Top Rated Attractions in Birmingham

The Avondale Brewing Company has made it a mission to combine the quirky and fascinating history of Avondale with the art of brewing craft beer. All of the beers are named after important locations or events in the history of the area, like the Battle Field IPA or the Spring Street Saison. The brewery offers tours several times a week which include some Avondale Brewing swag, and a beer or four tasters and a pint glass or taster glasses in addition to the actual tour itself. The brewery also hosts special events and live music from time to time.

The very genesis of Birmingham, Sloss Furnaces were one of the pioneers in the process of smelting pig iron. Established in 1882, it is this iron industry that prompted the city of Birmingham to grow around it. Over the years, the machinery has gathered abundant rust and experience, both of which tell stirring tales of the industry's glorious heyday. Proclaimed a National Historic Landmark, this antiquated site is an escape into the ancient industrial processes of the country. The site was restored in 1983, and, in addition to the impressive furnaces, there is an industrial museum, a sculpture garden, and a park which lend deeper insights into the history and legacy of Sloss Furnaces. The furnaces also play host to concerts, festivals, events, and activities.

Built in 1927 as a Paramount Studio movie palace, this spectacular Spanish-Moorish edifice was restored in 1998. "The Showplace of the South" hosts live events as well as first-run and classic films. See the 1927 Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, "Big Bertha", rise dramatically from beneath the stage floor during affairs such as the annual Halloween showing of Phantom of the Opera (the organist arrives carried in a coffin). The theater is within walking distance of the downtown business district.

Started off solely to entertain the masses, Workplay entertainment complex houses the Workplay Theatre where you get best of entertainment. Concerts and theater performances apart, this place can also be rented for business meeting purposes, corporate events, and private parties as well. Deemed as multi-purpose, Workplay Theatre rarely lets anybody down. Workplay Theatre delivers services that are matched by few.

If you’re looking for a serious, organized night at the theater, then the Terrific New Theatre is not where you need to be. Founded in 1986 by Carl Stewart and Steve Stella, the Terrific New Theatre prides itself on being a live performance theatre with plenty of unexpected surprises for a "night you will talk about,"--trust me. Previous shows have included Of Grapes and Nuts - a hilarious tribute to John Steinbeck’s classic and China: The Whole Enchilada - a funny, yet, provoking look at 4000 years of Chinese history. Visit their website for the current season’s shows.

Located in the historic 4th Avenue Business District, this place has become a very popular venue to host jazz festivals and performances by stand-up comedians. The Carver Theater has a long history and has carved a niche in the entertainment industry. It is well-equipped with the latest in gadgets and systems. It can seat up to 500 people at one go. Some of the very best performers like Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton have performed here, and shows like the "Jazz Jam Fest", "Three more tenors workshop" and "The Craver Creep Show" are showcased here as well.