August in Birmingham brings a full lineup of events that make the most of summer — from live music and film festivals to fundraising galas. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up or just want to spend your weekends soaking up local flavor, this month is full of ways to explore the best of the Magic City.
August 1, 2025: Black Belt Birding Festival 2025
This three-day festival offers attendees the rare opportunity to spot Wood Storks, Swallow‑tailed Kites, Scissor‑tailed Flycatchers, and Painted Buntings across prairie, wetland, and bottomland habitats. For bird lovers, history buffs, or anyone seeking an immersive weekend in nature, it’s a can’t-miss experience that’s now in its fifth year. alaudubon.org
August 2, 2025: Magic City Carnival
From classic carnival games and fair food to live music and a silent auction, this is a night of fun at Cahaba Brewing Company that also does good, as all proceeds benefit Pathways’ shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. Admission is free, but VIP upgrades are available. pathwayshome.org
August 2: The Ultimate ’90s Party
The Ultimate ’90s Party is taking over Iron City on August 2. With Fool House leading the charge on their ’90s VMAs Tour, dance to throwback hits from NSYNC, The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Eminem, and more. The fun starts at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $19. ironcitybham.com
August 3 – 5, 2025: Junie B. Jones, Jr. The Musical
Junie B. Jones, Jr. The Musical brings the beloved and ever-so-relatable book character to life, complete with catchy songs, colorful characters, and all the drama of first grade. Tickets are $24 for adults and $14 for children (ages 12 and younger). redmountaintheatre.org
August 7, 2026: Tomato Tasting in the Gardens
On August 7, gardeners of all levels swap tips, solve tomato-growing mysteries with expert horticulturists, and sample juicy homegrown varieties in a friendly taste-off. Bring your best backyard harvest to Birmingham Botanical Gardens and join the fun as everyone votes for the top tomato of the season. bbgardens.org
August 9, 2025: Birmingham Babypalooza Baby Expo
Calling all new and expectant parents! Birmingham Babypalooza Baby Expo takes place on August 9 at the BJCC North Exhibition Hall. This annual event is a one-stop shop for all things baby, packed with must-know info, local resources, expert advice, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow parents. bjcc.org
August 9, 2025: Birmingham Pig Roast
Hosted by the ¡HICA! Junior Board at Cahaba Brewing Co., this annual event showcases authentic Latin slow-roasted pork prepared traditionally over coal, along with delicious sides, Latin music, a mercado of local artisans, and a special ¡HICA! Mexican lager. Tickets start at $20. hicaalabama.org
August 9, 2025: Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Set against the backdrop of East Lake Park, this day-long event draws teams for spirited dragon boat races complete with drummers, cheers, and friendly rivalry. While teams go for gold, spectators can stroll through the kids’ zone, enjoy live music, and check out the food trucks. mitchells-place.com
August 15 & 16, 2025: So So Spiffy Monthly Shopping Event
Step inside the So So Spiffy showroom to explore a curated mix of vintage, new, and antique finds — from globally sourced rugs and statement-making sofas to one-of-a-kind accessories and artwork. You’ll discover fresh inventory priced below retail, along with exclusive markdowns from recent design projects. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sosospiffy.com
August 16, 2025: United Ability’s Journey of Hope
United Ability’s Journey of Hope is a powerful evening that celebrates possibility, purpose, and imagination. Held at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, this year’s program features a special performance by Omnium Circus, a fully inclusive ensemble that reflects United Ability’s mission to support individuals of all abilities at every stage of life. unitedability.org
August 16, 2025: Movies on the Mountain: Toy Story
Grab a blanket and head to the top of Red Mountain for Vulcan Park and Museum’s next Movies on the Mountain. This month’s selection is a screening of Toy Story, which can be enjoyed with all the favorite movie treats, bites from local vendors, and even beer and wine for adults. Tickets are $10 for adults and children. visitvulcan.com
August 18 – 24, 2025: 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival
One of the city’s highly anticipated events is back: the Sidewalk Film Festival. Now in its 27th year, the festival gives fans more than 200 indie films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, and parties — all packed into a walkable stretch of downtown’s historic theatre district. sidewalkfest.com
August 21, 2025: The 2025 J’La Gala
The Levite Jewish Community Center’s signature summer event, J’La Gala promises fine kosher dining, cocktail-hour networking with live music, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $150 each or two for $275. bhamjcc.org
August 23, 2025: Taste of 4th Ave Jazz Festival
The 22nd Annual Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival includes performances from Eric Essix, The Heritage Band, Hoover High Jazz Band, Darryl Evan Jones, Dee Lucas, and Yarbrough & Company. The event also offers a variety of vendors, including Lustful Lemonade and Corn King. 4thavenuejazz.org
August 23, 2025: Smile-A-Mile 5K
This annual run is one of many fundraisers Smile-A-Mile hosts each year to support its mission of supporting children with cancer. In addition to the 5K, there’s also a one-mile fun run and even a virtual 5K option for those who want to support the cause but can’t attend. Registration starts at $20. smileamile.com
August 23, 2025: The Hope Gala
Don your finest black-tie attire to support life-changing work in cancer research, education, and patient services. The Hope Gala, presented by Medical Properties Trust and Rx Benefits, begins with a cocktail hour and progresses to a dinner and live auctions, before culminating in an after-party. acsgala.org
August 28, 2025: Fall Indian Classical Music Concert
This concert brings together three musicians — ethno-saxophonist Jesse Bannister, flautist Soumyajyoti of All India Radio, and Grammy‑nominated tabla maestro Pt. Subhen Chatterjee. The free event is a unique opportunity to listen to two diverse types of wind instruments and experience the ragas and talas of North Indian classical music. artsbhma.org
Cheers to another exciting month ahead, Birmingham!
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