18 Birmingham Events & Happenings: September 2026
Make the most of September in Birmingham with festivals, live performances, foodie events, football, and more happening throughout the month! Image: Facebook / Birmingham Botanical Gardens
September brings a fresh lineup of ways to experience Birmingham, with the cityβs calendar filling up fast for fall. Food festivals, live performances, cultural celebrations, football games, and beloved local traditions offer plenty of reasons for you to get out and enjoy the change of seasons. Mark your calendar and make the most of all thatβs happening around the Magic City this September!
Through November 14, 2026: Girls on the Run Fall 2026 Registration
Girls on the Run Birmingham returns this fall with another inspiring season designed to help girls build confidence, develop healthy habits, form lasting friendships, and have fun along the way. Beginning the week of August 1, participants will meet with trained coached twice a week after school for lessons and activities that encourage personal growth and teamwork.
The season concludes with a celebratory 5K on November 14 at Railroad Park, where the girls can celebrate all they have accomplished. Registration opens on August 1 at 9 a.m., with new program sites added throughout the Birmingham area. For more information, clickΒ HERE.
September 6 & 7, 2026: Sweet Tater Festival
Celebrate a favorite Cullman tradition at the 30th Annual Sweet Tater Festival, happening Labor Day weekend at Smith Lake Park. From live music, local food vendors, and arts and crafts to plenty of sweet potatoes, thereβs plenty to keep the whole family busy. You can learn moreΒ HERE.
September 11, 2026: The Childrenβs Ball
Dress up for a fun evening at The Childrenβs Ball, a black-tie affair benefiting Childrenβs of Alabama. Taking place at The Club, the evening pairs cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, and a live auction with an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across Alabama. You can purchase tickets atΒ give.childrensal.org.
September 11 & 12, 2026: Birmingham Art Walk
Spend an evening immersed in Birminghamβs creative scene. On September 11 and 12, downtown Birmingham comes alive with more than 100 local artists, makers, musicians, and more. Wandering from one gallery and pop-up to the next while discovering one-of-a-kind pieces is an inspiring way to enjoy a weekend in the Magic City.Β birminghamartwalk.org
September 12 & 25: UAB Blazers Football
Make game day part of your fall routine with UAB Blazers home games at Protective Stadium. This month, the team is slated to take on the University of Louisiana Monroe (September 12) and the U.S. Navy (September 25). See the complete schedule and purchase tickets atΒ bjcc.org.
September 13, 2026: Fit Fest Birmingham
Fit Fest Birmingham is a high-energy weekend designed for fitness enthusiasts of all kinds. Offering interactive workouts, wellness experiences, inspiring experts, and a chance to connect with Birminghamβs active community, itβs an energizing way to discover new ways to move, recharge, and feel your best.Β bjcc.org
September 17 β 27, 2026:Β Growing Up With Atticus
Mark the beginning of Virginia Samford Theatreβs centennial season withΒ Growing Up With Atticus, a touching new work that brings an iconic story to life. Through film clips, personal stories, and live conversation, Mary Badham and Cecilia Peck reflect on Gregory Peck,Β To Kill a Mockingbird,Β and the enduring values woven into both.Β virginiasamfordtheatre.org
September 18, 2026: Arts Block Party
Make plans now to attend Alys Stephens Centerβs 2026 Arts Block Party featuring Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience. Free and family-friendly event, the celebration is an afternoon and evening filled with music, art, performances, and hands-on experiences, along with food trucks and giveaways.Β alysstephens.org
September 18, 2026: Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures
The Birmingham Zoo hosts its largest annual fundraiser this month, Zoo Gala:Β Axolotl Adventures.Β The annual celebration features food catered by Hot and Hot Fish Club β a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant and James Beard Award winner β live auction, dancing, and animal encounters.Β birminghamzoo.com
September 18 & 19, 2026: Fall Plant Sale
This annual sale is a favorite among Birminghamβs gardening crowd β and for good reason. Itβs the perfect opportunity to browse a thoughtfully curated selection of plants and pick up inspiration from fellow plant lovers. The offerings this year include everything from natives, perennials, and tropicals to herbs, camellias, ferns, trees, and shrubs.Β bbgardens.org
September 18 β 27, 2026: SouthBound Food Festival
Foodies have plenty to savor during this 10-day celebration. From chef-driven, multi-course dinners and market takeovers to cooking demonstrations and one-of-a-kind pop-ups, this festival offers plenty of ways to eat, explore, and mingle with local talent and acclaimed chefs from across the South. To see the complete schedule and purchase tickets, visitΒ southboundfoodfest.com.
September 19, 2026: Head Over Teal 5K & 10K
Benefiting GYN cancer awareness and research through the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation, this event includes 5K and 10K races, plus fall-themed family fun activities afterward. Taking place at The Preserve in Hoover, registration is $35.Β thinkoflaura.org
September 22, 2026: Viva Vestavia Hills
A taste of Vestavia Hills awaits at Viva Vestavia, the annual celebration of the cityβs local dining scene. Held at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, you can sample food and wine from your favorite restaurants and discover new favorites.Β vestaviahills.org
September 22 β 27, 2026:Β HamiltonΒ presented by Broadway in Birmingham
Thereβs a reasonΒ HamiltonΒ has become one of Broadwayβs most talked-about productions. Luckily for Birmingham residents, the Tony Award-winning musical arrives at the BJCC Concert Hall this month. To see the full list of performance dates and purchase tickets, visitΒ bjcc.org.
September 26, 2026: Ballet in the Sky
The Alabama Ballet takes its artistry outdoors with Ballet in the Sky. Set against Birminghamβs skyline at Vulcan Park & Museum, the evening features select works fromΒ American Portraits, includingΒ Stars and Stripes Pas de Deux, and performances by dancers from Alabama Balletβs Day Program. alabamaballet.org
September 26, 2026: Fiesta
Fiesta brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hispanic culture to downtown Birmingham. Linn Park comes alive with live Latin music, dancing, authentic food, family-friendly activities, and cultural exhibits β all while highlighting traditions from more than 20 countries.Β fiestabham.com
September 26, 2026: Birmingham Congenital Heart Walk
Start your morning with purpose at the Birmingham Congenital Heart Walk. The event brings walkers together at the Trussville Senior Activity Center Field to honor Heart Warriors and celebrate those living with congenital heart defects β all while helping raise support for research and programs that make a difference.Β childrensheartfoundation.org
September 27, 2026: That 70s Show
Take a trip back in time withΒ That 70s Show, a retro circus experience coming to WORKPLAY. Presented by Studio Steel and Southern Cirque, the 18-and-up show promises an evening of vintage-inspired thrills, circus artistry, and plenty of nostalgic flair. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m.Β Purchase your tickets HERE.
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.