Good morning, Birmingham.

Legacy Arena at the BJCC is celebrating 50 years on July 11 with a free community event featuring a concert by Black Jacket Symphony, family activities, games, and anniversary merchandise.

Attendees will also explore parts of the arena usually reserved for special events.

Birmingham’s Rotary Trail—once a neglected railroad line known as The Cut—now thrives along 1st Ave South between 20th and 24th St. Plans call for a $1.5 million eastern gateway redesign under the 24th Street viaduct to connect over 175 miles of regional trails.

Local startups are making waves in Birmingham as Landing expands its corporate housing network, Dash Solutions partners with Regions Bank for a digital payment tool, and Nyad secures 1.3 million dollars for an AI-powered wastewater platform.

Prismm launched a vault for life documents, while Innovation Depot started (Voltage Cohort 12).

Author Cherith Glover Fluker invites Birmingham residents to see their hometown with fresh eyes in her new book, Secret Birmingham, which highlights local landmarks such as the Civil Rights Institute and Negro Southern League Museum.

The guide encourages exploring overlooked treasures to rediscover the city’s vibrant history + art scene.

The Birmingham Museum of Art reported that Director Graham C.

Boettcher will step down on July 31 after 20 years of service as he transitions to lead the Norman Rockwell Museum, and Chantal Drake will serve as interim Director starting August 1 while a national search for his successor begins.

Local community members gathered this week at historic sites, including the Carver Theatre, to mark the Freedom Rides’ 65th anniversary while voicing concern over upcoming redistricting changes in Alabama — veterans and organizers stressed the need to educate and reopen the movement to protect hard-won voting rights.

Audra McDonald, a Tony Award winner, will perform on Feb.

28, 2027 at 7 p.m. at the Alys Stephens Center, part of UAB Center for the Arts, as part of its 30th anniversary season—tickets for members are available now with public sales starting May 15.

Birmingham City Schools earned national praise for improved reading and math scores as detailed in the Education Scorecard report, with performance surpassing 2019 levels in both areas (Sullivan links progress to expanded learning and attendance initiatives, aiming for nearly 90% of graduates to be college and career ready).

Students at Booker T.

Washington K-8 School on the Southside celebrated academic progress on Wednesday with Celebrating Our Scholars Day at 115 4th Avenue South — a community event with games and music. Governor Kay Ivey had earlier noted the school's turnaround in her State of the State address.

Residents near the Nebius AI factory filed a motion to stop construction, claiming the city broke zoning laws when approving the project.

Oxmoor Valley neighbors launched the legal challenge as Nebius plans a two-building facility on a former bank back office with properties on Milan & Venice Roads.

Birmingham City Council authorized the mayor to apply for up to $30 million in federal grant funds to modernize Port Birmingham on the Black Warrior River’s Locust Fork — the project will install faster cranes to boost cargo flow and attract new business.

Zoo Brews returns to Birmingham Zoo on Friday, May 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. for an adult-only event that features craft beer samples from over 25 brewers, train rides, lawn games, and animal encounters with coin donations benefiting the zoo's Animal Fund.

At the Regions Tradition Adaptive Golf Clinic today, nearly 90 participants practiced golf while local heroes Lulu Gribbin + Noah Galloway inspired community members and helped raise over $25M for Children’s of Alabama.

A free adaptive clinic is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13 at Bent Brook Golf Course.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concert

7-10 p.m. — Homewood Public Library — Ticket vouchers available — Enjoy a spectacular evening of symphonic music with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Blazer Bolt for Brain Cancer 5K

8 a.m. — Railroad Park Foundation — Registration fees apply — Run for a cause and support brain cancer research during this family-friendly 5K event.

Columbus Aviators vs Birmingham Stallions

12 – 3 p.m. — Protective Stadium — Purchase tickets for an exciting matchup as the Birmingham Stallions aim for another victory in their UFL season.

Sun Ra Arkestra Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Saturn — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience the cosmic jazz sounds of the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra live.

Hit Radio Live

7-9:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — General Admission — Enjoy a seated show featuring popular hits in a vibrant atmosphere.

THE G CHILD EXPERIENCE - Live Band Music Performance

6:30-11:30 p.m. — Riggins Venue — Tickets on sale now — Experience an electrifying live band performance by Birmingham's own G Child and guests.

Josh Turner Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Alabama Theatre — Buy your tickets now — Enjoy a captivating live performance from the multi-platinum-selling country artist known for his rich baritone voice and traditional country hits.

Clayton English Live at Stardome

8-11 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic brilliance of Last Comic Standing winner Clayton English.

Boot Scootin Boogie Nights

8-9:30 p.m. — Hop City Beer & Wine Birmingham — Ticketed event — Enjoy a lively night of music in a vibrant atmosphere.

Jelly Roll Concert

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Coca-Cola Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night with Jelly Roll's captivating music.