40+ Patriot Day events across Alabama honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11

This month marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, and communities across Alabama will hold ceremonies, service projects, rides, runs and tributes to honor those we lost.

Keep reading to explore your statewide guide to Patriot Day events happening this week.

Birmingham Metro

1. Birmingham: Birmingham Corps + AmeriCorps Alabama 9/11 Day of Service

• What: Birmingham Corps and AmeriCorps Alabama will join the national 9/11 Day of Service, helping pack more than 20 million meals for families facing food insecurity across 50+ cities. Event Support Team roles are open now, from leading a packing line to greeting volunteers at check-in. No experience necessary, and training is provided.
• When:
  • Set Up Shift: Thurs, Sept. 10, 2026 | Noon–4PM
  • Event Support Team Shift: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7:30AM–1PM
• Where: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (North Exhibit Hall), 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Free, ages 18+
• Sign up here

2. Birmingham: UAB Army ROTC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• What: UAB Army ROTC Cadets invite all UAB students and employees to join a self-paced physical training event, climbing the stairs of PNC Field in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 5:30AM–7AM
• Where: PNC Field, 800 11th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Cost: Free
• More event details

3. Birmingham: City of Birmingham 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Recognition

• What: The City of Birmingham will hold its official recognition ceremony at Birmingham City Hall.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 9:15AM
• Where: Birmingham City Hall, Short 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL
• Cost: Free

4. Homewood: Vestavia Hills, Homewood + Mountain Brook Joint Patriot Day Ceremony

• What: The cities of Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Mountain Brook will hold their annual joint Patriot Day ceremony, rotating host cities each year, and 2026 marks Homewood’s turn. The hour-long ceremony will include a presentation of the colors, remarks and patriotic music.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 9AM–10AM
• Where: SoHo Plaza, 2850 19th Street S, Homewood, AL 35209
• Cost: Free, open to the public

5. Irondale: Mayor’s Veterans Luncheon

• What: Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. invites all veterans in the Irondale community to a special fellowship luncheon honoring their service, sacrifice and dedication to the country. Lunch will be provided, and the keynote speaker will be U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Jason Miller, Marine Corps J.R.O.T.C. Instructor at Shades Valley High School.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 11:30AM–1PM
• Where: Irondale Public Library, 1032 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale, AL 35210
• Cost: Free
• RSVP here (RSVP requested but not required)

6. Trussville: 9/11 Tribute Run

• What: This free 5K/10K group run/walk will begin and end at the Trussville Veterans Memorial. Wear your most patriotic attire. The event will kick off with a five-minute devotional and short prayer, followed by the run’s start after taps is played. No prior registration required.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6PM
• Where: Veterans Memorial, 55 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173 (parking across the street at Church of the Holy Cross, 90 Parkway Dr)
• Cost: Free
• More event details

7. Trussville: Take Back The Day Concert

• What: This free concert will honor Army Major Dwayne Williams, a decorated Ranger and paratrooper who had been stationed at the Pentagon for about two months when he was killed there. Organized by his brother, the night will feature live music from Kim Harmon (an award-winning Aretha Franklin tribute artist) and Rob Langford (an award-winning Elvis tribute artist), plus special guest bands Minor Adjustment and Trussville’s Finest. The show will benefit American Legion Post 205.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6PM–10PM
• Where: The Gateway, Trussville, AL
• Cost: Free
• RSVP here

8. Birmingham: Birmingham Barons 9/11 Remembrance Game

• What: The Barons will take on the Knoxville Smokies for a 9/11 Remembrance Game as part of Fan Appreciation Weekend. The first 600 fans ages 13+ will receive a free “United We Stand” remembrance t-shirt, designed by Voltron Printing, honoring the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago. The night will also include Friday Night Fireworks.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7PM
• Where: Regions Field, Birmingham, AL
• Cost: Ticketed
• Schedule + tickets

