Plan Now, Party Later: BPL’s Magic City Classic Week Prep List

-

🥂🎉 Countdown to Magic City Classic Week: Your 2025 Planning Guide Starts Here at BPL🥂🎉

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2025 Magic City Classic may seem far off, but seasoned fans know the time to start planning is now.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, early prep can make the difference between scrambling and celebrating. The Birmingham Public Library has your back as we gear up for the biggest HBCU football rivalry in the nation! From booking hotels and picking outfits to planning family reunions and finding the best food and pub spots, we’ve got your Classic Week checklist ready to roll.

🎟️ And don’t forget: It all starts with our official kickoff party , Classic Cocktails,  on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Central Library downtown.

✅ 10 Ways to Prep for Magic City Classic Week

1. Add Classic Cocktails to Your Calendar

Kick off your Classic Week in style at Classic Cocktails, a high-energy evening of drinks, music, tailgate food, and good vibes happening Tuesday, October 21, 5:30–9:00 p.m. at the Central Library. It’s a safe and fun way to reconnect with friends and support BPL’s mission.
🎟️ Get tickets on Eventbrite
🗓️ Tuesday, October 21 | ⏰ 5:30–9:00 p.m. | 📍 Central Library

2. Secure Your Game Day Tickets Early

Legion Field fills up fast when Alabama A&M and Alabama State face off. Don’t be the one searching for tickets at the gate.

🎟️ Buy them here: https://www.magiccityclassic.com/tickets/

3. Explore Birmingham’s Black History

Classic Week is the perfect time to reconnect with culture and legacy. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, or the Negro Southern League Museum to deepen your appreciation of the Magic City’s role in civil rights and HBCU heritage.

 4. Stock Up on Your Classic Gear

Whether you’re repping maroon or gold, show up in style. You can never be too early with your Classic Week look. Pick up your school gear from the Alabama A&M and Alabama State bookstores , or local retailers across metro Birmingham. Don’t forget that perfect outfit for every day of the week!

5. Planning a Family Reunion?
Many alumni build their family reunions around Classic Week. If you’re doing the same, contact the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau to get help with venues, hotels, and itineraries.
🔗https://inbirmingham.com/

6. Book Your Hotel Now
Rooms fill up fast. Reach out to the Birmingham Convention Bureau or visit popular booking sites to secure your stay early.

7. Retail Therapy, Anyone?

Here are some shopping destinations to hit between events:

  • The Summit – Major brand retailers + AMC Movie Theatre + top dining
  • Five Points West Shopping Center – Close to Legion Field, full of history
  • Riverchase Galleria – 150+ stores and restaurants
  • The Pinnacle (Trussville) – Major brands and family dining
  • The Shops at Grand River (Leeds) – Birmingham’s outlet shopping destination

8. Bar Hopping & Nightlife

Craving cocktails, DJs, or craft beer? Check out these hot spots:

Five Points South
A walkable hub of 40+ bars and eateries in a historic streetcar neighborhood.

Lakeview District
Spanning several blocks on Birmingham's Southside between University Boulevard  and 7th Avenue South and 29th Street South, this entertainment hub is home to:

  • Innisfree Pub – Laid-back Irish vibes
  • Jack Brown’s – Burgers + beer = bliss
  • Nana Funks – Late-night dancefloor legend
  • The Refinery – Cocktails + Conecuh corn dogs
  • Slice – The neighborhood pizza joint
  • Tin Roof – Live music central
  • Lou’s Pub – Bar + liquor store combo
  • Mojo Pub – Local music & local brews
  • Los Amigos – Margaritas & Tex-Mex
  • Oasis – Chill vibes + live music

Trussville Entertainment District

  • Ferus Artisan Ales – Craft beer, events, food
  • Shops, restaurants, and nightlife galore

9. Where to Eat in Birmingham

Hungry yet? Here are some must-try spots:

Downtown

  • Yo’ Mama’s, 2024 4th Ave. North - Tasty soul food 
  • Archibald & Woodruff's BBQ, 830 1st Ave. N in former Rib-it-Up location - Delicious barbecue  

Uptown District (next to BJCC)

  • Santos Coffee – Locally roasted Guatemalan coffee beans
  • Capella Pizzeria – Neapolitan-style pizza
  • Uptown Cantina – Tacos + margaritas
  • The Southern Kitchen – Southern hospitality + live music
  • Eugene’s Hot Chicken – Fried chicken heaven
  • Texas de Brazil – Tableside grilled meats
  • K&J’s Elegant Pastries – Custom cakes + wild milkshakes

10. 🎶 Classic Week Live Music Venues to Check Out

Whether you're into smooth jazz, R&B, hip‑hop, or live bands, Birmingham’s nightlife has you covered. Here are some local favorites:

Uptown Jazz Lounge
2250‑B 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
📞 (205) 593‑4003 — Smooth jazz, cocktails & live open‑mic nights 

Coca‑Cola Amphitheater
2350 15th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234
New downtown outdoor venue with a 9,300‑seat capacity for top touring acts 

BJCC Concert Hall & Legacy Arena
2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
📞 (205) 458‑8400 — Major arena and concert hall complex for big‑name shows 

Iron City
513 22nd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
📞 (205) 202‑5483 — Large venue for national acts and local legends 

B.O.S.S. Ultra Lounge
312 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
📞 (205) 326‑3673 — High‑energy lounge with DJs & live music 

Plum Bar
108 17th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203

— Relaxed spot featuring local R&B and soul 

📊 Vote in Our Prep Poll!

Let us know how YOU get ready for Classic Week! Click here to vote »

💬 Got More Ideas?

Tag BPL on Facebook or Instagram, and message us your favorite Classic traditions. We’d love to share!

Let the countdown begin.

✅ Get your grill.
✅ Get your crew.
✅ Get your tickets.

🎟️ Ticket Info and Event Details: https://www.cobpl.org/programs/ClassicCocktails/
🎟️ Buy Tickets Now: https://bplpresentsclassiccocktails.eventbrite.com
📍 Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203

📅 Tuesday, October 21, 2025
📍 Birmingham Public Library, Central Branch

Start planning now. Plus don’t forget to join us at Classic Cocktails to raise a glass to 82 years of Black excellence, community, and Classic Week memories.

Let the countdown to Classic Week begin. Get your grill. Get your crew. Let’s go!

 💬Got More Ideas? Share Them with BPL

We want to hear from you! What’s your must-do during Classic Week? Tag us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) or drop us a message with your favorite Classic traditions. We'd love to share!

Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director - Birmingham Public Library

By

Comments

Post a Comment