Birmingham's live music venues and nightlife districts: Iron City, Saturn, WorkPlay, The Nick, Avondale Brewing, the Alabama Theatre, the BJCC and Pepper Place.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Addresses and phone numbers come from each venue’s own website, linked inline. We list venues, not individual shows: check each venue’s calendar for what is on.

Birmingham’s live music clusters in two places: Southside, around 22nd and 23rd streets South, where Iron City and WorkPlay are on neighboring streets, and Avondale, home to Saturn and Avondale Brewing’s outdoor stage. Downtown has the big rooms: the Alabama Theatre and the BJCC in the Uptown Entertainment District.

Getting home

Clubs and concert halls

Venue Neighborhood Address Phone
Iron City Southside 513 22nd St. S.
WorkPlay Southside 500 23rd St. S. 205-529-0271
The Nick Southside 2514 10th Ave. S. 205-252-3831
Saturn Avondale 200 41st St. S. 205-703-9546
Avondale Brewing Avondale see website
Alabama Theatre Downtown 1817 Third Ave. N.
BJCC Uptown Entertainment District see website 205-458-8400
  • Iron City occupies two connected buildings first built in 1929 for the auto trade, renovated into three concert stages, two bars and a restaurant, according to Iron City.
  • WorkPlay is a performance venue and event space on 23rd Street South; its calendar is on workplay.com.
  • The Nick calls itself “Birmingham’s dirty little secret”; live music starts at 10 p.m. unless a listing says otherwise, according to its website.
  • Saturn in Avondale lists each show with door and show times on its calendar.
  • Avondale Brewing hosts concerts on an outdoor stage; see its website.
  • The Alabama Theatre, “the Showplace of the South since 1927,” books concerts, comedy and a holiday film series; see our holiday lights and Christmas events guide.
  • The BJCC includes an arena, concert hall and theater in the Uptown Entertainment District, according to the BJCC.

Breweries and taprooms

  • Birmingham District Brewing, 2201 2nd Ave. S., 205-202-5779 (website); Railroad Park’s Junior Board has held fundraising nights there.
  • Back Forty Beer Co. at Pepper Place (district directory).
  • Cahaba Brewing, 4500 5th Ave. S., Building C (website).

Entertainment districts

Pepper Place, along 2nd Avenue South, is a designated entertainment district: drinks bought from participating businesses and served in approved district cups may be carried within the district. Drinks must stay inside the boundaries, outside alcohol is not allowed, and a drink bought at one business should not be taken into another, according to Pepper Place’s FAQ. The district has OvenBird and Hot and Hot Fish Club for dinner; see our date night guide.

Late-night safety

After New Year’s Eve 2024 the Birmingham Police Department said several major nightclubs and bars agreed to close before 2 a.m. to help disperse crowds, according to its release. Plan your ride home before you go out.

What this means for you

  • Check door times: Saturn and Iron City list doors and show times separately.
  • Pick a district and walk between venues.
  • For free outdoor music, see free things to do.

Related: New Year’s Eve and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Iron City in Birmingham?

Iron City is at 513 22nd St. S. on Southside. The venue has three concert stages, two bars and a restaurant in two connected buildings first built in 1929.

Where is Saturn Birmingham?

Saturn is at 200 41st St. S. in Avondale; its phone is 205-703-9546.

What time does music start at The Nick?

The Nick, 2514 10th Ave. S., says live music starts at 10 p.m. unless a show listing says otherwise.

Can you walk around with a drink at Pepper Place?

Yes, within limits. Pepper Place is a designated entertainment district: drinks bought from participating businesses in approved district cups may be carried within the district boundaries.