Get ready to celebrate the new year in the Magic City! Whether you’re kicking off a new decade with a commitment to exercise or hoping to explore new parts of our growing city, we’ve rounded up 17 of the best shows, sporting events and concerts to ensure your year starts with a bang. Cheers to 2020!
Image: David Youngblood
16 Birmingham Events & Happenings: January 2021
Through January 18, 2020: Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo
Celebrate the new year with the lions, tigers and bears at the Birmingham Zoo. This unique animal lantern celebration will feature all of your favorite animals flying high above your heads. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday nights, bring the whole family down to the zoo for a night of magical fun. Adult tickets start at $14.95 and are sold in 30 minute increments to ensure social distancing throughout the zoo. Masks are required. Purchase your ticket online before 2 p.m. for same day entry. birminghamzoo.com
January 1, 2021: First Day, Pre-Sunrise Hike to King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park
Watch the first sunrise of 2021 from one of Birmingham’s most beautiful and scenic parks this January 1! Oak Mountain State Park will host a first-day-of-2021 pre-sunrise hike to King’s Chair, beginning at 5 a.m. Arrive at the North Trail Head, dressed warmly with a flashlight in hand, and enjoy a rewarding hike! No strollers or dogs allowed. This hike is open to all ages, but keep in mind this is an advanced level hike with rough terrain and no light. facebook.com
January 1, 2021: The 15th Annual Birmingham Bowl
Are you ready for some football? The Birmingham Bowl is coming back to Legion Field for its 15th year this January 1. A Southeastern Conference team will face an American Athletic Conference opponent in what is sure to be an exciting game that you won’t want to miss. Tickets start at $30, and kickoff is at 11 a.m. birminghambowl.com
January 8 through January 31, 2021: UAB Men’s Basketball Season
Support the UAB Blazers this year by attending one of the men’s basketball games! These are full of fun and excitement for the whole family. All home games are at Bartow Arena, and game times differ. In January, UAB will take on teams including Southern Miss, Rice, Middle Tennessee and more. For more information and to check their 2021 schedule, click here.
January 9, 2021: Brian Regan at the Alabama Theatre
Get ready to belly laugh as Brian Regan makes a triumphant return to the Magic City. On January 9, plan for a hilarious date night at the beautiful Alabama Theatre. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $26.50 plus fees. alabamatheatre.com
January 12, 2021: The Price is Right Live Show
Could 2o21 be your lucky year? Get dressed up and try your hand during a live show of the family-friendly game show, The Price Is Right. Tickets start at $53 and the show begins at 8 p.m. ticketnetwork.com
January 16, 2021: MLK Day 5K Drum Run
Lace-up your sneakers and celebrate MLK weekend the Birmingham way with the Fourth Annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run. This year’s run and walk will be located in Birmingham’s Fourth Avenue Historic District and will feature a 3.1-mile scenic course, music and a celebration of the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Why not spend MLK Day celebrating our diverse culture while feeling fit and energized? Registration starts at $30, and the race festivities will begin at 7 a.m. mlkday5kbham.com
January 19, 2020: BourbonHam
Do you love bourbon and barbecue? Then this event is sure to make your January special! BourbonHam is Birmingham’s premier bourbon and barbecue fundraising event that benefits the National MS Society. This year’s event will feature a variety of bourbons paired with award-winning barbecue and live tunes by LiveWire, for the ideal Southern celebration. Tickets are $60, and the event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Haven. bourbonham.com.
January 17, 2021: The Pink Bride Show
Before you walk down the aisle, make plans to attend one of Birmingham’s best bridal shows! The Pink Bride Show allows brides-to-be to plan their dream wedding all in one day. This year’s event will feature Birmingham’s top wedding professionals, inspirational showcases to help brides envision their perfect day, a fashion show showcasing this season’s bridal and bridesmaid fashions, tasty food and drinks, giveaways and tons of shopping! Tickets start at $12 in advance or $15 at the door, and the event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. thepinkbride.com
January 23, 2021: ‘2020 Recovery’ Run & Vendor Village
Spring Valley School invites the Birmingham community to come together, be active, and recharge from the hardships faced in 2020 in a safe way. Join them on January 23 for their ‘2020 Recovery’ 5k Trail Run at Red Mountain Park. Runners also have the option of participating in a fun run at Spring Valley School. Additionally, there will be a Vendor Village for runners and the general public to peruse and shop. The first race begins at 7:30 a.m. and the registration fee is $35. All proceeds made from these events directly benefit Spring Valley School’s COVID-19 Relief Funds. runsignup.com
January 20, 2020: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration and Service at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
This January 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, grab the entire family and head to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to celebrate the man who changed America — and the world — forever. Live performances, music, games and giveaways, plus free admission and extended hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will round out the event. bcri.org
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To see even more great events, click HERE.
