New Year, New Adventures. Culture, Food, Sports & More
A new year always brings fresh energy, and 2026 is shaping up to be a big one for Montgomery. From powerful public art and historic restorations to headline-grabbing sports, museums, and new culinary talent, the Capital City is stepping confidently into the future while honoring the stories that shaped it.
while you’re planning a visit to Montgomery or rediscovering your hometown, take a look at what’s new, what’s next, and what to look forward to in Montgomery in 2026.
Cozy Chapters at Lorraine’s Bake Shop
This January, Montgomery is embracing a slower, cozier pace, and Lorraine’s Bake Shop is leaning all the way into it with Cozy Chapters, a month-long series designed for rest, creativity, and connection.
Inspired by the idea that winter is a time to retreat, reset, and recharge, Cozy Chapters invites locals and visitors alike to hibernate... just not at home. Instead, the bakeshop becomes a welcoming gathering space filled with warm drinks, sweet treats, and community-driven moments. Throughout the month, Lorraine’s is hosting local author meet-and-greets, book clubs, and a variety of private and pop-up events that encourage people to slow down and enjoy being present.
The lineup includes cozy cookie decorating parties, creative gatherings, and a special pop-up with Hyperbole Books, bringing books, conversation, and inspiration directly into the space. Cozy Chapters also welcomes planners, journalers, crocheters, readers, and anyone looking to set intentions for the year, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a pastry and a good story.
As events continue to be added throughout January, Cozy Chapters reflects something special about Montgomery in 2026: experiences that prioritize comfort, creativity, and community. So if you’re visiting for the weekend or easing into the new year locally, Lorraine’s Bake Shop offers the perfect place to pause, get cozy, and start your next chapter.
New Public Art Along Mobile Highway
Art continues to meet people where they are in Montgomery with a new rotating public art billboard installation along Mobile Street in the Historic Peacock Tract community. Unveiled in late 2025 and carrying momentum into 2026, the installation transforms a high-traffic corridor into a visual gateway connecting neighborhood stories to downtown.
The latest billboard features work by Nathaniel Allen. The double-sided work of art features a revised piece created during a Peacock Tract community dialogue series on one side, and the other side welcomes visitors entering downtown from the Historic Civil Rights Trail, making the artwork both reflective and directional.
This marks the third public art billboard along Mobile Street, following Rebirth of the Peacock Tract by India L. Wilson and installations near the Tuskegee University Urban Agriculture Innovation Center by Kevin King and Nathaniel Allen. Supported by the City of Montgomery Development Division, the project underscores Montgomery’s commitment to accessible public art, turning an everyday drive into a moment of creativity and connection.
Significant Changes at the Museum of Alabama
History lovers and families alike will want to add the Alabama Department of Archives and History - Museum of Alabama to their 2026 plans. The Museum of Alabama recently unveiled a new Military Tribute, offering expanded storytelling around Alabamians who served and sacrificed across generations.
At the same time, the Children’s Gallery space within the Museum of Alabama has been thoughtfully remodeled, with more interactive elements, updated exhibits, and hands-on learning opportunities to make history accessible and engaging for young visitors. These updates make the Museum of Alabama an educational and fun stop for travelers and locals exploring Montgomery’s past.
Bronze Reliefs Telling the Story of Centennial Hill
One of Montgomery’s most historic neighborhoods is now home to a powerful new storytelling experience featuring a series of bronze relief plaques that highlight key moments in the city’s history. Located along the Jackson Street side of the Alabama Department of Revenue building, these plaques bring Montgomery’s past into the present through detailed, three-dimensional artist reliefs.
Rather than statues, the installation features twelve bronze relief plaques, each depicting a historic moment that helped shape Montgomery’s role in Alabama and national history, with a particular focus on Centennial Hill. Each relief is paired with a corresponding lettered plaque that includes the title and story behind the scene, allowing visitors to move through the installation like an outdoor narrative, reading, reflecting, and connecting the moments together.
The stories span pivotal events, people, and movements that shaped Centennial Hill and the broader Montgomery community, providing context and depth for a neighborhood long rooted in Black history, progress, and resilience. Together, the reliefs transform an everyday streetscape into an immersive history walk, encouraging visitors to slow down and engage with the city’s layered story.
As Centennial Hill continues to reemerge as a cultural and creative district, these bronze reliefs serve as both landmarks and learning experiences. Visitors interested in digging deeper into the neighborhood’s history can extend the experience by scheduling a guided walk with Tours of Montgomery, making Centennial Hill an essential stop for anyone exploring Montgomery in 2026.
A Historic Hotel Gets a Second Chance
Just steps away in Centennial Hill, another important story is unfolding. The preservation of the Ben Moore Hotel. Once a vital stop listed in the Green Book, the Ben Moore Hotel welcomed Black travelers, entertainers, and civil rights leaders during segregation and stands as a symbol of resilience and community.
After years of vacancy, the building is now being saved and stabilized, with restoration planning underway. While a reopening date has not yet been announced, the effort marks a major step forward in preserving Montgomery’s Black heritage and reimagining how historic spaces can serve future generations. It’s a story of honoring the past while building something meaningful for what’s next.
