Economy
Magic City Mania

What’s been said about the previous 82 Magic City Classics is just as true for the 83rd installment of the football rivalry between Alabama A&M and Alabama State universities.
It’s more than a game.
The featured part of the annual event is the McDonald’s Magic City Classics presented by Coca-Cola game that kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at historic Legion Field. But that is hardly the only thing that will have metro Birmingham and fans from across the state abuzz.
There are activities that are on the official classic calendar and there are others that will take advantage of the throngs of people who will be in town.
Some of those people will constitute Birmingham’s 100th neighborhood that annually mushrooms around the stadium on Graymont Avenue as tailgating fans take up residence for the better part of a week.
All told, the activities bring millions into the area every year. Magic City Classic-themed events for the week include the following:
Saturday, Oct. 19
- The Classic Fun Run that was originally planned for Saturday has been postponed until Spring 2025. For more info, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/TheClassicFunRun
- Magic City Fashion Week kicked off Oct. 17, and it will continue into Saturday and Sunday. The Emerging Stylist Competition will be held at Haven on Saturday at 7 p.m. Visit magiccityfashionweek.org for more info.
- The Woodlawn Street Market will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Woodlawn commercial district near 55th Place South.
Sunday, Oct. 20
- The Safe Summer Series Concert will be at the Huffman High School football field at 4 p.m. Sunday. This event, presented by Birmingham City Councilors Clinton Woods and J.T. Moore, will feature 112; The Connection Band; Yung Vocalz; and Dominique. The event is free! Register at safesummerseries.com.
- The Classic Ole School Day Party, presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Omega Chapter, will be Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium. Tickets are $25. There will also be a costume contest.
- Bottomless Brunch Sunday will be held at the Emerald Lounge, 7619 First Avenue North on Sunday from 1 to 10 pm. Admission is $10, and it’s $15 for the bottomless brunch. For more information, text 205-225-9250. Visit https://linktr.ee/emeraldlounge205 for tickets.
- Cigar Men of Distinction’s annual day party will be Sunday at Lit on 8th from 2 to 7 p.m. The address is 518 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. General admission is $30. General Admission Plus is $40. Premium seating is $60. Tori Be and Press Play will be performing. Hosts will be Isis Jones and DJ Chris Coleman. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
- A Family Fun Day that celebrates careers in construction will be at Legion Field on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Free admission. There will be food trucks, hands-on activities, giveaways and competitions. For more info, send emails to info@wearecrl.com.
- Voices of Victory: A Classic Celebration of Gospel will be Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Linn Park, 710 20th St. N. Presented by Bham Be Brunchin’, Propel, Voices of Victory and the city’s department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. Free admission. Hosted by Pastor Doug Taylor. According to Eventbrite, Ann Nesby, Jeremy Hill and Remnant, Rosalind the Levitechick, Dr. Prince Yelder and DANi will perform. There will be food trucks, vendors and choirs.
- The Birmingham Museum of Art will open two exhibits on Sunday, 1-5 p.m., to help kick off Classic week. They are Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity; and Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. The Lawson State Community School cheer squad, the Miles College choir will make appearances. There will also be a drumline experience, face painting and food trucks. Free admission. For more info, please visit artsbma.org/event/exhibition-opening-celebration/
- Birmingham City Schools’ Marching Band Festival, featuring the Tuskegee Marching Crimson Piper Band, will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at George Washington Carver High School. Tickets are $10. For more information, call Birmingham City Schools Arts Education Department at 205-231-9963.
- The Magic City Gospel Fest will be at 6 p.m. Sunday at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Featured choirs will include Greater Shiloh, Miles College, Lawson State, Bryant Thompson & Voices of Victory, and the Birmingham Community Mass Choir. Admission is free but donations to benefit the scholarship fund of the Baptist association will be accepted. Presented by state. Rep. Patrick Sellers.

