There’s nothing like spring in Birmingham. Warm, sunny days are just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with fundraisers, family-friendly fun runs, and outdoor events galore. It’s time to enjoy the best of what Birmingham offers this April. Here are fantastic local events happening this month. Happy spring!
April 1, 2023: Birmingham Diabetes WALK for Camp Seale Harris
Ready to run for a great cause? Sign up for the 2023 Birmingham Diabetes WALK for Camp Seale Harris. This walk, held at Veterans Park, raises awareness for type 1 diabetes and directly benefits Camp Seale Harris, a retreat designed to assist those living with diabetes. Register as a team or individual for free. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon. qgiv.com
April 1, 2023: Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival
Join the Japan-America Society of Alabama and Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens to celebrate the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival! This family-friendly event features cultural exhibits and activities for all ages. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. bbgardens.org
April 13 – 15, 2023: Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosts its annual Spring Plant Sale once again! Get ready to garden (and support the Friends’ mission) by shopping hundreds of plants specially selected for our region and nurtured by the Friends’ dedicated volunteers. The sale is held on the Gardens’ Formal Lawn and Hill Garden, and members can enjoy priority access to the sale on Thursday, April 13. The sale is open to the public on Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15. bbgardens.org
April 15, 2023: CahabaQue BBQ Cook-Off
What sounds better than a day filled with barbecue, beer, and bragging rights? CahabaQue takes place on Saturday, April 15, at Cahaba Brewing Co. The annual cook-off features teams of backyard grillers and professionals alike. Try all-you-can-eat samples from each team and vote for your favorite while enjoying craft beer and live music. Gates open at 1 p.m. for the general public, and the event runs until 4 p.m. or until food runs out. Make a day of it while supporting a great cause: breast cancer research in Alabama. Tickets begin at $15. bcrfa.org
April 15, 2023: 13th Annual Funky Fish Fry
Avondale Brewing Co. hosts the annual Funky Fish Fry on Saturday, April 15, supporting Autism Awareness Month. Listen to live music from The Drennen Brothers, Automatic Slim, Murph, and Livewire while enjoying fried catfish and delicious brews. Kids’ activities complete the event, and proceeds benefit the Autism Support of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., and tickets start at $10. funkyfishfry.com
April 21 & 22, 2023: 21st Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival
Enjoy a carnival, art classes, live entertainment, a pooch parade, a 5K run and fun run, and much more at the annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival! Event hours are Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival takes place at the Gardendale Civic Center, and admission and parking are free. magnoliafestival.org
April 21 – 23, 2023: 4 Bridges Arts Festival
Plan a spring road trip to Chattanooga for this highly anticipated juried art show that attracts visual artists nationwide. The 4 Bridges Art Festival showcases the unique talents of 145 artists. Find diversity in mediums and styles, including printmaking, digital art, basketry, photography, and more. 4 Bridges Art Show is held at First Horizon Pavilion, and event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is $5 per person, and individuals 18 and under may enter for free. avarts.org
April 22, 2023: Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Raise awareness for Best Buddies programs in local schools, workplaces, and communities by joining 40,000 walkers nationwide. Best Buddies programs support inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Birmingham Friendship Walk begins at Oak Mountain State Park at 10 a.m. Registration is free, but those who raise $50 or more earn a 2023 participant t-shirt. bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org
April 22, 2023: 13th Annual Mutt Strut
Grab your furry friend and join Hand in Paw for a fun day full of exciting race routes, contests, and more! The annual fundraising event features a 5K and one-mile fun run. Races begin at 7:30 a.m. at Homewood Central Park. Registration for the 5K is $30, and the one-mile fun run registration fee is $25. handinpaw.org
April 27, 2023: 14th Annual Dining Out For Life®
AIDS Alabama and Birmingham’s best restaurants come together for the annual Dining Out For Life® event on Thursday, April 27. Help raise funds and awareness for HIV services by dining at a participating restaurant. There’s never been an easier (or more delicious!) way to impact your community. Participating restaurants include Bottega, Carrigan’s Public House, El Barrio Restaurante Y Bar, and more! aidsalabama.org
April 28 – 30, 2023: 40th Annual Magic City Art Connection
Calling all artists and art enthusiasts! The Magic City Art Connection is back and better than ever. This annual festival transforms Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark into a fresh and vibrant artistic hotspot. Featuring locally and nationally known artists, music, dance, kids’ art experiences, sculpture installations, food, and more, this event is ideal for the creative Birminghamian wanting to connect with the community while experiencing unforgettable talent. Event hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets include entry to all three days and start at $13. magiccityart.com
April 28 – 30, 2023: Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix
Don’t miss the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix! The three-day motorsport event takes place at the world-famous Barber Motorsports Park and features the same cars and drivers as the Indy 500. The only Indy Series event in the Deep South, it draws tens of thousands of race fans every year. Tickets start at $25. indyalabama.com
April 29, 2023: 12th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival
Are you ready for some barbecue and blues? On Saturday, April 29, head to DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer to enjoy a day full of great music and even better food. The whole family can enjoy live performances, vendor booths, and a kids’ corner featuring fun activities and games. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the event runs from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance and $25 at the gate. bobsykesblues.com
April 29 & 30, 2023: 16th Annual Corks & Chefs
Head to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark for an explosion of flavors! The highly anticipated Corks & Chefs tasting event returns to the Magic City Art Connection contemporary art festival. This year’s attendees can enjoy delicious dishes from many of Birmingham’s favorite restaurants. Guests can also enjoy wine, craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and seated tasting seminars and demos. Sessions take place from noon to 3 p.m. on both days, and tickets begin at $50. magiccityart.com
Enjoy the sunny days and warm breezes of this glorious month ahead!
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To see even more great Birmingham events, check out our Happenings calendar!
