Good morning, Birmingham.

A free outdoor book fair featuring local authors, vendors and live performances will take place on Saturday, May 2 at 298 West Valley Avenue, offering over 100 booths, food trucks, workshops, a children’s zone and pet adoption opportunities.

Birmingham has a full weekend of community events starting Friday, April 24 with Magic City Art Connection at Sloss Furnaces (featuring hundreds of local artists), followed by sports games, food pop-ups, races and block parties through Sunday.

Residents should plan ahead and check local schedules for times and venues.

Gunner, an action thriller filmed in Birmingham last year, has already won more than 40 awards at global film festivals from Los Angeles to Bangkok—producer Joel Shapiro and director Dimitri Logothetis credit the city’s authentic settings for inspiring filmmakers.

Vestavia Hills educator Hannah Peterson is one of four finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year chosen from over 155 applicants.

The winner will be announced on May 13 (at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery).

Birmingham now offers several EV charging stations at UAB, Uptown Entertainment District, McWane Science Center, Lane Parke and along Highway 280 with options for both public and employee use (drivers can check fees and availability via ChargePoint).

Jefferson County received an F rating in the American Lung Association's State of the Air report for recording six unhealthy air days per year, with car exhaust, coal-fired power plants and wildfires identified as contributors.

State law limiting local environmental regulation may hinder future efforts to improve air quality.

The Storm Prediction Center declared First Alert Weather Days for Friday night into Saturday and again Monday for west and northwest Alabama, with gusty winds, large hail (and isolated tornadoes Monday) expected.

Residents are urged to check their NOAA Weather Radios and stay prepared amid the active weather pattern.

Today, Birmingham Fire and Rescue is offering free smoke alarm installations to residents in their homes and scheduling is available any day through local fire stations; residents can request service by calling the Fire Prevention Bureau at 205-250-7540 + Public Education Bureau at 205-254-6560.

By next year, Alabama camps will host kids under the new Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act after the Governor signed House Bill 381 earlier this month.

Camp Cosby in Talladega County is adding a PA speaker and extra staff training — steps that boost safety for campers and counselors.

City officials in Irondale broke ground Tuesday on the city’s first storm shelter, designed to hold about 200 people and include restrooms near the Irondale Senior Center.

Residents say the new facility offers a needed safe place when severe weather hits.

Central Alabama Water’s board voted Monday to accept federal loans—one for $45.7M and one for $10.7M—to help replace lead service lines in Birmingham as mandated by EPA rules.

The utility plans to hire contractors under minority participation requirements while reviewing legal access on private property.

UAB professor Merida Grant explains that storm anxiety from tornado warnings can cause rapid heart rate, sweating and dizziness, and advises using deep breathing and a safety plan to reduce stress.

She says limiting media coverage during severe weather can help manage symptoms.

UAB and Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System received a Department of Defense grant to study toxic exposures in veterans; the project was selected from 87 applications and will use machine learning to link jet fuel exposure with chronic cardiopulmonary disease (a key focus in veteran care).

PreciPS, a new UAB startup, is launching a scalable web tool and training platform to help frontline care teams address operational challenges in patient care.

The company will pilot its approach at UAB today — aiming to improve patient outcomes and staff wellness.

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!

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.

Yacht Rock Revue - Primetime

7-9:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — General admission — Enjoy a night of smooth yacht rock hits under the stars.

5th Annual City of Birmingham Mental Health Day

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Linn Park — Free entry — Engage with professionals and enjoy wellness activities while accessing valuable mental health resources.