Good morning, Birmingham.

Last Saturday, Drive Electric Alabama hosted its first EV Ride & Drive Experience at Hoover Metropolitan Complex, offering free test drives of electric vehicles from Cadillac, Porsche, Tameron Hyundai, and Hendrick Chevrolet & teaching EV basics.

The event ended with a performance by Deputy 5 at Brock’s Gap Brewing Co.

Scoop City is now open at The Edge in Homewood on Green Springs Highway.

The ice cream shop—operated by Chef Nick Carpenter—offers a large selection of scoops, shakes, sundaes, floats and banana splits for local treat lovers.

A new PetSmart store is under construction at the former Books-A-Million site at Fultondale Promenade between Hibbett Sports + Casa Fiesta Restaurant.

It will be the 7th PetSmart in the Birmingham metro and 23rd statewide.

Urban Planet opened its first Alabama location (affiliated with Charlotte Russe) at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover on Friday.

The fast-fashion store filled the space formerly occupied by Forever 21 and now offers affordable youth fashion for local shoppers.

Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug will headline his first tour in years at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater on Friday, Sept.

25 as part of The New Generation Tour, and tickets go on sale Friday, July 17 with special guest NAV and YSL artists joining him.

Birmingham is accepting proposals for its 2027-2028 BOLD funding program that offers up to $1.5 million to support economic growth and community projects.

Organizations must apply by August 13 and can join a Webex info session on Thursday, July 16 at 2 p.m.

The Jefferson County Commission approved over $314K in federal funding to support local emergency shelter and homelessness prevention services through its Community Services Department (Pathways, One Roof, Bridge Ministries, and Cooperative Downtown Ministries), while $530K will help build Habitat for Humanity homes.

Hoover City Council votes tonight on a $28 million performance-based incentive package for Stadium Trace Village's $200 million expansion.

The project, which is set to include a medical campus and senior living facilities (built on cleared mine land), requires court validation before the city commits its $4 million outlay.

Edwin Villarreal, a hospitalist diagnosed with HLH and lymphoma, underwent a risky splenectomy and chemotherapy at UAB O’Neal Cancer Center in January 2024 and is now cancer-free living with his family.

His case has also spurred a clinical trial for similar patients.

Families staying in town this summer can enjoy plenty of active play ideas to keep kids learning and moving.

University of Alabama at Birmingham experts suggest hikes (with family-made maps), indoor games, and simple science experiments to mix fun with exercise and spark curiosity.

Birmingham offers eight outdoor family activities this summer, including free fitness classes at Railroad Park, hiking trails in local preserves, beginner rowing at Lake Purdy, and visits to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens + farmers markets and gardening classes.

Residents can explore community sports and bird watching at state parks.

The Culinary Training Kitchen Incubator in downtown Birmingham is among six new projects with million-dollar-plus permits approved last week.

It will occupy the former Booker T. Washington Library site on Third Avenue North & offer food entrepreneurs shared commercial kitchen facilities and training.

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.

Alabama’s First 205 Day Festival: The Magic City Block Party

2-8 p.m. — Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark — Paid parking — Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly fun at this vibrant festival.

Magic Mondays: Weekly Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of board games paired with delicious brews in a welcoming atmosphere.

Captain Kudzu with Knelt

8-11 p.m. — Saturn — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of live music with Captain Kudzu and Knelt at a popular local venue.

T.K. Kirkland Live Comedy Show

Jul 24-25 — Stardome Comedy Club — Tickets start at $90 — Experience an unforgettable night of laughter with the legendary comedian T.K. Kirkland.

TK Kirkland Comedy Show

Evening — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with the well-respected comedian, TK Kirkland.

Coheed and Cambria Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — General admission — Experience an electrifying performance from Coheed and Cambria in a vibrant setting.

Magic Mondays

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in weekly board game nights with friends while enjoying refreshing brews.