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 2020
January 1, 2020: First Day, Pre-Sunrise Hike to King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park
Watch the first sunrise of 2020 from one of Birmingham’s most beautiful and scenic parks this January 1! Oak Mountain State Park will host a first-day-of-2020 pre-sunrise hike to King’s Chair, beginning at 5:30 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! facebook.com
January 2, 2020: The 14th Annual Birmingham Bowl
Are you ready for some football? The Birmingham Bowl is coming back to Legion Field for its 14th year this January 2. 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 2 p.m. birminghambowl.com.
January 7 – 12, 2020: Les Miserables Presented by Broadway in Birmingham at the BJCC
Enjoy the magic of Broadway right here in the Magic City. See the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Miserables. This beautiful show tells a story of passion and the strength of the human spirit that is truly timeless. Les Miserables is a show everyone should see, and this is your chance to see it at the BJCC! Showtimes differ, and tickets begin at $55. ticketmaster.com.
January 9 through January 25, 2020: 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 Western Kentucky, Marshall, Southern Miss and more. For more information and to check their 2020 schedule, click here.
January 12, 2020: The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays: The Music of the Beatles for Kids at Saturn
Introduce your kiddos to the legendary tunes of the Beatles with Rock and Roll Playhouse at Saturn. Enjoy an afternoon full of amazing music in an atmosphere created for children! Doors open at 11 a.m., and the show begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets start at $12. saturnbirmingham.com.
January 17, 2020: Ron White at the Alabama Theatre
Get ready to belly laugh as Ron White makes a triumphant return to the Magic City. On January 17, plan for a hilarious date night at the beautiful Alabama Theatre. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $50, and they are selling fast! VIP Packages are also available. ticketmaster.com
January 18, 2020: Miranda Lambert at the BJCC
Continue to celebrate throughout the first month of 2020 with a fun and music-filled evening at the BJCC! American singer-songwriter and beloved country superstar Miranda Lambert will bring her soulful, romantic, and dance-worthy tunes from her Wildcard Tour to the BJCC. This is the perfect girls’ night out! The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $23. ticketmaster.com
January 18, 2020: 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 will begin at 8 a.m. mlkday5kbham.com
January 18, 2020: Fifth Annual Lyric Masquerade Ball
Get glammed up for a night at the historic Lyric Theatre. This elegant ball will feature live tunes from The Matthew DeVine band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, specialty spirit tastings, plus an open bar including wine, beer and two signature cocktails. Black tie and masks (of course!) are highly encouraged for this Mardi Gras-inspired celebration. Tickets are $50 or $75 for the VIP admission, which includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and two tickets to the Alabama Theatre 2020 Summer Film Series. The ball begins at 7 pm. ticketmaster.com.
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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 19, 2020: 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 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. thepinkbride.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
January 23 through February 9, 2020: Cabaret at the Virginia Samford Theatre
Directed by Dane Peterson, this lively, upbeat musical will captivate you from start to finish! Enjoy an evening or afternoon at the theatre as you watch the story of Clifford Bradshaw and Sally Bowles unfold. Tickets start at $35, with student tickets for $20. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
January 25, 2020: An Evening with C.S. Lewis at the Lyric Theatre
Time travel back to 1963 as you relax in C.S. Lewis’ living room. Lewis will tell you all the captivating tales and stories that shaped his life and his incredible career. Get to know one of the literary greats during this fun and interactive show on January 25 at the beautiful Lyric Theatre. The evening starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets begin at $58. ticketmaster.com
January 28, 2020: An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt at the Alabama Theatre
Wrap up the first month of the year with a relaxing evening enjoying acoustic tunes performed by Grammy-award winner, Travis Tritt. This event is sure to be a memorable concert at the beautiful Alabama Theatre, and one you’ll want to share with family and friends. Tickets start at $37, and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. ticketmaster.com.
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A Regional Event Worth the Drive …
January 31 through February 2: 2020 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville
Make plans for a road trip 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 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville will be celebrating its 30th year from January 31, 2020, to February 2, 2020, attracting some of the most renowned speakers, designers and exhibitors from across the world. Reserve your spot now to hear from impressive lecturers and shop the show’s more than 150 antiques, art and horticulture dealers. Tickets start at $20 in advance. Act quickly — prices go up at the end of January! antiquesandgardenshow.com
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To see even more great events, click HERE.
