8 minute read
WHERE TO PLAY
For more information, visit our website at inbirmingham.com
Alabama Ballet
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Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality education and community outreach. Under the direction of Tracey Alvey, this company of 41 professional dancers presents four fulllength productions annually. 2726 1st Ave S. 205-322-4300. alabamaballet.org
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained audiences for more than 70 years, playing a variety of classical and popular compositions and hosting performances by some of the finest international guest artists. The symphony’s 54 talented musicians bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces. 3621 6th Ave S. 205-251-7727. alabamasymphony.org
Alabama Theatre
Built in the 1920s, The Alabama Theatre is one of the nation’s last operating movie palaces, featuring first-run and revival films, concerts and other special events. The “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ still rises from the orchestra pit and is often played to accompany silent films. Attending an event or movie at the Alabama is one of the most highly recommended activities for visitors to the city. Admission charged: varies by event. 1817 Third Ave N. 205-252-2262. alabamatheatre.com
Alys Stephens Center
Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center’s trademark is diversity – diverse performances and diverse audiences. From classical, pop, jazz and world beat music to dance, comedy and family entertainment, world-renowned performing artists take the stage at this concert hall and theater space on the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus. 1200 10th Ave S. 205-975-2787. alysstephens.org
Barber Motorsports Park
Not only is this road course second to none, it is set within a perfectly manicured and sculptured landscape. Visitors can watch auto and motorcycle road racing while relaxing in wooded surroundings. The course was designed to meet the highest racing standards, yet also to be spectator-friendly and welcoming to families. The length of the road course is 2.38 miles. It is 45 feet wide and has 16 turns. The park sits on 740 acres, 225 of which are developed. The Barber Motorsports Park hosts a continuous schedule of upscale, high-profile motorcycle and auto racing events. It is also home to the Porsche Driving Experience. 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy. 205-298-9040. barbermotorsports.com
Birmingham Barons
In April of 2013, the Birmingham Barons Baseball Club played their first game in their new ballpark, Regions Field. The crown jewel of Birmingham’s newly developed Parkside District features a variety of unique seating areas, creating an intimate atmosphere and offering unique views of the downtown skyline, UAB, Children’s Hospital and Vulcan. The city’s AA baseball team, farm team for the Chicago White Sox, plays its season from April through September. 205-988-3200. barons.com
BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Birmingham Children’s Theatre was founded in 1947. Since that time, it has become one of America’s largest professional theatres for young audiences and now operates in a three-theatre complex at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The theatre produces eight shows seasonally, four of which tour, giving the theatre a combined audience of over 200,000 each year. 2130 Richard Arrington, Jr., Blvd N. 205-458-8181. bct123.org
Birmingham Festival Theatre
Birmingham Festival Theatre was formed in 1972. Since that time the theatre has provided both seasonal local performers and new aspiring talent to present shows that can be seen in Birmingham only at this theatre. 1901-1/2 11th Ave S. 205-933-2383. bftonline.org
BIRMINGHAM-JEFFERSON CONVENTION COMPLEX/ LEGACY ARENA AT THE BJCC
Alabama’s largest convention facility is also the state’s premier venue for entertainment. From touring Broadway shows to big-name music performers, the BJCC has a full schedule of events. The expansive exhibition hall at the complex is often in use for boat shows, bridal fairs and hunting and fishing expos. The 19,000-seat Legacy Arena at the BJCC hosts world class musical entertainers, along with special events and is known for its crisp acoustics. The more intimate 2,800seat concert hall is the performance venue for limited seating performances. And the 1,000seat theater is an ideal setting for theatrical performances where every seat in the house is a good one. 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N. 205-458-8400. bjcc.org
