Boo! The season we’ve been waiting for has officially arrived! We are full of festive excitement as fall brings leaves in autumnal hues and other fear-fueled and candy-filled Halloween shenanigans! Here are our picks for the top local events and happenings in the Magic City during the month of October. With everything from concerts to food-filled festivals, 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 Events & Happenings: October 2018
September 28 through October 7, 2018: Alabama State Fair
Oak Mountain Amphitheater hosts this exciting family-friendly event. With all things fried and fun, the Alabama State Fair knows how to entertain! You’re never too old to ride carnival rides, eat fair food and play games. The fair has all that and more on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Tickets for adults are $10. Tickets for youths, seniors and military are $5. alabamafair.org
October 1-31, 2018: Brookwood Baptist Mammathon 2018
During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brookwood Baptist is encouraging all women to schedule their mammogram appointments. They are offering mammograms at a discounted price at all seven of their locations (except Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, which will provide the discounts from October 22-26). Discounted prices start at $99. To schedule your appointment, visit brookwoodbaptisthealth.com
October 4, 2018: The Temptations & the Four Tops at BJCC Concert Hall
Have yourself a little throwback evening with The Temptations and the Four Tops! Enjoy some of the best Motown tunes with the best. The concert will be held at the BJCC starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $52.50. ticketmaster.com
October 4-6, 2018: Greek Festival
Since 1972, Birmingham has been celebrating Greek culture through Greek food, music, dancing and fun at this local festival. The festival boasts a variety of dishes available for purchase starting from 10:30 a.m to 10 p.m. Stroll through the Greek Market Place to find Mediterranean and Greek Orthodox souvenirs! Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Christian Church offers free tours all three days from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the festival is free. birminghamgreekfestival.net
October 4-7, 2018: Antiques at The Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antiques at The Gardens is taking their annual event to the next level this year with stylish guests Martha Stewart, Julie Reed and Suzanne Kasler — and more — coming to participate in all the fun! The 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. All proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Gardens. If you like interiors, this is a must-attend event! Tickets range from $30 to $175. bbgardens.org
October 4-7, 2018: Southern Women’s Show
Shopping, shopping and more shopping … what could be better? Grab your best girlfriend, mom or sister and head to the BJCC to shop boutiques with jewelry, on-trend clothes, gourmet food, health and beauty and more at The Southern Women’s Show. On Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., take a day to pamper yourself in all the things you love. Admission is only $9. southernshows.com
October 5-6, 2018: Alabama Butterbean Festival
Have you ever wondered what a butterbean festival could entail? Now you can find out at the Alabama Butterbean Festival! This family-friendly festival gathers Southern cooks, fans of butterbeans and 150 arts and crafts vendors to stretch out over 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., you can enjoy live music, food, carnival rides, petting zoos and pony rides for free! Featuring the Guinness World Record-holding butterbean pot, this good, old-fashioned festival will surely entertain. alabamabutterbeanfestival.com
October 5-7, 2018: 14th Annual Barber Vintage Festival
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or simply just want to see these gorgeous vintage vehicles, stop by one of the most highly anticipated motorcycle events in the world! For three days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can partake in a fan zone, food, Ace Corner, a Century Parade, a swap meet with vendors, Wall of Death, Globe of Death and plenty more. If you have any knowledge of or interest in learning more about motorcycles, give this festival a try! Tickets for single-day admission range from $30 to $40 and three-day admission is $60. barbermuseum.org
October 6, 2018: 55th Annual Bluff Park Art Show
In front of Bluff Park Community Center, this nationally recognized and acclaimed art show features 150 artists and usually attracts more than 10,000 people! 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. Make a lovely Saturday out of it and support talented artists with every purchase you make. bluffparkartassociation.org
October 6, 2018: Birmingham Oktoberfest
