A new year is here, and the Magic City is ready to celebrate! Whether you’re kicking off 2018 with a commitment to exercise or hoping to explore the cultural aspects of our city, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best races, shows and events to ensure your year starts off with a bang. Happy 2018!
Happy 2018! It’s a beautiful year to be in Birmingham. Image: Clay Carroll
18 Birmingham Events & Happenings: January 2018
January 1, 2018: New Year’s Day Brunch at Iron City
Spend the first day of 2018 surrounded by friends, family and good luck this year while recovering from your New Year’s Eve celebrations the right way — brunch! Complete with live music from Tragic City, this all-you-can-eat brunch will feature Bloody Marys, mimosas and a “Good Luck” meal of greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread and, of course, all of the classic brunch favorites. Reservations are recommended, so book a spot now! Tickets are $25, and the event will begin at 11:30 a.m. ironcitybham.com
January 5 & 6, 2018: Bach & Mozart for the New Year by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra at Alys Stephens Center
Spend an elegant evening with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra as they bring the beauty of Bach and Mozart’s classical masterpieces to Alys Stephens Center. The orchestra will perform Mozart’s triumphant Jupiter symphony and Bach’s breathtaking Orchestral Suite No. 3. This is a fantastic event for introducing the little ones to classical music while enjoying a night out on the town. Tickets start at $24, and the shows begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. alabamasymphony.org
January 5-7, 2018: Kinky Boots at the BJCC
Get ready to dance in your seat! Kinky Boots is hitting the BJCC stage this January. This Broadway musical, featuring music by Cyndi Lauper, tells the story of Charlie Price, the young, straitlaced owner of a struggling British shoe factory who forms an unlikely partnership with a drag queen, Lola, to save the business. This event is ideal for the Broadway lover craving a musical night out. Tickets start at $63, and showtimes vary depending on day. bjcc.org
January 11, 2018: Jerry Seinfeld at the BJCC
Are you ready to laugh this month? Kick off the year with Jerry Seinfeld at the BJCC! Grab the hubby and head out for a date night filled with laughs and oh-so-much fun as you enjoy comedic legend Jerry Seinfeld’s hilarious stand-up show. Tickets start at $146, and the show will begin at 7 p.m. bjcc.org
January 13, 2018: MLK Day 5K Drum Run
Lace up your sneakers and celebrate MLK weekend the Birmingham way with the annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run. This year’s run and walk will be located at Kelly Ingram Park 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 and feeling fit and energized? Registration is $35, and the race will begin at 7 a.m. mlkday5kbham.com
January 14, 2018: The Pink Bride Show
Formerly the Southern Bridal Show, the Pink Bride Show gives brides-to-be the opportunity to plan their dream wedding all in one day. This year’s event will feature Birmingham’s most preferred 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 are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, and the event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. thepinkbride.com
January 14, 2018: State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents Sleeping Beauty at the Lyric Theatre
Grab the family and head to the breathtaking Lyric Theatre as the State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings Sleeping Beauty to the stage. Described as “effortless precision” by the Palm Beach Daily Times and “Full of enchantment!” by The New York Times, this production is choreographed by the famous Marius Petipa and based on the Brothers Grimm version. Tickets start at $38, and there will be a 2 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening performance. lyricbham.com
January 18-20, 2018: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit at the Alabama Theatre
Welcome back two-time GRAMMY award-winner Jason Isbell and his band, The 400 Unit, as they grace the historic Alabama Theatre stage for a full weekend of fabulous music. They’ll be performing their newest hit album, The Nashville Sound, which debuted at #1 on the rock, folk, country and independent charts. You don’t want to miss this one! Tickets start at $30, and each show will begin at 8 p.m. alabamatheatre.com
January 19, 2018: The Rising Star Road Show at The Lyric
Join the Lyric Theatre for one of this month’s best events — The Rising Star Road Show! Featuring Jamie Kent, Anthony Peebles, Riverbend, Jon Michael Ogletree and more, this tour celebrates the rising stars of the Southeast by bringing together the next big stars of multiple genres and putting them on the same stage. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind concert experience. Tickets are $25, and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. lyricbham.com
January 19 & 21, 2018: The Tragedy of Carmen performed by Opera Birmingham
