Summer in Birmingham, Alabama, is shaping up to be an exciting season for music lovers, with a lineup of free concerts that cater to a variety of tastes and age groups. From orchestral symphonies to vibrant jazz festivals, the city offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music without spending a dime.
If you’re looking to fill your summer weekends with great music, community spirit, and outdoor fun, here are 13 free concerts and music festivals in Birmingham that you should mark on your calendar.
1. Symphony in the Summer at Railroad Park
Dates: May 23–25, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM nightly
Hosted at Birmingham’s popular Railroad Park, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra returns with its annual Symphony in the Summer series. This three-night event features classical masterpieces alongside popular show tunes, creating an elegant and family-friendly atmosphere under the stars. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or chairs to relax while enjoying the music.
2. Crooked Creek Band at Smith Lake
Date: June 7, 2025
Enjoy a lively evening at Smith Lake as the Crooked Creek Band takes the stage. Known for blending genres including rock, country, and blues, this band promises a fun-filled night for outdoor concert-goers.
3. Maddie & Tae + Parmalee at Alabaster CityFest
Date: June 14, 2025
Country music fans will be thrilled to see Maddie & Tae alongside Parmalee performing live at the Alabaster CityFest. This concert is part of a larger community festival featuring food, crafts, and family activities, making it an ideal day out for all ages.
4. Phoenix Singers Summer Concert
Date: July 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School
The Phoenix Singers, a choir dedicated to supporting bereaved families, presents a beautiful concert of music from stage and screen. This heartfelt event offers a unique musical experience and supports a worthy cause.
5. Music for Youth National Festival
Dates: July 11–13, 2025
This festival highlights young musical talent from across the country. Showcasing a variety of genres, it offers a chance to see the next generation of musicians in a supportive, lively setting.
6. Páirc Summer Series
Dates: August 23–24, 2025
Location: The New Irish Centre, Kings Heath
Celebrate Irish culture with traditional and contemporary Irish music at the Páirc Summer Series. Artists like The Saw Doctors and Nathan Carter have featured in previous years, attracting both locals and visitors.
7. BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend (Liverpool)
While not in Birmingham, this notable event on May 23–25 features some of the biggest names in music across genres. For fans willing to travel, it is a can’t-miss event.
8. Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival
Dates: July 18–27, 2025
Known as England’s longest-running free jazz and blues festival, this event brings a rich diversity of jazz, blues, and soul music to stages throughout Birmingham. It’s a perfect setting for lovers of live jazz and soulful tunes.
9. ValeFest
Date: June 10, 2025
ValeFest is a charitable music and arts festival run by University of Birmingham students. With multiple stages and a lineup of bands and artists, it’s a fun community event that supports local causes.
10. Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival
Dates are yet to be announced for 2025, but this festival continues to bring incredible jazz, funk, and soul performances that draw music lovers from all over the region.
11. Birmingham Comedy Festival
Though focused on comedy, this festival often features musical acts and live performances. It’s a great complement to the summer’s musical events.
12. Birmingham Museum of Art
While not a concert, the museum offers free admission to inspiring art collections year-round, making it a perfect cultural stop for summer.
13. Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema
Known for its quirky free “bad movie nights,” this venue offers an alternative form of entertainment during summer evenings.
Why Attend These Free Events?
Birmingham’s free concerts offer more than just entertainment—they foster community connection, celebrate local and international talent, and provide family-friendly environments perfect for enjoying summer evenings outdoors. Whether you’re into classical music, country, jazz, or choral performances, there’s something here for you.
Planning your summer around these events is easy and budget-friendly. Many venues are outdoors and accessible via public transport or local roads. For the latest schedules and any event updates, be sure to check the City of Birmingham’s official events calendar or the Alabama Tourism Department website.