Get in the German spirit this October at Birmingham’s biggest German-themed party at Railroad Park. Dress the part in your Oktoberfest gear (if you want) and taste various beers, German fare, live music and Oktoberfest-themed games. Gather your friends and have the time of your life from noon to 5 p.m. General admission tickets start at $21 online until October 1 and $30 at the door. The Bier Lover’s VIP tickets (includes a beer stein, t-shirt, and four beer tickets) start at $50 online until October 1 and $60 at the door (if still available). eventbrite.com
October 6, 2018: Happy, Healthy & Pregnant Event at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
If you’re expecting a little one or if you’re wanting to start a family, this is the perfect event for you. This free informational half-day event will feature a physician panel discussion on infertility, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, what to expect during delivery, how to breastfeed, postpartum issues and more. A light breakfast will be served and guests can talk one-on-one with a birth navigator. There will also be chances to win exclusive door prizes! The event will take place at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center from 8 a.m. to noon. ichooseb.com
October 7, 2018: Les Dames d’Escoffier Southern Soiree
In the South, there’s something to say about delicious food in the company of good people! If this sounds good to you, attend the Southern Soiree Twilight Dinner with Birmingham’s top female culinary talent — the members of International Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Birmingham Chapter. The menu, developed by Dames Pardis Stitt of Highland’s Bar & Grill, Kay Reed of Iz Weddings & Events, and Kathy Mezrano of Kathy G & Co., is based on recipes from the organization’s namesake, August Escoffier. Savor the complex, beautiful flavors from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jones Valley Urban Farm. Tickets are $125, and all proceeds will go to Les Dames’ grants and scholarships that support women in the culinary arts. ldeibirmingham.org
October 7 & 21, 2018: Vulcan AfterTunes Outdoor Fall Concert Series
There’s nothing like live music and the outdoors to kick off the fall season! Grab your family, friends, blankets and lawn chairs, and listen to some great tunes with Birmingham’s #1 Iron Man! Sip on various craft brews while listening to artists like Iron Horse with Will Stewart and Great Peacock with Maddie Medley. General admission tickets are $12 online or $15 at the gate. Gates open at 1 p.m. visitvulcan.com
October 11, 2018: Smart Party 7.0 at Iron City
Celebrate the region’s smartest women at Iron City! The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham helps raise funds to create change in the community by advancing the economic security of women and their families through programs, initiatives and public policy. Tickets are $85, and the event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. womensfund.smartparty.org
October 11, 2018: Taste of Hoover at Aldridge Gardens
What could be better than food in the outdoors on an autumn night? Hosted at Aldridge Gardens, the Taste of Hoover offers guests an opportunity to sample a variety of culinary flavors through dishes from Hoover’s restaurants, caterers and more! From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., stroll through the gardens and fill up on samples, wines and local beers while enjoying live music. 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 11, 2018: Hand in Paw’s Barktoberfest
This is a day for you and your beloved doggy to spend time together in a special way! 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 can treat your dog like the queen or king that they are! The event takes place at Cahaba Brewing Company from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. handinpaw.org
October 11, 2018: Dancing with the Stars of the Magic City at The Lyric Theatre
Relax and watch performers dance the night away at the beautiful Lyric Theatre. This annual fundraiser brings together local stars and choreographers for a spectacular one-night competition of 90-second dances. Starting at 6:30 p.m., “Dancing with the Stars of the Magic City,” hosted by First Light Young Partners is a lively event you won’t want to miss! All proceeds from ticket purchases benefit the homeless women and families at First Light. Tickets are just $25. firstlightshelter.org
October 14, 2018: Breakin’ Bread at Pepper Place
Birmingham Originals will host their annual Breakin’ Bread event, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, at Pepper Place this October 14! Attendees will enjoy food samplings from local chefs, craft beer and wine, the Buffalo Rock Makers’ Market comprised of southern craftsmen, a kids’ zone, live music and more! The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $35 for general admission (unlimited food tastings and two drink tickets) and $99 for VIP (unlimited food tastings and beverages, access to a VIP lounge and early event access at 12:30 p.m.). Proceeds from the event will benefit Jones Valley Teaching Farm’s (JVTF) Urban Farm Project. breakinbreadbham.com
