BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
The Magic City Classic may culminate with the Alabama State Hornets and Alabama A&M Bulldogs battling for bragging rights, but the excitement begins well before kickoff.
For generations, Birmingham has served as the backdrop for one of the biggest events in HBCU football. During Classic Week, the city comes alive with music, food, culture and traditions that bring fans back year after year.
Ready to plan your week? Here are five Classic Week events you don’t want to miss—plus one bonus experience.
No. 5: Kickoff Classic Week with Boosie at Legion Field
Classic Week begins Sunday with Birmingham flavor and a major headliner.
Local performers will take the stage beginning at 4 p.m. before Boosie turns up the energy at Legion Field. Fans should plan ahead: Coolers and lawn chairs will not be allowed.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
Time: Local performances begin at 4 p.m.
Location: Legion Field
Admission: Check the official event listing for details
Know before you go: Leave coolers and lawn chairs at home
No. 4: Experience the Battle of the Choirs
By Wednesday, the competition moves from the football field to the choir stand.
The 15th annual Battle of the Choirs will fill Sardis Missionary Baptist Church with powerful voices, moving harmonies and plenty of HBCU pride. The celebration gives choirs a chance to command the spotlight during one of Birmingham’s biggest weeks.
The best part? Admission is free.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Sardis Missionary Baptist Church
Admission: Free
No. 3: Savor the Taste of Fourth Avenue Jazz Festival
Classic Week hits a smoother note in Birmingham’s historic Fourth Avenue District.
The Taste of Fourth Avenue Jazz Festival will serve up live jazz, great food and shopping with local vendors. The event will also feature a performance by the Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir.
It’s an opportunity to experience the music, history and community spirit of one of the city’s most significant cultural districts—and it won’t cost you anything to attend.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Historic Fourth Avenue District
Admission: Free
No. 2: See Summer Walker and Tank at Tailgate Fest
Thursday belongs to R&B fans.
Summer Walker will bring the soul, Tank will deliver the R&B and fans will provide the energy when the Magic City Classic Tailgate Fest takes over the Birmingham Race Course.
Gates open at 3 p.m., giving fans time to arrive and settle in before the main show begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free, making this one of Classic Week’s biggest entertainment draws.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 29
Time: Gates open at 3 p.m.; main show begins at 6 p.m.
Location: Birmingham Race Course
Admission: Free
No. 1: Cruise into City Walk for cars, music and family fun
Friday’s celebration shifts into high gear at City Walk.
Fans can check out hot rods, grab something to eat from local food trucks and enjoy live music. Families can also join the trunk-or-treat festivities, while competitors will have the chance to win a share of $5,000 in prizes.
Young Dro will also be in the house, adding even more energy to the final day before the big game.
Date: Friday, Oct. 30
Time: 2–6 p.m.
Location: City Walk
Admission: Check the official event listing for details
Bonus: Become part of the Ultimate R&B Sing-Along
Don’t just sing in the car—take those vocals to the crowd.
Grammy-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox will transform the audience into the choir during the Ultimate R&B Sing-Alongat WorkPlay. Fans can warm up their voices and get ready to belt out some of R&B’s biggest and most recognizable songs.
Date: During Classic Week
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: WorkPlay
Admission: Check the official event listing for details
Join the WVTM 13 team tailgate before the big game
The celebration continues before kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 31 with a tailgate at Legion Field.
Fans can meet the team, take in the sights and sounds around the stadium and celebrate the traditions that make the Magic City Classic special. The event will also feature a very special guest: Tamron Hall.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
Time: Before the game
Location: Legion Field
Admission: Check the official tailgate listing for details
Watch special Magic City Classic coverage
Before the teams take the field, tune in Friday, Oct. 30, on Alabama’s CBS for special coverage celebrating the game, the bands and the traditions surrounding the biggest HBCU Classic in the country.