9. Birmingham: “Come From Away” at Red Mountain Theatre

• What: A quarter-century after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Tony Award-winning musical “Come From Away” will tell the remarkable true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers with extraordinary kindness and humanity. Featuring local performers you’ll recognize from some of Birmingham’s top theatre productions, the show will run through Sept. 20, including a performance on 9/11 itself.
• When: Thurs, Sept. 10–Sun, Sept. 20, 2026
  • Thurs + Fri: 7:30PM
  • Sat: 2PM + 7:30PM
  • Sun: 2PM
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre’s Cromwell Theatre, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: $34+ | Use Bham Now promo code NOWSAVE7 for $7 off your purchase
• More event details + tickets

10. Hoover: City of Hoover 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• What: The City of Hoover will host a remembrance ceremony and “Climb to Remember.” The ceremony will kick off in the Riverchase Galleria Food Court, followed immediately by a stair climb in the Galleria Towers, which is the equivalent of 110 stories. The event will benefit the Hoover Public Safety Charity Foundation, and t-shirts will be included with registration. No ticket will be needed to attend the ceremony; a donation-only ticket will be available for those who’d like to support the cause without climbing.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 9AM
• Where: Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, AL
• Cost: Free to attend the ceremony; registration required to climb
• Register here

11. Clay-Trussville: 21st Annual/25th Anniversary Commemorative 9/11 Ride

• What: The American Legion Riders will host their annual ride to remember the events and lives lost on Sept. 11. It will be the ride’s 21st year.
• When: Sun, Sept. 13, 2026 | 9:30AM
• Where: American Legion SSG Michael W Hosey Post 205, Clay-Trussville, AL
• Cost: Free
• More event details

12. Montevallo: Patriots Day Wreath Laying & Taps Ceremony + National Day of Service

• What: The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery will host a brief 15-minute ceremony remembering the heroes of Sept. 11 and honoring War on Terror veterans and first responders in attendance. The ceremony will be followed by a National Day of Service, presented by Carry The Load in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, where volunteers can help clean headstones and beautify the grounds (cleaning supplies and water will be provided). Registration for the Day of Service is free but required.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026
  • Ceremony: 9AM
  • National Day of Service: 10AM–1PM
• Where: Committal Shelter 3, Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
• Cost: Free
• Register for the Day of Service

13. Alabaster: Sept. 11: Remembering Together

• What: The Alabaster Library will host a program, presented by Shelby County RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program), where students will learn about Sept. 11 through stories, discussion and activities exploring courage, kindness, community and remembering history. The program will also recognize the many people who responded and helped others during and after 9/11, including firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, volunteers and community members. Recommended for students in 3rd–7th grade.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 4:30PM–5:15PM
• Where: Alabaster Library, 100 9th St NW, Alabaster, AL 35007
• Cost: Free
• Sign up here

Tuscaloosa

14. Tuscaloosa: 9/11: Voices from Inside the Pentagon

• What: The University of Alabama’s Center for Service and Leadership, Blackburn and Shelby Institutes, SGA, and Veterans and Military Affairs invite the UA community to hear from two military veterans who were inside the Pentagon on 9/11: Lt. Col. Daune Gunn, USAF (Ret.), PhD, and Lt. Col. Chris Shannon, USAF (Ret.), Ed.D.
• When: Thurs, Sept. 10, 2026 | 5:30PM
• Where: University of Alabama Student Center Theatre, 751 Campus Drive West, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• Cost: Free

Calhoun County

15. Weaver: Steps of Honor: 9/11 Memorial Step Challenge

• What: The Alabama 250 Coalition will host an event where participants will take 2,977 steps in honor of the 2,977 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. All ages welcome; bring some extra dollars to support the Weaver Fire Dept. and Weaver Police Dept. Morale Fund.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 9:11AM–5PM
• Where: Weaver Stadium, Weaver, AL
• Cost: Free

