May is already here and so are some great events!
We blinked and April is almost over! It was a blur of food, music, and fun! May isn’t letting up! This weekend is packed with all kinds of fun. There’s a TON of music, some events for both dog and cat lovers, some Kentucky Derby events, and a Chicken Festival! Gear up for all of the fun and check our full list of events below! 
#RUhappenin 

Alabama Film Spotlight: Muscle Shoals 
Thursday, 4:30pm
Cost: $10.75
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
In a tiny Alabama town with the curious name of Muscle Shoals, something miraculous sprang from the mud of the Tennessee River. A group of unassuming, yet incredibly talented, locals came together and spawned some of the greatest music of all time: “Mustang Sally,” “I Never Loved a Man,” “Wild Horses,” and many more. During the most incendiary periods of racial hostility, white folks and black folks came together to create music that would last for generations and gave birth to the incomparable “Muscle Shoals sound.”
Click here for more info. 

Birds & Brews
Thursday, 5pm-8pm
Cost: Free to attend
At: Lee’s Coffee (map)
Join in for an evening of drinks, community, and wildlife at Birds & Brews with the Alabama Wildlife Center! Thursday they’ll be bringing along one of their incredible ambassador raptors to Lee’s Coffee for you to meet up close! This is a unique chance to learn more about Alabama’s native birds, hear stories from the clinic and education team, and see firsthand the impact of wildlife rehabilitation. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or brand new to AWC, this is the perfect laid-back way to get involved. Grab a drink, bring some friends, and spend your evening supporting a great cause.
Click here for more info. 

JamAID
Thursday, 6pm
Cost: $23
At: High Dive (map)
JamAid raises money to fund Endowment scholarships for families with Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and a financial need to provide them the opportunity of attending UA & AU for life skills and true independence. This year, the event is heading to one of Bham’s coolest new venues, Lakeview Marina! Get ready to hear great music from The Slacker Bees, Cole Spain, Old City Champs, and Caddle ALL for under $25 and for a great cause! 
Click here for more info. 

SHOUT Movie Night
Thursday, 7pm
Cost: FREE 
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
This Thursday, Sidewalk and BAO will be showing the 2001 cult classic, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”  This rock musical features some great songs, including “Origins of Love” and “Wig in a Box.” It’s a trip!  SHOUT Movie Night is a film series presented and curated by BAO (Birmingham AIDS Outreach) in conjunction with Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Our goal is to offer a diverse and inclusive film series that ensures all members of our community are represented. *This is a FREE event and SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
Click here for more info. 

MAKEbhm Makers Market
Fri, 6pm-8:30pm/Sat, 10am-2pm
Cost: FREE
At: MAKEbhm (map)
It’s that time of year again! The crossvines have bloomed, the days are getting longer, and the makers are thawing out after their winter reset. The MAKEbhm Open House + Makers Market is a semi-annual public opening. They’ll have all the studios open & activated with members showing and selling their wares. The MAKEbhm crew will be on site to answer all your questions about membership, coworking, and they’ll be releasing the summer class schedule for early enrollment. It's time to shop local and support artists (plus, we bet you’ll find the perfect Mother’s Day gift while you’re there)!
Click here for more info. 

 

Bards & Brews
Friday, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Public Library (map)
Bards & Brews, the Birmingham Public Library’s popular monthly spoken word poetry and craft beer event, is hosting its 2nd Poetry Slam of the year on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place. 10 poets will compete for a combined $500 in prizes. 1st place receives a $250 check; 2nd place wins $150 and 3rd place receives $100. Thed Weller will host the slam and Saxual Healer will provide musical entertainment. Bards & Brews is sponsored in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, awarded to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library.
Click here for more info. 

Martini Shakers
Friday, 7pm
Cost: FREE
At: The TED (map)
The Martini Shakers play authentic, full-energy rockabilly the way it sounded in 1954, wide open and furious! They’re not an "oldies" act trudging half-heartedly through hit parade remakes. They cover all the big hits from the original giants of rock and roll, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Carl Perkins, and more!  A Martini Shakers show is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of the audience, no matter who they are! 
Click here for more info. 

