Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham residents can join six upcoming local tech events this spring that offer networking, skill-building, and expert talks—today’s free Community Connect runs from 10 a.m. to Noon at House Eleven while further events on May 14, May 20, June 19, and June 25 provide diverse options for tech professionals and startup founders. These events include post-work meetups, an online SEO class, and panels on AI in cybersecurity as well as interactive workshops to help participants grow their tech skills.

Birmingham will host the Southbound Food Festival from September 19 to 28 with 100 chefs over two weekends at its downtown location around Pepper Place and Sloss Furnaces—tickets and a full schedule will be available on July 7.

The revamped festival builds on past success by expanding its offerings for local and visiting food lovers.

The new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in downtown Birmingham will open on June 22 with comedian Matt Rife headlining the first show.

Nearly 30 acts are set to perform this summer and Live Nation says the venue will host big shows — a boost for local entertainment.

Today at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, participants will re-enact the historic Children's Crusade by retracing the route from the intersection of Sixth Avenue North and 17th Street North to City Hall and onward to the Boutwell Auditorium for a 40-minute documentary—honoring a protest that helped trigger the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Birmingham tourism brought in $2.57B in 2024 with over 4 million overnight visitors and helped support more than 51,000 jobs along with generating $302 million in tax revenue.

The GBCVB started a new Tourism Hall of Fame by naming longtime board member and state senator Jabo Waggoner as its first honoree — a sign of the region's growing economy.

Bluff Park Elementary teacher Katie Collins, with 20 years in education, was named Alabama’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year—she will serve as the state’s official ambassador for public education by sharing her passion for dynamic lessons and mental health awareness.

She is one of 16 educators chosen from 155 nominees to promote excellence in classroom instruction and leadership statewide.

A federal panel ruled on May 8 that Alabama's 2023 congressional redistricting map diluted the voting power of Black residents and violated the Voting Rights Act, permanently blocking its use.

State officials have not set next steps as a hearing is scheduled to decide if future maps will need federal preclearance + the decision follows a long legal battle over fair voting representation.

A three-judge federal panel ruled on Thursday that Alabama's 2023 congressional map violated the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution, and a legal fight over redistricting continues as the state defends its map.

A status conference is set for May 28 (at noon) to consider returning the state to federal oversight (federal preclearance) for future districting.

Steel Magnolias

2:30 p.m. — Birmingham Festival Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the enduring story of friendship and resilience among Southern women.

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball Pickup

12-2:45 p.m. — Birmingham CrossPlex — Free entry — Dust off those knee pads and enjoy a fun, energetic game of volleyball.

MAY Pottery Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkside on Fifth — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity with pottery-making while enjoying good food and drinks.

Focused and Fabulous 2025

11:30 AM — The Westin Birmingham — Ticket purchase required — Fashion and philanthropy unite for a luncheon benefiting youth education.

Stand-Up Comedy with Mandal

6:15-9 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — $20 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Atlanta's rising comedian known for his wit and recent Netflix recognition.

Brick Fan Expo - A LEGO Fan Event

10 AM - 5 PM — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Family-friendly entry — Explore amazing LEGO® creations, building zones, games, and character meets.

Tire Rack Street Survival Teen Driving School

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Barber Motorsports Park — $125 — Equip your teen with essential defensive driving skills at a dedicated driving school.

Carver High School Graduation Ceremony

1-2 p.m. — Birmingham CrossPlex — Free entry — Celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025 in a momentous graduation ceremony.

Sun Ra Day Fest Featuring The Sun Ra Arkestra

6:30 p.m. — The Nick — $48.86 — Celebrate the legacy of Sun Ra with an evening of vibrant music and performance.

Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers

2-3:30 p.m. — Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL — Tickets available — Catch the Birmingham Stallions as they take on the Michigan Panthers in an action-packed game.