Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham will host Small Business Week 2026 from May 3 through May 9 – featuring workshops, networking sessions, and expert panels at venues such as Railroad Park, Toasted Yolk, The Forum, and Innovation Depot.

Ira Glass, host of This American Life, will appear Saturday at UAB's Alys Stephens Center for his new stage show 'Seven Things I've Learned,' which will feature live storytelling & sound cues to engage longtime listeners and attract new fans.

Railroad Park was ranked 7th best in America in a month-long USA Today's 10Best poll in March; the park, known as Birmingham's (front lawn), beat landmarks in other cities.

Some locals praised its blooming pink muhly grass, playgrounds, and green spaces for special events.

Alabama’s unemployment rate held at 2.7% in February as average weekly wages reached a record $1,175.01, reflecting strong job growth across sectors like government, leisure and health.

State officials say the data underscores ongoing economic strength statewide (Shelby County reported the lowest rate at 2.5%).

Birmingham recorded over 1,300 new and 949 renewal CHOOSE Act applications for the new school year amid a statewide 33% increase; the program offers families up to $7,000 per child for private school tuition, tutoring or other supports administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Regions Bank is educating customers about fake summons and online surveys that pressure users to act fast to steal personal data—advice includes verifying contacts with official channels and trusted websites.

The UAB School of Education and Human Sciences will host a free Family Literacy Night on Thursday, April 30, from 5-7 p.m. for pre-K to fifth-grade families, where teacher candidates lead hands-on reading activities and local literacy partners (offering extra resources) join with light refreshments.

Hoover police launch the Blue Envelope Program — a tool designed to aid drivers with autism and other sensory needs during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month — and offer blue envelopes and seatbelt sleeves at Hoover City Hall, 100 Municipal Lane to ease traffic stops.

UAB researchers have found that the immune system consistently attacks a small region of HLA proteins after transplants, a discovery that may help match donors better and extend organ survival.

The study provides promising insights for improving transplant outcomes.

Antoine Mordican in Jefferson County made his first sale of medical cannabis to a lab that will turn his crop into gummies, tinctures, and oils; his product will be available for patients when the first dispensary opens in Montgomery on May 4.

The Birmingham Stallions return home today at Protective Stadium to host Orlando Storm with kickoff at 3 p.m. and Gucci Mane set to perform at halftime.

Ticket sales have already surpassed 15,000 + the event could set a new attendance record after three road games and offseason uncertainty.

MLB will host its third Juneteenth East-West Classic at Rickwood Field on Friday, June 19, starting with a noon home run derby and a game with former stars like CC Sabathia and Chris Young — tickets cost $12 and a PLAY BALL event will follow at Willie Mays Park in Fairfield.

Birmingham Legion FC vs Indy Eleven

4-7 p.m. — Birmingham Legion FC — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting match as Birmingham Legion FC aims to bring home championships.

Willie Nelson Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — $47-226 — Catch the legendary Willie Nelson and Family live for a memorable evening of country music.

Mountain Grass Unit Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — $50/ea — Enjoy a night of live music with Mountain Grass Unit at one of Birmingham's favorite venues.

Grill Day

This is a live fire grilling event featuring an array of appliance and outdoor grill brands showcasing their products and cooking delicious food, all while supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Join us for great food, community, and live grilling demonstrations!

Pottery Night at All Good Beverage Co

6:30-8:30 p.m. — All Good Beverage Co — $65 — Create serving bowls while enjoying a beer in a fun atmosphere.

11th Annual ECD Medical Symposium

April 30 - May 2 — Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB — Registration required — Engage with leading experts on Erdheim-Chester Disease and emerging treatments.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concert

11 AM — Homewood Public Library — Ticket required — Enjoy a captivating performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Uncle LaZer Live Comedy Show

7:30 PM – 1:00 AM — Stardome Comedy Club — Two-item minimum — Experience a night of unapologetically hilarious storytelling from Uncle LaZer.

Birmingham Vegan Fest Spring 2026

11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Cahaba Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate the local vegan scene with food trucks, vendors, and live DJ at Alabama's largest vegan fest.

Kid Cudi Presents: The Rebel Ragers Tour

6:30-8 p.m. — Coca-Cola Amphitheater — $1 donation per ticket to The Big Bro Foundation — Experience an uplifting performance by Kid Cudi while supporting youth empowerment.