Monday, Oct. 21
- The remaining Magic City Classic tailgating spots will go on sale Monday at 8 a.m. at Legion Field.
- The Birmingham Realist Association will host W.I.R.E (Women Investing in Real Estate) Rooftop Mixer on Monday at 6 p.m. at The Frank, 205-20th St. North. Free admission.
- Rep Your Era will be held Monday at Bodega on 5th, 3401 Fifth Ave. S. Doors open at 6 p.m. Early bird tickets are $25, $30 at the door. Dressed in attire from your favorite era. There will be giveaways for the best dressed, best dance and best song/rap. Food trucks on site. Featured hosts are Lil Homie, Lady Woo and Dreka Ray. Also present will be DJ Dirty Vegas and DJ Gorgeous.
- Network ’N Chill will be Monday at Michael’s Restaurant on the rooftop, 1525 First Ave. S., from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. Advance registration is encouraged.
- The Randall L. Woodfin Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held Monday with two start times at Highland Park Golf Course, 3300 Highland Ave. There will be a 7 a.m. registration for the 8 a.m. shotgun and a 12 p.m. registration for the 1 p.m. shotgun. For more information, send emails to shella@sistergolf.com or visit rlwtournament2024.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
- Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable Presents Its Annual Empowerment Luncheon: Featuring Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
- The Bama State Alumni & Friends Party will be at Platinum of Birmingham, 821 Second Ave. N. on Tuesday. Call 205-413-9846 for table reservations. Doors open at 5 p.m. $5 admission until 10 p.m. 30 plus before 9 p.m. 21 plus after 9 p.m. Free dinner buffet.
- The Birmingham Public Library’s “Let Loose in the Library” will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the downtown library. It will feature co-hosts Lady Woo and Funnymaine, tailgate-style food, a beer bar, specialty cocktails and more. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Visit www.cobpl.org for more info.
- The HBCUnity Happy Hour will be Tuesday starting at 5:30 p.m. at Uptown Jazz Lounge, 2250-B Ninth Ave N. in downtown Birmingham. Presented by Quentin Carter, Kristy Stewart, Angela McKenzie and Ontario Tillman, this event will feature live entertainment from the Rotation Band.
- The Old School Magic City Classic Concert, presented by Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, will be Tuesday at Boutwell Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free admission. Featuring After Seven, Bigg Robb and EJ Jones. For more information, call 205-325-5074.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
- Battle of the Choirs: Featuring choirs from Alabama A&M and Alabama State universities at 6 p.m. at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, 1615 4th Court W. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Free admission.
- The Magic City Classic Meet and Greet Day Party, presented by the West End Community and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, will be noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Arlington House, 331 Cotton Ave. Free food and drinks while they last. Bring your lawn chair. Call 205-325-5074 for more information.
- The Annual Green Carpet Affair set for Wednesday is sold out. Attendees must have registered to attend this free event.
- The Eighth Annual Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University Presidents’ Reception will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday at Jazzi’s on Third, 1725 Third Ave. N. There will be food trucks, a live Earth, Wind and Fire tribute and more.
- Classic Status, presented by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton and Minority Leader Anthony Daniel, will be Wednesday at Uptown Jazz, 2250 Ninth Ave. N. Doors open at 9 p.m. Featuring DJ Chris Coleman.
- S. Rep. Terri Sewell will be part of a panel discussion called, “Classic Workforce Conversation,”on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Medical Forum Building.
- UAB Medicine and Cooper Green Career Connections job fair will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Medical Forum Building, at the BJCC. Register at com.

Thursday, Oct. 24
- Welcome to Birmingham: The Opening Ceremony will be Thursday, Oct. 24 at Cantina’s, 2301 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd., from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
- Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival, featuring Fantasia, SWV and Too Short will be held Thursday at Railroad Park. Sherri Brown, Logan The Entertainer, James Crumb & KB, and the AAMU and ASU drumlines will perform. Free admission. Gates open at 4 p.m. Pre-show at 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chair. Call 205-431-7781 for more info. Security will be strictly enforced.
- The Royal Mixer, presented by Parrish Reid, will be Thursday at Michael’s Restaurant & Bar Sebastian starting at 8 p.m. Featuring DJ Chris Coleman, DJ New Era and DJ Jamar. For tickets and VIP reservations, call Parrish at 773-895-4838 or visit Eventbrite.
- A Classic Thursday Night, hosted by Danny Carry and Bobby Davis, will be at Denim on 7th, 2808 Seventh Ave. S. starting at 6 p.m. Call 205-203-2409 to reserve sections. You must be 25 and older to enter. Free admission.
- The Magic City Pep Rally, sponsored by AARP, will be Thursday at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Birmingham from 6 to 9 p.m. Advance registration required. Please go here for more info and to register.
- Reservations are now closed for the Birmingham Business Alliance’s Magic City HBCU Breakfast.

