85 Years of the Magic City Classic: Free Parade, Halloween Fun and a Job Fair in Birmingham, AL

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Neighbors, mark your calendars, because Birmingham, Alabama, is getting ready for one of the biggest homecomings in the South. The 85th Magic City Classic, a showdown between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at Historic Legion Field.

But the real story is the whole stretch of days around the game: a free downtown parade, family-friendly Halloween nights, a hiring event, and a library fundraiser that keeps doors open for neighbors all year long. Here is your porch-side guide to what is happening around Birmingham and how you can be part of it.

What's Happening Around the Village

The Magic City Classic has been an uninterrupted annual tradition since 1945. Its official website calls it the largest HBCU football game in the country, and the Birmingham Public Library reports that 69,372 fans filled Legion Field in 2025. Plenty of folks will tell you the halftime Battle of the Bands between Alabama A&M's Marching Maroon & White and Alabama State's Mighty Marching Hornets is the real main event.

Classic Saturday: October 31

8 a.m. Parade: The Magic City Classic Parade rolls through downtown Birmingham with bands and dance teams from both universities. Organizers say it is rain or shine, and admission is free.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pregame Tailgate Party: Held in the West Side parking lot at Historic Legion Field, with sponsor activations, giveaways, and entertainment.
2:30 p.m. Kickoff: The 85th game is at Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave. W., Birmingham, AL 35204.

Tickets went on sale in August, and Bham Now lists prices starting at $27. Check the official Magic City Classic website for what is still available, and confirm tailgate space availability before you plan around it.

Family Fun Before the Big Game

If your crew needs a warm-up before Classic weekend, Friday, October 23, has two free Halloween options. Both are listed with free admission, and treats and activities are available while supplies last.

Haunt the Hills in Vestavia Hills: Trick-or-treating and bounce houses run 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the lawn at Wald Park, followed by a costume parade and contest at 6 p.m. and a showing of the 1995 movie Casper at 6:30 p.m. Pumpkin contest entries are also free, and well-behaved pets are welcome, according to the Vestavia Hills Chamber.
The Summit Spooktacular: From 5 to 8 p.m. in the Arhaus parking lot at The Summit, 309 Summit Blvd., kids can come in costume to trick-or-treat, play games, and visit food trucks, per The Summit's event page.

Looking for Work? Job Fair on October 22

The Birmingham Career Center is hosting a multi-employer job fair called Kick Off to a New Career on Thursday, October 22, at 3216 4th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35222, according to the Alabama Department of Workforce listing. The listings we found did not publish a start time or employer list, so check Workplace Alabama or call the career center before you head over.

Why It Matters

The Classic is more than a football game. It is a family reunion, a classroom reunion, and a celebration of two universities founded in the 1800s that have shaped generations of Black leaders, teachers, and entrepreneurs. The Birmingham Public Library notes that many families plan reunions around the game, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops across the metro.

The week also shows what a village does best: it gives children a safe place to trick-or-treat, gives job seekers a door to knock on, and gives neighbors a reason to cheer together.

How This Impacts Our Community

Families get free, kid-friendly options on October 23 and a free parade on Classic morning. Job seekers get a face-to-face hiring event at a public career center. Local restaurants, hotels, and small businesses get a boost when visitors fill the city, and the Birmingham Public Library's 17 locations benefit from its annual Classic Cocktails fundraiser.

Our neighbors in Georgia and South Carolina have plenty of fall gatherings too. If you are traveling the region, take a peek at our recent look at Unity Weekend in Aiken, SC and the Georgia-Carolina State Fair in Augusta.

How You Can Get Involved

Line the parade route. Bring the family downtown by 8 a.m. on October 31 to cheer on the bands and dance teams, and remember it is free.
Go to the game. Buy tickets only through the official Magic City Classic website to avoid look-alike sellers.
Trick-or-treat together. Take the kids to Haunt the Hills or The Summit Spooktacular on October 23, and enter a pumpkin in Vestavia Hills if you like to carve.
Support the library. The Birmingham Public Library's 5th annual Classic Cocktails fundraiser is Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place. It is a ticketed, adult-oriented event, and tickets are on Eventbrite.
Share a job lead. Tell a neighbor about the October 22 job fair, especially someone who has been waiting for the right opening.
Shop and eat local. Visiting Birmingham that weekend? Choose a neighborhood restaurant or small shop and tell the owner you came for the Classic.

Around the Village Calendar

Thursday, October 22: Kick Off to a New Career job fair, Birmingham Career Center, 3216 4th Ave. S. (time not published; confirm first).
Friday, October 23, 4:30 to 7 p.m. (approx.): Haunt the Hills, Wald Park, Vestavia Hills (free).
Friday, October 23, 5 to 8 p.m.: The Summit Spooktacular, 309 Summit Blvd., Birmingham (free).
Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 to 9 p.m.: Classic Cocktails library fundraiser, Central Library (ticketed).
Saturday, October 31: Parade at 8 a.m., tailgate 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., kickoff 2:30 p.m. at Legion Field.

Sophie's Suggestions

A few in-stock finds from our shop that fit the week:

Kids Pirate Costume Set | Boys Halloween Cosplay Outfit: a complete top, pants, and accessories set for a young swashbuckler. The product page says to order by October 20 for delivery before Halloween, so it is best for Halloween night itself.
Moses & Burke Abstract Signature Beanie: handy if parade morning turns cool.
Sophie's Mart 16 OZ Tumbler: a simple way to carry a hot drink while you wait for the bands.

Dates, times, and ticket details can change, so double-check each organizer's page before you go. For more neighborly news, browse our Around The Village stories.

Around the Village Takeaway

When a whole city gathers to cheer, dance, and look out for one another, that is not just a game day, that is a village at its best.