We’ve got an exciting weekend ahead, Birmingham! Whether you’re taking on heart-racing rides at the Alabama State Fair or browsing your favorite Record Store Day finds at Seasick Records, there’s something for everyone in the Magic City.
Start planning now for these events and more—including the Birmingham Stallions’ first home game of the season and two live shows from Widespread Panic.
- Want more local classes? Check out our guide.
- Interested in live music? See 38 concerts happening this April.
- Have an event you’d like to promote? Add it for free to our calendar.
The weekend at a glance
Fri, April 17–Sun, April 19
1. Alabama State Fair—FINAL WEEKEND
- What: The Alabama State Fair returns this weekend with all the rides, food and entertainment you love. Be sure to check out extra attractions like a petting zoo and more.
- When: Fri, April 17–Sun, April 19
- Fridays: 4PM–11PM
- Saturdays: 12–11PM
- Sundays: 12–10PM
- Where: Birmingham Race Course
- Gate Price:
- Adults (ages 13-64): $15
- Youth (ages 5-12): $5
- Seniors (ages 65+): $5
- Kids (ages 4 and under): Free
- Wrist Bands:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: $30
- Saturdays + Sundays: $35
- Parking: Free
2. “Our Town”—FINAL WEEKEND
- What: Virginia Samford Theatre presents “Our Town,” Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic that explores everyday life and love in a small American town through rich character storytelling—an enduring piece that resonates with all ages.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7:30PM
- Sat, April 18–Sun, Apr 19 | 2:30PM
- Where: Virginia Samford Theatre
- Cost: Adult $50 | Child/Student $25
3. “Dear Evan Hansen”—FINAL WEEKEND
- What: Red Mountain Theatre and UAB Department of Theatre have brought this Tony Award-winning musical to Birmingham. The story follows Evan Hansen, a teen who has always felt invisible. When a tragic event shocks the community, Evan’s choices leave him at the center of it all. Note: Recommended for ages 13+ (Contains adult language and themes of suicide, drug abuse, depression, self-harm, bullying)
- When:
- Fri, April 17– Sat, April 18 | 7:30PM
- Sat, April 18 + Sun, April 19 (matinees) | 2PM
- Where: Red Mountain Theatre
- Cost: $40+ | Bham Now readers can use promo code NOWSAVE7 for $7 off your tickets.
4. Homewood Theatre’s Education Department presents “Freaky Friday” The Musical live
- What: Love “Freaky Friday the Musical?” This is your chance to see it in a new and exciting way. When you visit Homewood Central Park this weekend, you can catch Homewood Theatre’s Education Department performing the beloved show live. A beautiful park and live entertainment? Count us in!
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7PM
- Sat, April 18 | 2:30PM + 7PM
- Sun, April 19 | 2:30PM
- Where: Homewood Central Park
- Cost: Free admission
Fri, April 17–Sat, April 18
5. Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale
- What: The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host their annual spring plant sale this weekend, and you won’t want to miss it! This local favorite will feature hundreds of regionally-grown plants (shrubs, trees, flowers and more!) for you to buy for your home and garden this season. Plus, experts will be on-site to answer all of your questions. Payment by check + credit card only.
- When:
- Public Sale:
- Fri, April 17 | 8AM–5:30PM
- Sat, April 18 | 8AM–2PM
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Cost: Free admission
6. St. Elias Lebanese Food + Cultural Festival
- What: It’s the 28th year of the St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival, and you’ll definitely want to attend! For two fun-filled days, you can experience authentic Lebanese dishes, including kibbeh, meat pies + various pastries, live music + traditional Dabke dancing, guided church tours and a silent auction.
- When: Fri, April 17–Sat, April 18 | 10AM–9PM
- Where: St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church
- Cost: Free admission
7. Jefferson County Greenway’s First-Ever 24-hour BioBlitz
- What: Don’t miss this exciting first-ever BioBlitz at Red Mountain Park, hosted by Jefferson County Greenways. For 24 hours, the community can explore the park, spot wildlife like bats and other nighttime creates and help identify as many species as possible alongside scientists and nature enthusiasts. This is a fun hands-on, family-friendly way to get outside, learn something new and contribute to real biodiversity reach in Birmingham.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 12–7PM
- Sat, April 18 | 7AM
- Where: Red Mountain Park (Frankfurt Drive entrance)
- Cost: Free
8. Gardendale Magnolia Festival
- What: If you’re looking for a spring festival your whole family can enjoy, check this one out in Gardendale. There will be 160+ vendors, two stages of live entertainment, a pooch parade, a midway-style carnival, a car show, a free kid zone and more.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 5–10PM
- Sat, April 18 | 10AM–5PM
- Where: Gardendale Civic Center
- Cost: Free admission + parking
- Carnival wristbands: $20 on Friday | $25 on Saturday
- Carnival ride tickets: $1 each
- Pony Rides + Farm Bus Petting Zoo: $5
9. “Schoolhouse Rock, Live!”
- What: Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents “Schoolhouse Rock, Live!”—a high‑energy stage musical adaptation of the beloved educational series that brings classic songs like “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill” to life with fun storytelling and catchy tunes for kids and adults.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7PM
- Sat, April 18 | 11AM
- Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre
- Cost: Adult $28 | Senior $24 | Children $14
10. Widespread Panic
- What: For two straight nights, Widespread Panic will perform live at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater. Expect to pump your fist and sing along while celebrating Southern rock and blues.
- When: Fri, April 17 + Sat, April 18 | 7PM
- Where: Coca-Cola Amphitheater
- Cost: $89+
Fri, April 17 + Sun, April 19
11. Pagliacci/Cavalleria Rusticana
- What: Opera Birmingham presents Pagliacci/Cavalleria Rusticana at ASFA’s Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, a powerful double‑bill of verismo opera classics that weaves together two intense tales of love, jealousy, betrayal and revenge.
- When:
- Fri, April 17 | 7:30PM
- Sun, April 19 | 2:30PM
- Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
- Cost: $36 | Students $20
Fri, April 17…