“Space is the place,” this weekend in Birmingham as we get our first “Sun-Ra Festival!” If you’re not traveling to the beach, lake, or mountains this Memorial Day Weekend, there are plenty of fun things happenin’ right here in Birmingham.  From the Sun-Ra Festival to events at Sidewalk Cinema, there’s lots to choose from!  Check out our highlights below!  
We want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend! 
#RUhappenin 

 

Events at Sidewalk Cinema
Now-Sunday
Cost: Free-$11
At: Sidewalk Cinema (map)
If you weren’t aware, Sidewalk Film Festival & Cinema, a 501c3, had a $25k pre-approved federal grant clawed back because of their dedication to inclusivity in their programing.  The best thing you can do to help is to check out what’s going on at Sidewalk Cinema this weekend and buy tickets to their events and concessions once you arrive! They host all kinds of events like karaoke, FREE Bad Movie Nights, Knitflix & Chill, Pajama Brunches, and fantastic films! Most of these events are either FREE or under $11 to attend.  Click the link and support our friends at Sidewalk! 
Click here for more info. 

Sun Ra Day Festival
Now-Friday
Cost: Free-$45
At: Various Venues 
Sun Ra might just be the quirkiest Birmingham historical figure. A pioneer in Jazz, Sun Ra led the Arkestra band and had quite the presence in Birmingham. Celebrate his 111th Birthday with two days of events including a documentary film, a panel discussion, a happy hour, a concert from the Arkestra band, and an after party at Saturn! (Fun Fact: Saturn Bham gets its name from Sun Ra, due to his “spiritual journey” to the planet.)  Most of the events are FREE with the exception of the show at The Nick. 
Wed. 7pm- Space is the Place documentary at Sidewalk Cinema
Thurs. 5pm- Happy Hour followed by Arkestra performance at Carver Theatre
Thurs. 10:30pm- Official “After Party” at Saturn
Fri. 1pm- Panel Discussion at Saturn
Fri. 6:30pm- Sun Ra Day Main Event/Concert at The Nick 
Click here for more info.

Retro Farmers Market
Friday, May 23, 4-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Ross Bridge (map)
The upcoming Ross Bridge Farmers Market is RETRO themed! Join in for their first ever Retro Farmers Market in Ross Bridge! Shop with local vendors, enjoy food trucks & kids activities, and FUN for the whole family! FREE face painting and live music starting at 5pm. Make some “Groovy Glasses” at the craft station! For food you can enjoy Uncle G’s Pizza, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, and more! 
Click here for more info.

Irondale Screen Scene Movie Series
Friday, May 23, 7pm
Cost: FREE
At: Beacon Park (map)
Not only is Irondale showing movies in Beacon Park this summer, they’re including FREE hotdogs, popcorn, sno-cones, lemonade, and train rides!  Bring your chairs and blankets and get ready to watch the film “Wicked” at sunset! This is a great event for the entire family to enjoy! 
Click here for more info.

Mini KISS
Friday, May 23, 8pm
Cost: 2 tickets for $30
At: Iron City (map)
Looking for a unique event to attend? Are you a fan of KISS? Well, don’t miss Mini KISS as they take the stage at Iron City this Friday! This is a KISS tribute concert like no other. Experience the make-up, effects, and all-out glam rock vibe of Mini KISS! This will make for such a fun night out with friends or a date night you are sure not to forget! 
Click here for more info.

Party Iconic: Hot To Go 
Friday, May 23, 9pm
Cost: $20
At: Saturn (map)
Are you “H-O-TT-O-GO?” Get ready to dance the night away to your favorite Chapple Roan songs along with some other fantastic music. You’ll hear “Hot to Go,” “Red Wine Supernova,” “Pink Pony Club,” and more! Put on a fun outfit and get ready to dance like you’re on stage at the Pink Pony Club! Saturn will provide the lights and mirror ball and there are sure to be more than a few “jaws on the floor.” Let’s go!!! 
Click here for more info.

Leeds Creek Bank Festival 
Saturday, May 24, 10am-4pm
Cost: FREE
At: Leeds Memorial Park (map)
The 30th Annual Creek Bank Festival is an exciting event that packs plenty of fun for you and the kiddos at Leeds Memorial Park! This is a FREE event with FREE parking so plan to enjoy every minute with hula hoop contests, moon pie eating contest, balloon artist, face painting, train rides, pony rides, inflatables, arts, crafts, specialty vendors from all over the southeast, festival food trucks, Cruising the Creek Bank Charity Car Show and much more! Remember to bring your dog to compete in the Creek Bark Dog Pageant! 
Click here for more info.

Crawfish Boil
Saturday, May 24, 11am-until
Cost: Free to attend
At: Sage Bar & Grill (map)
Take a quick car ride down to Calera for a Crawfish Boil at Sage! Sage is located right off of Exit 231 and will be hosting a crawfish boil starting at 11am and will be serving them until they run out! Get ready to relax on the patio and enjoy live music, face painting, and other kid’s activities! We’re always up for crawfish! 
Click here for more info.

 

Bham Stallions vs Michigan Panthers
Saturday, May 24, 2pm
Cost: $18+
At: Protective Stadium (map)
The Birmingham Stallions are playoff bound AGAIN this year! But first, don’t miss the final home game of the season as they take on the Michigan Panthers. Enjoy family friendly concession pricing as you watch this exciting professional football game! Come support our local team and get ready for a great time at Protective Stadium! 
Click here for more info.

 

Shadow Garden: A Dark Dance Night
Saturday, May 24, 8pm-2am
Cost: $5
At: True Story Brewing (map)
Shadow Garden returns for a night of the absolute best in Darkwave and Post-Punk, come dance yourselves into the darkness, hosted by DJ's Maelstrom and Julia Doom. We are also giving away a very rare signed copy of Molchat Doma's vinyl release, "Belaya Polosa" at midnight! Hosted at True Story Brewing in Crestwood, which has a full bar, food menu, and free onsite parking. 18+, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm, $5 cover
Click here for more info.

 

FREE SHOW: Taylor Hollingsworth
Sunday, May 25, 5-7pm
Cost: FREE
At: The Nick (map)
Don’t miss this “4th Sunday FREE Show” at The Nick! This month’s featured artist is Taylor Hollingsworth. Taylor has such a great sound and we bet you’ve probably heard him playing at various events around Birmingham. This is a FREE show, so be sure to pop in for 2hrs of great music this Sunday evening! 
Click here for more info.

FREE SHOW: Frank Jordan Duo
Sunday, May 25th, 5-8pm
Cost: FREE
At: Elysian Gardens (map)
Elysian Gardens quickly became one of our favorite Birmingham venues! Come enjoy a FREE show this Sunday starting at 5pm. The band is the Frank Jordan Duo! You can relax and unwind from the weekend in this unique sculpture garden with on-site food and a full bar! If you haven’t been to Elysian yet, now is the perfect time! 
Click here for more info.