16 Birmingham Events & Happenings: August 2026
Make the most of summerβs final stretch with this Birmingham events lineup, featuring everything from outdoor carnivals and film festivals to fundraisers and family-friendly fun. Image: Facebook / INBirmingham
August in Birmingham is serving up plenty of reasons to fill your calendar before summer slips away. As the season winds down, the Magic City offers numerous opportunities to gather with friends, support meaningful causes, and enjoy the unique energy that makes this time of year so special.
August 1, 2026: Big Machine Petting Zoo
Hosted at the Birmingham Zoo, this free, hands-on event invites kids to get an up-close look at giant machines from local partners, including construction and safety vehicles typically seen from afar. For double the fun, pay a visit to your favorite animals while youβre there! Itβs a perfect summer outing that keeps everyone entertained.Β birminghamzoo.com
August 5, 2026: Recycled Runway
For a dose of creativity and inspiration, head to the Birmingham Museum of Art for an ArtBreak with Sonya Muhammad, program manager for Recycled Runway and a board member of Bib & Tucker Sew-Op. During this event, Sonya offers an insiderβs look at the Recycled Runway Archives exhibition, sharing how the program has evolved and guiding guests through the journey behind each wearable work of art.Β artsbham.org
August 8, 2026: Mitchellβs Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival
Held at East Lake Park, thisΒ annual event encourages guests to cheer on teams, browse local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Even better? Every boat race helps support Mitchellβs Place and its mission to provide life-changing services for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental needs.Β mpdragonboats.swell.gives
August 8, 2026: Totally Rad Vintage Fest
Totally Rad Vintage Fest brings the best of the β80s, β90s, and Y2K eras to Birmingham with a treasure trove of vintage clothing, accessories, toys, records, and home finds. Beyond the shopping, you can explore a free-play vintage arcade, browse nostalgic displays in the Rad Rewind Museum, and snap a few throwback photos along the way.Β bjcc.org
August 8 & 9, 2026: PlantFest Expo
Whether youβre a proud plant parent or just plant-curious, PlantFest Expo is a day made for anyone β no green thumb required. This two-day event features an impressive collection of vendors offering everything from rare tropical varieties and easy-care favorites to pottery, plant accessories, and even expert advice. bjcc.org
August 15, 2026: 10thΒ Annual Journey of Hope
Raise a glass to a great cause at Journey of Hope, United Abilityβs signature fundraising event that celebrates the organizationβs mission to empower children and adults with disabilities. The evening brings together supporters from across Birmingham for inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of local families.
Hosted at UABβs Alys Stephens Center, itβs a chance to enjoy a night out while championing an organization that has been helping people of all abilities thrive for more than 75 years.Β unitedability.org
August 15, 2026: 2026 Crestline Tent Sale
You donβt need a reason to spend a day of shopping in Crestline Village, but the annual Tent Sale is the perfect excuse to do just that. Stroll through outdoor tents and sidewalk sales, discover special promotions from your favorite local boutiques, and pick up everything from back-to-school essentials to a few treats for yourself.Β mtnbrookchamber.org
August 21, 2026: Straight Tequila Night β The Premier Tribute to β90s Country
Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready to sing along to β90s country. Taking the stage at Iron City, the show delivers all the nostalgia with hits from beloved artists like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, and Shania Twain. Whether youβre a lifelong country fan or simply in the mood to boot-scoot, itβs a concert that promises plenty of two-stepping and feel-good memories. ironcitybham.com
August 21 β September 20, 2026: Come From Away
Headed to Red Mountain Theatre, this Tony-nominated musical tells the true story of the small Newfoundland town that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers in the days following September 11. Filled with heart, humor, and an uplifting score, this powerful production is a moving reminder of the good that can emerge in difficult moments.Β redmountaintheatre.org
August 22, 2026: The 46thΒ Annual Hope Gala
Benefiting the American Cancer Society, the annual Hope Gala helps fund groundbreaking cancer research, education and prevention initiatives, and critical support services for individuals and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.Β Attending means so much more than a memorable experience β it also makes a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of those touched by cancer.Β hopegalabirmingham.org
August 22, 2026: Boiling Nβ Bragging
Get ready for football season at Boiling Nβ Bragging, a tailgate-style gathering that combines good food, live entertainment, and a meaningful mission. Hosted by Rotary District 6860, the annual event features a classic Lowcountry boil, cookout favorites, drinks, games, and family-friendly fun βΒ all while supporting the Critical Care Transport Team at Childrenβs of Alabama.Β childrensal.org
August 22, 2026: Magic City Carnival
Hosted in support of Pathways, Magic City Carnival features all the festive favorites β from games and entertainment to food and activities for all ages β while raising awareness and supporting women and children experiencing homelessness. Itβs a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a joyful day out in the Magic City while giving back to an organization dedicated to creating pathways toward stability, hope, and a brighter future.Β pathwayshome.org
August 24 β 30, 2026: Sidewalk Film Festival
An event that has been bringing the Magic City together for more than two decades, the Sidewalk Film Festival is an annual opportunity for film lovers to spend the weekend discovering compelling stories from filmmakers around the world. More than just a film festival, Sidewalk is a true citywide experience, inviting you to catch screenings at iconic venues and soaking up Birminghamβs creative atmosphere. sidewalkfest.com
August 25, 2026: Landscape Foundations: Selecting and Sitting Trees and Shrubs
For anyone dreaming of a more beautiful backyard, the Landscape Foundations series at Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers the perfect opportunity to grow your gardening know-how. This informative class focuses on selecting and placing trees and shrubs, helping homeowners better understand how to create a landscape that complements their space.Β bbgardens.org
August 27, 2026: 5th Annual JβLa: Lighting the Way
Mark your calendar for JβLa: βLighting the Way,β an evening in support of the Levite Jewish Community Center. This year marks the 120thΒ anniversary of the Center, and the annual event features a night of dining, drinks, entertainment, and fundraising, with proceeds supporting programs and scholarship opportunities that help make its services accessible to more families.Β bhamjcc.org
August 29, 2026: Smile-A-Mile 5K
Start your morning with a little movement and a lot of heart at the Smile-A-Mile 5K, an event that supports children with cancer and their families. Participants can choose to run, walk, or even take part virtually from home, making it easy for everyone to join in the mission. The race begins and ends at SAM Place in downtown and includes post-race festivities and awards.Β smileamile.com
Cheers to another exciting month ahead, Birmingham!
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Looking for more great events coming up in Birmingham? Visit ourΒ 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.