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series Race.
• When: Fri, Oct. 23–Sun, Oct. 25, 2026
• Where: Talladega Superspeedway, 3366 Speedway Blvd, Lincoln, AL 35096
• Cost: Varies by experience
• More details + how to get tickets

Thursday, Oct. 22

2. Halloween Floral Workshop

• What: Try your hand at boo-quet building with help from a professional florist. Dimples Flowers is providing seasonal, spooky blooms and industry tips and tricks to get you started. You’re invited to bring your favorite bottle of wine to sip while you enjoy this fun, hands on workshop.
• When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 | 6PM–7:30PM
• Where: Dimples Flowers, 5528 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35212
• Cost: $45
• More details

3. The Feud Presented by Shipt Same Day Delivery

• What: It’s not quite time for March Madness, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to get a dose of one of college basketball’s biggest rivalries. Alabama and Auburn men’s basketball will meet at Legacy Arena at the BJCC for a rare preseason exhibition matchup, giving fans an early look at both teams ahead of the regular season.
• When: Thurs, Oct. 22, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $35.85+
• More details

Friday, Oct. 23

4. Vestavia Hills’ Haunt the Hills

• What: Wald Park hosts its annual Haunt the Hills celebration with a Halloween movie on Friday, Oct. 23. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a night of trick-or-treating, bounce houses and costume + pumpkin contests before settling in for a showing of Casper (1995) at 6:30PM. You can also show up just for the movie and enjoy the film under the stars.
• When: Fri, Oct. 23, 2026
  • Event begins: 4:30PM
  • Movie begins: 6:30PM
• Where: Wald Park, 1973 Merryvale Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Cost: FREE
• More details

5. The Summit Spooktacular

• What: Make an early Halloween costume debut at The Summit Spooktacular, where you can trick-or-treat around the mall while enjoying festive entertainment, food trucks and hands-on games and activities perfect for making memories with the whole family. 
• When: Fri, Oct. 23, 2026 | 5PM–8PM
• Where: Arhaus parking lot at The Summit, 309 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Cost: FREE
• More details

6. Leanne Morgan, The Time of Our Lives Tour

• What: Tennessee-born comedian Leanne Morgan is back at the BJCC with her signature Southern sense of humor. Morgan’s The Time of Our Lives tour promises an evening of storytelling and sidesplitting observations on family, marriage and everyday life.
• When: Fri, Oct. 23, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $45.75+
• More details

Saturday, Oct. 24

7. Halloween Hike

• What: Who said fitness can’t be festive? Join local hiking group, Hike Birmingham, on a guided beginner-friendly trail at Red Mountain Park to start your Saturday morning on the right foot. A comfortable costume and sturdy hiking shoes are encouraged and dogs are welcome.
• When: Sat, Oct. 24, 2026 | 10AM
• Where: Red Mountain Park, 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Cost: FREE
• More details

8. Cahaba Heights Witches Ride

• What: Whether you join the fun via broomstick or golf cart, you can expect plenty of tricks, treats and Halloween spirit. Candy will be thrown along Dolly Ridge Road in front of Meadowlawn Park and on Autumn Lane in front of Cala Coffee and Midtown Eat + Drink, so get there early to snag a good spot and catch some sweets. Event proceeds will support Down Syndrome Alabama. 
• When: Sat, Oct. 24, 2026 | 4PM
• Where: Ball Fields by Cahaba Heights Elementary School, 2150 Hollis Crossings, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
• Cost: $35 | All ages welcome, must be 18+ to ride
• More details + sign up

9. McWane After Dark: 20 Years of Taylor Swift

• What: Prove you’re the biggest T-Swift fan at the McWane Science Center’s special themed night that’s all about Taylor. Guests are in for a silent disco, Taylor-themed trivia, drinks (valid ID required) + plenty of opportunities to embrace your inner Swiftie.
• When: Sat, Oct. 24, 2026 | 7PM–11PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $40 in advance | $45 at door
• More details + tickets

Sunday, Oct. 25

10. The Avondale Halloween Market

• What: Magic City Mercantile invites you to shop vendors of vintage clothes, jewelry, handmade goods, art and so much more at Avondale Brewing this Sunday. Fuel your shopping spree by stopping by Donjuan’s Coffee truck, enjoy live music and get your face painted to really boost the seasonal spooky vibe.
• When: Sun, Oct. 25, 2026 | 12PM–6PM
• Where: Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: FREE
• More details

11. Homewood Witches Ride

• What: Slip into your best witchy look for the 2026 Homewood Witches Ride. This Halloween-inspired fall tradition brings hundreds of costumed riders together for an afternoon of music, vendors, community and tons of candy-throwing (and catching!) fun. Event proceeds benefit UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• When: Sun, Oct. 25, 2026
  • Family Fall Festival: 2PM
  • Witches Ride: 5:30PM
• Where: Homewood Central Park, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
• Cost: $60 (registration includes event T-shirt)
• More details + sign up | Register by Fri, Oct. 23, 2026

12. Full Moon Junk Journaling

• What: Bring your own journal for this evening of sustainable creativity on the night of a full moon (a Full Hunter’s Moon, specifically). The Craft Room will provide a collection of materials to be recycled and reused while you connect with other creative folks in an inspiring shared space. 
• When: Sun, Oct. 25, 2026 | 5PM–6:30PM
• Where: The Craft Room, 169 Oxmoor Rd Ste 109, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Cost: $15
• More details + tickets

13. Sips for Sound

• What: Check out this local charity benefit to enjoy a family-friendly outing full of live music, local craft beer, great food and a silent auction where you can bid on seasonal experiences and activities. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education (WISE), providing critical early detection and education for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• When: Sun, Oct. 25, 2026 | 6PM–8PM
• Where: Back Forty Beer Company, 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: $50 each or two for $90 (ticket includes two drink vouchers)
• More details + tickets

14. Healing Alabama, Scare the Stigma Away

• What: Attend this community Halloween party for a good cause because mental health shouldn’t be scary. The party will have a special curated menu, live music performances and a costume contest. Proceeds benefit Healing Alabama, helping connect Alabamians with mental health resources.
• When: Sun, Oct. 25, 2026 | 4:30PM
• Where: Birmingham Tree House, 1309 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Cost: Suggested donation of $20 at the door
• More details

Ongoing events

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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: 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

20. 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 getting up to this weekend in Birmingham? Tag us as you go @bhamnow to let us know.