Spring in Birmingham is a magical time. Warmer days are just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with fundraisers, family-friendly (and pet-friendly) fun runs and food festivals galore! Get those strappy sandals and sundresses out of the back of your closet. It’s time to enjoy the best of what Birmingham has to offer with the promise of sunshine and smiles at each event. Happy April! Here are 27 local events and happenings for this month.

27 Birmingham Events & Happenings: April 2018

April 3, 2018: Live at the Lyric: Chrissy Metz: This is Me Tour

Did you, like many of us, fall in love with “This is Us” this year? This critically acclaimed series brought with it a shining star, Chrissy Metz. Spend an evening with her at the breathtaking Lyric Theater Monday, April 9, as she hosts an honest conversation on life, lessons, tough love and self-acceptance while offering advice from her memoir, This is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today, which attendees will receive with the purchase of a ticket. The inspiring evening will remind audience members of the importance of embracing the life we have. Tickets start at $46, and the event runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. lyricbham.com

April 5, 2018: Drink & Drop at Vulcan

Vulcan Park and Museum is inviting you to try your hand at the classic elementary student competition, an egg drop, with a twist. In conjunction with the 29th Annual Brent Newman Memorial Egg Drop, this adult drink and drop competition will bring together teams and individuals hoping to protect their egg as they’re dropped from Vulcan’s 124-foot pedestal. Spectators are encouraged to come along for food, drinks and entertainment. Tickets are $10, and the event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. visitvulcan.com

April 6, 2018: Kevin Hart at the BJCC

Find some time to laugh this April. Hilarious actor and comedian Kevin Hart is coming to Birmingham! Known for his self-deprecating stand-up specials and roles in movies like Ride Along, Get Hard and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, he has won multiple People’s Choice and BET Awards for his success both on the screen and on the stage. Grab the hubby or a gal pal, and enjoy a laughter-filled night out on Friday, April 6. Tickets start at $35 and the performance begins at 7 p.m. bjcc.org

April 7, 2018: Fido Fest at The Summit

Saturday is for the dogs this April as The Summit celebrates its 3rd Annual Fido Fest benefitting Hand In Paw and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. This “PAWesome” event will feature live music, pet adoptions, balloon artists, face painting, pet caricatures and more. Your pups will love all the attention they’ll receive at this family-friendly festival. Plus, they will be happy to socialize with furry friends! The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, and admission is free. thesummitbirmingham.com

April 7, 2018: Alabama Asian Cultures and Food Festival

Explore the food and history of Asian culture on Saturday, April 7, beginning with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Zamora Shrine Temple. Sample all types of Asian delicacies, enjoy live entertainment by performers from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Nepal, attend a fashion show featuring traditional garments and more! The family will love being introduced to the many similarities and differences between cultures while learning about and gaining insights into Asian traditions. Admission is $6 for adults 18 and over, $6 for teens and free for children 12 and under, and the event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. alabamaasiancultures.org

April 7, 2018: 8th Annual Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-off

On Saturday, April 7, dedicate your day to supporting Girls Inc.’s mission to make young women smart, strong and bold by heading up your own Cajun cooking team or simply attending their 8th annual Cajun Cook-Off! Live music from the Swamp Poppas will serenade you as you sample Cajun favorites such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys, shrimp and grits and bread pudding — all prepared by cook-off competitors. With the April sunshine lighting up this food-filled day at Railroad Park, this event is a must! The cook-off is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and tickets are $25 with free admission for children 12 and under. bhamcajuncookoff.com

April 7, 2018: 9th Annual Mutt Strut

Get active this month and bring your pooch with you! This dog-friendly 5K and one-mile fun run will honor man’s best friend while celebrating the vibrant ’90s. So grab your favorite ’90s accessories and your furry friend to run, walk, jog or strut through the historic Sloss Furnaces. Then, relax at the after party at TrimTab Brewing. Registration begins at 7 a.m., the 5K starts at 9 a.m., and the one-mile fun run begins at 9:30 a.m. Registration fees start at $15, and proceeds benefit Hand in Paw. handinpaw.org

April 7, 2018: Run for a Reason Avondale 5K

Lace up your running shoes and head to Avondale for the 7th Annual Sozo Children Run for a Reason. This family-friendly event will feature a 5K through the heart of Avondale complete with food trucks, vendors and pet-friendly fun in Avondale Park and along 41st Street. Following the run, an after party featuring local food trucks and a performance from the Sozo Children’s Choir takes place. Best of all, 100% of proceeds from this event will support the mission of Sozo Children in Uganda, East Africa. Registration fees range from $35 to $45, and the day will begin at 8 a.m. sozochildren.org

