There’s something special about membership to a cool spot: the exclusivity of being part of a select group that can take advantage of great perks. And believe it or not, quite a few businesses and organizations around Birmingham offer advantageous membership opportunities. Here are 18 you should have on your radar!
18 Memberships in Birmingham You Should Know About
Birmingham Museum of Art
It’s impossible not to appreciate the beauty held within the Birmingham Museum of Art, and as a member, it’s even easier to get in on all of the artful action. There are several membership levels. It starts with the Individual & Family membership, which starts at $50 per year. It allows either one individual or two adult family members to partake in special exhibition previews and curator-led tours and even includes invitations to art-centered programs.
Also included in the membership is free or discounted admission to ticketed exhibitions and events, special members-only perks at Museum events — including everyone’s favorite summer event, Art on the Rocks — and more. Membership levels increase from there, including Junior Patron and Contributor up to Benefactor, and all memberships come with one other bonus: it is reciprocal with membership at more than 100 other museums through the Southeast Reciprocal Membership Program.
The Birmingham Museum of Art offers multiple levels of membership. Image: Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are brimming with beauty just waiting to be explored — and it has been that way since they originally opened more than 60 years ago! The biodiverse gardens cover 67 acres and include more than two dozen garden spaces with practically every type of plant imaginable. Becoming a member of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens comes with a long list of benefits, from new member gifts and a complimentary gift plant at the annual Fall Plant Sale to accessing classes, events, and tours. Also included is free admission to annual events like the Spring Plant Sale members-only presale and the sought-after Antiques at the Garden event, plus a discount on lunch at the Gardens Café by Kathy G.
Stroll 67 acres at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and take advantage of membership benefits such as gifts, classes, and free admission to annual events. Image: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
McWane Science Center
No place piques the curiosity and wonder of kids of all ages quite like McWane Science Center. Established in 1998, the hands-on museum is all about exciting the senses through science, which is apparent when walking through the museum’s many exhibits. Adding to a visit to the state-of-the-art museum is a membership, which comes with a range of benefits from free admission and parking to early access to new attractions and discounts in the gift shop (Bean Sprouts Café) and in-house IMAX® Dome.
Join the McWane Science Center membership program and channel your inner child! Image: McWane Science Center
Birmingham Zoo
One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Birmingham Zoo is home to all sorts of species — from elephants and sea lions to orangutans and giraffes. The zoo features 550 animals from around the world, including 180 species from six continents. Plus, there’s always something new to enjoy. The zoo features multiple membership options, each with discounts on events, camps, classes, and even the purchase of regular admission tickets for non-member guests. But the best membership benefit of all is unlimited daytime visits to the zoo throughout the year.
Adventure is always on the agenda at the Birmingham Zoo. Image: Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Track Club
The Birmingham Track Club is on a mission to educate individuals on the benefits of running and walking, whether for fun or fitness. The nonprofit holds a variety of races throughout the year, including the well-known Vulcan Run 10k. Anyone passionate about running can sign up for a membership, which comes with discounts for many races during the year — not to mention access to a fantastic running community.
Do you have a passion for running? Join the Birmingham Track Club. Image: Birmingham Track Club
Forge
One of the newest additions to Birmingham is Forge, a coworking space. But Forge is so much more! In addition to an aesthetically-pleasing space, Forge offers community and an opportunity to increase productivity while developing new relationships with other coworking members. Members have access to conference rooms, an online digital network of other Forge members, monthly members-only events, and an opportunity to impact the Magic City community through acts of service.
Discover your new favorite coworking space at Forge. Image: Forge
Birmingham Ultra Trail Society
The Birmingham Ultra Trail Society is all about promoting and growing the sport of trail running in Birmingham. The group frequently hosts group runs to get more people out in nature at locations like Oak Mountain, Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, and Moss Rock Preserve. Are you a trail-running enthusiast? If so, this membership is for you. Becoming part of the trail-running family helps support the group and comes with discounts through local businesses and brand ambassadors, as well as discounts on various races and access to training plans.
Get out in nature with Birmingham Ultra Trail Society. Image: Birmingham Ultra Trail Society
Civil Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has become a sought-after activity across the country, and Birmingham’s Civil Axe Throwing offers the ideal space for a friendly axe-throwing competition. There are even three membership levels for those who can’t get enough. The 12-month Clutch membership comes with reduced rates on Fridays and Saturdays, a reduced guest rate, a discount on merchandise and beverages, and access to VIP events and trick-shot tutorials.
