Good morning, Birmingham.

This past weekend, Furnace Fest 2025 attracted about 24,000 visitors to downtown Birmingham and featured 99 punk, hardcore and metal acts at Sloss Furnaces—75% of the crowd were from out-of-state and overseas, boosting local hotels and businesses.

Organizers said the popular festival will return in 2026.

A new study by WalletHub shows that Birmingham residents spend 3.28% of their monthly household income on groceries—one of the highest rates in the country due to a low median income of $44,376.

The study also noted that items like potatoes and soft drinks are among the priciest, adding to local financial challenges.

Birmingham City Schools have opened Fall Intersession and today high school students attend Camp Wellness at Parker to learn STEM and STEAM, gain mental health tools and use creative activities like breakdancing, deejaying, graffiti art and sound engineering — a program partnered with local hip-hop group KRU. The camp will continue through the end of the week as students receive support outside the traditional classroom.

A federal judge dismissed a long-running harassment lawsuit—brought by Councilwoman Veronica Bandy-Freeman against Mayor Wayman Newton after both lost reelection bids on Sept.

24. Tarrant City will have new leadership on Nov. 3 as the case ends.

Birmingham is facing a growing stray animal crisis that is stretching city resources and raising safety concerns for residents.

City officials will discuss solutions at a public meeting on October 15 at Parker High School—impoundment costs have jumped from $25,000 to over $40,000 monthly.

Lawmakers plan to revisit a bill banning weather manipulation in January when they return to the Capitol—this law will set up a reporting system through the Department of Environmental Management similar to laws passed in neighboring states.

If enacted, violators will face fines up to $100,000 as a Class B misdemeanor.

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced a new gene therapy called AMT-130 that slowed Huntington’s disease progression by 75 percent in a small clinical trial—marking a major breakthrough in treatment.

High-dose patients underwent an eight- to ten-hour brain surgery and maintained better daily functions while uniQure seeks accelerated FDA authorization.

Patients at Children’s of Alabama saw actors dressed as Spider-Man, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman when the costumed visitors rappelled down the hospital building yesterday during Superhero Month—Heroes Heal Here.

UAB Hospital was named on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals—ranking 105 in Cardiology and 142 in Cardiac Surgery.

The UAB Health System, which operates 133 care sites and serves nearly 1.4 million patients, showed its strong leadership in health care.

Readers who sign up for the Bham Now newsletter are entered in a giveaway for a $100 gift card to a local restaurant or bar—email confirmation is required.

The winner will be chosen on October 16 and must reply within 24 hours to claim the prize—only locally owned businesses that accept virtual gift cards qualify.

10 Years Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Saturn — Tickets starting at $74 — Experience an unforgettable night with 10 Years in Birmingham.

American Aquarium Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Saturn — Tickets starting at $101 — Experience American Aquarium live in Birmingham for an unforgettable show.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00 – 9:30 PM — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful fusion of rock and classical music in a stunning visual atmosphere.

World Ballet Company: Cinderella

7-8:30 p.m. — Alabama Theatre — Cost Info — Experience the enchanting tale of Cinderella through a mesmerizing ballet performance.

The Band CAMINO Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Ticket prices starting at $63 — Experience live music from The Band CAMINO while enjoying local brews.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively performance by the popular local band in a vibrant brewery atmosphere.

Steve McGrew Comedy Show

6:30-8 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $23.50 — Experience high-energy comedy from the hellbent southern gent, Steve 'Mudflap' McGrew.

Cody Johnson Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Legacy Arena — Tickets valid for rescheduled date — Enjoy a night filled with authentic country music and electrifying performances from Cody Johnson.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Iron City Bham — Tickets available — Experience the sounds of Jason Boland & The Stragglers on their Last Kings of Babylon Tour.

Pierce The Veil - Tour 2025

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Coca-Cola Amphitheater — Tickets available now — Catch Pierce The Veil live in Birmingham with a night of energy and music.