April 7, 2018: CahabaQue BBQ Cook Off

Have a friend who makes the best barbecue delicacies you’ve ever tasted? Team up and compete in the 6th Annual CahabaQue BBQ Cook-off! Or, simply spend the day sampling delicious BBQ at Cahaba Brewing Company. This year’s event will feature live music, craft beer, a kids’ zone with lots of activities for the little ones and, of course, plenty of BBQ bites to enjoy and vote on. Plus, the event will benefit breast cancer research in Alabama. General admission tickets are $15, $5 for children ages 7-12 and free for children under 7. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. cahababrewing.com

April 7, 2018: Mt. Laurel Spring Festival

Come out to the sweet mountain town of Mt. Laurel to celebrate the arrival of spring! Attendees will enjoy shopping at the over 200 artisan and farmer popup booths, live music on the Bryson Square Stage and delicious bites from Mt. Laurel restaurants and Birmingham’s food trucks, as well as the opportunity to tour Mt. Laurel’s newest homes. Admission is free, and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. mtlaurel.com

April 11-15, 2018: Birmingham Barons Take on Montgomery

Get ready to take your date out to the ballgame — the Barons are back! And to kick off the season, they’re taking on Montgomery with some extra special opening night fun on Wednesday, including the break-dancing bat boy. Thursday’s game will celebrate Thirsty Thursday with $2 beer, wine and soft drinks while Friday’s game features Friday Night Fireworks and Saturday’s game includes a “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” jersey auction and Jackie Robinson Day on Sunday where kids are admitted free! Tickets are $15, and games start at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, with a 6:30 p.m. game on Saturday and 3 p.m. game on Sunday. Go Barons! milb.com

April 13 & 14, 2018: 20th Annual St. Elias Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival

Explore Lebanese food and culture this April 13 and 14 as the St. Elias Maronite Church celebrates 20 years of the Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival! This two-day festival will feature an extensive array of traditional Lebanese eats and treats, a Lebanese band, traditional Lebanese dancing, a silent auction, tours of the breathtaking church, a 5K, fun run and so much more! Create an unforgettable weekend with the family by immersing yourself in Lebanese culture and food. Admission is free. www.stelias.org

April 14, 2018: 10th Annual Pink Palace Casino Night to Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness

Join the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama at Haven as they celebrate the 10th Annual Pink Palace Casino Night. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., attendees will enjoy an exciting fundraising event complete with fun casino games and a chance to win a stunning piece of jewelry all while supporting a great cause. Tickets start at $100. pinkpalacecasinonight.com

April 19, 2018: An Evening with The Eagles at the BJCC

Bring back that peaceful, easy feeling as the legendary Eagles grace the BJCC stage. We’re predicting a date night for this one! It is the perfect event for unwinding, celebrating spring in Birmingham and enjoying classic favorites like “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Hotel California,” “Desperado” and “Tequila Sunrise.” Tickets start at $97, and the show begins at 8 p.m. bjcc.org

April 19, 2018: Wine, Women & Shoes

Join the Baptist Health Foundation as they host the Wine, Women & Shoes event presented by Regions Private Wealth Management. This fabulous, fashion-filled event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at The Club, and attendees will have full access to a fun evening complete with a wine tasting, designer shopping, incredible auctions, delicious bites, a glamorous fashion show presented by Gus Mayer and a “Best in Shoe” competition. This event will benefit the Baptist Health Foundation which provides charitable resources to improve healthcare and social assistance to patients in the community who need it most. Tickets start at $125. winewomenandshoes.com/Birmingham

April 19-29, 2018: Ain’t Misbehavin’ presented by the Virginia Samford Theatre

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a local theatre performance this April! The Virginia Samford Theatre will be performing one of the great musical tributes to the African American musicians of the 1920s and 1930s, Ain’t Misbehavin’. This entertaining show reflects the creativity of the Harlem Renaissance through song, dance and pride. Tickets start at $30, and shows will start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays. virginiasamfordtheatre.org

April 19, 2018: Judah & the Lion at Sloss

SlossFest may be a few months away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some live music at Birmingham’s National Historic Landmark, Sloss Furnaces. Judah & the Lion will bring their upbeat, romantic and rockin’ country folk sounds to Sloss this April 19 for a night of fun and music … just what we need this April! Tickets start at $27, and the show begins at 8 p.m. slossfurnaces.com

April 20, 2018: Racing for Children’s Dinner and Auction

Join Children’s of Alabama at the historic Barber Motorsports Museum for the 8th Annual Racing for Children’s Dinner and Auction, which kicks off the weekend-long charity racing event. This elegant evening out brings together motorsports enthusiasts and Children’s of Alabama supporters to raise funds for the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders and other Children’s of Alabama initiatives. Attendees will enjoy a delicious sit-down dinner and live auction in the breathtaking museum overlooking the race track. Tickets start at $125, and the event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. racingforchildrens.org

