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If you haven’t made Valentine’s Day plans yet, don’t fret—we’ve got your back! Whether you’re going on a first date, celebrating years of love or toasting to friendship with your besties, we’ve rounded up the best events happening soon and paired them with the perfect gifts and dining options you need to make Valentine’s Day 2026 one to remember.
Keep reading for your guide to planning a fun, uplifting Valentine’s Day in the heart of Birmingham.
1. Keep your first date light and fun(ny)
Since a healthy dose of laughter can help break the ice on a first date, you can’t go wrong with comedy! Luckily, some of the funniest comics in the game are coming to The Magic City on Valentine’s Day.
Pro tip: Don’t stress about parking—there are more than 6,000 spaces in BJCC lots around campus! Click here for more details on parking.
After the show, head over to Carrigan’s Public House for dinner, drinks and post-show discussion. Known for its craft cocktails and upscale pub fare, Carrigan’s recently moved to a charming new location in downtown Birmingham.
If you really want to impress your date, skip the generic bouquet and get them a special Valentine’s Day arrangement from Norton’s Florist, a local, family-owned florist that’s been in business for 105 years.
2. Raise a glass to your “Gal Pals” on Galentine’s
Created by Leslie Knope on “Parks and Recreation”, Galentine’s is a day for women to uplift one another and celebrate each other’s company—and what better way to do that than by singing along to the unforgettable “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” with Dirty Dancing in Concert at the BJCC?
After the show, stick around to sing and dance along to your favorite Dirty Dancing songs at the encore party hosted by the band and singers!
For Galentine’s Day dinner (or brunch!), it’s hard to beat Juniper—the trendy, eye-catching cocktail bar and restaurant in charming downtown Forest Park. Known for its tantalizing selection of creative dishes and craft cocktails, Juniper’s cozy atmosphere is perfect for a celebration of friendship. Take Galentine’s to another level by proposing a mystery wine swap—we recommend Golden Age Wine!
3. Celebrate a lifetime of love with a legendary Alabama debut
For couples celebrating years of love, it doesn’t get any more romantic than an evening together listening to Andrea Bocelli. Although the blind Italian tenor rose to international fame three decades ago with his 1997 album “Romanza”, this will be his very first time performing in Alabama—a can’t-miss opportunity for fans.
Keep the Italian theme going by making dinner reservations at Bottega, the refined yet welcoming cornerstone of Birmingham cuisine known for its exemplary Italian fare. Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Frank Stitt in 1988, Bottega was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide, ranked among “20 Friendliest Places In The South” by Southern Living and named a Semifinalist for Outstanding Hospitality in the 2026 James Beard Awards.
Pro tip: If reservations at Bottega are full, visit the adjoining Bottega Café—walk-in only, but with the same quality dining experience you know and love in the Dining Room.
If you really want to impress the love of your life, pop over to Bromberg’s—the oldest family-owned and operated retail business in the United States. With locations in Mountain Brook Village and The Summit, a thoughtfully chosen piece from Bromberg’s is the perfect way to commemorate the occasion.
What does your perfect Valentine’s Day date look like? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
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