Hereâs how to get an early start on celebrating the Magic City Classic
The countdown is on for the largest Historically Black College and University football game in the country. This weekend, Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University will face off in the 82nd annual Magic City Classic. The historic rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Hornets returns to Birmingham’s Legion Field on Saturday, October 28.
Plans are coming together for Classic Week. For folks looking to tailgate before the game, online tailgate spots for the Classic are sold out, but patrons may purchase spots in person from Monday, October 23 to Wednesday, October 25 at Legion Field from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tickets for the Magic City Classic football game are currently available to purchase online. Tickets for reserved seats in the stadium and the post-game concert are $35. Tickets for first-come, first-serve seating in the end zone are $25.
From networking events to day parties to concerts and more, there are tons of festivities in Birmingham leading up to Saturday’s kickoff. Looking to get your Classic celebrations started early? Here are a few suggestions for the first few days of Magic City Classic Week. For more information about the Magic City Classic, visit the official website of the Magic City Classic and City of Birmingham’s Magic City Classic site.
BCS Magic City Marching Band Festival
The Birmingham City Schools Arts Education Department will host the BCS Marching Band Festival featuring the Alabama State University Marching Band Hornets.
Location: .G.W. Carter High School| 3900 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35207
Time: 2 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets are $10 and available through GoFan.
Sneaker Ball at Emerald Lounge
Emerald Lounge will host its inaugural sneaker ball.
Location: Emerald Lounge| 7619 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35206
Time: 3:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: Early bird tickets are $15.00. General admission tickets are $20. Tickets are available at emeraldlounge205.com.
The Classic Old School Day Party
The Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Cultural and Education Advancement Foundation, Inc., will host the Classic Old School Day Party.
Location: 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets are $25 plus fees and available via Ticketbud.
Cigar Men of Distinction Day Party
Cigar Men of Distinction’s annual day party will be held on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Lit on 8th from 2 to 7 p.m.
Location: Lit on 8th| 518 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35204
Time: 2 to 7 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets range from $30 to $60 and are available via Eventbrite.
The final installment of the Birmingham Safe Summer Series kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with R&B group Dru Hill.
Location: Lawson Field Stadium| 5501 Oporto Madrid Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free
The Cigar Spot will host a car show, with food, music & cigars.
Location: Velvet Studios| 501 Huffman Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets range from $10 to $20. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Nola Day Party: Classic Weekend Kickoff
Alabama pitmaster Dwayne “Big Daddy” Thompson is hosting a classic week kickoff party featuring a menu including fried catfish and whiting, gumbo, stuffed bell peppers, jambalaya, and dirty rice.
Location: Lil’ Mama’s Meeting and Event Place| 1200 Hall Ave, Bessemer AL
Time: 3 p.m. until
Tickets: No entry fee
Black Housing Summit Kickoff
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers will launch the Black Housing Summit Kickoff with an evening of networking.
Location: The Frank| 205 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: No registration is required.
Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable Empowerment Lunch
Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson and The Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable will host a luncheon with special guest, actor Darrin Henson.
Location: BJCC East Ballroom| 2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35209
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free
Classic Cocktails: A Magic City Classic Kickoff Party
The Birmingham Public Library will host its second annual Classic Cocktails event featuring a taco/nacho bar, cigar lounge, a tasting of locally distilled spirits, and music from DJ Chris Coleman of Birmingham’s V94.9 F.M.
Location: Birmingham Public Library, Central Branch| 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets are $40 an available via Eventbrite.
Magic City Classic Network After Dark, The Suit and Tie Edition
Majestic Ultra Lounge will host a networking event for Alabama A&M and Alabama State Alumni.
Location: Majestic Ultra Lounge| 230 18th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets range from $10 to $400 and are available via Eventbrite.
Old School Magic City Classic Concert
Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson will present the Old School Magic City Classic Concert featuring Bobby Rush, Willie Clayton; V.I.C., and DJ “Bad Boy Butch.”
Location: BJCC East Ballroom| 2100 Richard Arrington Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35209
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free
Magic City Classic Sips & Scholarships
The A-List Network will host an evening of networking and philanthropy at Saks-Fifth Avenue in Birmingham.
Location: Saks Fifth Avenue| 129 Summit Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35243
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets are available via Eventbrite. General Admission is free. VIP is $20. VIP with shopping experience is $40.
Inroads Birmingham Awards Ceremony
INROADS, Incorporated will host the inaugural “Pay It Forward” awards honoring community leadership.
Location: Kress Building (Rooftop)| 301 19th Street, N Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Registration is free and available on the INROADS website. The deadline to register is Oct. 24.
Alabama A&M Greater Shelby County Alumni Kickoff
The Greater Shelby County chapter of Alabama A&M Alumni will host a Magic City Classic mixer.
Location: The Chandelier Lounge: 212 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free.
Empowering Us
Actor Larenz Tate will be the keynote speaker at an evening empowerment event presented by The Penny Foundation, Jefferson County, 98.7 Kiss FM, and 16th Street Baptist Church.
Location: 16th Street Baptist Church| 1530 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: Doors open at 5 p.m. The event starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free.
The Classic Kickoff HBCU Happy Hour
Alabama A&M and Alabama State Alumni will host The Classic Kickoff HBCU Happy Hour.
Location: LIT on 8th| 518 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35204
Time: 5:30 p.m. until
Tickets: Admission is free
Bodega on 5th Cigar Lounge will host a night of karaoke and cocktails night featuring Angry Teddy.
Location: Bodega on 5th| 3401 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Time: 7 p.m.- until
Tickets: Free Admission
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Magic City Classic Meet & Greet Day Party
West End Community and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson will host a mixer at Arlington Historic Homes and Gardens featuring DJ “Bad Boy Butch.”
Location: Arlington Historic Homes and Gardens| 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
Time: noon to 4 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free.
The choirs from Alabama State University and Alabama A&M will showcase their talent on stage during the annual “Battle of the Choirs” featuring traditional and contemporary gospel favorites. .
Location: Sardis Missionary Baptist Church |1615 4th Ct W, Birmingham, AL 3520
Time: Event starts at 6 p.m
Tickets: The event is free, but donations are appreciated
President’s Reception After Party
Jazzi’s on 3rd will host an alumni party after the Magic City Classic president’s reception.
Location: Jazzi’s On 3rd Music Gallery| 1725 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets: Open admission
Magic City Classic Kickoff Networking Event
Norman & Associates and Cadence Bank will host a networking event and mixer.
Location: Uptown Cantina| 2301 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Unit 200, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 6 p.m.-until
Tickets: Admission is free
The Green Carpet Affair
The Green Carpet Affair is an annual Classic Week event honoring Birmingham’s mayor Randal Woodfin. So far, the evening party is sold out, but we’ll update this list if more tickets become available.
Location: The Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Tickets: Admission is free and all attendees must have a ticket.