Birmingham Legion Fc
Launched in 2018 as an expansion member of the USL Championship, Birmingham Legion FC is the city’s professional soccer franchise. They play all home matches at Protective Stadium in downtown Birmingham. bhamlegion.com
The Birmingham Stallions
Currently the 2022 USFL champions, The Birmingham Stallions is a professional American football team based in Birmingham, Alabama. They are one of the eight members of the United States Football League (USFL). They currently play their spring/summer home games at Protective Stadium located in Birmingham. Giddy up and buy your tickets at bit.ly/2023USFLTix
Birmingham Squadron
Based in Birmingham, the team is the NBA G League affiliate of the National Basketball Association’s New Orleans Pelicans. They play their games at the newly renovated Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. gleague.nba.com/team/birmingham-squadron
Carver Theatre
The historical theater, located in the Fourth Avenue District, is also home to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Opening in 1935 as a movie house, the Carver Theatre was a hub for nightlife in segregated Birmingham’s Black Business District. The newly renovated theater hosts touring theatrical productions and numerous concerts and educational events sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. 4th Avenue North. 205-327-9424
Central Alabama Theater
CAT endeavors to enrich and expand the region’s entertainment experiences through quality professional theater. Through film, one-man shows, storytelling and concert entertainment, CAT encourages creative community involvement. centralalabamatheater.org
Finley Center
Located at the Hoover Met Complex, The Finley Center is a state-of-the-art sports complex and event venue. The facility regularly hosts sports tournaments, tradeshows, and other public events.
5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy. 205-739-7364 hoovermetcomplex.com/finley-center
GRAND RIVER DRIVE-IN THEATER
Enjoy movies under the stars with dinner and refreshments from The Snack Shack, Neighbors Brews & Pies, and Saws BBQ. There is an off-leash dog park for the furry friends, a playground for the kids, a mini-golf course and yard games. Lawn chairs and laidback attitudes welcome. Purchase tickets online. 1453 Grand River Pkwy N. 205-352-9180. grandriverdrive-in.com
Historic Five Points South Entertainment District
Founded in 1893, Five Points South is a walkable neighborhood with James Beard
Foundation Award-winning restaurants and historically significant architecture. The beautiful Highlands United Methodist Church, the centerpiece of Five Points, has been part of the neighborhood for more than 100 years. The fountain sculpture in front of the church, “The Storyteller,” was designed by Birmingham artist Frank Fleming and conveys the deep Southern tradition of storytelling. The fountain is a favorite backdrop for tourists taking photographs in the area. Five Points is a popular shopping and dining destination, influenced by nationallyrenowned restaurants such as Highlands Bar and Grill. fivepointsbham.com
Historic Lakeview Entertainment District
Developed in the late 19th century, the Lakeview District is named for a lake and other attractions that once defined the former Lakeview Park. Present day Lakeview looks little as it did then, but it has flourished and grown and holds a good quality assortment of restaurants and nightspots. Among the favorite dining rooms in the area are Bettola, Half Shell Oyster House and Hot & Hot Fish Club. In the spring and summer months, locals and tourists flock to Pepper Place Saturday Market for locally grown fruit, produce and plants. The Lakeview District stretches across several blocks and includes other clusters of restaurants and clubs, including the highly-rated Five Bar, Lou’s Pub and Package Store, and Slice Pizza & Brew, a hip pizza place.
Homewood Entertainment District
The district encompasses much of the downtown area of this charming Birmingham suburb. Restaurants and bars in the area are plentiful, ranging from Southern-influenced Mexican fare to Greek-style meat and threes. Also, check out the new location for the Homewood Theater in Soho Square.