Baseball History Takes Center Stage at Riverwalk Stadium
Montgomery’s baseball story continues to grow in a meaningful way with the arrival of the Negro League Baseball Museum exhibit at Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits. Expected to open in 2026, this powerful new installation honors the athletes, teams, and legacy of the Negro Leagues while connecting America’s pastime to Montgomery’s own deep roots in Black baseball history.
Through curated artifacts, engaging visuals, and interpretive storytelling, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how Negro League baseball shaped not only the sport but also culture, community, and the broader Civil Rights Movement. This new exhibit transforms a visit to the ballpark into a more immersive, educational experience, reinforcing Montgomery’s role as a place where history, culture, and modern experiences intersect.
Banana Ball Is Back...and it’s a Two-Night Showstopper
If you thought baseball couldn’t get any more fun, Banana Ball is returning to Montgomery in 2026 with the same fast-paced, high-energy entertainment fans love, plus an exciting new matchup! For two nights only, March 21 and 22, Banana Ball will take over Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium with two new teams facing off under the lights.
This year’s games will feature the Firefighters from Washington, D.C., taking on the Indianapolis Clowns, a legendary name rooted in baseball history. Fans can expect trick plays, dancing players, nonstop action, and a crowd that’s just as much a part of the show as the game itself.
Tickets for Banana Ball are distributed through a lottery system, so fans hoping to attend should be sure to enter for a chance to score seats to one of Montgomery’s most entertaining spring events. It doesn't matter if you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just looking for something unforgettable to do downtown, this two-night Banana Ball stop is guaranteed to be a highlight of 2026. Enter the lottery for a chance to win exclusive tickets.
A New Downtown Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Opens
Travelers planning a longer stay in Montgomery now have a brand-new option right in the heart of downtown. The Residence Inn by Marriott Montgomery Downtown officially opened on December 18, 2025, bringing modern comfort, convenience, and extended-stay amenities to one of the city’s most walkable districts.
Designed for travelers who want to settle in, not just to sleep but also to be on the go. The hotel offers free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center, making it easy to keep your routine while exploring the city. Its location off Perry Street puts guests within easy walking distance of downtown dining, nightlife, and some of Montgomery’s most adored attractions.
The hotel sits next door to the Legacy Museum, just one block from Riverwalk Stadium, and steps from local favorites like Hero Donuts and Buns, Little Donkey Mexican Restaurant, and Dreamland Bar-B-Que. A short stroll also takes you to The Alley, where live music, cocktails, and late-night bites keep the energy going after dark.
For visitors coming to Montgomery for events, Civil Rights and Civil Justice exploration, baseball games, or weekend getaways, the new Residence Inn adds even more flexibility to downtown lodging, especially for families, groups, and travelers who want to stay a little longer and experience the city at their own pace. With more places to stay, walkable attractions, and dining just outside your door, downtown Montgomery continues to solidify itself as a place to arrive, unpack, and truly explore.
Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park Blooms
Nature lovers have a beautiful new reason to visit Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park. In December 2025, the Montgomery Botanical Gardens celebrated the completion of a new pedestrian entrance, creating a more welcoming and accessible gateway into one of Montgomery’s most beloved green spaces.
The updated entrance improves safety and visibility while more seamlessly connecting visitors to Montgomery Botanical Gardens, setting the stage for continued growth. Looking ahead to 2026, Montgomery Botanical Gardens is scheduled to receive additional improvements under a two-phase update plan. Phase I focuses on enhancements to the southern gardens, while Phase II includes the completed entrance and additional park upgrades still to come. Together, these updates reflect Montgomery’s continued investment in outdoor spaces that support wellness, education, and everyday exploration.
A New Front Door—and New Faces—at the Montgomery Zoo
The Montgomery Zoo is welcoming visitors in exciting new ways in 2026. Along with a new entrance, expanded gift shop, and updated administrative offices designed to make arrivals smoother and more welcoming, the Zoo is also introducing some very special new residents.
Guests can now visit four baby ostrich chicks: Navy, Chickpea, Lima, and Green Bean, who recently made their public debut in the Zoo’s Africa section. The young “beans,” known for their curiosity, playful energy, and endearing personalities, are sure to become favorites among visitors and staff alike. From inspecting anything shiny to performing enthusiastic morning “spins,” these chicks add an extra dose of joy to a Zoo visit. Visitors are encouraged to check daily availability, as viewing times may vary based on weather and animal care needs.
The Montgomery Zoo continues to offer meaningful moments, from the front gate to the habitats inside; the Zoo’s physical upgrades and new animal experiences make 2026 a perfect time to plan a visit.
A New Chef and Award-Winning Flavor at Eddy’s Restaurant
Montgomery’s food scene is heating up in 2026 with Chef Stephanie Jefferson stepping into the kitchen at Eddy’s Restaurant. Known for her bold flavors and community-driven approach to cooking, Chef Jefferson brings a three-time award-winning chili to the menu at Eddy’s Restaurant. If you’re refueling after an outdoor adventure or planning a food-forward stop in Montgomery, this is one dining experience you’ll definitely want to savor.
2026 Starts Here!
From significant cultural investments and historic preservation to sports spectacles, museums, food, and family fun, Montgomery in 2026 is all about momentum. It’s a city honoring its legacy while inviting the world to experience what’s next. Whether you’re planning your first visit or rediscovering your favorite places, one thing is clear... the adventure is just getting started.