Things to Do in Birmingham for Labor Day Weekend

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Trying to figure out what to do with the upcoming three-day weekend? Here's a list to generate some fun and family-oriented ideas for Labor Day.

EVENTS

1. 26th Annual Labor Day Celebration and MoonPie Eating Contest, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Featuring the largest MoonPie-eating competition in the state, the annual celebration at Tannehill has plenty of kid-friendly games and activities. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 65 and up, $3 for children ages 6-11, and free for children under 5.

2. UAB vs. AAMU, Legion Field

UAB football returns for the first time since the program was disbanded in 2014 to face the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in the 2017 season opener at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. Tickets are available through UAB Athletics

4. UAB Men's Soccer vs. Missouri State, BBVA Compass Field

For those who prefer "futbol" to "football," UAB soccer kicks off its fall season against the Missouri State Bears at 6 p.m. on Labor Day. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

5. 31st Annual Labor Day Festival at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

A local staple for three decades, the festival will feature carnival rides, games of chance, barbecue and plenty of other activities. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PLACES TO GO

1. Railroad Park

A landmark that has become synonymous with Birmingham itself, Railroad Park is a great place to go for a relaxing picnic or game of Frisbee, and it's completely free to the public.

2. Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is only a short drive from Birmingham and features over 50 miles of trails, as well as paddleboarding, kayaking and other watersport rentals. Admission is $5 per adult, $2 per senior 62 and over, $2 per child ages 4 to 11, and children 3 and under are free. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park and its touted adventure activities, like ziplines and treetop courses, are available by reservation. If you don't want to shell out the money, or if you're not the adventurous type, you can enjoy over 15 miles of trails and multiple city overlooks for free. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

4. Birmingham Zoo

Kids will love seeing all the different species the zoo has to offer—plus, Saturday is Vulture Appreciation Day, complete with instructional sessions and live demonstrations. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and up, $11.00 for children ages 2 to 12, and free for children under 2.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons