All the leaves are brown, and the weather’s great. While that’s not quite the ‘California Dreamin’’ line, it accurately describes Alabama now - which makes for great concert weather. Bands from Birmingham and all around the nation are making their way to the Magic City during the fall season, making for many great nights of great music for those who call the city home. Here are a few of our favorite upcoming shows. 

Birdtalker with Duquette Johnston at The Upstairs at Avondale (Sunday, October 23rd)

A birdie told me this Birdtalker show is going to be one of the best of 2022 in Bham. Image from Jeremy Cowart

Avondale Brewery made itself known as a top concert venue over the last couple years, and The Upstairs at Avondale boosts this claim with a series of shows that feature some of the fastest-rising and most cherished acts in the industry. This continues on October 23rd as Birdtalker is joined by Birmingham music legend Duquette Johnston. The excitement has been building for this show and we’d recommend checking it out. 

Liquid Stranger at Iron City (Wednesday, October 26th)

Birmingham is going to be going up on a Wednesday thanks to Liquid Stranger and friends. Image from Liquid Stranger

Liquid Stranger is coming to Iron City on Wednesday, October 26th, and is bringing the WAKAAN music experience with him! The electronic artist is a genre favorite and is sure to have the venue moving all night long with a lineup that also features Tripp St, Tape B, and Ravenscoon.

Marcus King at Avondale Brewery (Wednesday, October 26th)

Live music fans need to make it to the Marcus King show at Avondale. Image by Mitch Conrad

Marcus King is known as one of the greatest guitarists of our time, and Southern rock and blues grooves will keep you captivated all night long. His show with Neal Francis and Ashland Craft at Avondale Brewing on October 26th is going to be one to remember. As someone who has worked in the music industry for a couple of years, I can say Marcus King was one of the nicest people to all employees at any show I’ve worked at - another great reason to show him some support! 

Scare Your Face Off Fest XII at Saturn (Friday, October 28th)

Wax Fur will be one of the many incredible Birmingham bands contributing to the scares at Saturn. Image from Wax Fur

Scare Your Face Off Fest is one of Birmingham’s spookiest traditions, with local bands playing cover sets from some of the most beloved groups of all time. The twelfth edition takes place at Saturn on Friday, October 28th. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, with the creepiest outfits winning prizes. The 2022 show will feature mood room, Post Consumer Waste, Captain Kudzu, Domesticatrix, Joyboy, Selim Savid, Snake Church, TOWU, Seraphic Entombment, Day Job, and Wax Fur covering groups like The Cure, The Who, Gorillaz, System of a Down, Gang of Four, Floor, and Flipper.

Captain Kudzu with Bugwhore at The Nick (Saturday, October 29th)

Captain Kudzu provides one of the best live music experiences in Bham. Always support local. Image from Say Bre Photography 

Captain Kudzu takes no breaks after scaring faces off and is bringing one of the best local shows you’ll find all year to The Nick the next night on Saturday, October 29th. He is joined at one of Birmingham’s most iconic venues by the Magic City punk/grunge hardcore collective Bugwhore. If you’re looking for a peek at the Bham music scene - this is a great night out. 

Black Carl! and Saka at Zydeco (Friday, November 4th)

Take in some electronic music greatness with Black Carl! And Saka in November. Image from Black Carl

Black Carl! has been one of the rising stars of the EDM music scene in recent years. The Birmingham musician is known for his individual accomplishments along with all-star collaborations including Integrate with VCTRE. Black Carl! continues this successful trend with Saka, and the two will be making an appearance at Zydeco on Friday, November 4th

Plains at Saturn (Friday, November 4th)

Plains is another powerful musical collaboration, and will be in town on November 4th. Image from Plains

Birmingham native Katie Crutchfield has become one of indie music’s most praised musicians through her work with Waxahatchee and other ventures. Crutchfield has embarked on another great collaboration with Jess Williamson to form Plains, and the duo will be making a stop at Saturn to share new tunes on November 4th

Bonnie Raitt at The BJCC (Wednesday, November 9th)

A certified star is coming to The BJCC on November 9th. Will you be there? Image from NBC Universal

Are you ready for a thing called love? If not, Bonnie Raitt is sure to get you there at The BJCC on Wednesday, November 9th! The country music legend is bringing her catalog of hits to the Magic City for a night that will feature many Birmingham residents singing at the top of their lungs.

Soccer Mommy at Saturn (Friday, November 18th)

Soccer Mommy at Saturn is one of the best Bham shows you’ll get to experience. Image by Roger Ho

Saturn can always be counted on to bring the best indie acts to Birmingham, and November 18th with Soccer Mommy is no exception. The Magic City favorite returns to the out-of-this-world venue for another great night of music. 

Eagles at The BJCC (Monday, November 21st)

The Eagles playing Hotel California live is a bucket list item for many. Image from Eagles

One of the biggest records of all time will be played by one of the biggest bands of all time at The BJCC on November 21st. The Eagles are playing Hotel California in celebration of the 1976 masterpiece for a night that is sure to go down as one of Birmingham’s best musical evenings. 

Taylor Hollingsworth at The Nick (Sunday, November 27th)

Taylor Hollingsworth is guaranteed to make your Sunday a fun day! Image from Thomas Diasio

Taylor Hollingsworth has built a musical reputation far beyond the lines of Jefferson County, but the musician loves giving a good time to his hometown. One of the most fun ways the artist does so is through his monthly Sunday Funday Tunes series at The Nick. The November 27th edition is a great opportunity to take in a Magic City legend’s live set. 

Cover image taken by Shots By Waldo