Classic Weekend: Birmingham's Biggest Party of the Year

Good morning Birmingham!

One of my biggest pet peeves is sitting at a red light downtown for what feels like an eternity, watching tumbleweeds roll through the completely empty intersection. You all know exactly what I’m talking about too! You start wondering if the light will ever turn. Especially when it’s late at night and you look around wondering if you should just run the light - but of course you never do 😉 

It seems this problem will be short lived as the city of Birmingham has decided to allocate $2M from a federal grants towards upgrading the downtown traffic lights. I personally can’t wait!

The biggest event in the greater Birmingham area is happening this weekend, plus tons of other Halloween activities! Make sure to get out and see for yourself all that our city has to offer.

Let’s get to it.

🏈 🪄 Magic City Classic

The Magic City Classic takes over Birmingham this weekend as Alabama A&M battles Alabama State at historic Legion Field on Saturday, October 25 at 2:30 PM in what's known as the nation's largest and most electrifying HBCU football showdown. The excitement kicks off bright and early Saturday morning at 8 AM with the spectacular Magic City Classic Parade presented by Disney on the Yard, where marching bands, dance teams, and entertainment from both universities will take over downtown Birmingham's streets in an unforgettable display of pageantry and school pride.

Before the big game, fans can experience ESPN's First Take broadcasting live from Legion Field on Friday morning with Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton, plus the legendary Coors Light Pregame Tailgate Party featuring sponsor activations, giveaways, and non-stop entertainment. With an estimated 130,000 people expected to attend and a $25 million economic impact on the region, this isn't just a game—it's a celebration of culture, tradition, and community that brings together generations of fans in their school colors for an experience you won't find anywhere else.

The halftime show alone is worth the price of admission, featuring the world-renowned Mighty Marching Hornets and the Marching Maroon and White in a battle of the bands that rivals the game itself. Whether you're a die-hard alumni, a first-time visitor, or simply love incredible entertainment, the Magic City Classic is Birmingham's can't-miss weekend event where football, music, community, and HBCU excellence collide in spectacular fashion! (link)

Coming soon

🥩 Lapeer Steak & Seafood

Lapeer Steak & Seafood is bringing its award-winning "boutique dining, bold flavors" concept to Birmingham's historic Hardwick building on November 5, marking the Georgia restaurant's first location outside its home state!

Tuscaloosa native Blake Hartley, who previously worked under legendary Birmingham chefs Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings, will serve as chef and culinary director, bringing his expertise to a 6,500-square-foot space featuring rich, moody décor with custom Balinese furniture, live plants, and two massive wine cages. The Alpharetta location has earned rave reviews with a 4.8-star rating from nearly 900 diners on OpenTable, with guests praising standout dishes like the award-winning shrimp toast, Prime Delmonico ribeye served with garlic dripping in oils, and house-made desserts including complimentary sea salt caramels after every meal.

The menu showcases premium cuts including prime, certified Angus, American Wagyu and dry-aged steaks alongside Gulf and East Coast seafood, fresh oysters, and innovative seasonal creations—all complemented by an extensive wine list featuring full-bodied California cabs and old-world Italian and French varietals. Chef Hartley's creative genius shines through in dishes like French onion soup made with veal stock and ciabatta, whipped potatoes with steak jus, and smoked cabbage in teriyaki sauce, while pastry chef Elise Vitale crafts everything in-house from oyster crackers to pillowy dinner rolls. (link)

🪆 Sojourns Fair Trade

Sojourns Fair Trade on Crestwood Boulevard is where Birmingham shops with a conscience, offering handcrafted treasures from over 450 artisan cooperatives across 61 countries.

Every purchase directly empowers makers—particularly women, including many liberated from sex trafficking or experiencing homelessness—by ensuring fair wages and dignified working conditions. As you browse through vibrant batik wall hangings, handmade jewelry, ethically-sourced coffee and chocolate, musical instruments, and unique gifts, you'll feel like you're taking a journey around the world.

Owner Melissa Kendrick opened this gem in 2005 as Alabama's first 100% fair trade store, and nearly 20 years later, it remains a beloved Birmingham institution where every item tells a story of hope and transformation. So make sure to head on out to Crestwood and shop Sojourns—the perfect way to share Magic City pride while supporting global artisans!

🚰 Century-Old Winn-Dixie Exits Alabama as Chain Refocuses on Florida
Southeastern Grocers is rebranding as The Winn-Dixie Co. and pulling out of Alabama entirely, transitioning ownership of its 20 Alabama stores to other grocery chains by early 2026 as part of a reorganization focused on its Florida home base. The move affects 32 Winn-Dixie stores and eight Harvey's Supermarkets across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with three Alabama locations already confirmed to become Food City stores in November. More

😺 Meet Diego: Birmingham Zoo Welcomes New Jaguar to Enhanced Habitat
Diego, a male jaguar who arrived from Memphis Zoo in August, made his official debut at the Birmingham Zoo on October 17 in a newly enhanced habitat featuring a waterfall, climbing structures, and fresh landscaping. The seven-year-old big cat, who has already fathered two cubs and contributes to the Jaguar Species Survival Plan, replaces Khan, the zoo's previous jaguar who was transferred to Florida's Brevard Zoo. More

🚦 Birmingham Invests $2 Million in Traffic Signal Upgrades to Improve Flow
The Birmingham City Council has accepted federal grant funding and allocated over $2 million to modernize and synchronize the city's approximately 700 traffic signals, most of which currently operate independently and contribute to congestion. The investment will install new technology allowing signals to communicate with each other and adjust timing based on traffic flow, with the long-term goal of coordinating all traffic signals across Birmingham to create a more efficient driving experience. More

