The Birmingham Car Festival returns to Barber Motorsports Park September 25–27, 2026, adding a fan-judged car show and competition to a weekend of GT racing at the Alabama circuit.
Held during the UAB Medicine GT World Alabama benefiting Teal Wings of Hope weekend, the Birmingham Car Festival presented by Corsa Crew takes place in the paddock and is accessible to general admission ticket holders throughout the three-day event.
Formerly known as the Car Corral, the festival has evolved into a competition in which spectators determine the winners. Cars of any make or model are eligible to enter, creating an intentionally varied field ranging from enthusiast-owned street cars to more extensively modified and unusual builds.
Rather than using a traditional judging panel, the Birmingham Car Festival puts the decision in the hands of spectators. Fans can return to the display throughout the weekend, inspect the competing cars and vote for their favorites.
There is also money at stake. First place receives $1,000 and a custom trophy, second place earns $750 and third place receives $250. Entrants must be present in the Fan Zone at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, to be eligible when the awards are announced.
Entry packages include a display space in the festival, general admission to the racing weekend and a Garage Pass, along with a $10 donation to Teal Wings of Hope, the event’s charity partner supporting ovarian cancer awareness. A three-day option adds additional display time and a complimentary parade lap around Barber Motorsports Park.
The car show is only one component of the weekend. The accompanying GT World Alabama event brings several SRO Motorsports America series to Barber, including GT World Challenge America, Pirelli GT4 America, GT America, TC America and Toyota GR Cup.
Spectators also receive open paddock access and opportunities to attend driver autograph sessions. The Fan Zone adds food trucks, merchandise and live music, while trams provide transportation around the sprawling Barber Motorsports Park property. The Drive AI experience provides another interactive activity between races.
The setting itself is a significant part of the attraction. Barber Motorsports Park’s 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course is known for its landscaped grounds and elevation changes, giving spectators numerous viewpoints from which to watch the racing.
Visitors can also combine the race weekend with a trip to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, located on the property. Its extensive collection is particularly known for motorcycles, although it also encompasses Lotus racing cars and other significant automobiles and racing machinery.
For families, children 12 and younger receive free admission when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Gates open at 8 a.m. CT each day and remain open until one hour after the final race, allowing visitors to divide their time between racing, the paddock, Birmingham Car Festival and other activities around the circuit.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Event: Birmingham Car Festival presented by Corsa Crew
Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Location: Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Held During: UAB Medicine GT World Alabama benefiting Teal Wings of Hope
Gates Open: 8 a.m. CT each day, closing one hour after the final race
Festival Access: Included with general admission to the race weekend
Car Eligibility: Open to all makes and models
Judging: Spectator voting determines the Fan Favorite winners
Prizes: $1,000 and trophy for first place; $750 for second; $250 for third
Awards: Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m. CT in the Fan Zone
Racing: GT World Challenge America, Pirelli GT4 America, GT America, TC America and Toyota GR Cup
Other Activities: Open paddock access, autograph sessions, food trucks, live music, merchandise, Drive AI experience and tram service
Children: Ages 12 and under admitted free with a paid adult ticket
Museum: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is located on the Barber Motorsports Park property and can be visited separately during a trip to the circuit
Circuit: 2.38 miles, 17 turns