16. Anniston: Sept. 11 Commemoration + National Day of Service

• What: The public will be invited to a commemoration honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. American Legion Post 111 has been asked by the Alabama National Cemetery Complex to provide the program as part of a nationwide commemoration. The ceremony will be followed by a National Day of Service, presented by Carry The Load in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, where volunteers can help clean headstones and beautify the grounds.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026
  • Commemoration: 9AM
  • National Day of Service: 10AM–1PM
• Where: Fort McClellan Post Cemetery, Goode Road, Anniston, AL
• Cost: Free
• Register for the Day of Service

17. Oxford: 9/11 Memorial Service

• What: The City of Oxford invites the community to a 9/11 Memorial Service honoring the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and remembering the courage and sacrifice of those who answered the call. The service will include Presentation of Colors by the Oxford Police and Fire Departments, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Oxford Health Systems Paramedics, official remarks and the ringing of the bell.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 10AM
• Where: Liberty Park at the Oxford Civic Center, Oxford, AL
• Cost: Free
• Contact: Oxford Civic Center, 256-831-2660

18. Jacksonville: Ride to Remember

• What: The City of Jacksonville will host an event to commemorate the Sept. 11 attacks. The program will begin with a few words from first responders, followed by a bike ride south on the Chief Ladiga Trail. Riders will choose a 9.11-mile round trip or a 9.11-mile one-way ride to Weaver. Wear your patriotic colors.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 8:30AM
• Where: Jacksonville Community Center, 501 Alexandria Road SW, Jacksonville, AL
• Cost: Free | Registrants receive a free t-shirt while supplies last
• Register here

19. Gadsden: Beautification Board Annual 9/11 Memorial Service

• What: Gadsden’s Beautification Board will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Observance. The ceremony will include patriotic music, speakers, the Fire Department, law enforcement, Junior ROTC Honor Guard, the Gadsden State Youth Choir, bagpipes and prayer under a large American flag.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 5:30PM
• Where: Corner of 4th & Broad Street, Downtown Gadsden, AL 35901
• Cost: Free
• More event details

Montgomery + the River Region

20. Montgomery: Montgomery Fire & Rescue 9/11 Commemoration

• What: Montgomery Fire & Rescue invites the public to a solemn 25-year 9/11 anniversary commemoration. The program will feature the posting of the colors, opening remarks, guest speakers, an invocation and a traditional tolling of the bell, along with special honor recognition for Montgomery Fire Rescue’s own fallen firefighters.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 8:45AM–10AM
• Where: Fire Headquarters, 19 Madison Ave., Montgomery, AL
• Cost: Free

21. Montgomery: Maxwell AFB 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Challenge

• What: Maxwell Air Force Base will host a weeklong Memorial Stair Climb Challenge. Participants will be able to complete 110 flights on the StairMaster or step mills, symbolizing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers. Open to all base personnel, dependents and authorized patrons.
• When: Now through Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6AM–8PM daily
• Where: Maxwell AFB Fitness Center Annex, 51 Maxwell Blvd E, Montgomery, AL
• Cost: Free

22. Prattville: 9-11 Honor and Remembrance Ceremony

• What: The City of Prattville will gather at the Public Safety Building to host its annual Sept. 11th Wreath Laying Ceremony, joining local city officials, police officers, firefighters and neighbors to honor those who gave everything 25 years ago.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7:46AM
• Where: Prattville Public Safety Building, 201 Gin Shop Hill Rd., Prattville, AL
• Cost: Free

23. Prattville: Community Blood Drive

• What: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will partner to host a special blood drive for National Day of Service and Remembrance. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years old (with written parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 2PM–6PM
• Where: 2200 Cobbs Ford Road, Prattville, AL
• Cost: Free to donate | Sign up in advance at JustServe.org

24. Prattville: 9/11 – 25th Anniversary Ceremony & Concert

• What: The City of Prattville and VFW Post 1349 will host an event at The Lyric at Esther’s to commemorate Sept. 11, 2001, and honor the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call. The ceremony will begin with opening remarks from Dan Lawless of American Legion Post 133, followed by a special musical performance by Jeff Roberts.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6PM
• Where: The Lyric at Esther’s, Prattville, AL
• Cost: Free