October 14, 2018: Tuneful Trick-or-Treat
Celebrate the scariest month of the year with hocus-pocus sounds from the Alabama Symphony Orchestra! Starting at 3 p.m. in a comfortable and sensory-sensitive environment, guests can get in the Halloween spirit with spooky tunes. This is a great way to introduce the kiddos to the symphony. Wear your most creative Halloween costume to really play the part! Tickets are only $10. alabamasymphony.org
October 18, 2018: FOCUS Gala
Pull out your best gala wardrobe this October! Enjoy food from renowned Chef Darryl Borden, as well as a stimulating array of art, while raising money for FOCUS On Recovery’s long-term residential recovery program for women. The Gala’s silent auction begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. and includes original artwork, services by local professionals, trips and more! The evening will also feature live music, interactive art and a cash bar. Tickets are available for $47. my.focus-on-recovery.org
October 19, 2018: 25th Annual Harvest of Hope Gala
Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, a nonprofit Christian school serving inner-city kids, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with this fabulous gala. Guests will bid on student art, local art, jewelry, accessories and gift cards from local businesses while enjoying cocktails, live music by Eric Essix and hors d’oeuvres! The event takes places at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and tickets start at $150. All proceeds will benefit 570 of Cornerstone’s students. csalabama.org
October 19, 2018: The Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball at the Alabama Theatre
Escape “real life” responsibilities, and get into character for a night at the Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball. Show up in your costumes to partake 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. For $25, you can be a part of a truly unique evening! alabamatheatre.com
October 26 & 27, 2018: GBHS Howls and Growls at Haven
Let your love for animals benefit the Greater Birmingham Humane Society this Halloween! Dress up in your favorite costume, enjoy live music, play games and savor local food and beverages. From 8 p.m. to midnight at Haven, show your support of all things animals at this fun annual party. General admission tickets are $40, and VIP tickets are $75, which includes a VIP room, private bar and complimentary food. gbhs.org
October 27, 2018: Diá de los Muertos at the Rotary Trail
This one-day festival is a free event that features community altars to remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones. Local music and delicious, authentic Latin food will also be on hand, as well as dance performances, crafters, artisans and tons of fun. This family-friendly event takes place at the Rotary Trail in downtown Birmingham from noon to 8 p.m. alabamamulticultural.org
October 27, 2018: 77th Annual Magic City Classic
Calling all football fans! Get ready for the biggest HBCU football game in the country and the largest event in Birmingham, carrying a $24.3 million economic impact — the Magic City Classic, featuring Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State. Leading up to the game there will be a parade, concerts and tailgating for fans to enjoy. Grab tickets for $25 and join your fellow football fans in the stands of Legion Field for the 2 p.m. game. magiccityclassic.com
Worth the Drive North: Wine & Whiskey Events
October 4-7, 2018: Wine Over Water in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Endless wine, food and breathtaking views are awaiting your arrival! Wine Over Water is Tennessee’s most famous annual wine-tasting festival. Walk up and down Walnut Street Bridge, sampling wines from over 100 places around the world. Overlooking the Tennessee River, the festival also offers local restaurants’ signature dishes that pair nicely with whichever wine you have in hand. This year, the festival tickets include the wine and food instead of having to pay an extra fee! Currently, tickets are $80, and the event takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. wineoverwater.org
October 6, 2018: Corkdorks 2018 Nashville Whiskey Festival
Join the Corkdorks 2018 Nashville Whiskey Festival in celebrating this beloved spirit through an exploration of whiskey from around the world. Held once again at the Omni Nashville Hotel Grand Ballroom, the event will invite spirits enthusiasts to taste, learn and experience varieties of whiskeys from around the world in an evening of true, handcrafted whiskey appreciation. General admission tickets are $100, VIP tickets are $150, and designated driver tickets are $50. VIP ticket holders will be granted early entry, access to the special tastings and a VIP gift. nashvillewhiskeyfestival.com
So, get out and enjoy the crisp fall weather and the spooktacular events in Birmingham this October!
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