Memorial Day 2026: 21 things to do in Alabama this holiday weekend

Planning your Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are looking for outdoor symphonies, high-flying festivals, or a trip to the zoo, Alabama is packed with options to help you celebrate the holiday. 205focus.com has gathered 21 events happening across the state to help you make the most of your three-day break.

Live Music and Performing Arts

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is hosting a three-night outdoor concert series at Railroad Park in Birmingham. Enjoy "Classics at Sunset" on May 22, "A Night of Masterworks" on May 23, and a "Patriotic Spectacular" on May 24. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free. Learn more here.

In Montgomery, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic music on May 22 at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Find more info here.

Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill in Huntsville returns May 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring the Walker Street Opry. The event is free, though parking is $10. In the event of rain, the concert moves to the First Floor Connector. Visit the Lowe Mill website for details.

Festivals and Community Events

Head to Point Mallard Park in Decatur on May 23-24 for the Alabama Jubilee. This free event features hot air balloons, live music, arts and crafts, an antique tractor show, and fireworks. Check the official website for schedules.

Brilliant is hosting its annual Coalfest on May 22-23. The festival features live bands, a Coal Mining Exhibit, a horseshoe tournament, carnival rides, and a car and tractor show. For more, visit alabama.travel/upcoming-events/coalfest.

In Cullman, Smith Lake Park hosts the 2nd Annual Freedom & Octane Car Show on May 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., complete with food and craft vendors. Entry is free. See their Facebook page for more.

Memorial Day Commemorations

The American Village in Montevallo will host a day of family activities, a chapel service, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Veterans Shrine on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Visit their website for details.

Tuscaloosa honors fallen heroes at Veterans Memorial Park on May 25 at 9 a.m. If there is inclement weather, the service will relocate to the University Mall.

The USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park will display the Alabama Poppy Project, a collection of ceramic poppies created by artists Julianne and Steven Hansen, from May 22 through May 31. Opening ceremonies are May 26 at 7:15 p.m. Learn more at the project website.

Family Fun and Entertainment

The Grand River Drive-In in Leeds is screening "The Mandalorian & Grogu," "Michael," "Mortal Kombat II," and "Passenger" starting at 8 p.m. on May 22-23. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. See the schedule online.

Experience the "Cosmic Address" program at the INTUITIVE Planetarium in Huntsville on May 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $19. Get more information here.

The Birmingham Zoo offers free admission to veterans, active and retired military, and their dependents from May 23-25. Visit birminghamzoo.com for full details.

Alabama Splash Adventure in Bessemer is celebrating the weekend with "wet and dry" rides and limited edition holiday food. Active and retired military personnel receive free admission all weekend, and a fireworks display is scheduled for Monday. Visit their website for more information.

Amphitheater Concerts

Enjoy a packed schedule of live music at Alabama's top venues:

• Coca-Cola Amphitheater, Birmingham: The Southern Hospitality Tour with The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers hits the stage May 24 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $23 via Ticketmaster.
• The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach: Catch HARDY on May 23 ($35+), Godsmack and Stone Temple Pilots on May 24 ($30+), and Dave Matthews Band on May 25 ($63+). Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
• Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville: HARDY performs May 22 ($73+) and Godsmack with Stone Temple Pilots take the stage May 23 ($56+). Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Comedy

Catch Emo Phillips at the Stardome Comedy Club in Hoover on May 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $15.49 at the Stardome website. Comedian Ron Taylor performs at Levity Live in Huntsville on May 23-24; check the website for tickets.

Gulf Coast Fun

LuLu’s in Gulf Shores hosts "Lulu-Palooza" on May 23 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Motown-inspired beach party features live music from Light Travelers Deluxe and Four Barrel Funk. Admission is free. Check the LuLu’s website for details.