Boo! Our favorite season has finally graced us with its presence. We are full of festive excitement, as fall brings leaves in autumnal hues and other fear-fueled and candy-filled Halloween shenanigans. This October’s calendar offers plenty of options to keep you busy and kick off your fall with a bang. Have a spooktacular month, Birmingham!
October 1, 2019: Widespread Grace at Haven
Kick off the start of a new month in the heart of downtown Birmingham supporting an incredible cause. Red Mountain Grace is an organization that provides housing for hundreds of families receiving treatment at any of their amazing hospitals. Widespread Grace is an event that helps fund their mission each year. Jay and Katherine Wolf will be this year’s keynote speakers. Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Tickets are $75. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at Haven. redmountaingrace.org
October 3 through 5, 2019: 47th Annual Greek Festival
Opa! For 47 years, the city of Birmingham has been celebrating Greek culture through Greek food, music, dancing and plenty of fun at this local festival. The festival is known for a delicious variety of dishes, available for purchase from 10:30 a.m to 10 p.m. They even have a drive-thru available if you don’t have time to stop but still want the Greek meal experience. Make plans to peruse the Greek Market Place to find authentic Mediterranean and Greek Orthodox treasures. Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Christian Church is open for self-guided tours all three days from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the festival is free. birminghamgreekfestival.net
October 3 through 6, 2019: Antiques at The Gardens
The biggest annual event at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Antiques at The Gardens, is back for the 14th year. Antiques at The Gardens is a four-day event that hosts nationally-known interior designers, architects and dealers at Birmingham Botanical Gardens for panel discussions, workshops, book signings, a black-tie gala, brunch, cocktail hours and shopping. Shop ’til you drop for antiques, furniture, porcelain, fine art, silver, jewelry, home accessories and more. This year, guests will enjoy 11 talks including sessions with Markham Roberts, Renny Reynolds and Jack Staub. All proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Gardens. This is a must-attend event! General admission begins at $15. bbgardens.org
October 4 through 6, 2019: Southern Women’s Show
Is there anything better than an exhibition hall that’s filled to the brim with boutiques? The answer is definitely no. Load up your best girlfriend, mom and sister and head to the BJCC to shop all the best jewelry, on-trend clothes, gourmet food, health and beauty supplies, and more at The Southern Women’s Show. Your chances to shop ‘til you drop happen on Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door or $9 if purchased in advance. southernshows.com
October 4 through 5, 2019: Alabama Butterbean Festival
The annual Alabama Butterbean Festival is back this October 4 and 5! This family-friendly festival combines Southern cooking and 150 arts and crafts vendors for a weekend full of entertainment. Take the short trip to Pinson’s Main Street for two days of fun. Starting Friday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., locals and visitors alike can enjoy live music, delicious food, carnival rides, petting zoos, pony rides and even fireworks. This festival is a great way to kick off the new month. alabamabutterbeanfestival.com
October 4 through 6, 2019: 15th Annual Barber Vintage Festival
Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts or those who want to see some beautiful vintage vehicles! Make plans to attend one of the most highly-anticipated motorcycle events in the South. For three days, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants can partake in a fan zone, chow down on delicious food, visit the Ace Corner, watch the Century Parade, attend a swap meet with vendors, grab an autograph or two, celebrate at a block party concert and much more. Attending this festival is sure to be a fun and educational time, no matter what your motorcycle experience is. Tickets for single-day admission range from $30 to $40 and three-day admission is $60. barbermuseum.org
October 5, 2019: 56th Annual Bluff Park Art Show
Tucked away in Bluff Park is a nationally recognized and acclaimed art show that features 150 artists and brings thousands of art lovers! From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can purchase food and art vendors’ work. This free, family-friendly event also has hands-on art activities for children. Head over to the Bluff Park Community Center, enjoy the October weather and support talented artists with every purchase you make. bluffparkartassociation.org
October 5, 2019: Birmingham Oktoberfest
Celebrate German culture at Birmingham’s biggest German-themed party at Railroad Park. Dress the part in your Oktoberfest gear and taste various beers, munch on delicious German fare, show off your moves to live music and participate in Oktoberfest-themed games. Gather your friends and live your best Oktoberfest life from noon to 7 p.m. General admission tickets start at $21 online. The Bier Lover’s VIP tickets (includes a beer stein, t-shirt and four beer tickets) start at $48 online. Tickets are expected to sell out prior to the event. birminghamoktoberfest.com
October 5, 2019: A Taste of Louisiana Food Festival and Cook-Off
