Things to do in Birmingham, Oct. 18-25

Your free time is precious, so how to spend it? Here are five ideas for Birmingham, Oct. 18-25, 2019.

Courtesy photo/Birmingham Originals

FOOD

Forget your diet. Counting calories is not the way to approach Breakin' Bread, the culinary feast organized by Birmingham Originals. Sumptuous dishes by area chefs will be available for sampling on Sunday at Pepper Place, starting at 1 p.m. Indulge! And know that you're helping a worthy cause. Proceeds will benefit the Birmingham Originals Grant Program, which awards scholarships to folks pursuing a culinary education and assistance to entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry.

Breakin' Bread, Oct. 20, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Pepper Place, 2829 Second Ave, South, $35 general admission, $110 VIP, free for kids age 12 and younger.

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CONCERTS

Kick off Classic weekend in style. Organizers for Magic City Music Fest can help with that, offering a high-powered lineup of R&B, soul, hip-hop and comedy on Oct. 25 at the BJCC Concert Hall. Listen, dance and cheer as Doug E. Fresh, Calvin Richardson, 8Ball & MJG, Adina Howard and MC Lightfoot perform, starting at 8 p.m.

Magic City Music Fest, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m., BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $39-$59 via Ticketmaster.

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Image by Toni Etyang from Pixabay

RUNNING

Run like the wind. Or like a superhero, cape fluttering in the breeze. You'll be in good company on Saturday at the Trick or Trot 5K, a race that encourages participants to come in costume. The course takes you through downtown streets, but everything begins and ends at Back Forty Beer Co. A costume contest is set for 7 a.m.; the run kicks off promptly at 8 a.m. There's an after-party, too. Proceeds from registration ($35) benefit Kid One Transport.

Trick or Trot 5K, Oct. 19, costume contest at 7 a.m., race at 8 a.m., Back Forty Beer Co., 3201 First Ave. North, $35 registration.

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Courtesy photo/Mobile Witches Ride

SPECIAL EVENTS

Leave your broom at home. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation on Sunday, as the Irondale Witches Ride makes its debut. Woman and men age 18 and older will glide through the streets in costume, astride decorated bikes that add to the haunting atmosphere. Participants will meet in the parking lot of Irondale Community School at 4 p.m. The ride begins at 5 p.m. (Note: Walkers and golf-cart riders are welcome, too.)

Irondale Witches Ride , Oct. 20 at 5 p.m., meet at 4 p.m. in parking lot of Irondale Community School, 225 16th St South, free, register at Eventbrite.

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CONCERTS

Feeling optimistic? If not, we bet Wilco can change your mood. The rock band led by Jeff Tweedy has a new album to showcase, "Ode to Joy," that focuses on hope during dark times. Saturday's concert at the Alabama Theatre is likely to feature several selections from the record, such as "We Were Lucky," "One and a Half Stars" and "Love Is Everywhere (Beware)." C'mon, get happy.

Wilco, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North, $35.50-$45.50 via Ticketmaster.

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