Civil Axe Throwing offers the perfect spot for some friendly competition. Image: Civil Axe Throwing
Little Professor
The Little Professor is practically a Homewood institution. The longstanding Birmingham bookstore also has a second location at Pepper Place, and there’s always a great selection, no matter which site you choose. For $79 per year, shoppers can become shop members. Shop local while gaining access to 20% off every purchase, complimentary in-store coffee, and even free local delivery.
The Little Professor brings book memberships to Homewood. Image: Little Professor
Blo Blow Dry Bar
There’s nothing like experiencing the perfect blowout, and Blo Blow Dry Bar never disappoints. The Homewood shop also offers various makeup services, and a Mane Squeeze Membership provides the best of both worlds. Membership includes two blowouts per month, a discount on additional blowouts each month, makeup services, retail products, and even a free blowout on your birthday.
Sip some champagne while you enjoy blowouts at Blo Blow Dry Bar. Image: Blo Blow Dry Bar
Escape Day Spa
Ready for a bit of pampering? Look no further than Escape Day Spa. Founded by two sisters, Escape offers a range of spa services that do it all — from massages and body wraps to hydrafacials and microneedling. Check out a membership to get in on the relaxation a little more often. There are several plans, each tailored to what’s most important to you.
Escape Day Spa offers membership tailored to your self-care needs. Image: Escape Day Spa
Spa Cahaba
From Coolsculpting to facials and massage therapy, Spa Cahaba has you covered. The full-service medical spa knows how to pamper its patrons, and members can enjoy even more. As a member of Club Cahaba, a 12-month membership program, patrons can choose a customized plan based on their unique wishes, and each plan includes one service each month.
Dermatology & Laser of Alabama
Dermatology & Laser of Alabama knows how to make you look and feel your best, offering the latest in aesthetic and cosmetic services, including injectables, body shaping, and even hair restoration. VIP members get special access to exclusive pricing on many of those procedures and products.
Look and feel your best in 2023 with Dermatology & Laser of Alabama. Image: Dermatology & Laser of Alabama
Vulcan Park & Museum
Known as the world’s largest cast iron statue, and cast from local iron 1904, Vulcan is everyone’s favorite iron man. The figure has been sitting atop Red Mountain since the 1930s, and it’s the very foundation of Vulcan Park & Museum. Visitors can learn all about the legend behind the statue. Still, members get so much more, including free year-round admission to the museum and observation tower, a discount at The Anvil Museum Store, exclusive member sales, and advance notice of exhibits and community events.
Grab a Vulcan membership for free year-round admission, exclusive member sales, and beyond. Image: Bob Farley
The Club
One of Birmingham’s most exclusive membership opportunities is The Club. Boasting one of the very best views in the city, The Club opened in 1951 and has secured its place as one of the best social scenes in the city. The Club members get access to three restaurants, but membership does come with one catch: to become a member, you must be sponsored by an existing member.
To become a member of The Club, you must be sponsored by an existing member. Image: The Club
Birmingham Boulders
THE climbing destination in Birmingham, Birmingham Boulders offers a gym with anything and everything needed to enjoy an indoor climb — from the steep wave wall to the 360-degree views of the funnel wall. Members receive a Climbing 101 class, early facility access twice a week, and discounts on gear and local shops, including Mountain High Outfitters and Alabama Outdoors.
When it comes to fun, the sky’s the limit at Birmingham Boulders.
High Point Climbing and Fitness
High Point Climbing and Fitness offers something for everyone, including a Kid Zone, 100-plus boulders, and 52-foot climbing walls. There’s even more to enjoy as a member, including fitness and yoga classes. Unlimited climbing, gear demo and discounts, event rental discounts, and even personal training discounts are standard with a membership.
Looking for an extreme adventure? Look no further than High Point Climbing and Fitness. Image: High Point
John Hand Club
You may remember this one from a previous story we did last year, and if you didn’t become a member then, you’ll undoubtedly want to look into it now. The John Hand Club is housed on the top two floors of the John Hand building, a historic downtown property built in 1912. The private club was redesigned by noted Birmingham Designer Melanie Pounds in 2021, and it offers members a sleek and stylish space to relax, entertain guests, and work out. You can even grab a cocktail or dinner at the onsite bar and restaurant, The Welton.
We hope you’ve found something new to try, Birmingham!
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