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 23 local events and happenings for this month.
23 Birmingham Events & Happenings: April 2019
Get on out there and enjoy the spring sunshine this April!
April 4, 2019: Drink & Drop Adult Egg Drop Competition at Vulcan
Vulcan Park & Museum invites you to try your hand at the classic elementary student competition — an egg drop — with a twist. In conjunction with the 30th 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 each or $100 for a participating team, and the event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. visitvulcan.com
April 5, 2019: Voices United 2019
Come out to The Nick this April to support Crisis Center, an important organization that provides 24-hour care for survivors of sexual assault, as they host a concert this April 5 for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Captain Kudzu, Timber, Me and My Knife and Bitter Calm will perform beginning at 9 p.m. facebook.com
April 5 through the 7, 2019: Honda Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park
Are you ready for a thrilling race weekend? The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will be at Barber Motorsports Park this April 5 through the 7. Attendees will enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun, races and activities while watching the fastest drivers in the world. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. each day and tickets start at $15. barberracingevents.com
April 6, 2019: Girls Inc. 9th Annual Cajun Cook-Off
This April 6, 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 9th annual Cajun Cook-Off! Attendees will 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. givesmart.com
April 6, 2019: Funky Fun Run
Come out to Avondale Park this April 6 for the Autism Society of Alabama’s Funky Fun Run. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., runners will celebrate the unique abilities individuals with autism bring to our community through an un-timed fun run and zero-competition walk — anyone is welcome! Race registration fees range from $20 to $35. facebook.com
April 6, 2019: Funky Fish Fry
This April 6, Avondale Brewing will host the annual Funky Fish Fry to support Autism Awareness Month from noon to 6 p.m. Live music from Automatic Slim, Live Wire, Todd Simpson and more will provide funky tunes for attendees enjoying fried catfish and delicious brews. Kids’ activities will complete the event and proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place. Tickets start at $10. funkyfishfry.com
April 6, 2019: Grill to Build BBQ Competition and Festival
Join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham and Habitat Birmingham ReStore this April 6 for their Grill to Build BBQ Competition and Festival. Attendees will enjoy delicious barbecue samples, live music, face painting, a kids’ workshop and fun for the whole family. Admission is $10 per person, and the event runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. facebook.com
April 6, 2019: 7th Annual CahabaQue
Have a friend who makes the best barbecue delicacies you’ve ever tasted? Team up and compete in the 7th Annual CahabaQue BBQ Cook-Off! Or simply spend the day sampling delicious barbecue at Cahaba Brewing Company. This year’s event will feature live music, craft beer and, of course, plenty of barbecue bites to enjoy and vote on. Plus, the event will benefit breast cancer research in Alabama. General admission tickets are $15, and the event will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. cahababrewing.com
April 12 through the 14, 2019: Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 50th Spring Plant Show
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale — the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year — will celebrate its 50th anniversary this April 12 through the 14 at Brookwood Village! More than 100,000 plants will be available for purchase. The sale — which last year drew about 7,000 people from novice gardeners to plant enthusiasts — is free and open to the public. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. There is also a Birmingham Botanical Gardens members-only sale from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. bbgardens.org
April 14, 2019: BHM 26.2 Race & After-Party
Head on out to Railroad Park this April 14 for the BHM 26.2 race and after-party! The run includes a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay and fun run, each of which will start and finish at Railroad Park. The Black Jacket Symphony and local band August Night will serenade runners while kids hang out in the kids’ zone and Jim N’ Nicks provides delicious eats. All proceeds from the event benefit Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama. Race registration fees range from $25 to $260, and registration closes on April 13. bhm262.com
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April 18, 2019: Wine, Women & Shoes
Join the Baptist Health Foundation as they host the Wine, Women & Shoes event this April 18. 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 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 $150. winewomenandshoes.com