Gumbo, boudin and jambalaya galore! Nothing beats authentic cajun cooking, and this event has it all. Get ready to listen to live music, participate in a silent auction and try all of the incredible foods competing for the title of best Cajun dish. This event is family-friendly, complete with children’s activities and a play area. Proceeds will benefit the Lagniappe Foundation, a non-profit that works to fund pediatric cancer research through the Sid Strong Foundation, as well as college scholarships for local students. The festival takes place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. Early Bird tickets are $15 for adults; children 12 and under are free. atasteoflouisianabirmingham.com
October 6, 2019: Vulcan AfterTunes Outdoor Fall Concert
Help Vulcan wrap up an incredible concert series at their final AfterTunes show of the season. Grab the whole family and come on out to Vulcan Park and Museum for an afternoon full of amazing views, great food and drinks, and fun activities. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram will grace the stage and provide some incredible tunes. The day runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the concert starting at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. VIP tickets are $30 and include a parking spot, front row seating with a chair and two drink tickets. vulcanaftertunes.com
October 6, 2019: Cahaba River Fry-Down
Celebrate the Cahaba River at this eclectic festival, featuring live music, a fish fry-off, a climbing wall, a beer garden and games for all ages. Witness delicious dishes being awarded titles like “Miss Congeniality,” “Crowd Favorite” and “Most Creative” from a team of celebrity judges. Proceeds from this event go to The Cahaba River Society, an organization that works tirelessly to protect and promote the Cahaba as Birmingham’s primary drinking water source. The Fry-Down takes place from noon until 4 p.m. at Railroad Park. Tickets are $20. frydown.com
October 10, 2019: Taste of Hoover at Aldridge Gardens
Spend an October night strolling through beautiful gardens, sampling foods, and sipping delectable wine and beer. The Taste of Hoover hosted at Aldridge Gardens offers visitors and locals an opportunity to sample a variety of culinary flavors from Hoover’s best restaurants, caterers and more! From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy the gardens and everything else that this event has to offer. Get your tickets quick as this event has sold out in the past! Member tickets are $45, non-member tickets are $50, and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. aldridgegardens.com
October 10, 2019: Hand in Paw’s Barktoberfest
It’s every dog lover’s dream — an event that revolves around spending time with your precious pup! In support of Hand in Paw’s animal-assisted therapy programs, Barktoberfest features local beer, a doggy costume contest and live music. For only $20, you and your dog can have a night out on the town while supporting a great cause. The event takes place at Cahaba Brewing Company from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. handinpaw.org
October 11 through 31, 2019: Boo at the Zoo
Looking for a Halloween activity the whole family will enjoy? Put on your costume, load up the kids and head to everyone’s favorite October tradition — Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween with games, themed rides and attractions including Trick or Treat Lane and the Eerie Express Train. This exciting event takes place from October 11 through 13 and October 17-31, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. each night, and ticket prices range from $8 to $18. birminghamzoo.com
October 13, 2019: Les Dames d’Escoffier Southern Soirée
Surround yourself with good people and great food at this fabulous Southern event. Attending the Southern Soirée Twilight Dinner with Birmingham’s top female culinary talent, the members of International Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Birmingham Chapter and Ashley Mac’s should be at the top of your fall bucket list. Savor each and every complex and delicious flavor from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Barn at Shady Lane. Tickets are $125, and all proceeds will go to Les Dames’ grants and scholarships that support women in the culinary arts. ldeibirmingham.org
October 16, 2019: 61st Annual Linly Heflin Scholarship Fashion Show Fundraiser
Enjoy an October evening at The Club as you watch an exciting fashion show. It features Abbey Glass, an Atlanta boutique owner and finalist in the Supima Design Competition runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in 2012. It also supports the Linly Heflin Scholarship Fund. This fashion show and cocktail gala will raise funds to provide scholarships for Alabama women pursuing their education at Alabama colleges and universities. linlyheflin.org
October 18, 2019: The Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball
Get into character for a unique evening at the Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball. Show up in your costume to participate in the costume contest beginning at 6:30 p.m. before the feature begins at 8:30 p.m. Don’t forget all of the classic Rocky Horror props like toilet paper, toast, bells and party hats. Bring all your friends to the Alabama Theatre for a night you won’t forget! Tickets are $23 in advance and $25 at the door. alabamatheatre.com
October 18, 2019: Harvest of Hope
