Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
18 concerts in Birmingham you don’t want to miss this spring + summer (plus where to eat, park + stay)
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Concert season is upon us, and I’m already marking my calendar for several shows in Birmingham (aka my favorite excuse to spend a day in the city).
Is your favorite band stopping in the Magic City? With 5 unique venues (small and large), Birmingham is a popular spot for touring artists and offers plenty of sights, restaurants and more to entertain us traveling fans.
As a self-proclaimed concert connoisseur, here are the shows you won’t want to miss at each venue. Plus, we’ve got some tips on making the most of your Birmingham visit!
View the list by venue:
Check out the new outdoor Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Alabama Shakes is performing at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater for their reunion tour. (Laurascott Barfield + BJCC)
The new Coca-Cola Amphitheater is set for a strong start with several well-known acts, including the Athens, AL native Brittany Howard.
The BJCC’s outdoor amphitheater-style venue includes three levels of seating with a capacity of 9,300. Set to open this summer, you’ll want their event calendar on your radar. Check out the highlights below!
Our recommendations
- Where to park: View parking details here
- Where to eat: Dillard’s Chophouse, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Mugshots Grill & Bar, Southern Kitchen & Bar, Texas de Brazil, Uptown Cantina
- Where to stay after the show: The Sheraton Birmingham or The Westin Birmingham
Upcoming shows
- Dave Matthews Band
- When: Tuesday, June 24
- Get Tickets
- Jason Isbell + the 400 Unit with guest Band of Horses
- When: Saturday, June 28
- Get Tickets ($58-$296+)
- Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder
- When: Saturday, July 5
- Get Tickets ($58-$307+)
- Luke Bryan
- When: Saturday, July 19
- Get Tickets ($53-$241+)
- Alabama Shakes
- When: Saturday, July 26
- Get Tickets ($73-$351+)
- Fun Fact: This will be the first time Alabama Shakes has performed together in The Magic City since 2017 when the band headlined Sloss Fest.
- Nelly with Ja Rule, Eve + Special Guests
- When: Thursday, September 18
- Get Tickets ($72-$334+)
Experience a show in the timeless Alabama Theatre
Alabama Theatre served as a movie palace for 55 years and now hosts several concerts and events. (Hville Blast)
Did you know the Historic Alabama Theatre in downtown hosts concerts? With four levels of theater seating and gorgeous architecture from 1927, Alabama Theatre offers a charming concert experience.
Our recommendations
- Where to park: Downtown (parking meters are free after 6PM on weekdays + all day on Saturday-Sunday)
- Where to eat: Shu Shop, Trattoria Zaza, Salud, Helen (and acclaimed Helen owner Rob McDaniel’s new raw bar + seafood spot Bayonet, set to open this spring!), The Pizitz Food Hall, Paramount Bar & Arcade, El Barrio, Yo Mama’s, Green Acres, Café Dupont, La Fresca
- Where to stay after the show: The Elyton Hotel, The Kelly Hotel, The Redmont Hotel, The Tutwiler Hotel
Upcoming shows
- My Morning Jacket
- When: Tuesday, April 8
- Get Tickets ($41-95+)
- Gucci Mane (candle-lit performance with live band)
- When: Thursday, April 24
- Get Tickets
Kick off spring at Avondale Brewing Company
Two of my favorite concerts have been Modest Mouse and Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Avondale Brewing Company. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)
I just grabbed my tickets to see Modest Mouse perform at Avondale Brewing Company, a brewery and concert venue.
Tucked away in the Avondale district, this venue feels like a park with a turfed green space, picnic tables, rustic bar, food trucks and outdoor whimsy. Whether you’re at the barricade or at a table in the back, this is the perfect venue for anyone.
Psst! If you get to your show early, you may be able to hear sound check!
Our recommendations
- Where to park: In the paid Avondale Brewing lots, or any free parallel spot nearby
- Where to eat:
- Ampersandwich, Back Forty Birmingham, Luna Latin Cuisine, Saw’s Soul Kitchen, The Rougaroux, The Goose
- Avondale’s on-site food trucks + bar
- Where to stay after the show: The Valley Hotel, The Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, the brand new Residence Inn – Homewood/Mountain Brook, the Tree House Hotel
Upcoming shows
- Wilco with guest Waxahatchee
- When: Friday, May 2
- Get Tickets ($58+)
- Modest Mouse
- When: Wednesday, June 18
- Get Tickets ($36-64+)
- Rainbow Kitten Surprise
- When: Saturday, June 14
- Get Tickets ($82-$117+)
Get up close at Iron City Birmingham
You can get so close to the stage at Iron City! (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)
Iron City was home to my very first concert back in 2017, and it keeps me coming back every year. This venue has three levels: a recessed pit with ample standing room around it, plus a VIP upstairs seated lounge.
I like to arrive to shows a little early before the General Admission line wraps around the building. Regardless of your arrival time, the artists feel so close in this 1,300-occupancy venue.
Our recommendations
- Where to park: The Iron City lot or nearby street parking
- Where to eat: Chez FonFon, Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken, Full Moon BBQ, Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, Magnolia Point, The Garage, The Fish Market, Taco Mama, Wasabi Juan’s
- Where to stay after the show: SpringHill Suites Birmingham, Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Residence Inn – Birmingham,
Upcoming shows
- No Doubt & Gwen Stefani
- When: Friday, March 14
- Get Tickets ($15-$20+)
- Iron & Wine
- When: Thursday, April 17
- Get Tickets ($39.50+)
- Johnnyswim
- When: Friday, October 24
- Get Tickets ($37-$111+)
See the coolest indie acts at Saturn
You’ll love the vibes at Saturn, especially if you enjoy smaller indie artists. (Hville Blast)
Saturn is one of my bucket list venues for the funky, retro decor and intimate concert setting (with only a 525 occupancy).
Start your experience with a Domestique coffee or cocktail from the adjacent bar. Plus, they have board games, a photo booth and vibrant decor that makes the best pre-concert photo-opp.
Our recommendations
- Where to park: Free street parking throughout Avondale
- Where to eat: Joyland Restaurant, Back Forty Birmingham, Taco Morro Loco, Juniper, The Filling Station, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
- Where to stay after the show: Hampton Inn – Birmingham/Mountain Brook, Embassy Suites – Birmingham, Aloft Soho Square
Upcoming shows
- Hovvdy
- When: Thursday, March 6
- Get Tickets ($20-$25+)
- Jessica Pratt
- When: Saturday, March 29
- Get Tickets ($25+)
- STRFKR
- When: Tuesday, April 15
- Get Tickets ($30-$90+)
- Orion Sun
- When: Saturday, May 31
- Get Tickets ($22.50+)
Discover more shows
Check out even more bands stopping in the Magic City this spring and summer at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the BJCC, the Lyric Theatre, Workplay and more!
Ready to go to some concerts in Birmingham? Visit InBirmingham.com and follow the Bham CVB @inbirmingham on socials to plan your trip:
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