There’s nothing like spring in Birmingham… head to these 26 local family-friendly events to make the most of April, from weekend festivals and farmers markets to kid-friendly outings the whole crew will actually enjoy.
Week of April 4–11
World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
When: Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: Alabama Theatre (1817 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham)
How much: $59.70–112.05
Details: The timeless tale follows Prince Siegfried as he meets Odette, a princess cursed to live as a swan by day under the spell of a dark sorcerer. Though Siegfried swears his love and promises to break the enchantment, he is ultimately deceived by the sorcerer’s daughter, Odile—the alluring and enigmatic Black Swan—leading to devastating heartbreak. (Check out this article for all the details.)
Spring Alabama State Fair
When: Friday, April 10 through April 19. Times vary.
Where: Birmingham Race Course (1000 John Rogers Dr., Birmingham)
How much: $5–15.
Details: A 10-day fair with rides, agricultural exhibits, competitions, and family fun. alabamastatefair.com
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert
When: Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.
Where: BJCC Concert Hall (2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham)
How much: $47+
Details: Be prepared to be swept away in this film screening with a live orchestra. alabamasymphony.com
Birdsong Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 2824 5th Ave. S. (Automatic Seafood lot)
How much: Free entry
Details: A weekly farmers market—local, organic, and farmer-led. facebook.com
Helena United Festival
When: Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Helena Amphitheater (4151 Helena Rd., Helena)
How much: Free
Details: Check out a variety of family-friendly music, cultures, and cuisines. onehelena.org
Festa Italiana
When: Saturday, April 11 from noon–9 p.m.
Where: Sloss Furnaces (20 32nd St. N., Birmingham)
How much: $10–$15; kids 10 & under free
More details: Italian food, music, culture, and family activities. You won’t want to miss this Italian festival—learn all about what the festival will offer in this article. festaitalianabham.com
Mutt Strut 2026
When: Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Homewood Central Park (1632 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood)
How much: $20–30
Details: Dog-friendly 5K + 1-mile fun run benefiting Hand in Paw. handinpaw.org
Patton Creek Fine Arts & Crafts Show
When: Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, April 12 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: 4445 Creekside Ave., Hoover
How much: Free
Details: This event will showcase local artists’ work from the Central Alabama Artist Guild. eventbrite.com
Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K
When: Saturday, April 11 at 8 a.m.
Where: Downtown Birmingham
How much: $20–35
Details: A 5K + 1-mile run benefiting Ronald McDonald House Alabama. redshoerun-bham.org
Spring CahabaQue BBQ Cook-Off
When: Saturday, April 11 from noon–3 p.m.
Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. (4500 5th Ave. S. Building C, Birmingham)
How much: $15–50
Details: Enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ samples, craft beer, live music, and the chance to vote for your favorites—all to support breast cancer research in Alabama. bcrfa.org
The Farmer’s Market at Pepper Place
When: Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon
Where: Pepper Place (2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham)
How much: Free entry
Details: Shop local farmers’ produce as well as artists, bakeries, and more. (Or just go for the free samples!) pepperplacemarket.com
Week of April 12–18
Paws in the Park
When: Sunday, April 12 from 2–5 p.m.
Where: Pelham City Park (555 Ball Park Rd., Pelham)
How much: Free
Details: A pet-friendly community event! pelhamalabama.gov
Concertmaster & Friends: Death and the Maiden
When: Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University (880 Montague Dr., Birmingham)
How much: $35
Details: alabamasymphony.org
Mt. Joy – Hope We Have Fun Part II
When: Tuesday, April 14 at 8 p.m.
Where: Coca-Cola Amphitheater (2350 15th Ave. N., Birmingham)
How much: $60+
Details: Enjoy listening to this band play their favorite headliners. bjcc.org
25th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival
When: All day Friday, April 17 through April 18
Where: Gardendale Civic Center (857 Main St., Gardendale)
How much: Parking and admission are free
Details: It will have 160 vendors, two stages of live entertainment, a pooch parade, midway-style carnival, car show, free kid zone, petting zoo/pony rides, and more! magnoliafestival.org
Birdsong Farmers Market
When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 2824 5th Ave. S. (Automatic Seafood lot)
How much: Free entry
Details: A weekly farmers market—local, organic, and farmer-led. facebook.com
The Farmer’s Market at Pepper Place
When: Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon
Where: Pepper Place (2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham)
How much: Free entry
Details: Shop local farmers’ produce as well as artists, bakeries, and more. (Or just go for the free samples!) pepperplacemarket.com
28th Annual Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival
When: All day Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18
Where: 836 8th St. S., Birmingham
How much: Free (food available for purchase)
Details: Savor traditional Lebanese food, including spinach pies and more. stelias.org
5th Annual Steps Against Melanoma 5K
When: Saturday, April 18 at 8 a.m.
Where: Veterans Park (4800 Valleydale Rd., Meadowbrook)
How much: Free
Details: 5K walk/run benefiting AIM at Melanoma. support.aimatmelanoma.org
St. Elias Center Run 5K & Cedar Shake Fun Run
When: Saturday, April 18 at 8 a.m.
Where: 836 8th St. S., Birmingham
How much: $20–30
Details: Enjoy a DJ, face painting, balloon artists, and more at this race, benefitting Food for Our Journey. runsignup.com
Young Entrepreneurs Day
When: Saturday, April 18 from 1–4 p.m.
Where: Shades Valley High School (6100 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale)
How much: Free
Details: This event gives students the opportunity to showcase their businesses, sell their products, and compete for their share of over $3,000 in scholarship funds. cityofirondaleal.gov
Week of April 19–25
Ballet in the Park
When: Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m.
Where: Railroad Park
How much: Free
Details: Magic City Performing Arts presents a family-friendly afternoon of ballet and contemporary dance. magiccityperformingarts.com
Magic City Art Connection
When: Friday, April 24 through April 26. Times vary daily.
Where: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
How much: $12–15
Details: The 43rd annual contemporary art festival featuring 150 juried artists, live music, and the Imagination Festival art workshops for kids on Saturday and Sunday. magiccityart.com
Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival
When: Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Bob Sykes BBQ (Bessemer)
How much: $12.51
Details: Live blues and barbecue. bobsykes.com
Homewood Block Party
When: Saturday, April 25 from 4–6:30 p.m.
Where: Homewood Public Library
How much: $25 for ages 21 and up, $10 for ages 4–20, and free for ages 0 to 3 with the purchase of an adult ticket
Details: Sample food and beverages from local restaurants and have fun with kid-friendly activities. homewoodlibraryfoundation.org
Spring Craft Fair
When: Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Chelsea Community Center
How much: Free
Details: Explore crafts vendors, food trucks, and more. cityofchelsea.com
