Good morning, Birmingham.

Military members, veterans and dependents with valid ID will receive free admission at Birmingham Zoo on Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can enjoy seasonal activities, including animal encounters and keeper chats — part of the zoo’s ongoing 70th birthday celebration.

Hoover set a Guinness World Record during its '4th on the First' celebration on Wednesday night at the Hoover Met Complex when over 2,700 people opened aluminum drink cans at once.

Partners like Coca Cola and Birmingham Legion FC enhanced the event + added local festivities.

Hoover hosted “4th on the 1st” Independence Day celebration today at the Hoover Met, drawing nearly 7,000 residents who broke a Guinness World Record by opening 2,842 cans + witnessed Councilwoman Lovell win a hot dog eating contest.

According to CoStar Analytics, 1,000 hotel rooms are under construction in Birmingham, making up 5.8% of the total inventory and the highest percentage in the state.

New projects include midscale extended-stay brands + adaptive reuses such as the Brown Marx Tower.

Nine Birmingham-area artists & educators each received a $7,500 fellowship from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to support innovative projects in various disciplines.

The grant portal reopened on Wednesday, July 1 to accept applications from local arts nonprofits.

Trussville City Schools Board of Education approved naming Cahaba Elementary’s outdoor classroom after late Joy Tyner, a longtime principal who wished for the space and passed away this week.

The move honors her legacy and reflects a community tribute (reported by WVTM 13).

UAB neuroscientist Kristina Visscher leads Neuroscience for All, a community project bringing hands-on brain science to Birmingham through a series of programs (Brain Awareness Week, Brain Snacks, and Brain Chats).

The initiative partners with local libraries, museums, and events to spark scientific interest among residents.

Birmingham parking rates increased Wednesday for the first time in 15 years, with the first hour costing $3 at all seven downtown decks and Avondale Village and $2 at Morris Avenue lots (daily maximum rates range from $8 to $14).

In June, 16 food establishments in Jefferson County failed compliance; one Birmingham restaurant (Hotspot on Dennison Ave SW) closed on June 1 after inspectors found mold and cross-contamination risks and later reopened with improved scores.

Burton Property Group acquired Vestavia Hills City Center for $76 million, marking its first Birmingham purchase + the retail center houses over 60 shops, restaurants, and businesses along Montgomery Highway with plans for future community improvements.

Former UAB and Birmingham-Southern baseball coach Brian Shoop is set for induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame as a member of the 2027 class (he led Birmingham-Southern to a national championship and UAB to a Conference USA Tournament title).

Hoover native Chris Richards shined last Wednesday as he played all 90 minutes in Santa Clara and helped secure a 2 to 0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina+earning the USMNT their second World Cup clean sheet.

The team will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday at 7 p.m.

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.