Give a class or summer camp to a budding artist, concert tickets to see a legendary performer, Alys Stephens Center gift certificates or premium memberships with exclusive perks.Give the arts this season for priceless experiences they can enjoy in 2026.
From concerts by legendary musicians to learning a new hobby, the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Center for the Arts offers easy and convenient options for anyone looking for the perfect present.
Tickets to a show
In 2026, UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center will present performances from classic rock ‘n’ roll to classical crossover, cabaret comedy, circus acrobatics and more. Gift certificates to presented events are available in any denomination at the Alys Stephens Center Box Office, 1200 10th Ave. South, or call 205-975-2787.
Performances in 2026 start with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Lovin’ Spoonful on Sunday, Jan. 4, and Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble on Friday, Feb. 6, performing Grateful Dead’s “Blues for Allah” in its entirety for the iconic album’s 50th anniversary.
Spend Valentine’s with Darlene Love, one of the greatest voices in music history, for a performance made for date night, Saturday, Feb. 14.
Sunday, March 1, get funny with Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery in “The Trouble with Angels,” part cabaret, part standup and all sass. Cirque Kalabanté will bring an electrifying celebration of African culture with live music Friday, March 6. Be moved by the breathtaking vocals of iconic quartet Il Divo by Candlelight with Simply Three on Saturday, March 7.
The Indigo GirlsRadio host Ira Glass of “This American Life” will bring “Seven Things I’ve Learned,” lessons and insights from his illustrious career, Saturday, April 18.
Act fast for tickets to Grammy-winning duo Indigo Girls, featuring Alabama Symphony Orchestra, on Sunday, April 26, 2026 — only a few seats are still available.
Black Friday discounts
Tickets to any event presented by the Alys Stephens Center except The Indigo Girls will be 40 percent off for Black Friday on Nov. 28 this year. Use the code ASC40 and visit AlysStephens.org.
Low budget/no budget entertainment options
The Pay What You Choose Series allows you to decide how much to pay to see a performance at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. The suggested ticket price is $15 for adults and $10 for children; but you can pay more, or less. Simply reserve your tickets.
Shows in the series are Young Concert Artists on Tour, set for Thursday, Jan. 29, featuring legendary and rising stars in chamber music.
Count on the fun, family-friendly production “Yellow Bird Chase” from Liars & Believers devised theater ensemble to spark imagination with masks, puppets and more, Sunday, May 3.
Each month ArtPlay Community Education presents Vocabby’s World, to help preschoolers learn to grow their vocabulary. Learn more about the Vocabby program, and how kids and families can attend in 2026.
Check out quarterly rotating exhibitions presented by the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and shop AEIVA’s books, catalogs, T-shirts and more from exhibited artists.
Opening Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, is “Virginia L. Montgomery: Blue Moon Cocoon” and the 50th annual Juried Student Exhibition featuring the best works by students in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Art and Art History. A free opening reception will be from 5-7 p.m. at AEIVA, 1222 10th Ave. South. AEIVA galleries are open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday during exhibitions.
Art classes and camps
Iconic quartet Il Divo by Candlelight with Simply ThreeArtPlay has announced new classes for all ages starting in January.
Classes for children include Dancing Through the Decades, Nature Journaling, Beginner Vocal Performance, and a variety of acting, storytelling and drama classes. Classes for home-school and after school are available.
Classes for teens and adults include public speaking, playwriting, beginner acting and advanced scene work, plus first person: personal narrative writing.
One-day workshops will be creating a desert terrarium Saturday, Jan. 31, and how to make your own unique polymer clay earrings, Saturday, Feb. 28.
ArtPlay’s award-winning musical theater and visual arts camps will return for summer 2026 —now with exciting new options in creative writing and technical theater. Give your young artist the ultimate creative experience. Member registration opens Dec. 15, and public registration begins Dec. 20. Visit www.alysstephens.org/connect/classes.
Membership has perks and privileges
UAB’s Center for the Arts relies on loyal members and their consistent support to provide healing and transformative arts experiences to thousands in the Birmingham community and beyond. A membership, starting at $60, is an all-access pass to the arts supporting AEIVA, the Alys Stephens Center, ArtPlay Community Education and UAB Arts in Medicine. Members can enjoy exclusive perks like valet parking, free pre-show receptions in the Abroms Patrons Lounge, meet-the-artist and after-hours opportunities and more. Become a member.
Support arts programs in the community
Support UAB Arts in Medicine as it provides artist-led workshops and bedside visits in hospitals, memory care and community centers, and programs for healthy aging in older adults through weekly classes in senior living facilities led by artists and creative arts therapists. AIM outreach includes music therapy for caregivers and people with memory loss and storytelling and theater programs for UAB employees and the community. Beyond the hospital walls, AIM supports adults and children living with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with chronic conditions and mental health disorders.
The Alys Stephens Center is a destination this season for performances that will delight the whole family.
See AIM’s recent project, “From Where I Sit,” a documentary that offers an intimate look into the creation of a powerful storytelling and movement performance that brought together individuals living with paralysis. The performance was featured in the 2025 UAB Arts in Medicine Disability Arts Festival.
Give in honor or memory of a loved one online or call 205-975-4012 to designate a gift.
Engrave a brick, name a seat
Be part of the very foundation of the Alys Stephens Center and honor someone who loves the arts by engraving a brick or naming a seat. With a $250 donation, receive an engraved brick in the Haskell Courtyard with up to three lines of engraving. Name a seat in the Jemison Concert Hall and share your family’s legacy with the stars for years to come, with seat plaques starting at $500.