East-West Classic at Rickwood Field
About This Event
Major League Baseball returns to America's oldest professional ballpark for the third annual East-West Classic, a Juneteenth tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Games held from 1933 to 1962. Rickwood Field, home to the legendary Birmingham Black Barons of Willie Mays and Satchel Paige, hosts a day of living history honoring Black ballplayers who built the game during segregation. Public gates open at 11:30 AM, followed by a Home Run Derby at noon and the East vs. West game at 1:00 PM. Captains CC Sabathia (West) and Chris Young (East) lead rosters of MLB All-Stars and World Series champions. Players also conduct a PLAY BALL youth clinic for more than 150 children from Birmingham RBI programs, extending the legacy of Black baseball into the next generation.
📅 When
June 19, 2026
📍 Where
Rickwood Field, 1137 2nd Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
Birmingham, AL
💵 Price
$12 general admission
👤 Organizer
Major League Baseball, Birmingham Barons, Negro Southern League Museum
Connect with Organizer
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Have a photo of this event? We’re using the Juneteenth flag as a placeholder.
Suggest a photo →What to expect at a Juneteenth cultural program
Cultural programs go deeper than festivals — think curated exhibits, panel discussions, gallery talks, dance performances, oral history projects, and film screenings. They’re generally shorter (1 to 3 hours) and ticketed venues often waive admission for Juneteenth. Dress is typically smart casual. These programs are excellent first Juneteenth experiences for visitors who want context before joining a parade or block party.
About Juneteenth in Birmingham
Birmingham, AL marks Juneteenth alongside hundreds of other US cities, with celebrations rooted in local Black history and shaped by the people, churches, and community organizations that have sustained the day for generations. Whether you’re attending your first Juneteenth or your fortieth, the goal is the same: gather, remember, and celebrate freedom together. Our directory currently lists 10 additional Juneteenth events in Birmingham.
Other Juneteenth events in Birmingham
- BCRI Freedom Day - Free Admission & ProgramsBirmingham, AL · June 19, 2026 (TBD hours)
- BCRI Juneteenth: A Celebration for the CultureBirmingham, AL · June 19, 2026
- Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom PBS Screening at Centerpoint Library 2026Birmingham, AL · June 19, 2026
- Historic Ballard House Juneteenth Open House 2026Birmingham, AL · June 19, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- When is East-West Classic at Rickwood Field?
- June 19, 2026. Confirm exact start times with the organizer (Major League Baseball, Birmingham Barons, Negro Southern League Museum) before traveling.
- Where is East-West Classic at Rickwood Field held?
- Rickwood Field, 1137 2nd Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204, Birmingham, AL. Check the event website for parking and accessibility details.
- How much does this event cost?
- Listed price: $12 general admission. Pricing for individual activities, vendors, and food may vary. Check the event website for current ticket details.
- What should I bring?
- Plan for outdoor weather. Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, a hat or umbrella, cash for vendors (some are cash-only), and a portable phone charger. If chairs aren’t provided, a foldable seat or blanket is useful.
- Is the event family-friendly?
- Most Juneteenth celebrations welcome all ages. Family-specific programming varies by event — many include kids’ zones, face painting, and family activities. Strollers are usually welcome at outdoor venues.