Memorial Day weekend is arriving with all the fanfare of an Alabama summer kickoff, and this week’s lineup is bringing a little bit of everything along with it. From Broadway hits lighting up Birmingham stages and colorful coastal celebrations in Orange Beach to hot air balloons soaring over Decatur and art festivals along Lake Martin, communities across the state are leaning into the long weekend. Whether you are looking to grab a lawn chair for a balloon launch, shop local art, or enjoy a concert under the city lights, it is time to soak up the start of summer across Alabama.
& Juliet — Birmingham
May 19th–24th
Broadway is getting a pop-powered twist in Birmingham this week as & Juliet takes over the BJCC Concert Hall. Created by the Emmy-winning writer behind Schitt’s Creek, the hit musical imagines what would happen if Juliet chose her own ending instead of Romeo’s tragic finale. Packed with chart-topping songs from pop music mastermind Max Martin — including hits made famous by Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Katy Perry — the production brings a high-energy mix of comedy, romance, and nostalgia to the stage.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic — Decatur
May 23rd–24th
The skies over Decatur will fill with color this Memorial Day weekend as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic returns to Point Mallard Park. One of Alabama’s most beloved summer kickoff traditions, the free event features hot air balloon races, glowing nighttime balloon displays, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food, and fireworks all packed into a weekend-long celebration. Visitors can catch the balloons taking flight during morning competitions and evening fun flights, while Saturday night’s balloon glow promises one of the festival’s most memorable sights.
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks — Foley
May 23rd
OWA Parks & Resort in Foley has your Memorial Day weekend plans covered. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. in Downtown OWA with live entertainment and family-friendly activities before the fireworks show lights up the sky over Tropic Falls at 8:50 p.m. on Saturday night. Visitors can spend the evening exploring the entertainment district, grabbing dinner, and finding the perfect spot to watch the Gulf Coast celebration unfold.
Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off — Orange Beach
May 18th
Seafood lovers can head to The Wharf in Orange Beach on Monday, May 18, for the 11th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off hosted by Sweet Grown Alabama. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Marlin Circle, four chef teams from across the state will go head-to-head to create dishes featuring Alabama seafood and locally grown ingredients, all competing for the chance to represent the state at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Guests are invited to grab dinner at one of The Wharf’s restaurants before watching the live competition and cheering on their favorite chefs.
Art on the Lake — Alexander City
May 23rd–24th
Lake Martin’s annual Art on the Lake festival returns to Alexander City Memorial Day weekend, bringing together artists and makers from across Alabama and the Southeast for a two-day outdoor showcase. Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event features handmade artwork ranging from reclaimed wood pieces and pottery to paintings, jewelry, and home décor. Known as one of the lake area’s signature summer kickoff events, Art on the Lake gives visitors the chance to shop local, meet artists, and spend the holiday weekend exploring creative work inspired by the region.
Pizitz Concert in the Courtyard — Birmingham
May 17th
The Pizitz Food Hall will celebrate its return to Sunday service this weekend with a special Concert in the Courtyard performance from Birmingham musician Cashmere Williams. Taking place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, the event marks the first Sunday the downtown food hall has reopened for Sunday hours. Known for his soulful sound and smooth jazz influences, Cashmere Williams blends gospel roots with contemporary jazz and R&B, creating an easygoing atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon downtown. Visitors can enjoy live music in the courtyard while grabbing lunch, drinks, and exploring the food hall’s local vendors.
Whether you are spending the weekend downtown, along the coast, at the lake, or somewhere in between, this week’s events offer plenty of ways to make the most of the holiday weekend. From Broadway performances and live music to fireworks, food competitions, art festivals, and community traditions, Alabama’s summer season is already off to a busy start.
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