25. Wetumpka: 1st Annual First Responders Gala

• What: An evening of dinner and awards honoring all Elmore County first responders: firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, EMS and dispatchers. Hosted by The Republican Women of Elmore County and Alabama Backs the Blue. Table sponsorships will be available.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 6PM–10PM
• Where: Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka, AL
• Cost: Ticketed/sponsorship-based | Contact Ashley Carter, 334-300-6222
• Register here

26. Enterprise: Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony

• What: Hosted by the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, Visit Enterprise and the City of Enterprise, this ceremony will honor and remember the brave first responders and those lost on September 11, 2001, including a symbolic ringing of the bell at 7:46AM.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7:30AM
• Where: Wall of Freedom, Johnny Henderson Family Park, 1901 Neil Metcalf Rd, Enterprise, AL
• Cost: Free
• More event details

Huntsville + Madison County

27. Guntersville: 9/11 Exhibit @ Guntersville Museum

• What: Guntersville Museum will host a special local history and veterans exhibition, featuring local artifacts, personal stories connected to the 9/11 tragedy and a tribute to Marshall County residents who served during the Global War on Terror.
• When: Sept. 10–Nov. 15, 2026
• Where: Guntersville Museum, 1215 Rayburn Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976
• Cost: Free
• Details

28. Huntsville: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony @ HFR Station 1

• What: Mayor Tommy Battle and Huntsville first responders will honor victims and first responders, featuring a moment of silence and sounding of sirens.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7:30AM
• Where: Huntsville Fire Department Station 1, 2110 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
• Cost: Free
• Details

29. Huntsville: We Run To Remember @ Fleet Feet

• What: A 3.8-mile memorial walk/run symbolically representing the climb up and down both Twin Towers.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 7:45AM
• Where: Fleet Feet, 2722 Carl T Jones Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
• Cost: Registration required
• Details

30. Madison: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb + USA Patriots Softball Game @ Toyota Field

• What: The Rocket City Trash Pandas will welcome the community to Toyota Field for two special events: a Sept. 11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday morning and the USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team’s matchup against AUSA Redstone-Huntsville on Saturday evening for Military Tribute Night.
• When:
  • Memorial Stair Climb: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 8:30AM
  • Softball Game: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 6:35PM
• Where: Toyota Field, 500 Trash Panda Wy, Madison, AL 35758
• Cost: Stair Climb free; softball game ticketed
• Details

31. Madison: Huntsville 9/11 Heroes Run @ Toyota Field

• What: A run/walk event featuring a 5K run, 5K ruck and 1-mile walk/run to honor 9/11 heroes and post-9/11 service members.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 8:30AM
• Where: Toyota Field, 500 Trash Panda Wy, Madison, AL 35758
• Cost: Registration required
• Details

East Alabama

32. Auburn: Auburn University ROTC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• What: Auburn University’s ROTC will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Members of ROTC, local first responders, Auburn student-athletes and the Auburn Student Veterans Association will be invited to participate, as they are every year. Participants will climb 2,200 steps (110 flights) as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | Begins 6AM
• Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
• Cost: Free

33. Fort Mitchell: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery National Day of Service

• What: Presented by Carry The Load in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, volunteers will gather to clean headstones and beautify the grounds in honor of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 10AM–1PM
• Where: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL
• Cost: Free, registration required
• Register here

Gulf Coast (Baldwin County + Mobile)

34. Fairhope: Patriots Day Celebration

• What: Students at Veritas Lutheran School, hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church, will honor those who serve. All military members, veterans and first responders are welcome.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 4PM
• Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 200 S Section St, Fairhope, AL
• Cost: Free
• More event details