April 20, 2019: Hand in Paw’s 10th 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, so grab your furry friend to run, walk, jog or strut through UAB’s Campus Green. Then, relax at the “after-pawty.” Registration begins at 8 a.m., the 5K starts at 10 a.m., and the one-mile fun run begins at 10:30 a.m. Registration fees start at $30, and proceeds benefit Hand in Paw. classy.org
April 23, 2019: Leon Bridges at the BJCC
Enjoy the incredible talents of Leon Bridges this April 23 as he graces the BJCC Concert Hall stage. If you’re looking for a spring date night in the Magic City, this is the ideal event. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $23. bjcc.org
April 25, 2019: Better With Age Lunch & Learn
Join Brookwood Baptist Health at their Shelby Baptist Medical Center campus this April 25 for a free lunch and learn from noon to 1 p.m. Attendees will discuss what’s ahead for women hitting their mid-life stride. Dr. James Head and Dr. Marie Pittman will speak on menopause basics. brookwoodbaptisthealth.com
April 25 & April 27 through the 28, 2019: Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Bash & Bargain Carousel
Do you love fashion, supporting a good cause and the Junior League of Birmingham? This bargain-centric event is for you! The 2019 Bargain Bash’s opening night is on April 25 and gives you exclusive access to all the merchandise that will be sold at Bargain Carousel, a 1,000-family garage sale taking place on April 27 and 28, benefitting the Junior League. 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 26 & 27, 2019: St. Elias Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival
Explore Lebanese food and culture this April 26 and 27 as the St. Elias Maronite Church celebrates 21 years of the Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival! This two-day festival will feature an extensive array of traditional Lebanese eats and treats, traditional Lebanese music and dancing, a silent auction, tours of the breathtaking church and so much more! Create an unforgettable weekend with the family by immersing yourself in Lebanese culture and food. Admission is free. stelias.org
April 26 through the 28, 2019: Magic City Art Connection
Calling all artists and art enthusiasts! The Magic City Art Connection is back and better than ever. This 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 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. magiccityart.com
April 27, 2019: 3rd Annual Southern Cookin’ Showdown
The annual Southern Cookin’ Showdown is back for its third celebration this April 27! Teams of four will bring their best sweets, meats and fixings for a panel of judges to determine winners in each category. Proceeds from the event benefit the SafeHouse of Shelby County’s domestic and sexual violence response and prevention programs. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pelham Park and tickets start at $15. southerncookinshowdown.swell.gives
April 27, 2019: Pink Up the Pace 5K & Dolly Dash
This April 27, the Pink Up the Pace 5K & Dolly Dash is back for its second year of celebration. Located at Crestline Elementary Field, the Junior Board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation will host a fun run and 5K, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with food, drinks, activities, and live music after the race. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids. bcrfa.networkforgood.com
April 27 and 28, 2019: Corks & Chefs
Come out to Linn Park this April 27 and 28 for an explosion of flavors! The highly anticipated Corks & Chefs tasting event is back for its 22nd 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. Guests will also enjoy wine, craft beer, spirits, cocktails, coffee & tea samplings, as well as guided tastings and demos in the Seminar Room. Tickets start at $40. magiccityart.com
April 30, 2019: Magic City Chocolate Challenge
Calling all chocolate lovers! This April 30, Disability Rights & Resources will host the 5th Annual Magic City Chocolate Challenge from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Regions Field. Birmingham’s best bakers and chocolatiers will compete for the favor of a panel of Birmingham celebrity judges while attendees sample sweets, beer and wine. There will also be live music and a silent auction. General admission tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. VIP tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. drradvocates.org
April 30 & May 1, 2019: Jersey Boys at the BJCC
The incredible 2005 jukebox musical, Jersey Boys, comes to the Magic City this April! Shows will take place on April 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall. This is the perfect way to end April with a bang! Tickets start at $45. bjcc.org
An Event Worth Traveling For:
April 13, 2019: Sacred Choral Traditions at Tupelo’s Performing Arts Center
Experience the exquisite works and sacred choral repertoire this April 13 in Tupelo, Mississippi, a short 2-hour drive from the Magic City. The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the choruses of First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church have come together to put on an amazing performance. Ticket prices vary, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $10 for students. tupelo.net
Enjoy the sunny days and warm breezes of this glorious month ahead!
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