It’s officially Magic City Classic weekend. After an early start of events ringing in the largest HBCU football classic in the country, the countdown is on to Saturday, October 28 when Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University return to Birmingham’s Legion Field to face off in the 82nd annual McDonald’s Magic City Classic, presented by Coca Cola.

It’s been a rocky road getting there. Discord about agreements with the Alabama Sports Council nearly put the historic football game at Birmingham’s historic Legion Field in jeopardy. On the Classic’s social front, a lack of sponsorship forced comedian Rickey Smiley to relocate the traditional Classic Week broadcast of his famous morning show from downtown Birmingham to the Stardome Comedy Club in Hoover. The Friday evening Magic City Classic Concert featuring the Isley Brothers was canceled. But, despite the conflicts, Classic Week arrived with a bang. There were rooftop parties. Celebrity appearances. Mayor Randall Woodfin’s annual Green Carpet Affair.

Now, the countdown is on to the historic rivalry between the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and the Alabama State University Hornets.

“I’ve gotta be very very honest and transparent in this moment. This part ever really ever gets old. To be able to look at us and how we come together in this moment. How we come together as a community. As two deserving HBCUS,” said Perren King, the Executive Director of the Magic City Classic, during his opening remarks at the annual Wednesday press conference. “When you have passion for your community. When you have passion for your HBCUs. When you have passion for making sure there is equity for students and student-athletes out there, you never have to apologize for passion, because you will always align yourself with others who share that passion with you.”

After nearly a week of fellowship, a rundown of libations, food trucks, parties, and smoking grills mark the countdown to kickoff on Saturday, followed by more post-game revelry leading into Sunday evening.

Classic Weekend has a special kind of all-consuming camaraderie, particularly on Friday afternoons. Case in point: A conversation last year between two Classic revelers gathered in front of City Hall for the annual food truck party, chatting and dancing to music as they waited for their orders.

“I’ve gotta get back to work!” said one woman.

“Forget that job!” joked a man in response. “It’s Classic!”

Of course, he was kidding. That’s the Classic spirit.

We’re not telling you not to go to work. But if you have the opportunity, get out and mingle. Here’s what to do leading up to the game, on game day, and post-game. Your time during Classic Weekend is precious. Don’t waste it.

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Live at The Stardome Comedy Club

Birmingham native and Alabama State University alum Rickey Smiley will host The Rickey Smiley Morning Show live at the Stardome. Food and coffee trucks will be on-site.

Location: The Stardome Comedy Club| 1818 Data Dr., Hoover, AL 35244

Time: 5 to 9 a.m.

Tickets: This event is sold out. We’ll update this post if more tickets become available.

Awaken Birmingham: Tribute to the Carlton Reese Choir

AWAKEN Birmingham, the city of Birmingham’s annual Magic City Classic Program celebrating community leaders and activists, returns Friday to the Birmingham Museum of Art. This year, the city will honor the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir.

Location: The Birmingham Museum of Art| 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The event starts at 10 a.m.

Tickets: Registration is free. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

A Classic Day Brunch

Audrey’s Restaurant in Titusville will host a pre-Classic day party and brunch.

Location: Audrey’s Restaurant |10 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets: No tickets required

Classic in Pink Affair

Rep. Juandalynn Givan and the Birmingham Urban League will host an afternoon of philanthropy for breast cancer research.

Location: Sheraton Hotel Birmingham| 2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: Registration is at 11 a.m. Doors open for seating at noon.

Tickets: Registration is available on-site.

Jack ‘N For Beats

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey will host Jack’n for Beats, a day party featuring the Jack Daniels Karaoke Trailer, a cigar lounge, and complimentary cocktails provided by Jack Daniel’s. Food trucks will also be on-site.