Friday, Oct. 25
- The Rickey Smiley Morning Show will do a live broadcast from the BJCC Concert Hall on Friday. Doors will open at 4:15 a.m. and the show will start at 5 a.m. Featuring Gary with Da Tea, Da Brat, Rock T, Special K, Maria Moore and Jahlion.
- City of Birmingham’s Awaken Event, honoring former Judge U.W. Clemon, will be Friday at the Birmingham Museum of Art’s auditorium. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Event starts at 10 a.m. Free.
- A Classic Food Truck Block Party, will be Friday in front of Birmingham City Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring DJ Rowdy Rod and line dancing. City Hall’s address is 710 20th St. N. The following trucks are slated to attend: Fat Charles, Jolly Cakes, Lemonade Junkeez, Yummy Ice, Naughty But Nice Popcorn, Terrific Treats, Cake’s Southern Fried Eats, Frozen Roosters, Yo Chef!, Berries By Crystal, O’ My Turkey Leg, 1918 Catering, Lil Bougie burgers, Travis, Luvin Lemonade, Treats So Sweet, Hit Different BBQ & Grill and King Vee’s Hotdog Cart. Fly V will also be selling its Classic Vibes T-shirts and sweatshirts and Breast Cancer Awarenesss Month T-shirts.
- Sunshine and Wine, A Classic Day Party, Friday noon to 6 p.m. at the Southern Kitchen and Bar rooftop, 2301 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Tickets start at $30.
- Shoulders University – Magic City Classic Day Party will be at Emerald Lounge on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. Text 205-225-9250. Visit www.emeraldlounge205.com for more information and to get tickets.
- The Classic Kid Capri Party will be Friday at Regions Field, 1401 First Ave. S. Doors open at 9 p.m. Show starts at midnight. Reserved VIP seating and tables are available. Attire: Classic.
- The Hemings Group will host The Classic Day Party on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. at 1623 Second Ave. N., Suite 106. DJ Dirty Vegas will be there. You must RSVP to enter. Visit www.hemingsgroup.com for more info.
- The Magic City Classic Black Carpet Event will be Friday at the Alcove, 1713 Fourth Ave. N. Doors open at 6 p.m. Event will end at midnight. Table reservations and bottle service will be available. For VIP info, call 334-207-0397. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
- The Magic City Classic Takeover, presented by the ASU Jefferson and Shelby counties alumni chapters, will be at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel on Friday. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Ticket info on Eventbrite. The address is 1000 Galleria Circle, Hoover.
- The Connection Band will perform at Uptown Jazz Lounge, 2250 Ninth Ave. N., Suite B, on Friday at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $25. See tickets on Eventbrite.
- The Seventh Annual Classic Friday Night Soiree will be at Paper Doll Bar and Lounge, 2320 First Ave. N., on Friday. Featuring DJ Jack Benny and DJ New Era. Tickets start at $30. For tickets and reservations, call Parrish at 773-895-4838 or visit Eventbrite. classicfriday24.eventbrite.com
- Alumni Band Meet and Greet on Friday at Emerald Lounge, 7619 First Ave. N. Doors open at 6 p.m. For sections, text 205-225-9250.
- Emerald Horror Story Costume Party, Friday at Emerald Lounge, 7619 First Ave. North. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. For sections, text 205-225-9250 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- The Classic ’90s Playlist Playoff Day Party will be Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Lit on 8th, 518 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
- Magic City Golf Tournament will be Friday at the golf course at Ross Bridge Resort at 8 a.m. Visit Eventbrite for more info.

Saturday, Oct. 26
- The Magic City Classic Parade will be in downtown Birmingham at 8 a.m. Saturday. Visit magiccityclassic.comfor the route. Actor Omari Hardwick, who is known for playing James St. Patrick or Ghost in the show “Power,” is this year’s Classic ambassador.
- The Coors Light Tailgate Party will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Legion Field. Different sponsors will be in the west side parking lot. Free and open to the public.
- The Magic City Classic Football Game will be at Legion Field on Saturday. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. Please remember the clear bag policy will be strictly enforced. Everyone must have a ticket to enter, including children. Also, shuttles will be available at three locations. Shuttles will be $5.
- Emerald Lounge will host its Classic AfterParty at its lounge, 7619 First Avenue N. on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free until 9 p.m. After that, admission is $10. Only for those 21 years and up. For more information, text 205-225-9250.
- The Tailgate After Dark Experience will be Saturdayat Michael’s Restaurant, 1525 First Avenue S. For ages 30 and up. For tickets, visit star23enterprise.com.
- The Magic City Classic Postgame Jam with Mose Stovall and the TCB Band will be Saturday at Uptown Jazz Lounge from 9 to 11:30 p.m., according to Eventbrite. Admission is $25.
Sunday, Oct. 27
- The Summer Series continues with PMJ, Pastor Mike Jr., at Railroad Park on Sunday at 5 p.m. This free event is presented by Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman.
- The Magic City Classic Comedy Show will be at the Stardome Comedy Club in Hoover on Sunday. Tickets available at stardome.com. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Show starts at 6 p.m. Featuring Special K and Rita Brent from the Rickey Smiley Morning Show.