Get ready to celebrate the new year in the Magic City! Whether you’re kicking off 2023 with a commitment to exercise or hoping to explore new experiences throughout our growing city, we’ve rounded up the best runs, festivities, and sporting events to ensure your year starts off wonderfully. Cheers to 2023!
11 Birmingham Events & Happenings: January 2023
Through January 16, 2023: Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration
Celebrate the new year with the Birmingham Zoo’s larger-than-life lantern experience! This unique celebration features all your favorite animals flying high above your head. Every Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring the whole family for a night of magical fun. Adult tickets for zoo members begin at $13.95, and non-member adult tickets start at $18.95. birminghamzoo.com
January 7, 2023: Field Trip: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Spend the morning admiring gorgeous species of wild birds in their natural habitats. Alabama Audubon hosts a free field trip to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which is known as a winter haven for numerous waterfowl species, including sandhill cranes and whooping cranes. Participants are asked to meet at the Fultondale Chick-fil-A at 8 a.m. Be sure to also wear comfortable shoes and outerwear. alaudubon.org
January 11, 21, and 26, 2023: UAB Men’s Basketball Home Games
Support the UAB Blazers this year by attending one of the men’s home basketball games. These are full of fun and excitement for the whole family. All home games are at Bartow Arena, and game times differ depending on the day. In January, UAB takes on teams from Western Kentucky University, the University of North Texas, and Louisiana Tech University. Public tickets begin at $12. For more information and to see the complete schedule, click HERE.
January 12, 2023: The State Ballet of Ukraine’s Sleeping Beauty
Be swept away by the charming yet dark tale of Sleeping Beauty, performed by The State Ballet of Ukraine at The Alabama Theatre. Visually stunning with lavish sets and elaborate costumes, this superb classical production features Tchaikovsky’s delightful music performed live. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $32. alabamatheatre.com
January 14, 2023: 7th Annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run
Lace up your sneakers and celebrate MLK Weekend the Birmingham way with the MLK Day 5K Drum Run. Since its 2012 inception in Atlanta, GA, the race has grown to over 2,000 runners and walkers and has featured over 200 drummers from metro area schools and groups. Why not spend MLK Day celebrating the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. and our diverse culture while feeling fit and energized? Registration for the 5K is $35, and races begin at 8 a.m. at Birmingham’s History Park. mlkday5kbham.com
January 15, 2023: Houseplant Swap
Do you have too many plants or want to try indoor gardening? Join other plant lovers at the Hoover Public Library to trade houseplants and share tips and tricks. Participants are asked to bring healthy plants that are rooted in dirt, a proper medium, or loose cuttings. The swap runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. events.hooverlibrary.org
January 19 – 22, 2022: 50th Annual Birmingham Boat Show
Now the oldest and largest show in Alabama, the Birmingham Boat Show highlights the latest in boats, motors, fishing gear, guides, outfitters, and related outdoor gear. Tickets are $10 for adults, and event hours are Thursday and Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. . The event takes place at the BJCC. birminghamboatshow.com
January 19, 2023: Camellia Presentation
Head to Birmingham Botanical Gardens for its Camellia Presentation. Attendees can learn about Camellia japonica, or “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” Camellias are not only the state flower of Alabama but also have a connection to the royal family! The presentation begins at 11 a.m. and is free to attend. bbgardens.org
January 21, 2023: 7th Annual Grace Gala
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and The WellHouse Junior Board aims to spread awareness about human trafficking through its annual Grace Gala. The event benefits The WellHouse’s mission to provide a safe residential environment to sex trafficking survivors, offering spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical support services. The gala takes place at 6 p.m. at The Fennec. Individual tickets are $75. events.idonate.com
January 22, 2023: BourbonHam
BourbonHam is the Magic City’s annual fundraising event that raises money and awareness for the National MS Society. Attendees can taste over 50 bourbons and whiskeys along with award-winning barbecue samplings while watching live music and football. Enjoy a wonderful day while supporting a worthy cause. The event is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Club, Inc., and general admission tickets are $100. bourbonham.com
January 26 – February 4, 2023: Birmingham Winter Restaurant Week
The winter edition of Birmingham Restaurant Week returns for 10 days this January with delicious eats and drinks from participating restaurants, bars, and food trucks. Indulge in a diverse range of $5 to $50 prix-fixe multi-course meal deals that anyone and everyone can enjoy. With to-go and dine-in options, your taste buds are sure to be thankful! bhamrestaurantweek.com
Enjoy the start of the new year, Birmingham!
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To see even more great Birmingham events, visit our Happenings page!