Masterworks: A Heart of a New World
Friday & Saturday, 7pm
Cost: $12+
At: Alys Stephens Center (map)
Close out the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s season with a concert that celebrates bold vision, emotional depth, and the spirit of new beginnings. In Heart of a New World, Music Director Carlos Izcaray leads a dynamic program that opens with Barber’s brilliant School for Scandal Overture, full of sparkle and theatrical flair. Acclaimed cellist Julian Schwarz then takes center stage for Jennifer Higdon’s powerful Cello Concerto, a vivid and contemporary work receiving its Alabama première. The evening concludes with the sweeping melodies of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, a timeless favorite that captures the hope, energy, and promise of America through the eyes of a visitor inspired by its landscapes and spirit.
Click here for more info. 

Warehouse Rave
Friday, 10pm-3am
Cost: $15-$18
At: Conjure Haunted Attraction (map)
LOW TICKET ALERT!!!
This is where the party will be late Friday night! Head to Conjure Haunted Attraction and dance to some incredible EDM DJs while surrounded by skeletons! Last month this event sold out and was so much fun! The DJs include: Terkoiz, DJ Flippa, Sho, and Vanta Black! There are always fun outfits and great vibes at this unique venue! Arrive before 10:30pm for discounted tickets! 
Click here for more info. 

Kitty Kat Haven Meow-A-Thon
Saturday, 8am
Cost: $15-$25
At: Veteran’s Park Hoover (map)
The Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon is a 5k race and the Whisker Walk  is a 1 mile fun run/walk benefiting Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, a no-kill, cage-free shelter for cats and kittens. The race will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL. Veterans Park offers a varied terrain for running, including fields, trails and pavement. The 5K Meow-A-Thon will start at 8:00 am. The 1 mile Whisker walk/run will start at 9:30.  This will allow time for 5k awards and to allow 5k runners to participate with family in the whisker walk!  Register online through midnight May 1, 2026.
Click here for more info. 

Art in the Village
Saturday, 9am-4:30pm
Cost: FREE
At: Mountain Brook City Hall (map)
Art in the Village 2026 is the 45th annual spring art show featuring the artists of Mountain Brook Art Association. The show is located in and around Mountain Brook City Hall and will be held the first Saturday in May. There will be approximately 60 fine artists who work in traditional two-dimensional formats (painting, drawing, etc.) exhibiting in a multitude of styles and mediums. This is a not-to-be-missed Birmingham area event!
Click here for more info. 

Art in the Lot
Saturday, 9am-2pm
Cost: FREE
At: Trinity UMC Homewood (map)
Trinity UMC in Homewood, Alabama plays host to a remarkable art show known as Art in the Lot, which takes place twice a year. This event serves as a platform to celebrate the exceptional gifts and talents of local artists and vendors. Presented by the Trinity Studio, Art in the Lot welcomes over 90 artisans who passionately display their God-given abilities across a diverse range of mediums, including painting, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, fiber works, and much more. With each passing year, this show continues to expand, attracting an increasing number of participating artists and enthusiastic shoppers. Come and explore and support these incredible local artisans.
Click here for more info. 

 

We Love Homewood Day
Saturday, 10am-7pm
Cost: Free to attend
At: Homewood Central Park (map)
Homewood is celebrating 100yrs! Get ready for a full day of fun to celebrate the centennial! From races & rides to chalk art, food, and dancing in the street, there is something for everyone. This is a great way to spend your Saturday, especially with the kids!  Mark your calendars and come celebrate with the Homewood community!
Click here for more info. 

Puppy Palooza
Saturday, 10am-2pm
Cost: FREE
At: Lane Parke (map)
The ulti-MUTT event is back at Lane Parke! Bring your dogs to Lane Parke for Puppy Palooza! The event will feature live music, a fido marketplace, kids activities, K9 splash zone, giveaways, + MORE! There is something for the whole family, two legged and four legged alike! Puppy Palooza benefits our friends at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society!
Click here for more info. 

