20 Birmingham Events & Happenings: May 2026
Birmingham is buzzing with springtime energy! From festivals and food-centric events to limited-time shopping events, there's plenty of fun to be had around the Magic City this month. Image: Facebook / Birmingham Botanical Gardens
May in Birmingham brings plenty of opportunities to soak up everything the city has to offer. Spirited outdoor festivals, food-focused events, art-filled celebrations, and family-friendly fun are happening all around town. Consider this your guide to making the most of the Magic City all month long.
April 29 – May 3, 2026: Regions Tradition Presented by Coca-Cola
Regions Tradition is one of Birmingham’s most anticipated annual events. It’s a chance to see championship-level play while soaking in the beauty of spring at Greystone Golf & Country Club. As one of the five major championships on the PGA Tour Champions, the event brings legendary players to town for world-class competition, complete with hospitality lounges, food vendors, and a spectator village. regionstradition.com
May 1 – 3, 2026: Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Step into a whimsical, family-friendly adventure with Red Mountain Theatre as Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr. takes the stage. This young performers’ production brings the cherished story of a boy and his giant insect friends to life as they set off on an unforgettable journey. redmountaintheatre.org
May 2, 2026: Furnace Chicken Festival
A delicious celebration returns to the historic Sloss Furnaces this month. The Furnace Chicken Festival brings family-friendly fun with 30-plus food and art vendors, a “Best Wing” competition, live music, and a children’s zone. General admission tickets start at $15. furnacechickenfest.com
May 2, 2026: We Love Homewood Day
We Love Homewood Day is one of the neighborhood’s most beloved community traditions. With an early-morning 5K and a lively Central Park festival featuring rides, inflatables, local vendors, and live entertainment, the celebration is all about showing hometown pride. Make sure you stay for the community parade and evening festivities. homewoodparks.com
May 3, 2026: Birmingham Vegan Fest 2026
The largest vegan festival in Alabama, Birmingham Vegan Fest, returns to Cahaba Brewing Company. A free-to-attend event, this year’s festival shines a spotlight on Birmingham’s booming vegan scene. Whether you’re vegan (or just vegan-curious), you’ll enjoy the strong lineup of local food trucks, pop-ups, and vendors alongside traveling favorites. You can learn more at facebook.com.
May 7, 2026: Art After 5: Emily in Paris
Say oui to a playful Parisian-inspired evening at the Birmingham Museum of Art with Art After 5: Emily in Paris. Inspired by the hit TV series and the museum’s own celebration of French modern art, the evening’s festivities bring a stylish twist to the galleries with cocktails, music, and hands-on art. artsbham.org
May 7, 2026: Birmingham Crawfest 2026
Birmingham Crawfest brings all the flavor and fun of a classic Cajun boil to the grounds of the Birmingham Zoo. Dig into piles of freshly prepared crawfish and Southern-inspired bites while enjoying live music and livelier auctions. Hosted by the Coastal Conservation Association, it’s a night out that supports a meaningful mission. Grab your tickets at givesmart.com.
May 7, 2026: Rosé in the Roses
A spring evening at Birmingham Botanical Gardens feels especially magical during Rosé in the Roses. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests are invited to wander the rose gardens, rosé in hand, while enjoying live music and light bites. Admission is $50. bbgardens.org
May 8, 2026: ‘Tails in the Trails 2026
For one night only, you are invited to explore the Birmingham Zoo after hours in an adults-only setting. ‘Tails in the Trails blends up-close animal encounters, creative cocktails, small bites, and upbeat music into one festive, unforgettable evening. Featuring a “Dinos After Dark” twist, the fundraiser benefits Carlito, the giant South American anteater. birminghamzoo.com
May 8 – 10, 2026: Logan Martin Lakefest & Boat Show
For three days, boating culture, live music, and community celebration come together in one scenic setting. As the South’s largest in-water boat show, the Logan Martin Lakefest & Boat Show showcases more than 80 boat models with on-the-water test drives, plus a mix of food trucks, lake-inspired vendors, family activities, and entertainment. loganmartinlakefest.com
May 8 – 10, 2026: UNBOUND: A Series of Ever-Evolving Performances
UNBOUND is a mixed-repertoire program showcasing the artistry and talent of both the Alabama Ballet and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The spellbinding event unfolds in two powerful works: Balanchine’s Serenade and Paul Vasterling’s Carmina Burana. It’s a must-see experience for anyone who loves the beauty, emotion, and energy of live performance. alabamaballet.org
May 9, 2026: 15th Annual Salsa Showdown
Hosted by the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema at Cahaba Brewing Company, the Salsa Showdown invites guests to snack their way through endless chips, salsa, queso, guac, and specialty dips from some of the city’s best local makers — all while casting their vote for the ultimate crowd favorite and supporting Sidewalk’s arts and education programs. sidewalkfest.com
May 9, 2026: Birmingham Kidney Walk & Celebration
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Birmingham Kidney Walk & Celebration, a meaningful community event held at Spain Park High School. The annual gathering supports the Alabama Kidney Foundation, with every step helping fund vital financial assistance, education, and resources for kidney patients across Central Alabama. fundraise.alkidney.org
May 16, 2026: Birmingham Folk Festival
A free, family-friendly event, Birmingham Folk Festival fills Avondale Park with an eclectic mix of live performances, alongside local artisans and food vendors. Rooted in a mission to bring people together through shared stories and sound, it’s a refreshing way to connect with Birmingham’s creative spirit. birminghamfolkfest.org
May 17, 2026: Do Dah Day
Held each spring, Do Dah Day is a long-running festival that brings together animal lovers for a laid-back day of live music, local food, adoptable pets, and plenty of tail-wagging fun. The event, held at Cahaba Brewing Company, raises money for area animal shelters and rescue organizations. dodahday.org
May 17, 2026: Birmingham Taco Fest
During Birmingham Taco Fest at Sloss Furnaces, guests can sample their way through some of the city’s top taco vendors, vote for their favorites, and enjoy live music, dancing, an art market, and hands-on community activities. Proceeds from the event support Bare Hands, Inc. and its mission to bring immersive arts programming to the community. barehandsinc.org
May 17, 2026: Alabama Bridal & Wedding Expo
For anyone in the midst of wedding planning — or just dreaming about it — the Alabama Bridal & Wedding Expo at the BJCC is an event that makes the process feel exciting rather than overwhelming. In a single afternoon, you can meet a wide range of local wedding pros, from florists and photographers to venues and designers, all ready to help you make your wedding dreams a reality. bjcc.org
May 18 – 25, 2026: So So Spiffy Once-A-Month Shopping Experience
This monthly event (held online this month) offers a curated collection of furniture, decor, art, and accessories sourced from So So Spiffy’s professional staging projects, meaning you can shop beautifully styled pieces at a fraction of the original price. From statement chairs and mirrors to smaller decorative accents, it’s the perfect chance to give your space a spring makeover. sosospiffy.co
May 22 – 24, 2026: Symphony in the Summer
Hosted at Railroad Park by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Symphony in the Summer is an open-air concert experience featuring three evenings of free live orchestral music. Spread out a blanket, bring a picnic, and enjoy classical masterworks and film scores under a starry night sky. alabamasymphony.org
May 30, 2026: Magic City Wine Fest
Magic City Wine Fest brings a lively sip-and-stroll experience to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. Guests can sample a wide selection of wines and craft beers from around the world while enjoying live music, local food vendors, and a festive, social atmosphere. magiccitywinefest.com
Cheers to another exciting month ahead, Birmingham!
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Looking for more great Birmingham events? Visit our Happenings calendar!
Paige Townley
Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.