College Football is Back in Full Swing

Good morning Birmingham!

As always, there is plenty going on in the city this weekend and into next week. But it’s also the big opening weekend for college football! So many of you might be hanging out at home to soak in as many games as you can.

Whether you’re an Auburn fan (me), or a Bama fan (booooo), I think we can all agree it’s good to have college football back!

Let’s get to it.

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Get ready to step back in time for an absolutely soul-stirring night of R&B magic! Tyrese takes the stage at Legacy Arena at The BJCC on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM, bringing his smooth grooves and powerful vocals for a night you won't forget.

This incredible lineup features Tank delivering his sultry ballads and chart-topping hits like "When We," Lyfe Jennings bringing his signature blend of raw lyrics and soulful storytelling with fan favorites like "Must Be Nice," and H-Town throwing it all the way back with their classic '90s slow jam "Knockin' Da Boots." It's pure R&B magic, filled with passion, nostalgia, and powerhouse performances that will have you singing along to every single word.

The Legacy Arena will be absolutely electric with fans ready to groove to some of the smoothest voices in R&B history! Whether you're there for Tyrese's movie star charm, Tank's bedroom ballads, Lyfe's heartfelt storytelling, or H-Town's throwback vibes, this show promises to be an unforgettable celebration of everything we love about classic R&B. (link)

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One of Our Favorites

🌮 Taco Morro Loco
Discover Avondale's best-kept secret right by Avondale Park at 417 41st Street South, where the atmosphere is like stepping straight into Mexico and the locals can't get enough! People tell me they drive across town just to get their fish tacos!

Taco Morro Loco serves up completely customizable meals with homemade salsa, fresh hand-pressed tortillas, and meats grilled hot in traditional style, proving that the most incredible flavors often come from the most unexpected places. Their noteworthy salsa and queso feature a perfect blend of spice and smokiness, while everything from pastor quesadillas to tortas ahogadas bursts with authentic Mexican spices that'll transport your taste buds south of the border.

The welcoming staff treats every guest like family, creating a warm, laid-back vibe that perfectly captures Avondale's charm, and with prices that won't break the bank, you can feast like royalty without the royal budget. Whether you catch them at the brick-and-mortar location or hunt down their roaming food truck, this is the kind of hidden gem that turns first-time visitors into weekly regulars! (link)

🏥 Local Healthcare Hero Doubles Down: Birmingham Medical Services Set to Transform Thousands More Lives

Alabama Regional Medical Services, led by the passionate Dr. Ted Greer Jr., is embarking on an ambitious mission that could be a game-changer for Birmingham's most vulnerable residents, with plans to double their patient reach from 7,000 to nearly 14,000 people in the coming years.

This federally funded healthcare champion just secured a substantial $1.2 million investment to revolutionize behavioral health services, extending critical mental health support not only across their five primary care locations but directly into Birmingham city schools where children desperately need these resources. What makes this expansion truly remarkable is the organization's unwavering commitment to serve absolutely everyone who walks through their doors—whether they're insured, uninsured, or experiencing homelessness—ensuring that financial barriers never stand between community members and quality healthcare.

The ripple effects will be felt throughout Birmingham as two mobile HIV prevention units continue reaching into every corner of the community, from churches to public housing, while new behavioral health services help children and families overcome mental health challenges that have long gone unaddressed. For Dr. Greer, who calls this work "more than a job... it's a ministry," this expansion represents hope for thousands of Birmingham residents who will soon have access to comprehensive medical, dental, optometry, and behavioral health services that could literally save and transform lives.

The community impact promises to be profound, creating healthier families, stronger schools, and a more resilient Birmingham where no one falls through the healthcare cracks. (link)

🏙️ Alabama Shines on National Stage: Birmingham Cracks Top 100 for Most Affordable Family Vacations

A new study by Dunhill Travel Deals has ranked the most affordable U.S. cities for family vacations, with two Alabama cities making impressive showings in the top 100.

Mobile claimed the 64th spot with a four-day family trip costing around $4,737, offering visitors Gulf Coast charm, historic attractions like the USS Alabama, and waterfront experiences at budget-friendly prices. Birmingham ranked 75th at $4,852 for a four-day family vacation, providing rich civil rights history, arts, and Southern hospitality with walkable neighborhoods and affordable dining options.

It's always wonderful to see Birmingham featured on any national list that highlights what our city has to offer and encourages more visitors to discover the Magic City's unique blend of culture, history, and affordability. The study calculated costs for a family of four including airfare, hotel, meals, and rental car over four days, with both Alabama cities offering service costs below the national average.