PJ Party: A Bug’s Life
Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am
Cost: $6/$7.75
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
Join Sidewalk Cinema for their family matinee series on select Saturday and Sunday mornings. Come cozy in your PJs and from 10am - 2pm and enjoy light breakfast options for the whole family, plus a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar for the grown-ups! Film Synopsis: On behalf of “oppressed bugs everywhere,” an inventive ant named Flik hires a troupe of warrior bugs to defend his bustling colony from a horde of freeloading grasshoppers led by the evil-minded Hopper.
Click here for more info. 

Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Saturday, 11am-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Dist. Brewing (map)
Join the Bham Dist. Brewing crew for a day at the races, brewery style! They’ll have the Kentucky Derby on all day long, so grab a seat, pick your horse, and get ready to cheer when the gates open. Enjoy Derby vibes with themed games and crafts, perfect for getting into the spirit (big hats highly encouraged)! They’ll be pouring a special small-batch release just for the occasion! Come hungry, because Offbeat Catering will be serving up Southern-inspired snacks to keep you fueled from first pour to the final stretch. Dress to impress, bring your friends, and join in for an unforgettable Derby Day!
Click here for more info. 

Mayday Market 
Saturday, 12pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Cha House (map)
Spring is calling and it’s the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor market! Join in for a day full of good vibes, cute finds, and local artist love. Shop, stroll, and soak up the sunshine with the Cha House crew! Bring your friends, family, and your best energy, and don’t forget to purchase some incredible & unique tea blends!
Click here for more info. 

Tacos & Tequila
Saturday, 12pm-10pm
Cost: Free to attend
At: Monday Night Brewing (map)
Cold beers, fresh margaritas, street tacos, and sunshine, this is your Cinco de Mayo kickoff. Grab your crew and post up for a day of flavor, fun, and a little friendly chaos at Monday Night Social Club all set in a festive atmosphere with piñatas, streamers, and themed drinkware bringing the energy all day long! They’ll also have a slip-n-slide, swag giveaways, and a Latin DJ starting at 6pm! Don’t miss out on the pre-Cinco de Mayo fun! 
Click here for more info. 

Furnace Chicken Festival 
Saturday, 12pm-8pm
Cost: $15+
At: Sloss Furnaces (map)
The Furnace Chicken Festival is Birmingham’s hottest celebration of food, music, and community, hosted at the historic Sloss Furnaces. This one-of-a-kind event brings people together to enjoy mouthwatering chicken dishes, live performances from local and national artists, unique vendors, and family-friendly fun. More than just a festival, it’s a gathering that honors Birmingham’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you come for the food, the music, or the fellowship, the Furnace Chicken Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all.  Enjoy 30+ Food and Arts vendors, a DJ, Live Music & Entertainment, Family - Friendly activities, a Kids Zone, and a “Best Wing” Competition!
Click here for more info. 

ArtPlay 15th Anniversary
Saturday, 1pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: ArtPlay (map)
Celebrate 15 years of creativity, connection, and community at ArtPlay! Bring the whole family for a joyful spring afternoon with live music, hands-on art activities, performances throughout the event, backyard games, balloon art, face painting, and a special storytime reading of Bear Can’t Wait by Karma Wilson. We absolutely LOVE ArtPlay and are so excited for them to celebrate 15yrs! 
Click here for more info. 

The Barky Derby
Saturday, 1pm-3pm
Cost: FREE
At: Avondale Brewing Co. (map)
Join in for The Barky Derby this Saturday at Avondale Brewery! Celebrate Derby Day with adoptable pups, raffle prizes, and a fun afternoon supporting a great cause! Come grab a drink, hang out, and maybe meet your new best friend!
Click here for more info. 

Endless Summer Hype Party
Saturday, 2pm-6pm
Cost: FREE
At: TrimTab Brewing (map)
Come on out to TrimTab Brewing to learn, and talk about Endless Summer. This is a running PR fest coming this summer, June 20-21 at Oak Mountain, on an easy 1 mile loop around the gorgeous Catfish Lake! There will be beer, hangs, snacks, giveaways, and info!
Click here for more info. 

