It’s that time of year again for the largest HBCU college and university football game in the country! It’s the one and only Magic City Classic! Alabama A&M University battles Alabama State University on the grid iron!
Check out the Classic Calendar presented by Commissioner Sheila Tyson:
Sunday, October 19:
Pretty on the Prairie: A Classic Day Party
WHERE: The Boutwell
TIME: 3pm-7pm
Birmingham, get ready to saddle up for a day of Southern charm and timeless elegance! The Cultural and Educational Advancement Foundation, Incorporated (CEAF), in proud partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Omicron Omega Chapter, presents Pretty on the Prairie—a signature fundraiser celebrating the Pretty Girls and the Gentlemen who tip their hats.
This year’s theme brings vintage flair, rustic beauty, and classic sophistication to the Magic City. Enjoy:
- Delicious bites from local food trucks
- Unique finds from community vendors
- A high-energy DJ Battle featuring DJ Papa Rooster vs. DJ Robb
- Plenty of good vibes for a great cause!
Tickets: $30.00 + convenience fee
Attire: Fancy cowboy & cowgirl chicWhy We Gather: CEAF is committed to uplifting the Greater Birmingham community through scholarships, service, and educational programs for community members. Your support helps us continue this vital mission.
Everyone is welcome—so bring your boots, your best, and your heart for the community.
Pretty on the Prairie—where elegance meets impact! Don’t miss it!
Official Magic City Classic Kickoff Hosted by Cigar Men of Distinction
WHERE: Lit on 8th – 518 Abraham Woods Jr Blvd
TIME: 2pm-7pm
Cutters Cigars
Food Trucks, Hookahs, and several other premier vendors!
General Admission $30 | General Admission Plus: $45
Includes option of Black or Maroon lawn chair for your favorite HBCU (Alabama State or Alabama A&M).
Premium Seating: $65
Secluded area stage front providing chairs and tables, private bar access, CMOD Cut and Light Bag.
**NO OUTSIDE LAWN CHAIRS ALLOWED AT THIS EVENT** Come and kick it with your favorite cigar organization as we Party for A Purpose!!
The 5th Annual Jazz Essence Experience
WHERE: Sixth Avenue Baptist Church – 1101 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
TIME: 3pm-6pm
Don’t miss the free 5th Annual Jazz Essence Experience featuring Antonio Allen, Jolanda, Green and Between 9&7 Band LIVE at the Historic Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. Voter registration and Food Trucks on site! Sponsored by Byron Davis Lawn Company.
Monday, October 20:
Tuesday, October 21:
Classic Cocktails
WHERE: Birmingham Public Library – 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
TIME: 5:30pm-9pm
Let Loose in the Library! Join us at the Birmingham Public Library for the 4th annual Classic Cocktails, a kickoff party leading up to the 2025 Magic City Classic football game. The evening will feature signature cocktail drinks, games, a cigar lounge, and more.
Whether you’re a fan of the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs or the Alabama State University Hornets – or simply want to experience the excitement leading up to this historic sports competition – Classic Cocktails promises to be a night to remember!Participating in Classic Cocktails will help the Birmingham Public Library continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. Purchase your tickets now!
Magic City Classic Old School Party
WHERE: Boutwell Auditorium – 1930 Rev Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
TIME: 5pm-10pm
Get ready to groove at the Magic City Classic Old School Party with Doug E. Fresh, Rose Royce, and VOB (Voices of Birmingham) Live! It will be a night of dancing and singing along to your favorite hits from back in the day. This event will transport you back in time with legendary artists and unforgettable music. Don’t miss out on this FREE concert experience presented by Commissioner Sheila Tyson and District 2!
Wednesday, October 22:
Magic City Community Tailgate Awards
WHERE: Arlington House – 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
TIME: 12p-4p
The West End Community and Commissioner Sheila Tyson presents Magic City Classic Community Tailgate Awards. This is a free event! There will be resources, food, music, entertainment, and more! Just bring your lawn chair have a great time!
Thursday, October 23:
Magic City Tailgate Festival
WHERE: Birmingham Race Course – 1000 John Rogers Dr
TIME: Gates open: 3p | Pre-show: 5p | Showtime: 6p
This is a free event you don’t want to miss! Join us at Birmingham Race Course to see live performances by Ashanti and October London! Bring your friends, family, and lawn chairs. Food trucks will be on-site as security is strictly enforced!
Friday, October 24:
Magic City Classic Weekend Dinner Day
WHERE: Yo Chef Surf and Turf Smokehouse – 2201 4th Place W, Birmingham, AL 35204
TIME: 2p-until
This is an event you don’t want to miss! Join us at Yo Chef Surf and Turf Smokehouse for a dinner day party! The food at Yo Chef speaks for its self! DJ Maverick will be live in the mix! Make your table reservations today at 833-587-6325.
Pynx Beard: EP Release Show
WHERE: Workplay
TIME: Doors – 7pm | Show – 8pm
Come support Birmingham’s own PYNK BEARD – EP Release Show with support from Twista & Chrisette Michele! This is a show for all ages! Purchase your tickets today!
Saturday, October 25:
The Official Magic City Classic Parade
WHERE: Downtown Birmingham
TIME: 8am
Join us in the streets of downtown Birmingham and prepare to be entertained by the best bands, dance teams and entertainment around! The parade will be led by the famous McDonald’s float carrying celebrities and the Magic City Classic Ambassador. Don’t miss the bands and dance teams from both Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University as they put on a show! This is a rain-or-shine event, and admission is free. Check out the Parade Guidelines.
The Official Magic City Classic Tailgate
WHERE: Historic Legion Field, West Side Parking Lot
TIME: 10am-2pm
There’s no tailgate party in the country like the Coors Light Pregame Tailgate Party at the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola. Enjoy sponsor activations, giveaways, entertainment and more!
The Official Magic City Classic Game
WHERE: Historic Legion Field
TIME: 2:30pm
Witness the 84th football clash between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, two in-state SWAC rivals who come together every year to put on the No. 1 HBCU Classic in the country. The competition is just as fierce at halftime with the battle of the bands between A&M’s Marching Maroon & White and ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets. Purchase tickets!
The Classic Calendar is presented by Commissioner Sheila Tyson