🛣️ ALDOT Announces Nighttime Lane Closures on I-65 in Shelby County
The Alabama Department of Transportation has announced a series of planned nighttime lane closures on Interstate 65 between Milepost 238 (U.S. 31 Alabaster exit) and Milepost 236.5 for bridge access work, beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The closures will occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Wednesday, August 20, for temporary concrete barrier installation and grading, with ALDOT urging motorists to consider alternate routes and exercise caution in the work zone. More

📽️ Hollywood Falls in Love with Birmingham During "Basic" Production
An indie romantic comedy called "Basic" wrapped up 20 days of filming in Birmingham, shooting at iconic locations including the Alabama Theatre, Oasis, House of Found Objects, and Paramount Birmingham, with the film serving as a love letter to the Magic City. Writer-director Chelsea Devantez and star Ashley Park both gushed about their experience, with Devantez declaring "Birmingham has been the greatest gift; I'm obsessed with it, we're all obsessed with it" after her two-month stay in the city, while Park praised the incredible locations and expressed her excitement for audiences to see the finished film. More

✈️ Inglenook K-8 Students Soar with New Aviation Simulation Lab
Inglenook K-8 School in Birmingham has launched an innovative aviation simulation lab that gives students hands-on experience with flight simulators, inspired by Principal Steve Brown's passion for a flight simulator app and designed to connect classroom learning with real career opportunities. With Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport nearby and 70% of students staying within 50 miles of the area, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan emphasized the program helps students realize "I can be a pilot as well," with plans to add even more realistic cockpit simulators in the future. More

👻 The Summit Spooktacular | The Summit | 10/24 | More
A Friday evening full of family Halloween fun with food trucks, pumpkin decorating, live music, face painting, and more!

🎥 Moonlight Movies: Hotel Transylvania | Lane Parke | 10/24 | More
Treat yourself to a to go dinner with one of the many local spots in Lane Parke while enjoying the Halloween favorite - Hotel Transylvania!

🎃 Halloween in the Heights & Witches Ride | Heights Village | 10/25 | More
Trick or Treat with all the local Cahaba Heights businesses and hop on the CH Witches ride from 10am-7pm. And stick around for some pizza and live music on the patio from 4-7pm!

🎨 Made South Holiday Market | Events at Haven | 10/25 | More
Family friendly event featuring handcrafted goods from local makers & artisans, live music, and food! Children under 13 are free on the Saturday event! If you plan to make this family event, be sure to get tickets for Saturday only as the Friday night event (mentioned below) is for adults 21+!

👻 Tricks for Treats | Greater Birmingham Humane Society | 10/25 | More
A spooktacular good time where tour guides will lead trick ‘r treaters through a haunted tour of the adoption center! A pet food donation is required for entry. (Note: this event is for kids and adults only - no household pets).

🌭 Franks N’ Steins | Cahaba Brewing | 10/25 | More
Family friendly event featuring live music, food, cold beer and more! Kids can enjoy face painting, carnival games, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest to keep them having fun! Proceeds go directly towards Libby’s Friends - an organization dedicated to helping families who are raising children with disabilities.

🍂 Fall Festival | Homewood Central Park | 10/26 | More
An afternoon full of fall family fun with free inflatables, live music, candy bags for the kids, a costume contest, games, and more!

🔥 Katztoberfest | Cahaba Brewing | 10/23 | More
7th annual Katztoberfest featuring live music, food, beer, and games from 5-9pm where proceeds will go towards supporting Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue!

🏆 The Spitfire Grill | Terrific New Theatre | 10/23-10/26 | More
Musical featuring the story of a troubled young parolee and her new life in rural Wisconsin. This play is described as one of the most heartfelt stories in recent years. Be sure to check it out at 7:30 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, or 2:30 on Sunday!

🚌 Alabama Used RV Fest | Camping World | 10/23-10/26 | More
Ridiculous discounts on Alabama’s best selection of used RVs! All RVs are fully reconditioned with special clearance pricing. Plus there will be fun onsite activities!

🍸️ Made South Fall Market: VIP Party | Events at Haven | 10/24 | More 
The first night of the Fall Market, featuring a 21+ VIP experience with craft cocktails from Dread River Distilling, three chef tastings, live music, and various local makers!

😱 Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball | Avondale Brewery | 10/24 | More
Celebrate 50 years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with this Masquerade featuring spooky tunes, cash costume contests, and an interactive screening of this cult classic!

🎃 Boos and Booze Bar Crawl | Avondale Brewery | 10/24 | More
Bar crawl featuring 6+ haunted spots in the Lakeview area! Tickets include no cover charge for particpating bars, 2 complimentary shots, discounted drinks, a professional photographer for costume pics (best costume wins prizes), and more!

🎄 Merry Market | Gardendale Civic Center | 10/24-10/25 | More 
A two day event featuring 85+ vendors where you can start some early Christmas shopping, decorations for the holidays, or just pick up a few items for yourself!

🎸 Piece The Veil | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 10/26 | More
Modern emo legends Pierce the Veil are bringing their explosive "I Can't Hear You World Tour" to Birmingham this Sunday night!

📰 What History Teaches: Universities, Education, and Intellectuals | Zoom Event | 10/29 | More
A virtual lecture with Steven Remy describing how the German higher education center drastically changed in the 1930s and it’s last effects.

🧊  Disney On Ice | BJCC | 10/30-11/02 | More
A magical multi-leveled ice show featuring Mickey Mouse and Disney friends on a quest to help Captain Hook find Tinker Bell!

🎸 The Revivalists | Avondale Brewing | 10/31 | More
The Revivalists celebrating a decade of their acclaimed album with their signature blend of rock, soul, and New Orleans-influenced sounds!