Location: Lit on 8th, 518 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: 2 to 6 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

A Classic Food Truck Block Party

A fleet of food trucks will be on site in front of Birmingham City Hall for the Magic City Classic Block Party. The following trucks are slated to attend: Aww Shucks!, Fat Charles, Jolly Cakes, Nawlins, Lemonade Junkeez, A Train Station, Yummy Ice, Naughty But Nice Popcorn, Terrific Treats, Big Doon’s, My Planet Punches and Treats, Cake’s Southern Fried Eats, Bey Bey’s Ice, Pasteles Lamoreliana, Simone’s Kitchen, Frozen Rooster, UAB’s Healthy Produce Truck, Yo Chef!, Herman Soul Cafe, and King Vee’s Hotdog Cart

Location: Birmingham City Hall, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free

4th Avenue Business District Magic City Tailgate

Urban Impact will host a tailgate featuring DJs, food trucks, and vendors.

Location: 16th Street North between 3rd and 4th Avenue North

Time: noon to 9 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Sunshine and Wine, A Classic Day Party

Chase Management and the Museum of Urban Arts will host the 15th annual Sunshine & Wine Classic Day Party on the rooftops of The Southern Kitchen & Bar and Uptown Cantina.

Location: The Southern Kitchen and Bar | 2301 Richard Arrington Junior Boulevard North

Time: 2 to 7 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets range from $25 to $320. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

Giveaways with The Alabama Extension

The Alabama Extension, the agriculture program at Alabama A&M and Auburn University, will host line dancing and offer giveaways from 3 to 7 p.m. near the shuttle drop-off area at Legion Field.

Location: Legion Field Stadium| 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: 3 to 7 p.m

Tickets: No admission required

The Alabama Collective: HBUC Pitch Competition

For Classic Week, technology collaborative The Alabama Collective will host a pitch competition for HBCU students, alumni, faculty, and staff to showcase business concepts and vie for resources in the startup tech and innovation scene.

Location: Top Golf| 1111 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234

Time: 9 a.m.

Tickets: Admission to watch the competition is free. RSVP is required. Registration is available here.

Code the Classic: Magic City Classic Day Party

The Alabama Collective and Tech Birmingham will host a day party for professionals and students in the startup tech and innovation scene.

Location: Top Golf| 1111 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234

Time: noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Registration is available on The Alabama Collective website.

Alumni Band Meet and Greet

Emerald Lounge in Woodlawn will host a meet and greet for alumni of the marching bands at Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

Location: Emerald Lounge| 7619 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35206

Time: Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free

The Connection Band at Uptown Jazz Lounge

The Connection Band will perform at Uptown Jazz Lounge

Location: Uptown Jazz Lounge| 2250-B 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 9 to11:30 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are $25 and available via Eventbrite.

The Alumni Experience

The 1921 Group will host The Alumni Experience at City Club Birmingham featuring the group KHEMISTRY!!, DJ Rence and DJ Modernaire.

Location: City Club Birmingham| 1901 6th Avenue North #3100, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $45 for general admission. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

Magic City Classic Weekend Sixth Annual Friday Night Soiree

The Magic City Classic Weekend Friday Night Soiree returns to The Harbert Center for a sixth year.

Location: The Harbert Center| 2019 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $45 and are available via Eventbrite.

The Classic Mannie Fresh Party

Regions Field is the venue for the Classic party with producer, rapper, and DJ Mannie Fresh.

Location: Regions Park|1401 First Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35233

Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $40 and are available via Eventbrite.

Magic City Classic Takeover – A Homage to Hip Hop

ASU Jefferson County and Shelby County alumni will host the Magic City Classic Takeover – A Homage to Hip-Hop featuring appearances by Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, and Pastor Troy.

Location: Thomas Jefferson Tower| 1623 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $30 and are available via Eventbrite.

Saxophonist Marcus Anderson at the Perfect Note

The Perfect Note will host musician Marcus Anderson.

Location: The Perfect Note| 1845 Montgomery Hwy # 201, Hoover, AL 35244

Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets are $33 and available at Perfect Note.

Alabama A&M Alumni Association Magic City Classic Bulldog Mixer

The Alabama A&M Alumni Association will host a mixer with food, music, and cocktails, featuring the MCC Bulldog cocktail crafted by award-winning bartender and Continental Drift owner Eric Bennett.

Location: Continental Drift| 2201 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Time: 7 p.m.