April 20-22, 2018: Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park

Are you ready for a thriling weekend? The Hondy Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will be at Barber Motorsports Park this April 20-22. Attendees will enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun, races and activities, including a Wine Down with Indy event, where you can sample wines from over 20 wineries while watching the fastest drivers in the world, the opportunity to snag the best seats in the house with Cocina at the Track, a fan zone complete with Bud’s Best Ferris Wheel, an autograph session, the American Honda display, a Monster stunt show, the Verizon IndyCar Series Fan Village, a kid’s zone and so, so much more. Plus, Channing Tatum is this year’s Grand Marshall! Spend this April weekend at the track! For more information, visit barberracingevents.com

April 21, 2018: Gumbo Gala at Sloss Furnaces

Join the largest gumbo-cooking competition in the Magic City, and support the Episcopal Place on Saturday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as professional and backyard teams gather to compete for the bragging rights to Birmingham’s Best Gumbo. With over 50 competing teams, local art and merchandise, live music and more, this jumbo gumbo festival will be fun for the whole family — and exploring the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a Birmingham bucket-list must! Adult tickets are $15 or $18 at the door, kids tickets are $5 for ages 6 to 12, and kids under 5 get in free. gumbogala.com

April 21, 2018: Alabama Coffee Fest

Calling all coffee lovers! This April 21, the first-ever Alabama Coffee Fest will take place at Cahaba Brewing Company. This immersive event will feature curated roasters and coffee shops sharing their favorite beans and discussing flavor profiles with guests while enjoying live entertainment, delicious pastries and a one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience. Live demonstrations, coffee tastings and live latte art creations will complete the event. Tickets start at $15, and the event runs from 9 a.m. to noon. facebook.com

April 26-29, 2018: Junior League of Birmingham Bargain Bash and Bargain Carousel

Do you love fashion, supporting a good cause and the Junior League of Birmingham? This bargain-centric event is just right for you! Attend the 2018 Bargain Bash this April 26, an opening night for exclusive access to all the merchandise that will be sold at Bargain Carousel, a 1,000-family garage sale taking place on April 28 and 29, benefitting the Junior League Board. The bash will also include tasty food and beverages from local eateries, auction items and, of course, fabulous shopping at bargain prices. The event is the best way to raise awareness and funds for the Junior League’s 30+ community projects, which have made a positive impact on the Birmingham community for more than 90 years. bargaincarousel.net

April 27-29, 2018: 35th Annual Magic City Art Connection

Calling all artists and art enthusiasts! The Magic City Art Connection is back and better than ever. This 35th annual festival will transform Linn Park into a fresh and vibrant artistic hotspot. With 200 locally and nationally known artists, music, dance, kids art experiences, sculpture installations, food, special tastings and more, this event is ideal for the creative Birminghamian wanting to connect with the community while experiencing unforgettable talent. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free to children 15 and under. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. magiccityart.com

April 28 & 29, 2018: Corks & Chefs

Come out to Linn Park this April 28 and 29 for an explosion of flavors! The highly anticipated Corks & Chefs tasting event is back for its 21st year at the Magic City Art Connection contemporary art festival. This year’s attendees will enjoy delicious dishes from many of Birmingham’s favorite restaurants, wine, craft beer, spirits, craft cocktails, coffee & tea samplings, as well as guided tastings and demos to sit in on at the Seminar Room. Corks & Chefs profits specifically help support the free art field trip for 1,200 Birmingham 3rd & 4th graders. Tickets will be available online March 30. magiccityart.com

April 28, 2018: Girls on the Run

Grab your girls and get to running! This 5K is no joke. Located at Sloss Furnaces, you’ll be running alongside over 300 other women and girls who have been training for this race and are ready to set their best time! Don’t worry, there’s multiple cheer stops along this 3.1 mile race to keep you motivated and energized, as well as fun post-race fun and snacks until 11 a.m. If you’re a fitness geek and girl-power guru at heart, this 5K is the April event for you. Registration fees range from $12 to $35, and the day begins at 8:30 a.m. girlsontherunbham.org

April 28, 2018: 6th Annual Feast of St. Mark Italian Festival

Celebriamo una festa Italiana! That is: Let’s celebrate an Italian feast! This cultural and culinary festival will take place beginning at 3 p.m. this April 28 at the St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. An expected crowd of over 3,000 will enjoy Italian food, music, dance, traditional Italian opera and so much more! If you’re a lover of all things Italian, this is bound to be your favorite way to ring in spring. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. feastofstmark.com

April 28, 2018: Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival

April is the month for barbecue in Birmingham! This April 28, head to DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer for a day-long festival filled with national and local award-winning blues musicians, legendary Bob Sykes BBQ, kids’ activities, art and vendors, wine, beer and more. Note: no four-legged friends allowed. Tickets are $15, and the event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. bobsykes.com

Enjoy the sunny days and warm breezes of this glorious month ahead!

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