When you first visit Birmingham, you might think it's a surprisingly dull city. There aren't many tall buildings, and you won't be overwhelmed by crowds like in New York.

However, after living here for a while, you'll discover something unusual. "This city knows how to have fun, doesn't it?" On the surface, it seems quiet, but when you check the calendar, you'll find that festivals are abundant. While many cities in the U.S. host festivals, Birmingham has a surprisingly high density of events considering its population size.

The most famous event is undoubtedly Sloss Fest.

In the past, a massive music festival was held at Sloss Furnaces every July. Performances take place at this industrial heritage site, which has preserved a 19th-century ironworks. When you first see the photos, you might wonder, "Is this a factory or a concert venue?" For fans of indie and alternative music, it was quite a satisfying event. The American idea of transforming remnants of an industrial city into a cultural space is fascinating.

In October, the atmosphere changes completely. This is when the Magic City Classic takes place.

It's an HBCU football game between Alabama A&M and Tuskegee University, but honestly, it seems like more people come to enjoy the festival than to watch the game. The area around the stadium is filled with barbecue smoke and music all day long, transforming the entire city into one big party. You can really feel why people in the South consider football a religion.

My favorite spot isn't a flashy festival but the Pepper Place Saturday Market. It runs almost every Saturday from April to December, featuring fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade bread, coffee, and crafts brought by local farmers.

There are more locals than tourists here. Visiting places like this makes you think, 'This city has a vibrant culture that its residents truly enjoy.'

If you love movies, the Sidewalk Film Festival is also quite good. Instead of Hollywood blockbusters, it focuses on independent films, offering the fun of discovering new directors rather than just spotting famous actors. While it may lack glamour, film enthusiasts take it quite seriously.

For food lovers, Birmingham Restaurant Week is worth checking out. Restaurants that are usually a bit pricey offer special courses at discounted prices. Since dining out in the U.S. can be quite expensive, taking advantage of these events can lead to a nice meal at a reasonable price.

If you're a car enthusiast, the World of Wheels at BJCC is also fun. Classic cars, muscle cars, and custom vehicles are lined up for display, giving you a glimpse into why Americans spend so much on their cars. Golf fans will also find the Regions Tradition, a major PGA Champions Tour event, attracts spectators from all over the country.

As you observe these events in Birmingham, you'll notice one commonality. There's no atmosphere of "we are the best" like in New York. Instead, people quietly enjoy themselves, and visitors naturally join in the fun. Many who initially have low expectations end up pleasantly surprised.

Ultimately, Birmingham isn't a flashy tourist city. There aren't many landmarks to post on Instagram. However, the events created and sustained by the local community are surprisingly solid. It's a city that's a bit too easy to dismiss as boring just by looking at its appearance. In the U.S., there are tourist spots built with money and cultures developed over time. Birmingham is definitely closer to the latter.