SB NOTE: These suggestions are all made with social distancing and safety precautions in mind, and each event is subject to change depending on COVID in each location. Please look at websites and social media for updates, and check the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for the latest safety recommendations.
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There’s nothing like spring in the Magic City. 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 17 local events happening this month. Happy spring!
Enjoy the warm weather at any (or all!) of these fun-filled Birmingham events. Image: Pepper Place
16 Birmingham Events & Happenings: April 2021
April 3, 2021: Easter at Honeywood Valley
Enjoy a staycation at Honeywood Valley and participate in their first-ever Easter egg hunt on April 3. The event includes a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, arts and crafts, face painting stations, a photo booth, a petting zoo and special guest vendors. Tickets are $25 for adults and free for children under 12. A family picnic box that feeds four can also be added to your ticket for an additional $40. Masks are encouraged at this event. eventbrite.com
April 10, 2021: Funky Fish Fry
Avondale Brewing Co. hosts its annual Funky Fish Fry to support Autism Awareness Month on April 10. Live music from The Drennen Brothers, LiveWire and Automatic Slim Blues Band provides funky tunes for attendees enjoying fried catfish and delicious brews. Kids’ activities complete the event, and proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place. Masks are required and social distancing is enforced, and tickets start at $10. Not ready to attend a function quite yet? The event also offers a to-go ticket for $15, which includes one to-go plate of food and a donation to the cause. funkyfishfry.com
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April 10, 2021: PurpleStride Alabama
Did you know pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all known cancers? The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network wants to change that. Each year, the PurpleStride 5K raises funds to increase pancreatic cancer research and assist those battling this horrible disease. Virtual for the second year in a row, PurpleStride can be completed at your own pace and on your own course. Create a team or join one and make your plan to run, walk or jog on Saturday, April 10. Registration is free, but those who register and raise $25 or more receive a PurpleStride t-shirt. pancan.org
April 10, 2021 – December 11, 2021: Outdoor Market at Pepper Place
There’s nothing like strolling the streets of Pepper Place while shopping from the best local vendors with a delicious drink in your hand. This wonderful opportunity returns on April 10 as the outdoor market reopens at Pepper Place. Each Saturday morning starting April 10, you can shop local produce, goods and more from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Note that cash payments are not accepted, masks are required, and one-way foot traffic and social distancing are enforced. pepperplacemarket.com
April 11, 2021: Pink Bride Wedding Show
Before you walk down the aisle, make plans to attend one of Birmingham’s best bridal shows at the Jefferson Convention Center! The Pink Bride Wedding Show allows brides-to-be to plan their dream wedding in just one day. This year’s event features Birmingham’s top wedding professionals, inspirational showcases, a fashion show showcasing this season’s bridal and bridesmaid fashions, tasty food and drinks, giveaways, and tons of shopping. Advance tickets are $12, and same-day tickets are $15. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. thepinkbride.com
April 15-18, 2021: Online Spring Plant Sale
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ popular Spring Plant Sale is moving online! With the safety of the Birmingham community top of mind, the Friends will host its annual Spring Plant Sale—its largest plant sale fundraiser of the year—virtually in 2021. Get ready to garden (and support the mission of the Friends) by shopping hundreds of plants specially selected for our region and nurtured by six of the Friends’ dedicated volunteer growing groups. Members will enjoy priority access to shop the online sale April 15-16, as well as first choice of pickup time April 23-25 at the Gardens. The sale is open to the public April 17-18. bbgardens.org
April 16, 2021: Zoo Brews: Drafts at a Distance
Craft beer lovers rejoice! Zoo Brew makes a comeback at the Birmingham Zoo on April 16. This socially distanced event is an awesome opportunity to unwind after a long work week and enjoy a large selection of the best brews and wine. Attendees can taste beers from breweries throughout the Southeast as they walk through the zoo. In addition to great drinks, there are also local food trucks ready to satisfy whatever you’re craving. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and tickets are $35. (Note: this event is 21+.) birminghamzoo.com
