Birmingham's Sloss Drone Derby Takes Over Historic Furnaces

Annual drone racing and freestyle event draws enthusiasts to iconic industrial site

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:00pm

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Birmingham's premier drone event, the Sloss Drone Derby, is returning to the historic Sloss Furnaces this weekend. The non-profit FPV (first-person view) drone racing and freestyle competition will feature live streaming, interactive experiences, and opportunities for attendees to fly drones on-site.

Why it matters

The Sloss Drone Derby has become a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates Birmingham's growing drone community and the city's industrial heritage. Hosting the event at the iconic Sloss Furnaces provides a unique backdrop that connects the modern technology of drone flying with the area's manufacturing past.

The details

The Sloss Drone Derby features both racing and freestyle drone competitions, allowing pilots of all skill levels to showcase their flying abilities. Attendees can watch the live-streamed action, try out drone simulators, and even take to the skies themselves in designated flying zones on the Sloss Furnaces grounds.

  • The Sloss Drone Derby is taking place on April 5, 2026.
  • The event runs from 9 AM to 5 PM on that day.

The players

Sloss Furnaces

A National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama, the Sloss Furnaces are a former pig iron-producing blast furnace that now serves as a museum and event venue, celebrating the city's industrial heritage.

Castle Crash Crew

A local Birmingham drone racing and freestyle team that is organizing and hosting the Sloss Drone Derby event.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring the Sloss Drone Derby back to this iconic Birmingham landmark. It's the perfect setting to showcase the skill and creativity of our local drone pilots.”

— Sarah Johnson, Event Organizer, Castle Crash Crew

What’s next

Tickets for the Sloss Drone Derby are available now on the event website, with early bird pricing in effect until March 1st.

The takeaway

The Sloss Drone Derby has become a must-attend event for Birmingham's drone enthusiasts, blending the city's industrial past with the cutting-edge technology of FPV drone racing and freestyle flying.