Good morning, Birmingham.

AAA Alabama partners with Kia and Hyundai to distribute free steering wheel lock devices to 2011-2022 model owners on Tuesday, August 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—attendees must show proof of ownership at the Birmingham, Huntsville, or Montgomery locations.

Birmingham is hosting a busy weekend with events such as the ongoing 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, a Regions Field baseball game featuring fireworks and college football on Friday, and a live show by Dierks Bentley at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater today — all promising fun for local residents. Additional events including a cocktail crawl, a hula hoop class, and a plant swap will take place through Sunday — offering a variety of choices for community engagement.

Artwalk 2025 will take place Friday, September 5 from 5–10PM and Saturday, September 6 from 10AM–6PM in downtown Birmingham along 20th Street N—from 1st Ave N to 5th Ave N, offering free admission for families.

More than 100 artists, musicians and vendors will participate, and a special kid zone called PeeWee Picassos will be open Saturday from 11AM–5PM.

Police in Lipscomb investigated a shooting on 7th Avenue and 5th Street that injured one person Thursday morning— the victim was taken to a local hospital.

An Alabama mother is urging lawmakers to reform the Youthful Offender law after her 19-year-old son, Nolan McDavid, died in November when a 17-year-old with a blood alcohol level of 0.111 and Valium in his system crossed Lott Road at 117 mph—prompting a judge to cap the offender's sentence at three years—and has asked Rep. Pettus—who refiled a bill for the 2026 session—to change the law.

Faith leaders in Birmingham have opposed House Bill 36 filed on August 14, which would let state officials appoint an interim police chief if local officers cannot keep public safety in check—pastors say the move risks losing local control.

Community members and church leaders urged voters to protect local decision-making as debates over the bill continue.

Former Lipscomb police officer Robin Sims said he was fired unfairly and that Mayor Baldwin & acting police chief Merritt planned to hurt his bid for mayor as the election nears.

His lawyer said Sims will take legal action next month after city officials took his badge and changed emails, while both officials deny the claims.

On August 18, the Birmingham Police Department welcomed 93 new recruits in its largest academy class, and they began training in criminal law, ethics, crisis intervention, and defensive tactics—skills needed for effective community policing.

Armory Square Pickleball, Birmingham’s largest indoor facility, opened today at Crestwood Festival Center on 7100 Crestwood Blvd—running a grand opening event from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and offering 24/7 access with seven professional pickleball courts, table tennis, a pool table, a lounge for events, coaching, and a special rate of $40 a month.

Chris Munch Live

7-8:30 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — $30.50 — Enjoy a night of laughter with actor and comedian Chris Munch and special guest Adam Bush.

Rickey Smiley Comedy Show

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Stardome Comedy Club — $54-$377 — Experience a night of laughs with comedian Rickey Smiley at the iconic Stardome Comedy Club.

Canva Graphics Workshop

2:30-4 p.m. — Homewood Public Library — Free entry — Learn to create stunning graphics for flyers and social media using Canva.

Hack and Forth Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $13.50 — Enjoy a high-energy comedy show featuring quick sets and playful banter amongst comedians.

Ben Bankas Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $20 to $30 — Enjoy a night of laughs with one of the most popular comedians touring the USA in 2025.

Chrisette Michele Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Tickets from $119 — Experience an evening of soulful music with Chrisette Michele.

Tim Jennings and Friends Comedy Show

6:30-8 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $24.50 — Experience the wit and humor of seasoned comedian Tim Jennings alongside friends from the comedy circuit.

Alabama All-Star Alumni Night Comedy Show

6:30 – 8:00 PM — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $24.50 — A star-studded comedy night featuring Alabama's finest alumni performers.

Wicked: A Musical in Birmingham

Various times — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticketed — Experience the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West in this magical Broadway phenomenon.

Wicked

1:30-3:00 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Tickets required — Experience the untold story of the witches of Oz with a thrilling score.