BROADWAY-LEVEL, BIRMINGHAM-BORN
SEE OUR FULL SEASON AT redmountaintheatre.org
Hoover Metropolitan Complex
The Hoover Metropolitan Complex, located in Hoover, Alabama, is a worldclass sports tourism and community sports complex managed by The Sports Facilities Companies. The Finley Center located at the HMC, is a large, multi-use complex boasts a state-of-the-art 155,000 square foot indoor facility, which includes an indoor climbing center, suspended walking track, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, and multiple meeting rooms. The Complex also includes the Hoover Met Stadium, a 170 space RV Park, a 16 hard court Tennis Center, disability-inclusive playground and splash pad, and baseball/softball and multipurpose outdoor fields. 5508 Stadium Trace, Hoover 205-739-7364. hoovermetcomplex.com
Iron City Birmingham
Iron City hosts live music and a variety of stage performances This venue is also available for parties, weddings and other social celebrations. 513 22nd St S. 205-202-5483. ironcitybham.com
The Lyric Theatre
The Lyric was once the finest performing arts theatre in the city and through its $11.8 million restoration, it is again. Listed on the National Register as part of the Birmingham Downtown Retail & Theatre Historic District, this century-old venue is a beacon of history, entertainment, and culture in the heart of Birmingham. The theatre offers a wider stage and closer audience—better suited for performing arts such as the symphony, ballet, opera and theatre. The Lyric should always be thought of primarily as a performing arts theatre and is an unequaled venue for live performances of all types. 1800 3rd Ave. N. 205-252-2262. lyricbham.com
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Each year between April and October, some of the world’s top musicians perform in the beautiful outdoor arena. Fee: Varies with each performance. Hwy 119 exit off I-65. 1000 Amphitheatre Rd. 205-985-4900. verizonwirelessmusiccenter.net
Opera Birmingham
Northern and Central Alabama’s only professional, regional opera company, Opera Birmingham has entertained and informed audiences in the region for over 65 years. Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic productions and concerts that have been hailed by critics and loved by audiences. 3601 6th Ave S. 205-322-6737
PERFECT NOTE - LIVE MUSIC AND DINING
Dine, drink and enjoy live music including jazz, blues, old school R&B, Big Band and gospel at Hoover’s only hottest supper club every Thursday – Sunday.
1845 Montgomery Hwy S, Ste. 201, Hoover. 205-986-7280. perfectnotelive.com
Red Mountain Theatre
RMTC is a non-profit, professional theater organization with an emphasis on musical theater. For more than 30 years, the company has presented high quality theatrical experiences. Now in its new home, RMTC continues to bring both wellknown national performers and excellent local talent to the Birmingham stage. 1600 3rd Ave. S. 205-324-2424. redmountaintheatre.org
Regions Field
The Birmingham Baron’s home is located near the heart of the city. Between 14th and 16th and 1st and 3rd Ave S. 205-988-3200.
Saturn Birmingham
Located in the Historic Avondale Park Entertainment District, Saturn features musical performances by national and regional touring bands and artists. Purchase tickets online. 200 41st St S. 205-703-9545. saturnbirmingham.com
SIDEWALK FILM CENTER + CINEMA
Located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic theatre district in the Pizitz Building downtown, Sidewalk Cinema is a state-ofthe-art boutique theater featuring indie and blockbuster films. The cinema offers a full bar and concessions and is available to rent for social occasions. Purchase tickets online. 1821 2nd Ave N. 205-324-0888. sidewalkcinema.org.
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facility in the world. Records for both speed and competition have been established at Talladega. Two major races during the year draw thousands of fans from across the country for the heart-thumping action on the track. Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. Admission charged. 3366 Speedway Blvd. 256-362-2261. talladegasuperspeedway.com
Topgolf
Enjoy Topgolf’s climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay and throughout the sports bar and restaurant. Using their complimentary clubs or your own, take aim at the giant outfield targets and their high-tech balls will score themselves. 1111 24th St. N.205-847-5757. topgolf.com/us/birmingham
Uptown Entertainment District
Adjacent to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Uptown is an entertainment district with a nice mix of bars, hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants. Other dining choices offer a wide selection from steaks to Southern fare. Al fresco dining is popular in the Uptown district, with live music throughout the week on rooftop patios. uptownbham.com
Virginia Samford Theatre
The Virginia Samford Theatre is a very special facility for events. The charming historic theater with its park side setting is located on Birmingham’s southside and has a lovely outdoor courtyard. Spaces available for meetings and events. 1116 26th St S. 205-251-1228. virginiasamfordtheatre.org ❖