Concert in the Courtyard: Rising Iris
Saturday, 2pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Pizitz Courtyard (map)
The Pizitz Food Hall is bringing live music back to downtown with "Concerts in the Courtyard"! This week, they welcome a local favorite, Rising Iris! Get some food in the food hall, grab a drink from the bar, and enjoy the chill courtyard vibes! 
Click here for more info. 

Inaugural Bell Center Derby Party
Saturday, 4pm-7pm
Cost: $50 
At: B&A Warehouse (map)
The hats. The sips. The moments you don’t want to miss! Derby Day at The Bell Center is more than a party, it’s an experience. From bourbon tastings and signature cocktails to race-day fashion and cheering on the big screen, this is your invitation to celebrate in style. Grab your friends, dress to impress, and get ready for an afternoon full of fun (and a little friendly competition)! Enjoy a Silent Auction, Signature Cocktails, Bourbon Tasting with Clyde Mays, Porch Beer provided by Buffalo Rock, Derby-Inspired Bites, AND a Show-Stopping Hat Contest!
Click here for more info. 

Firehouse Presents: Barber Pole Sound
Saturday, 6pm
Cost: $7.25
At: Lakeview Marina (map)
Firehouse Community Arts Center presents a very special evening of music at the new Lakeview Marina Music Park, featuring a lineup of some of the immensely talented students who have been a part of our organization since the beginning, and headlined by the great Barber Pole Sound. This is a great opportunity to check out this amazing new venue! 
Click here for more info. 

ASFA Dance: Choreography Project
Saturday, 7pm & Sunday, 2:30pm
Cost: $8/$15
At: DJD Theatre (map)
All ASFA Dance Seniors choreograph a new work for their peers in a culmination of the senior experience. Each senior casts, chooses music, costumes, collaborates with other ASFA seniors overseen by Margi Cole, and works with Kenneth Keith (ASFA Dance lighting director)to bring to the stage original dances! 
|Click here for more info. 

Future Elevators
Saturday, 7pm
Cost: $16.50
At: Upstairs Avondale (map)
Don’t miss Future Elevators at Avondale Upstairs! They’ll be performing with Lunar Parque and Oh.Pake! This will be a fantastic show and a great way to spend a Saturday night with your friends! 
Click here for more info. 

Can’t Feel My Face 2010’s Dance Party
Saturday, 10pm
Cost: $25
At: Saturn (map)
Can’t Feel My Face features fire DJs and 2010s visuals that will transport you back to the decade defined by memes and selfies… a time only 4 to 14 years gone but feels like 40 years ago. At Can't Feel My Face you can expect to dance all night to the biggest bangers from artists like The Weeknd (duh), Beyoncé, Kesha, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Cardi B, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Avicii, Nicki Minaj, Calvin Harris, and more! Wear your best 2010s ‘fit! Dig through your closet and find those skinny jeans, athleisure sets, chunky necklaces, and deeeep V-necks! 
Click here for more info. 

Meow-ther’s Day Kitten Cuddle
Sunday, 2pm-5pm
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Dist. Brewing (map)
Bernadette has been the ~purrfect~ mom! Come celebrate her with an early Mother’s Day party…whether you’re a human mom or a cat mom, join in at Birmingham District Brewing Co! Bernadette will be showing off kittens, which will be just over a month old and can’t wait to meet you! Kittens make everything better! 
Click here for more info. 

 

BAO Arty Party
Sunday, 3pm-6pm
Cost: $55
At: B&A Warehouse (map)
Join in for the Arty Party at B&A Warehouse! It’s Birmingham Aid’s Outreach’s largest fundraiser of the year! Come together with fellow artists and supporters to raise crucial funds for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Your participation and contributions will help ensure that BOA can continue to provide essential services and support for individuals in need. Let's make a difference together!
Click here for more info. 

Rachel Edwards Band
Sunday, 4pm-7pm
Cost: $10
At: Elysian Gardens (map)
Wind down this crazy busy weekend with great vibes at Elysian Gardens! The Magic City Blues Society is excited to present The Rachel Edwards’ Band! Grab a chair, order a drink from the full bar, and relax to some blues music! 
Click here for more info.