Good morning, Birmingham.

The Birmingham Zoo will open its new axolotl habitat on Wednesday, July 22.

The rare amphibian native to Mexico is praised as graceful & mysterious by zoo officials who say the exhibit will inspire local visitors to learn more about its unique features.

Trussville Dog Daze 2026 is set to take place on Saturday, Aug.

1 at Historic East Mall. The free festival will offer live local music, over 100 vendors, family-friendly activities, and a Pup Strut for dogs plus shaded seating and a splash pad to beat the summer heat.

Two Sistahs Coffee opened today in Pratt City's Carline Historic District at 204 Avenue U — a new shop that honors owner Joshua Perdue's great grandmother and great aunt.

He plans to add three more businesses at the site to help revive the historic area.

Always.bank, a division of 22nd State Banking Co., has opened its new headquarters at BasePoint (2308 First Ave S.) to offer digital-first banking and advisory services for startups and small businesses in Birmingham.

Hospitality business owners will join free networking on Monday, July 27, at The Hardwick from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event offers connections + marketing insights for local restaurants, bars, breweries and lounges.

Birmingham City Schools welcomed dozens of new educators at Parker High School this week as part of its orientation for the upcoming school year.

The district hired over 200 new teachers and is still recruiting bus drivers + special education, math and science teachers to support student growth.

Greater Birmingham Humane Society is offering free rabies revaccinations for pets that received doses between July 2025 and April 2026 after manufacturer Elanco recalled seven vaccine batches.

Clinics begin July 21 (appointments available until Aug. 21) and pet owners should check their records if unsure.

Alabama has secured $203 million in federal funding to fill a healthcare gap that leaves 200,000 residents without proper coverage.

The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program is accepting applications until Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. as local clinics in Birmingham plan to expand services.

Ballin in Boutwell will return in 2026 at Boutwell Auditorium with five games and a youth basketball showcase.

Alabama & Auburn and Samford will compete in preseason matchups on Oct. 13, 14, and 15, with tickets available now.

Ballin in Boutwell returns to Birmingham in October with an expanded lineup of five basketball games at Boutwell Auditorium, presented by Nike and Hibbett.

The events begin with a youth showcase on Oct 12 + a kickoff game between Samford and Alabama A&M at 7 pm on Oct 13.

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.

Jennifer Lyn and The Groove Revival

7 p.m. — Workplay Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of live music with Jennifer Lyn and The Groove Revival at the iconic Workplay Theatre.

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival: Electric Eden

7-8:30 p.m. — WORKPLAY — Ticket information available — Experience a high-impact concert blending blues-rock originals and classics in a shared, electric atmosphere.

Grease - The Musical

7-8 p.m. — Virginia Samford Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the classic musical filled with 1950s nostalgia and iconic songs like 'Summer Nights' and 'Greased Lightnin'.