Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham gears up for a festive Independence Day weekend from July 2 to 5, 2026 with 23 local events including trivia, yoga reading, sports games, and fireworks.

Highlights include activities at Regions Field, Trussville Public Library, and Oak Mountain State Park (Fire on the Water).

Thousands attended Hoover's '4th on the First' celebration at the Hoover Met on Wednesday despite rain, setting a Guinness World Record when 2,842 people opened cans of Coca-Cola at once.

A 10-foot apple pie on a forklift & a hot dog contest won by Councilor Lovell capped the festive night.

AAA predicts over 72 million travelers this 4th of July weekend with Thursday on I-65 expected to see heavy traffic.

Sheri Falk (AAA public affairs manager) advises drivers to prepare by checking batteries and tires amid lower gas prices and ongoing road construction.

Three Birmingham-area KFC locations in Jefferson County have permanently closed in Ensley, Trussville + Hueytown, leaving empty storefronts as the red-and-white branding is removed and the sites prepare for new commercial use.

Two UAB faculty members were awarded $7,500 fellowship grants (James Braziel for prose and assistant professor Jillian Marie Browning for photography) by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

The awards support local creative growth and strengthen arts education.

Today, the Cahaba River Coalition announced it acquired 151 acres adjacent to the Wildlife Refuge in Bibb to protect native species such as the Cahaba lily and mussels.

The nonprofit plans to establish a research field station and educational programs (according to Executive Director David Butler).

Firefighters responded to a fire at a vacant building on Shadowood Circle in Center Point this week (raising concerns about squatters in condemned units) as city officials work through legal challenges before future demolition of individual properties.

UAB anesthesiologist Dr. Carrie Atcheson was elected censor-at-large to both the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Association board today.

She brings years of public health advocacy from her work with the AMA Women Physicians Section (which includes global surgical missions).

Cooling stations and shelters are open in Birmingham today to help residents beat the heat as temperatures near 110; the Birmingham Public Library and other centers offer extended hours for relief.

UAB emergency medicine professor Jaron Raper warns parents today to keep children from handling sparklers and fireworks as the Fourth of July nears (he advises using them on flat surfaces with water buckets nearby to lessen the risk of eye injuries and burns).

Wine Spectator has released its 2026 Restaurant Awards and five local restaurants earned the Award of Excellence for their exceptional wine programs.

Mountain Brook’s Little Betty Steak Bar is among the winners (the awards honor carefully curated wine lists) as Birmingham dining continues to shine statewide.

Hoover’s Miss Basketball winner Khloe Ford filled in at the shot put for the girls track team today after an athlete withdrew from Class 7A sectionals; she earned all-state honors and helped lead Hoover to a runner-up finish, earning Birmingham Region Athlete of the Year.

Hoover High star Will Adams ended his senior season with top baseball honors including Mr Baseball and Gatorade Player of the Year (his coach praised his advanced hitting approach) and is headed to LSU.

He will enter the MLB draft set for July 11-12.

Aries Spears Live

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying comedy of Aries Spears at one of America's premier venues.

Magic Mondays Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Gather for weekly board game nights with your favorite games and refreshing brews.

Navigating Alabama's 2025 License Law Changes

1:30-4:30 p.m. — RealtySouth Training Center — Free entry — Learn about the upcoming changes in license law regarding agency, disclosure, and representation.

Country Dance Party

8-11 p.m. — Saturn — Ticketed — Celebrate the joy of country music with hits and two-stepping at a vibrant dance party.

Scott Ivey & The Filthy Frets with Rare Birds

— Time Range — The Nick — Membership card required ($7/year) — Experience country music fused with blue-eyed soul by a seasoned artist.

I Saw Them When Tour

4:00 p.m. — Seasick Records — Free entry — Experience live music in a vibrant Birmingham venue with a great local reputation.

Magic Mondays

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a casual night of board games and brews in a friendly atmosphere.

Sammy Obeid Live Comedy Show

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Main Room — Ticket package includes food & beverage credit — Experience the comedic genius of Sammy Obeid, known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row.

Watts Up with Energy

1:30-4:30 p.m. — RealtySouth Training Center — Free admission — Enhance your skills to help clients make informed home buying decisions.

World Deer Expo

3-9 p.m. — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Entry fee varies — Experience the ultimate sportsman’s paradise at the largest hunting consumer show in the country.