16 Birmingham Events & Happenings: July 2026
Summer is heating up in Birmingham, and these local events are worth adding to your calendar — from festive celebrations to family-friendly favorites. Image: iStock
Birmingham is packed with ways to soak up summer this July. Enjoy local celebrations, outdoor festivals, ball games, and plenty of family-friendly fun throughout the month. Browse this roundup of July events and find your next reason to get out and explore the Magic City!
July 1 – 5, 17 – 19 & 28 – 31, 2026: Birmingham Barons Home Games
The Birmingham Barons return to Regions Field, bringing a packed slate of matchups against Southern League favorites like the Montgomery Biscuits and Chattanooga Lookouts. It’s an easy summer go-to, with plenty to enjoy beyond the game itself — from themed nights and post-game fireworks to great eats and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets, visit milb.com.
July 2, 11 & 24, 202: Birmingham Legion Home Games
Summer nights at Protective Stadium are electric when Birmingham Legion FC takes the pitch, and there are multiple options this month to be a part of it. With high-energy games against Detroit City FC, FC Tulsa, and New Mexico United, each game brings fast-paced action to the heart of downtown Birmingham. See the full schedule and purchase tickets at bhmlegion.com.
July 4, 2026: BTC Peavine Falls Run
Lace up your running shoes and head to Oak Mountain State Park for the annual Peavine Falls Run. This Birmingham tradition combines scenic views, a challenging 8.2-mile course, and plenty of supportive spirit, making it a favorite among runners year after year. It’s the perfect excuse to spend Independence Day outdoors before the rest of the festivities begin. runsignup.com
July 4, 2026: Thunder on the Mountain
This beloved holiday celebration returns to Red Mountain with a spectacular fireworks display, featuring more than 2,500 shells and effects. Whether you’re gathering with friends downtown, finding the perfect viewing spot in Homewood, or celebrating with family from your favorite neighborhood vantage point, Thunder on the Mountain is a quintessential experience that belongs on everyone’s calendar. visitvulcan.com
July 5 & 19, 2026: Mahjongg – Open Play
Looking for a laid-back way to spend an afternoon? Head to Aldridge Gardens to play some mahjongg. Friendly competition and community connection come together in one of Hoover’s most beautiful settings. It’s a great excuse to slow down, connect with others, and try something a little different. aldridgegardens.com
July 11, 2026: The Mercantile by Miller’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
The Mercantile is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Spend the afternoon browsing curated finds, enjoying signature refreshments, and joining fellow shoppers in celebrating a decade of style, community, and creativity. Learn more about what has made The Mercantile a beloved destination for the past 10 years and get a glimpse of what’s ahead. facebook.com
July 14 & 15, 2026: 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Sneak Peek
Get a first look at one of the Magic City’s most anticipated events of the year at the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Sneak Peek. The special preview offers an exciting glimpse into what’s ahead for the Sidewalk Film Festival, bringing together film lovers, creatives, and curious newcomers for an evening that captures the spirit of storytelling on screen. sidewalkfest.com
July 16, 2026: Echoes of the 1950s: Experimental Works Inspired by a Transformative Decade
Presented in partnership with Sleep in Cinema and Substrate Radio, Echoes of the 1950s: Experimental Works Inspired by a Transformative Decade invites guests to experience how artists reinterpret a pivotal moment in modern history, set within the inspiring galleries of the Birmingham Museum of Art. The event features short films, visual works, and live musical scores. artsbham.org
July 17, 2026: Historic Night Tour
Experience Birmingham history in a whole new light at Sloss Furnaces’ Historic Night Tour. Guests can explore the iconic landmark after hours on the two-hour tour while uncovering the stories, legends, and industrial history that helped shape the city. Plus, it’s a rare chance to see a National Historic Landmark from a fresh perspective, making for an especially memorable summer evening in the Magic City. slossfurnaces.org
July 18, 2026: 2026 Market Day
There’s something special about summer Saturdays in Mountain Brook, and Market Day has a way of capturing all of it in one place. On July 18, stroll through Crestline Village and enjoy a lively open-air shopping experience filled with local merchants and seasonal finds — from one-of-a-kind deals to familiar favorites. mountainbrookchamberofcommerce.com
July 24, 2026: Steel Magnolias
Spend a summer night at the historic Alabama Theatre with a viewing of Steel Magnolias. This special evening begins with a lively sing-along led by the legendary Mighty Wurlitzer, setting the tone for a nostalgic, joy-filled experience in one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. alabamatheatre.com
July 25, 2026: Golf & Gun
For anyone looking for something a little more adventurous, Golf & Gun is a uniquely Southern way to spend time outdoors. Set against the picturesque countryside of Pursell Farms, this one-day experience features friendly competition on the course and the thrill of sporting clays. Gather a group of friends and try something different with this inaugural event. pursellfarms.com
July 26, 2026: 12th Annual Alabama Music Awards
Held at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, the annual Alabama Music Awards bring together some of the state’s most dynamic talent under one roof for a high-energy evening honoring the artists, performers, and creatives shaping the South’s sound right now. alabamamusicawardsshow.com
July 28, 2026: Cut Flower Arranging
Get creative and hands-on this summer by taking part in a flower arranging class at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Led by Allison Creel of Blue Rooster Farms, the workshop teaches you how to harvest, condition, and arrange flowers straight from the farm’s field. Guests also learn about how the farm transitions seasonally and how to prep for cool-season flowers. bbgardens.org
July 28, 2026: Birmingham Restaurant Week Preview Party
Take part in the kick off Birmingham Restaurant Week at its Preview Party. The evening brings the city’s culinary scene together under one roof for a first taste of what’s ahead, allowing guests to sample standout bites from participating restaurants, sip seasonal cocktails, and get an early glimpse of the menus that define the week. bhamrestaurantweek.com
July 30 – August 2, 2026: Grease
Grease is the word, and it’s lighting up the stage at the Virginia Samford Theatre. This limited-run production delivers a high-energy night of live theater, bringing the beloved story, unforgettable music, and nostalgic charm to life in an intimate setting. virginiasamfordtheatre.org
Cheers to another exciting month ahead, Birmingham!
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Looking for more great Birmingham events? Visit our Happenings calendar!
Paige Townley
Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.