International Food Festival to be in Birmingham on November 1
Hosted by the Birmingham Islamic Society, the event is built on the simple idea that food can unite people—and in diverse B’ham, it often does
The 4th Annual International Food Festival Saturday, November 1, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center, 2524 Hackberry Lane, Hoover, AL.
Hosted by the Birmingham Islamic Society, the event is built on the simple idea that food can unite people—and in Birmingham’s diverse communities, it often does. Local families and volunteers will present dishes from around the world—Lebanon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Yemen, and more—so guests can sample everything from Chicken Biryani to Hummus, Dolma, Beef Shami Kabob, and Kabsa.
There is no entry fee for the event. Instead, visitors pay per dish, with prices set by each table. This lets everyone explore at their own pace—from tasting one specialty to making a full meal out of world cuisine.
“This festival reflects what’s best about our community,” said a Birmingham Islamic Society spokesperson. “We come from different backgrounds, but we share the same love for good food, family, and fellowship. It’s a beautiful reminder that our diversity strengthens the American story.”
In addition to the food, the festival will include cultural exhibitions and hands-on activities for children, as well as interactive and educational experiences for all attendees.
The Hoover Crescent Islamic Center is one of three branches of the Birmingham Islamic Society. The Society began in 1990, and the Hoover location was purchased in 2006 and later transformed into a mosque and community center.
Over the years, the International Food Festival has become a favorite among Birmingham residents, drawing crowds eager to taste global flavors and connect with neighbors across cultures.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hoover Crescent Islamic Center, 2524 Hackberry Ln, Hoover, AL 35226
Admission: Free to enter; food items priced individually
Represented regions will include Africa (Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone), the Middle East (Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan) Latin America (Mexico, Paraguay) and South Asia.
The public is invited to come for the flavors, stay for the fellowship, and celebrate the many cultures that enrich Birmingham.
For more information, follow the Birmingham Islamic Society on the web, on Facebook, or contact them directly be email: bis@bisweb.org. The Food Festival Event page is HERE, and a sample menu is HERE.
