The City Center is home to some of the most popular special events, parades and street festivals to be found anywhere in the Bimingham metro area. Following are information and links to most of them, however, the list is not comprehensive. For a complete listing of all that's happening downtown, visit www.activeculture.info.
Art on the Rocks May - September
Art on the Rocks one of Birmingham's premiere after hours events takes place on the forth Friday of every month, May through September at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Art on the Rocks not only provides the most unique gallery viewing experience available in Alabama, but also showcases "right under the radar" musical talent on the verge of making it big. Scrumptious hors d'oeuvres by Kathy G, scavenger hunts with big-time prizes, hands-on art activities created especially for adults, specialty drinks and a wide variety of changing exhibitions combine to form one totally hip, culturally-driven night.
Artwalk - September
Artwalk is a September arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft neighborhood into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities. The event is free to the public and has become a much anticipated event drawing visitors from all over to downtown Birmingham.
Fiesta Birmingham - October
Birmingham's premiere celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage, Fiesta seeks to educate the public about the many different Hispanic countries and their cultures through the best of Hispanic music, art, food and dance. Admission to Fiesta is free; however, donations to the scholarship fund are encouraged.
Halloween on the Green - October
HOTG is ONB’s downtown costume contest which takes place on Halloween Day at the Regions-Harbert Plaza promenade. Prizes are awarded for costumes for adults and children in several categories. HOTG is co-produced by the Downtown Business Assocation.
Juneteenth Culture Fest – June
Music, food, crazy contests and tons of fun are to be had at the BCRI's Annual Juneteenth CultureFest in Kelly Ingram Park. A free outdoor music concert and games for all ages take place at BCRI and in Kelly Ingram Park. Vendors supply a variety of great foods and other items for purchase.
ONB Magic City Art Connection and Corks & Chefs – April
ONB’s Magic City Art Connection is a juried art exhibition which takes place in Linn Park the last weekend in April. Recognized as one of the 12 best art shows in the country, MCAC features artists from all over the country exhibiting and selling their work as well as the Children’s Imagination Festival and live music. Admission is free
Corks & Chefs gives attendees the opportunity to sample offerings from some of Birmingham’s best restaurants along with over 100 wines and a wide selection of beers. The event also offers scheduled wine seminars. Check the MCAC website for ticket prices and info.
Historic Footnotes Loft Tour - June
Benefitting the Literacy Council of Central Alabama, this annual event held in on Mother’s Day weekend provides visitors and Birmingham residents a chance to view the unique living and working spaces of the City Center. Featuring numerous residential and commercial lofts in Downtown's Loft District, visitors have the chance to take a walking tour of spaces from the elegant to the eclectic.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March
ONB's annual St. Patty’s Day co-produced by ONB and the Birmingham Celtic Society
Schaeffer Eye CenterCrawfish Boil – April
One of dowtown's biggest events, the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil brings top acts to two main stages providing a great opportunity to catch some great music while chowing down on fresh boiled crawfish. The event benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and other non-profit organizations.
Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival - September
Created to bring new films to new audiences, the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival takes place in the City Center's historic theater district. The September festival showcases over 100 independent films and attracts filmmakers from across the country. Screening venues include the Alabama Theater, Carver Theater and WorkPlay. Sidewalk is a project of the Alabama Moving Image Association, a publicly supported nonprofit organization created to inspire, encourage and support films and filmmaking in Alabama.
Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz – September
An all day, free street festival celebrating Birmingham’s unique jazz heritage held in the historic 4th Avenue Business District.