35. Fairhope: All Patriots Ride

• What: The Eastern Shore American Legion Riders Post 199 invite all patriots to join an All Patriots Ride honoring the memory of Sept. 11. Free breakfast for riders at 9AM; the ride will depart at 9:45AM, 21 miles (about 40 minutes) to the destination event: the Battleship USS Alabama Annual Car Show & Jeep Bash on the Bay, with free admission for riders. Donations requested, benefiting Wreaths Across America, Quilts of Valor, Warrior Legacy Ranch, the USA Vet Center and other veterans organizations.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026
  • Breakfast: 9AM
  • KSU (Kickstands Up): 9:45AM
• Where: Meets at 2 Shots In, 333 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL
• Cost: Free | Donations welcome
• More event details

36. Fairhope: We Remember — 25 Years Prayer Service

• What: The Fairhope Police Department invites the community to gather and remember those who lost their lives and honor those who answered the call to serve on Sept. 11, 2001, with a prayer service.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 9AM
• Where: Fairhope Police Department, 107 N. Section Street, Fairhope, AL
• Cost: Free
• More event details

37. Spanish Fort: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

• What: An untimed community stair climb honoring the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11, hosted by Dr. Rachel Gilmore of Bayside Chiropractic. Participants will complete 110 flights of stairs at their own pace. A shorter, modified route (walking track) will be available for those who want to participate but aren’t able to complete the full climb. Advanced participants (including first responders) can gear up or wear a weight vest for a challenge (recommended: 20lb women, 40lb men). A group warmup will be led by Melissa Rector of 5A Fitness Zone, with John Barlow of Barlow on Tha Beats emceeing. A water station, on-site first aid and local fire and EMS departments will be in attendance. All participants (or a parent/guardian for minors) must complete a brief waiver at check-in or in advance online.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 9AM–11AM
• Where: Spanish Fort High School Stadium, 1 Plaza De Toros Dr, Spanish Fort, AL
• Cost: Free
• More event details

38. Foley: Sept. 11 Memorial Service Ceremony

• What: American Legion Post #99 will host a Sept. 11 Memorial Service Ceremony.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 8:30AM
• Where: 2101 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL
• Cost: Free

39. Gulf Shores: 9/11 Memorial & Stair Climb

• What: The City of Gulf Shores will stand alongside Gulf Shores Fire Rescue to commemorate the Sept. 11 attacks, reflecting on the lives lost, the bravery shown by first responders and the service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the years since. The event will welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels, beginning with a beachfront service followed by a stair climb.
• When: Sun, Sept. 13, 2026
  • Beachfront service: 8AM
  • Stair climb: 9AM
• Where: Beachfront service at West Gulf Place; stair climb at Phoenix Gulf Shores
• Cost: Free | Registration + waiver encouraged in advance
• Register here

40. Gulf Shores/Mobile: Never Forget Lunch

• What: The Original Oyster House restaurants will honor Mobile and Baldwin County law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics with a free Never Forget Lunch, established in honor of 9/11 first responders. An ID or first responder’s uniform is required for the free dine-in lunch. LifeSouth will be on-site at the Mobile Causeway location for a blood drive, with a goal of 25 donations; donors will receive a $20 e-gift and a specially designed t-shirt. Local attractions — including Wind Creek, Bellingrath Gardens & Home, USS Alabama Battleship, National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, OWA Parks & Resort, the Exploreum, the Azalea Trail Maids, City of Daphne and Visit Mobile — will offer discounted tickets, swag and raffle prizes to first responders.
• When: Fri, Sept. 11, 2026 | 11AM–4PM
• Where: Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores + Mobile Causeway locations
• Cost: Free (with ID or first responder uniform)

41. Mobile: Mobile National Cemetery National Day of Service

• What: Presented by Carry The Load in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, volunteers will gather to clean headstones and beautify the grounds, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and paying tribute to the first responders and service members who answered the call in the days that followed.
• When: Sat, Sept. 12, 2026 | 10AM–1PM
• Where: Mobile National Cemetery, Mobile, AL
• Cost: Free, registration required
• Register here