There’s nothing better than supporting a local cause while enjoying live music, tasty food and delicious cocktails. Harvest of Hope, an annual gala that supports Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, will be an incredible celebration of their 25th anniversary. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on student art, local art, jewelry, accessories and gift cards from local businesses that will benefit Cornerstone’s students. The event takes place at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and tickets start at $150. csalabama.org
October 20, 2019: Breakin’ Bread at Pepper Place
Birmingham’s most anticipated food and drink festival is back for the 17th year! Birmingham Originals will host their annual Breakin’ Bread event at Pepper Place this October 20. Festival attendees will enjoy food samplings from local chefs, craft beer and wine, and the Makers’ Market comprised of southern craftsmen. There will also be a great kids’ zone, live music and much more. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $30 for general admission (unlimited food tastings and two drink tickets) until October 6th and $35 after that date. Early bird VIP tickets are $90 (unlimited food tastings and beverages, access to a VIP lounge and early event access at 12:30 p.m.) until October 6th and $110 after that date. Proceeds from the event will benefit Birmingham Originals’ Grant Program. breakinbreadbham.com
October 20, 2019: Handmade Art Show and Pickin’ in the Park Fall Event
Spend your Sunday strolling through a beautiful park filled with handmade art. Over 50 talented local artists will gather to showcase and sell their work, including mediums like photography, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, pottery, leather goods and more. Purchase a raffle ticket benefitting the Well House for a chance to win pieces of artwork. Listen to the local “Pickin in the Park” musicians as they jam out in the park and feel free to join in! Admission to this family-friendly event is free from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Four-legged companions are welcome. handmadeartshowhomewood.com
October 24, 2019: Taste for the 20th
Over the last 20 years, M-POWER Ministries has impacted thousands in their dedicated mission to help people develop tools to combat poverty. On October 24, attend the “Taste for the 20th” at the Theodore to celebrate M-POWER Ministries and all who have contributed to their brilliant work. This event will include a sit-down dinner featuring delicious eats from the best of Birmingham’s culinary experts. Single tickets are $75 and a table of 8 people is $500. mpowerministries.org
October 26, 2019: 78th Annual Magic City Classic
There’s nothing like a football showdown in The Magic City! Join official ambassador Shaq at the biggest football event in Birmingham — The Magic City Classic, featuring Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State. Prior to kick-off, there will be a parade, pep rally, block party and tailgating for fans to enjoy. Stick around after the champion is crowned for a postgame show by 2 Chainz. Grab general admission tickets for $25 and fill up the stands at Legion Field for the 2:30 p.m. game. magiccityclassic.com
October 26, 2019: Eric Church at the BJCC
Grab your cowboy boots and head on down to the BJCC on October 26 for a night of country music. Eric Church, a singer-songwriter born in Granite Falls, North Carolina, has made a name for himself in country music since releasing his first album in 2006. Sway and sing along to iconic hits like “Drink in My Hand” and “Springsteen” as the Double Down Tour rolls into The Magic City. The fun begins at 8 p.m. For additional ticket information, visit ticketmaster.com.
October 26, 2019: Howls and Growls at Haven
Get ready for a howlin’ good time at this year’s Howls and Growls! Grab all your animal-loving friends, find your favorite costume and enjoy live music, play games, and savor local food and beverages this October 26. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Haven, show your support of all things animals at this fun annual party. General admission tickets are $35, which includes beer and wine. Proceeds support the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. gbhs.org
October 30 through November 3, 2019: Christmas Village at the BJCC
Too early for Christmas shopping? Never! Visit Christmas Village at the BJCC to start your holiday shopping and to enjoy a day full of arts, crafts and delicious food. The festival is a longstanding Alabama tradition and the perfect event for friends and families. Eat, peruse, shop and even get a picture with Santa Claus himself. October 30 is the private shopping day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (tickets for this day must be purchased in advance) followed by general admission days until November 3. christmasvillagefestival.com
Looking forward…
November 27, 2019: 30A 10K
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Spend in on the Emerald Coast! The 30A 10K has already been named one of the top five Thanksgiving race events in the nation and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities in the South Walton area, which spans the Florida panhandle and is a popular destination anytime of year, but for race participants, particularly during Thanksgiving week. In fact, the 30A 10K has evolved into an annual tradition for many families, who register in late summer and excitedly begin planning their trip South for the Thanksgiving holiday. Join them this year and start a new family tradition! The 10K and Fun Run takes place in Rosemary Beach, and registration starts at $75. 30a10k.com
So, get out and enjoy the crisp fall weather and the spooktacular events in Birmingham this October!
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