The research reveals that Southern and Midwestern cities continue to dominate affordability rankings, giving travelers excellent vacation experiences without the high price tags of more famous destinations. (link)

🥐 Beloved Highlands Bar & Grill Shows Signs of Life: Stitts Family Hints at Possible Reopening

After being shuttered since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Birmingham's legendary Highlands Bar & Grill may not be gone forever, according to a new profile of owners Frank and Pardis Stitt in the Birmingham Business Journal. While the acclaimed Five Points South restaurant—which put Birmingham on the culinary map when it opened in 1982—has remained closed even as the Stitts' other establishments like Bottega and Chez Fonfon continue operating, the family isn't ready to give up entirely. The Business Journal reports that the Stitts "hope to reopen one day, even as a reimagined space," though they've remained largely silent about specific plans over the past four years. The restaurant space is still being used occasionally for private events, suggesting the building remains active despite its public closure. Highlands Bar & Grill earned national recognition throughout its run, culminating in a James Beard Foundation award for "Most Outstanding Restaurant" in 2018 after years of nominations, cementing its status as a world-class culinary destination that helped define Birmingham's food scene. (link)

🏈 UAB vs Alabama State | Protective Stadium | 08/28 | More
Opening night for our local UAB Blazers vs in state foe Alabama State!

⚾️ Birmingham Barons | Regions Field | 08/28-08/31 | More
Hometown Barons against in-state rival, Rocket City Trash Pandas, for 4 straight days!

💎 Alabama Gem & Mineral Show | Bessemer Civic Center | 08/29-08/31 | More
The most amazing gems, minerals, crystals, fossils, handmade jewelry, and fun activities for all ages!

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 08/30 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

⛪️ Family & Friend’s Day 2025 | Victory Life Christian Center |08/31| More
A day full of fellowship and fun for all ages ending with a community dinner free for all attendees!

🎙️ Prince: Sign o’ The Times | McWane Science Center | 08/28-08/31 | More
Experience the magic of Prince enhances by a fully immersive IMAX experience!

🎸 Bigfoot Country Revue | Lodge at Fairway Social | 08/28 | More
Cover band featuring Grateful Dead, Widespread, The Beatles and more at one of Birmingham’s newest spots!

🧘‍♀️ Renew & Brew | TrimTab Brewing | 08/28 | More
Start the evening with a hard workout and then treat yourself to a cold plunge/brew recovery!

🔥 Tap-Ins Grand Opening | Tap-Ins Golf Lounge and Bar | 08/30 | More
The wait is over for the newest bar featuring golf, bowling, and shuffleboard down by the Hoover Met!

🎙️ Tribute to Luther Vandross | Birmingham Museum of Art | 08/31 | More
A night of soulful tunes and smooth vibes to pay tribute to the legendary Luther Vandross!

🎸 The Stolen Faces | Avondale Brewing Company | 08/31 | More
Grateful Dead Cover Band and their 10th Anniversary Labor Day Sunday show featuring Nathan McCleod on saxophone!

Looking Ahead

🎨 Wicked the Musical | BJCC Concert Hall | 9/3-9/21 | More
The Wicked Witch of the West at Birmingham's featuring the show-stopping anthem "Defying Gravity!"

🎨 Birmingham Art Walk | 20th St N | 9/6-9/7 | More
Two day arts festival in the heart of downtown featuring hundreds of artists, live music, street performers, vendors, and kid’s activites!

🎸 Phish | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/13-09/14 | More
The iconic jam band playing a full two day show at the downtown Amphitheater!

🏙️  Volunteer Orientation | Birmingham Civil Rights Institute | 09/17 | More
Register at the link above to become a volunteer at the Civil Rights Institute - you’d be hard pressed to find a better local volunteer opportunity than this!

🍻 Oktoberfest | Cahaba Brewing | 09/20 | More
Festive day of Bavarian activities such as weiner dog races, keg toss, and of course drinking beer!

🇬🇷 Greek Food Festival | Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral | 10/02-10/04 | More
Opa! Fun filled weekend immersed in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Greece!

🧸 Harry Potter in Concert | BJCC Concert Hall | 10/10-10/12 | More
The 5th installment of Harry Potter live in concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra!

🏆 Parkinson’s Moving Day | Railroad Park | 10/25 | More
A wonderful community event honoring loved ones with Parkinson’s disease and supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation!