Birmingham Weekend Events: May 16-19

We don’t mind if we Do…Dah Day! 
Hey there! If you're in Birmingham this weekend, you're in for a treat. The city's got a lot to offer, from Do-Dah-Day to Taco Fest, there’s a lot of fun to be had! There’s even a Swiftie Dance Party! Next weekend is Memorial Day, but we feel like Summer is already kicking off! Let’s “Taco-bout” a few things you can check out! 
#RUhappenin 

THURSDAY: 

GASP 15th Anniversary Celebration
Thurs, May 16, 5:13-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Cahaba Brewing (map) 
Come join GASP at Cahaba Brewing Company for a night of fun, laughter, and memories as they celebrate 15 years of GASP! Get ready for music, delicious food, reminiscing, and of course mingling with GASP's community of supporters, staff, board, and friends. It's going to be a night to remember! Don't miss out on this special event - grab your friends and family, and raise a glass to GASP's milestone anniversary!
Click here for more info. 

Parmigiano Reggiano Cracking
Thurs, May 16, 5:30pm
Cost: FREE
At: Son of a Butcher (map)
Join in for this CHESSY event! It’s the Son of a Butcher monthly Parmigiano Reggiano Cracking this Thursday! You can view the art of cracking open a wheel. You can also get some free cheese samples! 
Click here for more info. 

The REAL Pirates of the Caribbean:
And Why We Think We Love Them
Thurs, May 16, 7pm
Cost: $15
At: Monday Night Brewing Co. (map)
Discourse BHAM is a pop-up public lecture series bringing the most interesting academic talks to Birmingham's bars & breweries. It's like a college class, but there's drinking. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited. Western audiences have been fascinated by Caribbean pirates. This presentation will do two things: one, they will go briefly over the history of piracy in the Caribbean, its origins, its very unromantic motivations, its rise, and fall. Then they will talk about some of the most important moments in the popular representations of piracy in western culture, and how they differ from the real pirates, and why, despite it all, we have come to love them.
Click here for more info. 

Marcus Fetch Album Release Party
Thrus, May 16, 7pm
Cost: $12
At: Woodlawn Theatre (map)
Marcus Fetch debuts his sophomore album, "Red House" delivering an intoxicating set of indie rock bangers and melancholic introspective melodies you can sink into. It is a coming-of-age album, written while selling off his old brick home in the hood and hitting the road, telling the tales of his late twenties unraveling, vulnerably tearing away at the blurred party years that masked self-medicating habits, deep traumas, and wild adventures. With special guests, JUCO + Rebecca Egeland - a night you don't want to miss.
Click here for more info. 

FRIDAY

Storytime at the Gardens
Fri, May 17, 10-11am
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Botanical Gardens (map)
Join in each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a creative craft at the Gardens! Meet in the Southern Living Garden, weather permitting, or in the Garden Center. This program is designed to promote a love of reading, creativity, and gardening, all while gaining the benefits of visiting the Gardens and being outdoors.
Click here for more info. 

Flower Market
Fri, May 17, 4-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Ross Bridge (map)
Enjoy a free community event that supports local farmers, artisans, & more! Head to Ross Bridge for the annual Flower Market. This market will have local vendors, live music, and some great Bham food trucks! This is a fun FREE way to enjoy a relaxing Friday evening! 
Click here for more info. 

Norway Day Party (21+)
Fri, May 17, 6-11:59pm
Cost: Free to attend
At: Church Key (map)
Come celebrate Norway's National Day on May 17th! Gus's hot dogs will be selling hot dogs and offer up some Norwegian style specials, Norwegian tunes on the stereo, and there will be drink specials in the bar. Please note 21+ only!!!
Click here for more info. 

Karaoke Night
Fri, May 17, 8:30-11:30pm
Cost: FREE
At: Harmonic at Workplay (map)
Come check out the new and improved WorkPlay! Sing your favorite karaoke hits in the new Harmonic space at WorkPlay! They’ll have drink specials and you’ll be able to sing your heart out well into the night!  If you haven’t seen the new renovations, this is a great chance to experience them! 
Click here for more info. 

Taylor’s Version: Swiftie Dance Party (18+)
Fri, May 17, 10pm
Cost: $18
At: Saturn Bham (map)
Calling all Swifties! Welcome to Taylor's Version, the dance party of your wildest dreams. They put on DJ based events playing every Taylor era, no skips! Could you ask for anything better? Grab tickets, grab your friends, and come trade bracelets! This is an 18 & up dance party! 
Click here for more info. 

SATURDAY

Kitty Kat Haven 5k Mewo-A-Thon
Sat, May 18, 8am-12pm
Cost: $15-$25
At: Veterans 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 rain or shine. In the event of severe weather they will operate on a delay. Check-in begins at 7:00 am. 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!
Click here for more info. 

A History of Alabama Audubon
Sat, May 18, 9:30am
Cost: FREE
At: Bham Public Library (map)
‘Tis the season for outdoor adventure. Join the Alabama Audubon Society and the Birmingham Public Library Archives for a birdwatching and educational program on Saturday. The program will include a walk-through Linn Park, to observe local birds and then a presentation on the Audubon Society in the Library auditorium. If you are interested in beginning your bird watching journey, or are a veteran, this program will offer fruitful insights into the lively world of Alabama’s wildlife.
Click here for more info. 

Do Dah Day 2024
Sat, May 18, 12:01pm
Cost: $10
At: Cahaba Brewing Co. (map)
For the past 45yrs, Do Dah Day has been one of Birmingham’s most looked forward to events! The event returns to Cahaba Brewing Cod this year and will be full of pet friendly vendors, music, and a TON of adorable animals! We can’t wait to see all of the fun pet costumes this year! 
Click here for more info. 