Tickets: No cover/ admission

The Motion at Continental Drift

The creative collective The Kickback returns for its monthly residence at Continental Drift cocktail bar featuring sets from DJs Flock Wav and Ishmael “I$H” Morgan.

Location: Continental Drift| 2201 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets: No cover/ admission

“Nightmare on 5th” Sexy Halloween Bash

Bodega on 5th will host a Halloween party

Location: Bodega on 5th| 3401 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets are $40 and available via Eventbrite.

Magic City Classic Parade

The annual Magic City Classic parade kicks off in downtown Birmingham on Saturday, October 28 featuring more than 20 bands and dance teams. The parade will be broadcast live on WBRC Fox 6 in Birmingham, as well as television affiliates in Huntsville and Montgomery.

Location: The parade starts on the corner of 18th Street North and 7th Avenue North. The full parade route and map is available on the Magic City Classic website.

Time: The parade starts at 8 a.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

A Classic Day Brunch

Audrey’s Restaurant in Titusville will host a Classic Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Audrey’s Restaurant |10 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets: No tickets required

4th Ave. Historic District Classic Brunch Social

The Alcove in Birmingham will host a Classic Day brunch.

Location: Alcove| 1713 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tickets: This event is sold out. (We’ll update if tickets become available. Tickets were available via Eventbrite.)

Coors Light Tailgate Party

The Magic City Classic Coors Light Tailgate Party will feature food, live music, and giveaways just outside the gates on the west side of Legion Field.

Location: The west side parking lot of Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets: Updates and information on ticketing will be available on the Magic City Classic website.

Brew Crew Tailgate

The Brew Crew will host a tailgate at Legion Field, Lot N.

Location: Legion Field Stadium, Lot N| 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: noon

Tickets: No tickets required

82nd Annual Magic City Classic Football Game

The 81st annual gridiron rivalry between the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs and Alabama State University Hornets kicks off at Legion Field. Halftime will feature the Battle of the Bands— A&M’s Marching Maroon & White vs. ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets. Comedian and social media star K’Hood will be the game emcee.

Location: Legion Field Stadium, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: 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 and the post-game show are $25.

KB’s Technique at Uptown Jazz Lounge

KB’s Technique will perform at Uptown Jazz Lounge

Location: Uptown Jazz Lounge| 2250-B 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 9 p.m. to midnight

Tickets: Tickets are available on Eventbrite

The Ultimate Classic Throwback: Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop

Bodega on 5th Cigar Lounge will host a concert saluting 50 years of Hip Hip featuring 95 South, 69 Boyz, Kilo Ali, and Splack Pack.

Location: Bodega on 5th| 3401 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $40 and are available via Eventbrite.

The Classic Grand Finale Saturday Night Live

DJ B. Brian will host The Magic City Classic Grand Finale at Regions Field.

Location: Regions Field| 1401 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233

Time: Entry starts at 9 a.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $20 and are available on Eventbrite.

Jac Ross at The Perfect Note

R&B singer Jac Ross will perform at The Perfect Note.

Location: The Perfect Note| 1845 Montgomery Hwy # 201, Hoover, AL 35244

Time: 7 p.m and 10 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $38 and are available at Perfect Note. (The 7 p.m. show is currently sold out).

The Classic Finale Dipp’d & Dripp’d

Bodega on 5th Cigar Lounge with host a catered brunch featuring appearances by Paul Anthony Designs and Chapeaux Trendz.

Location: Bodega on 5th| 3401 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are $40 and available via Eventbrite.

Soulful Sunday with DeDee Frazier

DeDee Fraizer will host Soulful Sunday at The Perfect Note.

Location: The Perfect Note| 1845 Montgomery Hwy # 201, Hoover, AL 35244

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are not required for entry.

Nancy’s Soul Food Sunday All-Black Affair

Tammy Holmes will host Nancy’s Soul Food Sunday featuring a performance by Hygh Energi Band and food by Royalty Pastries LLC.

Location: Woodrow Hall| 5504 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212

Time: 3 to 7 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $40 and are available via Eventbrite.

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue at the Alys Stephens Center

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will perform at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center.

Location: Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center| 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets start at $49 and are available at Alys Stephens.org