13 big events coming to Birmingham—including extreme sports, festivals + more

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bmx biker competing with crowd in background — Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, music lover, foodie or sports fan, Birmingham has an event with your name on it! (Birmingham CVB)

Looking for a day trip or weekend getaway to round out the summer and slip into fall? A quick 1.5-hour drive down to Birmingham will put you at the center of the action, with a little something for every type of weekend warrior.

From international sports competitions to nationally known festivals to college football traditions, the Magic City has a packed calendar—check out these Top 6 events you can’t miss in Birmingham + 7 others just around the corner:

Upcoming Birmingham events:

1. FISE World Series Birmingham | August 7-9, 2026

Skateboarder high in the air at a competition in front of a packed crowd — Expect to see some fantastic tricks at FISE this August in Birmingham (Birmingham CVB)

This summer, Birmingham becomes the center of the action as the 3-day FISE (Festival International des Sports Extrêmes) World Series makes its U.S. stop at CityWalk BHM.

Why you should go: The festival will bring together 400+ pro, amateur and junior athletes to compete in multiple extreme sporting events, including BMX Freestyle Park, Skateboarding Bowl, 3×3 Basketball, and more! Beyond the competitions, visitors can expect a full festival experience with live concerts, DJ sets, art vendors, food trucks and can even participate in open skatepark sessions. Can’t make every event? FISE will be broadcast to international audiences via Warner Bros. Discovery—meaning you don’t miss a second of the action + Birmingham is put on the map as a global extreme sports destination.

Whether you’re an avid extreme sports fan or simply looking for a unique weekend adventure with the family, FISE is the world’s largest action sports festival and can’t be missed!

2. Sidewalk Film Festival | August 24-30, 2026

woman stands in front of Alabama Theatre in Birmingham at a previous Sidewalk Film Festival — The Annual Sidewalk Film Festival is one of Birmingham’s most welcoming events each year. (David A. Smith / Birmingham CVB)

Why you should go: Independent film lovers know Birmingham shines every August during the nationally-ranked, weeklong Sidewalk Film Festival. Screening 200+ award-winning independent films, documentaries and shorts across Downtown Birmingham’s historic and independent theaters, the Sidewalk Film Festival is the ultimate gathering place for movie buffs in the Southeast. Plus, attendees have the chance to attend filmmaker Q&As, industry networking events, craft workshops and late-night parties with fellow fans.

3. Southbound Food Festival | Sept. 18-27, 2026

Man and woman wear hats at the Southbound Food Festival — Southbound Food Festival offers delicious ways to sample and savor great food in Birmingham. (Birmingham CVB)

Why you should go: If your favorite way to explore a city is one bite at a time, Southbound Food Festival (formerly FOOD+Culture) deserves a spot on your calendar this September. Since 2022, this celebrated food festival showcases Birmingham’s nationally recognized food scene with tastings, special course dinners, cookbook signings, chef collabs + demos and other foodie experiences highlighting the city’s best-of-the-best in the culinary arts.

4. Barber Vintage Festival | Oct. 9-11, 2026

_{Birmingham’s Barber Motorsports Park is a world-class spot for fans of vintage—and new!—motorcycles. (Barber Motorsports Park / Birmingham CVB)}

Why you should go: Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world make the trip to Birmingham every fall for Barber Motorsports Park’s annual Barber Vintage Festival, a celebration of all things vintage motorsports. Enjoy racing, thousands of collectible bikes, vendors and access to one of the world’s largest motorcycle museums. Even casual visitors will appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and family-friendly atmosphere.

5. Talladega Fall Race Weekend | Oct. 23-25, 2026

Crowd at a Talladega race in Alabama — Race fans flock to the Talladega Superspeedway each fall for fast-paced fun. (Jacob Blankenship / HvilleBlast)

Why you should go: Head to the Talladega Superspeedway October 23-25th for the Yellawood 500—three days of high-stakes, heart-pounding NASCAR Cup Series Playoff races.

6. Magic City Classic | Oct. 31, 2026

cheerleaders at the annual Magic City Classic parade in downtown Birmingham holding banner

football field for Magic City Classic in Birmingham

_{When it comes to Birmingham’s annual Magic City Classic, the parade is equally as important as the big game. (Pat Byington / Hville Blast)}

Why you should go: The Magic City Classic—one of college football’s biggest HBCU rivalries between Alabama A&M and Alabama State University, complete with a Battle of the Bands halftime show, downtown parade, Coors Light Pregame Tailgate, ESPN “First Take” events and more!

More upcoming events in Birmingham

Picture of billboard that says "It's nice to have you in Birmingham" atop a building in Birmingham, Alabama — Visitors to The Magic City instantly feel welcomed. (Birmingham CVB)

Looking for more reasons to pop down I-65 this fall? Check out these highlights + click through for more info:

Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival — August 22nd
Hamilton at the BJCC — September 22nd-27th
Fiesta BHAM — September 26th
Birmingham Greek Food Festival — October 1st-3rd
Furnace Fest — October 10th-11th
Día de los Muertos Numero 24 — November 2nd
Concerts at Coca-Cola Amphitheater — Fall Concert Lineup

Ready to head down to Birmingham for one of these incredible events? Find guides on where to stay + advice for building out your trip at InBirmingham.com!

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