Experience the one-of-a-kind beauty of Opera Birmingham as they present The Tragedy of Carmen, a French drama starring the gypsy Carmen and telling her story of love, passion, jealousy and temptation. This event is a fantastic, cultural night out in the Magic City. Tickets range from $35 to $50 and the show will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Cabaret Theatre. operabirmingham.org
January 20, 2018: Ballet Memphis at Alys Stephens Center
Start 2018 off with something truly magical — the ballet! As part of the 2018 Alabama Dance Festival, Ballet Memphis will grace the Alys Stephens Center stage with their performance of the I Am Project, a four-piece performance that arose from the ballet’s founding artistic director Dorothy Gunther Pugh’s ideas regarding, as she says, “giving a voice to the voiceless” and explores the struggle for civil rights. Tickets start at $25, and the show will begin at 8 p.m. alysstephens.org
January 21, 2018: 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 blues music for the ideal Southern celebration. Tickets start at $25, and the event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Haven. eventbrite.com
January 22, 2018: Live at the Lyric: Aimee Mann
One of our New Year’s resolutions is to spend more nights celebrating music in the Magic City, and Aimee Mann is at the top of the list. Join the fun as Aimee brings her first album in five years, Mental Illness, to the Lyric Theatre stage. Inspired by some of her favorite ’60s and ’70s folk-rock records, this album shows off Aimee’s talents through a nearly all-acoustic set. This event is the perfect January date night! Tickets start at $29, and the show begins at 8 p.m. lyricbham.com
January 24-28, 2018: The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice at the BJCC
We’ve found the perfect event for the entire family this month! Treat the kiddos to a magical show full of their favorite characters seen in a whole new light — on ice! This family-friendly show will feature fabulous music, tons of fun and is sure to put a huge smile on their little faces. Tickets start at $15 with shows at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. bjcc.org
January 25 through February 11, 2018: Chicago presented by the Virginia Samford Theatre
Experience the longest-running American musical in Broadway history as the Virginia Samford Theatre brings Chicago to their stage. This satirical story of corruption and criminal justice in the era of the “celebrity criminal” is a must-see, and it stars local musical theatre favorites, Jan D. Hunter and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, in the roles of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart. Tickets range from $15 to $40, and evening performances will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays. virginiasamfordtheatre.org
January 26, 2018: Corey Smith at Iron City
Calling all country music lovers! Superstar Corey Smith will rock the Iron City stage this month, and you’ve got to be there! Performing his tenth album, While the Gettin’ is Good, Corey Smith will light up the stage with his infectious energy and widely popular upbeat hits, including “Pride” and “Don’t Mind.” Tickets start at $12.50, and the show will begin at 8 p.m. ironcitybham.com
January 27, 2018: Red Shoe Run
The Red Shoe Run is much more than just a race. This 10-mile, 5K or even 1-mile run/walk makes a significant impact in the lives of hundreds of families at the Birmingham Ronald McDonald House. Join in for a low-stress race supporting an incredible cause. The day will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Rosewood Hall in Homewood, and the registration fees range from $20 to $50. rsr18.everydayhero.do
January 27 & 28, 2018: Shen Yun at the BJCC
Experience the magic of Shen Yun at the BJCC! Known for their vivid imagery and breathtaking dance and storytelling skills, this family-friendly performance is a can’t-miss event, perfect for rounding out the first month of 2018! Tickets start at $80, and Saturday’s shows will begin at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. with an additional 1 p.m. performance on Sunday. shenyun.com
Looking Ahead Regional Event:
February 2-4, 2018: Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville at the Music City Center
Definitely worth the drive to Nashville, as this show is a paradise of antiques and gardening! The longest-running, largest and most prestigious event of its kind in the country, the 2018 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, will be celebrating its 28th year from February 2-4, 2018. You won’t want to miss this year’s impressive and entertaining lineup of speakers including British aristocracy, authors, designers, media personalities, a master floral design expert and perhaps even a Nashville celebrity or two. This event will also benefit two beloved charities in the Nashville community. Tickets start at $20 in advance. antiquesandgardenshow.com
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Cheers to 2018! For more happenings, visit our Events & Happenings page and check out the local events each day in our FREE SB App!