April 17, 2021: Gumbo Gala
Come hungry to the 16th Annual Gumbo Gala, traditionally a one-day cook-off held by Birmingham’s Episcopal Place. This year in an effort to keep all attendees safe, there is no team competition, but everyone is still invited to enjoy a fun day at Cahaba Brewing Company. The gala is free to attend and open to the public, so grab your friends for an afternoon of live entertainment, local makers, and of course, tasty gumbo from the Tasteful Touch Mobile Catering food truck! If you’re unable to attend, you can participate in Gumbo to Geaux with curbside pickup at Episcopal Place on Thursday, April 22, and Friday, April 23 (orders must be placed by April 19). All proceeds benefit Episcopal Place, a local nonprofit that provides affordable and independent living for low-income senior citizens as well as low-income adults with disabilities. episocopalplace.org
April 17, 2021: Hand in Paw’s Virtual Mutt Strut
Leash up your pup and put on your running gear for this beloved annual event! The dog-friendly 5K and one-mile fun run honors man’s best friend, so grab your furry friend to run, walk, jog or strut through your favorite Magic City neighborhood. Although this year’s event is virtual, there are still awards and prizes to recognize participants with titles like “Best Human + Dog Duo Costume” and “Slowest Dog.” Registration starts at $25, and proceeds benefit Hand in Paw. classy.org
April 17, 2021: Grand RiverFest
Head to The Outlet Shops at Grand River for a day full of fun and local pop-ups. Shop clothing, jewelry, art, home decor and so much more at this free, family-friendly event. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., support local makers like For Peace Sake, Magic City Shirts, Nana Bakes and Prodigal Pottery. Bring the whole family to this socially distanced, fun pop-up shop festival. shopsatgrandriver.com
April 17, 2021: Birmingham Diabetes WALK for Camp Seale Harris
Ready to run for a great cause? Sign up for the 2021 Birmingham Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris. This walk, held at Veterans Park, helps raise 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 9 a.m. to noon. qgiv.com
April 23 – 25, 2021: 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 and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDC guidelines are enforced and masks are required. Ticket prices are yet to be determined, so stay tuned for details. magiccityart.com
April 24, 2021: Mudbugs & Music
Come rain or shine, Mudbugs & Music returns to Cahaba Brewing Company on Saturday, April 24. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy crawfish and shrimp, a silent auction, and live music! All proceeds support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to conquer and cure arthritis. For 16 years, this fun and family-friendly fundraiser has directly supported the pediatric rheumatology program at Children’s of Alabama and UAB. Tickets are limited, and all CDC guidelines are strictly followed. Drive-thru pickup is also offered for those unable to attend. Tickets are $25. arthser.org
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April 24, 2021: 11th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival
Are you ready for some BBQ and blues? The Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival is back for its 11th year. On April 24, head to downtown Bessemer and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors full of great music and even better food. The whole family can enjoy live performances, vendor booths that include arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, and a kids’ corner featuring fun activities and games. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the event runs from noon until 8 p.m. This is a rain or shine event., and tickets are $20. A portion of all proceeds is donated to a local non-profit, Caring Men & Caring Women. bobsykesblues.com.
April 25 & 26, 2021: Corks & Chefs
Come out to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark this April 24 and 25 for an explosion of flavors! The highly anticipated Corks & Chefs tasting event is back for its 23rd year at 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 coffee and tea samplings. Ticket prices are yet to be determined, so stay tuned for details. magiccityart.com
April 29, 2021: First Light Virtual Gala
Get your gala on at home as First Light hosts its annual fundraiser online this year. In addition to a full lineup of speakers and entertainment, guests are also able to participate in an exciting online auction. All proceeds benefit the mission of First Light — to support homeless women and their children. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on April 29, and all attendees receive a Zoom link before the start time. Registration is free, and sponsorships are available. givesmart.org
Enjoy the sunny days and warm breezes of this glorious month ahead!
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To see even more great Birmingham events, click HERE.