13 Birmingham Events & Happenings: January 2026

Happy New Year, Birmingham! The Magic City is ringing in 2026 with an incredible lineup of events designed to inspire, entertain, and energize your January. From theater performances to live music and community happenings, there’s no shortage of ways to start the year on a high note in Birmingham.

January 3 – March 21, 2026: Birmingham Bulls Hockey Home Games

Bundle up and head to the Pelham Civic Complex to watch the Birmingham Bulls in action. A fast-paced hockey game is the perfect indoor winter outing, full of energy, excitement, and community spirit. Tickets typically start around $21. To see the complete schedule, visit bullshockey.net.

January 7 & 8, 2026: Blue Man Group

Enjoy an entertaining night with the Blue Man Group as they bring their one‑of‑a‑kind show to Birmingham. Without using spoken words, the performance utilizes bold visuals, inventive instruments, and interactive moments to transcend age and background. Shows begin at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $30. bjcc.org

January 9 & 10, 2026: So So Spiffy New Year Furniture Sale

For two days only, shop So So Spiffy’s expertly curated indoor and outdoor collections — including rugs, sofas, chairs, dining tables, art, accessories, and more. Expect brand-new, out-of-the-box luxury pieces priced below retail, alongside thoughtfully reduced items sourced from recent design projects. For more details, visit the official event page on Facebook.

January 9 – 11, 2026: Festival of the Cranes

Celebrate the beauty of Alabama’s winter wetlands at the 2026 Festival of the Cranes. Hosted at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, the weekend offers a unique opportunity to watch thousands of cranes take flight, participate in hands-on activities, listen to engaging talks, and peruse local art. friendsofwheelernwr.org

January 15, 2026: Open House at Highlands School

Highlands School invites families to their Open House on Thursday at 8 a.m. to experience firsthand what makes the school so special, including a tour of the campus and an opportunity to learn more about academic programs, community, and student life. highlandsschool.org

January 16, 2026: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific

Hosted at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, this semi-staged performance seamlessly blends the grandeur of a live orchestra with the emotional intimacy of musical theater. With powerhouse vocalists leading the cast and a stirring full orchestral accompaniment, this concert is sure to deliver timeless love stories and iconic melodies, transporting you to an island paradise. alabamasymphony.org

January 17, 2026: MLK Day 5K Drum Run

Lace up your sneakers and join the MLK Day 5K Drum Run through the historic Fourth Avenue district. With options for a 1-mile fun walk, 5K, or 10K, this event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Registration starts at $20 per person. mlkday5kbham.com

January 17, 2026: Dance Across Birmingham

Dance Across Birmingham offers a full day of free dance classes for all ages. Hosting lessons in hip-hop, Latin, African, and more, attendees are given the chance to try something new (or rediscover a favorite) in a fun and welcoming environment. And by the day’s end, you can enjoy a showcase concert featuring some of Birmingham’s most talented local dance artists. alabamadancecouncil.org

January 22 – 25, 2026: Birmingham Boat Show

An annual event hosted at the BJCC, the Birmingham Boat Show brings together hundreds of boats, along with the latest gear, outfitters, and outdoor accessories — all under one massive roof. Even if you’re not in the market for a boat, there’s something undeniably fun about wandering through 250,000 square feet of marine gear. birminghamboatshow.com

January 22 – 25, 2026: Alabama Dance Festival

Kick off the new year with movement and creativity at the Alabama Dance Festival. Dancers of all levels come together for a weekend of inspiration, from exciting performances that showcase incredible talent to hands‑on classes and workshops led by top instructors. To learn more and see the complete event schedule, visit alabamadancecouncil.org.

January 30, 2026: Monet to Matisse Opening Night

This special evening invites art lovers and history buffs to a reception and an engaging lecture by a leading expert in European modern art. It’s a rare chance to experience the works of Monet, Matisse, and their contemporaries in an intimate, thoughtfully curated setting. artsbhma.org

January 30 – February 1, 2026: 55^th Annual World of Wheels

The 55th Annual World of Wheels brings hundreds of antique beauties, muscle cars, custom imports, and sleek motorcycles to the BJCC. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends, or anyone who appreciates a little horsepower. worldofwheels.net

January 30 – February 1, 2026: Bad Movie Marathon

With cheesy plots, questionable acting, and more than a few cinematic misfires, this marathon turns bad movies into a shared celebration of fun, where every movie becomes a chance to riff, react, and revel in the unexpected. The event also helps raise funds for Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema‘s year-round education and outreach program. givebutter.com

January 31, 2026: Community Seed Swap

This free event allows you to trade open‑pollinated or heirloom seeds, discover new varieties you won’t find at big‑box stores, and learn a few handy gardening tricks from passionate locals. You don’t have to be a seasoned gardener to attend. If you’re considering planting your first seedling, it’s the prime opportunity to walk away with helpful inspiration or seeds for your next project. bbgardens.org

Here’s to an exciting new year, Birmingham!

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Looking for more great Birmingham events? Visit our Happenings calendar!