When You Wish
Sat, May 18, 3pm
Cost: Free-$15
At: Avondale Park (map)
Head to Avondale Amphitheater for a magical afternoon filled with music, and fun. Let your wishes come true as you enjoy a live performance by talented artists and indulge in delicious food and drinks. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience - mark your calendars and bring your friends along! Dressing up is highly encouraged! Doors open at 2pm, show starts at 3pm! Tickets are selling fast! 
Click here for more info. 

Paint & Pot Workshop
Sat, May 18, 5pm
Cost: $30
At: House Plant Collective (map)
Join in the fun at House Plant Collective Birmingham for a special workshop! For the Paint and Pot workshop, they will be painting a terracotta pot + potting a new tropical plant. Class Includes: 4" houseplant, 4" terracotta pot, Potting material, Paint supplies, 10% off purchase coupon! BYOB to sip on your favorite beverage while you create!
Click here for more info. 

The Rolling Formal: Punk Rock Edition
Sat, May 18, 6pm
Cost: $10 adv/$15 at door
At: TrimTab Brewing (map)
Get ready to rock! Break out your studded belts, eyeliner, and Doc Martens for the Punk Rock Formal. Ride in fancy punk attire, or in your favorite formal wear. Awards will be given to the best outfits, so dress to impress! You’ll enjoy a short roll around town to show off your punk style, beginning at Trim Tab Brewery. Then head back to Trim Tab and party like rock stars! Ride rolls out at 6pm and the party will begin shortly after (close to 7pm).
Click here for more info. 

Taylor Swift Night
Sat, May 18, 6pm
Cost: FREE
At: The Gateway (map)
FREE EVENT - ALL AGES!!! Calling all Swifties, DJKJ Live will be playing all the hits from Taylor Swift plus some fan favorites. Come dressed in your favorite Taylor gear that will make you feel like, best believe I'm still bejeweled, when I walk in the room I can still make the whole place shimmer. So make the friendship bracelets and get ready to have fun!
Click here for more info. 

90’s Party with Jenni’s Mix Tape
Sat, May 18, 8pm
Cost: $7
At: Elysian Gardens (map)
Grab your bucket hats and Doc Martens and come Macarena at Elysian Gardens! This totally tubular ‘party of five’ is ready to rock all of your favorite ‘90s hits! Gonna be RAD! Great food from Kuntry Kitchen and A&D’s Wings and Things! Kid friendly until 9:30pm!
Click here for more info. 

Rosa Glow Reggaeton Party
Sat, May 18, 9pm
Cost: $20
At: WorkPlay (map)
Dance parties are fun, but GLOW dance parties are even better! Sport your brightest pink and get ready to glow at Rosa Glow Reggaeton Party featuring DJ Figuer. Dance the night away to all your favorite beats!
Click here for more info. 

SUNDAY

Midnight Madness: Paprika
Sun, May 19 12am
Cost: $10
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
Calling all night owls! Head to Sidewalk Cinema for this midnight showing of Paprika! When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patient's dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist can stop it and recover it before damage is done: Paprika. Sidewalk has concessions and a full bar, so bring some friends and enjoy a late night anime! As someone who has spent quite a few midnights in Sidewalk Cinema, I can assure you that it’s a lot of fun! 
Click here for more info. 

Birmingham Taco Fest
Sun, May 19, 1-7pm
Cost: $10 adv/$15 day of
At: Sloss Furnace (map)
Taco ’bout a lot of fun! Bare Hands, Inc. invites you to the seventh annual Birmingham Taco Fest, featuring 25 of Birmingham’s top taco vendors and food trucks, dessert vendors, music, community arts activities and an art market! Come and join in on a taco-tastic time that is packed with family fun, food and lots of flavor! As a cultural and culinary experience for attendees, Taco Fest creates awareness of the many restaurants and artists that are proud to call Birmingham home. Proceeds benefit Bare Hands, Inc.’s mission of collaborating with individuals and local communities to create immersive arts experiences and arts education programs. Children 12 and under are free. General Admission tickets are for admittance only and do not include beverages or food. This is a rain-or-shine event. 
Click here for more info. 

Dead for Love
Sun, May 19, 2-5pm
Cost: FREE
At: Avondale Brewing Co. (map)
Free show at Avondale Brewing by Birmingham’s own Grateful Dead cover band Dead For Love. These free Sunday shows are so much fun, and a fantastic way to unwind on a beautiful Sunday afternoon! 
Click here for more info. 

Asper w/Ecstatic Dance Bham
Sun, May 19, 5-8pm
Cost: $20 donation requested
At: Railroad Park (map)
Let’s bring some energy to the sunset in the park! Enjoy tunes by Asper and sip on mocktails by Deangelo's Daiquiris! Arrive early for some Body Painting by Anna Kate. There will also be art vendors on site. They’ll start the event with meditation and grounding led by Alexis Unger and end the dancing with integration and time to slow down with a sound bath by Erin Leon!
Click here for more info. 

Opera Shots
Sun, May 19, 5-6pm
Cost: FREE
At: Collins Bar (map)
Join Opera Birmingham for a street party on Second Avenue North in front of The Collins Bar. ADMISSION IS FREE! Food and beverages are available for purchase from The Collins Bar. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. Opera Shots is an annual series of casual pop-up concerts throughout the community, held in unexpected places and designed to break down the stereotypes of opera. Opera Shots concerts feature members of the Opera Birmingham Chorus and surprise guest artists presenting an open-mic-style concert of the greatest hits of opera and musical theatre.
Click here for more info.