Good morning Birmingham!

Just last week, I was sort of complaining about how much rain we’ve gotten lately. But now that we’ve got 100 degree heat indexes ahead of us, I’m suddenly wanting some more rain.

4th of July is coming up soon! Next week we will send an earlier edition to cover the best events on Independence Day so you have plenty of time to make any last minute plans.

Let’s get to it!

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Event of the Week

Thomas Rhett at Coca Cola Amphitheater

I have a feeling we might be covering a major show at Coca Cola Amphitheater every week! Country music superstar Thomas Rhett is bringing his "Better In Boots Tour" to Birmingham's Coca-Cola Amphitheater on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM. This marks a special milestone as Rhett will be "one of the first few artists, especially the first country artist to play" at the newly opened venue.

The Georgia-born artist has a strong connection to Birmingham, saying "Birmingham historically has been super good to us over the years" from his previous local performances. If you like country music, come check it out!

Hidden Gem

🥐 General
General is a charming cafe located in the Forest Park neighborhood that also functions as a modern day general store. Since opening in October 2019, the neighborhood spot has welcomed customers with its quaint atmosphere and serves coffee and pastries all day, in addition to breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. (link)

Beyond coffee and food, General sells everything from home decor to unique gift items, making it a one-stop shop for the community. The owners, Mark Thompson and Jay Draper, also run the beloved garden store Shoppe next door and designed General to evolve with the neighborhood's needs.

🥊 Juarez Boxing

Juárez Boxing is a boxing fitness gym established in 2013 located at 1630 Crestwood Blvd in Irondale. The gym offers boxing fitness, boot camps, and one-on-one personal training led by Martin Juarez, a retired professional boxer with over 20 years of instruction experience who was a two-time Golden Gloves winner. (link)

Martin is known for his exceptional patience and teaching ability, making boxing accessible and fun for everyone - even those who might find the sport intimidating at first. His creative and adaptable sessions keep clients engaged, and he has a talent for introducing newcomers to boxing in a welcoming, non-intimidating way that builds confidence alongside fitness.

But what makes Juárez Boxing particularly special is its PD Fight Club, which provides strength, coordination, and confidence training for people with Parkinson's Disease. More than a hundred Parkinson Disease patients come to get vigorous boxing workouts, with research showing this type of exercise can help prolong strength for those battling the disease. The gym is welcome to anyone at all fitness levels for boot camps and scheduled appointments.

🚓 🚒 World Police and Fire Games

The Birmingham 2025 World Police & Fire Games is an Olympic-style competition taking place from June 27 to July 6, 2025, featuring over 8,500 competitors from over 70 countries competing in 60+ sports. The event honors and celebrates community heroes - police officers, firefighters, and other first responders - while showcasing Birmingham, Alabama. This prestigious biennial gathering represents one of the largest international competitions for public safety officers worldwide.

🚰 Birmingham Water Works ➡️ Central Alabama Water

The Birmingham Water Works Board voted 5-2 to change its name to the City of Birmingham Regional Water Works and will do business as Central Alabama Water, following a state law that restructured the board to reduce Birmingham's influence and increase suburban representation.

The two board members appointed by Birmingham city officials opposed the name change, along with several other decisions during a tense meeting marked by procedural disputes. The board also addressed infrastructure emergencies and cut funding to a nonprofit foundation that helps low-income residents pay water bills, citing restrictions in the new state law.

🛤️ Birmingham Acquires Land for Trail Project

The City of Birmingham has acquired a crucial 4.5-mile stretch of abandoned rail line along Valley Creek, marking the first phase of a 36-mile rails-to-trails project that will connect Birmingham, Fairfield, Irondale, Homewood, and Red Mountain.

The project, funded by a $4 million federal grant secured by U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, aims to provide alternative transportation and improve public health while connecting communities to local amenities and job opportunities. The Freshwater Land Trust is collaborating with the city on this roughly $40 million initiative, with completion of the Valley Creek section expected by late 2026 or early 2027, and the full 36-mile trail anticipated to be finished within 15 years.

🦐 All Day Shrimp Boil | Sage Bar and Grill | Calera | 07/28 | More
Live music, all you can eat shrimp, and face painting for the kids!

🧑‍🌾 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 07/28 | More 
All the local food, produce, and treats for the entire family to enjoy!

🔥 Ross Bridge Farmer’s Market | Ross Bridge | Hoover | 06/27 | More
Free community market that brings together local farmers, artisans, bakers, food trucks, and more!

🎥 Grease Sing-A-Long – Summer Movie | Alabama Theatre | 06/27 | More
The Alabama Theatre is hosting a Grease Sing-A-Long with lyrics displayed on screen so fans can sing along!

🎒 Back to School Pop Up Shop | Big Spoon Creamery | 06/26 | More
Come see the Boutique Girls Back to School Collection in person!

💻️ Sloss Tech | Downtown Birmingham | 06/25-06/27 | More
The Southeast's premier technology and leadership conference to bring together innovation for the local Birmingham business scene.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month Finale Party | Saturn Birmingham | 06/28 | More
Closing out Pride Month with a party and live music!

🎵 R&B Mimosa Festival | Events at Haven | 06/28 | More
It’s not every day you can enjoy R&B Music and Mimosas at the same time!

🍷 Reds, Whites, & Brews | Cat-n-Bird Winery | 06/28 | More
Local wine, live music, and boudin all in one place!