Hot In Herre

Hip Hop Throwback, Good Morning America, State Fair, and Oktoberfest

Good morning Birmingham!

Early in the morning, it’s starting to feel a bit cooler which means that crispy fall weather is right around the corner. When the weather starts to change, the last thing I want to do is stay inside and work, but somebody’s gotta pay the bills I guess.

If you want to be outside like me, there are plenty of activities for you today and over the weekend. Whether it’s a concert at Coca Cola Amphitheater tonight, enjoying a local restaurant’s outdoor patio, or heading to a local brewery, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy our wonderful city!

Let’s get to it.

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In today’s Scoop:

  • Hip Hop Throwback

  • Avondale Gem

  • Crestwood Antiques

  • Bham Native On Good Morning America

  • National Airline Leaving BHM

Get ready Birmingham, because tomorrow night is about to be absolutely legendary! Multi-platinum, multi-diamond-selling, and 3x Grammy-winning superstar Nelly is bringing his "Where The Party At World Tour" to the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater tongith to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his iconic debut album Country Grammar.

Joining him for this epic hip-hop throwback party are heavy hitters Ja Rule, St. Lunatics, and more, promising a night packed with all your favorite early 2000s anthems that'll have you singing along to every word. Picture yourself vibing to classics like "Hot in Herre," "Always on Time," and "Right Thurr" as Nelly brings that signature St. Louis swag and infectious energy that made him a global superstar.

This is pure nostalgia at its finest – a chance to relive a golden era of hip-hop with some artists who defined a generation's soundtrack. Don't miss what's guaranteed to be the ultimate throwback party of the year! (tickets)

One of Our Favorites

🍸️ Parkside on Fifth
Step into Parkside on Fifth, Avondale’s beloved neighborhood hangout perfectly positioned directly across from the lush greenery of Avondale Park in the historic 1890 Avondale Marble Works building. This eclectic gem seamlessly blends craft cocktails made with house-made syrups, an impressive selection of local and craft beers on tap, and elevated American bar food that will satisfy any craving.

The real magic happens when you venture through the backdoor to discover their enchanting garden terrace and backyard oasis, complete with picnic tables and twinkling lights that create the atmosphere of a never-ending block party under the stars. Whether you're looking to catch up with friends at the full-service bar inside or lounge on the roomy back patio while enjoying the vibrant Avondale scene, Parkside on Fifth offers multiple inviting spaces to suit your mood.

With its perfect location, charming ambiance, and reputation as one of the foundational spots that sparked Avondale's incredible revitalization, this is the quintessential Birmingham experience where locals and visitors alike come to unwind and soak in the laid-back magic of the neighborhood. (link)

 🪑 Urban Suburban Antiques

Step into Urban Suburban Antiques in the trendy Crestwood neighborhood and prepare to be amazed by a treasure hunter's paradise featuring over 65 unique vendors all under one expansive 10,000 square foot roof.

This isn't your grandmother's stuffy antique shop – it's a vibrant, eclectic mix of mid-century modern furniture, vintage home décor, retro collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds that changes constantly, ensuring every visit feels like a brand new adventure. With reasonable prices and room for negotiation, you'll discover everything from vintage cameras and record albums to quirky up-cycled pieces and stunning furniture that perfectly blend urban sophistication with suburban charm.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff and ever-rotating inventory mean you could spend hours wandering through the thoughtfully arranged booths, each offering its own personality and style. Whether you're a serious collector, a casual browser, or someone looking to add unique character to your home, Urban Suburban Antiques is the perfect destination where every corner holds the potential for your next favorite discovery. (link)

☀️ Birmingham’s own Lulu Gribbin on Good Morning America

Birmingham's own Lulu Gribbin, the brave 15-year-old Mountain Brook teenager who survived a devastating shark attack in Florida last summer, shared her incredible story of resilience on Good Morning America this morning in her first sit-down interview with co-anchor Michael Strahan.

During the emotional appearance, Lulu opened up about losing her left hand and right leg in the bull shark attack, but more importantly, she announced the launch of the Lulu Strong Foundation, which aims to expand access to prosthetics and therapies for others facing similar challenges. The inspiring teen also discussed her advocacy efforts for "Lulu's Law," a proposed federal alert system modeled after Amber Alerts that would notify beachgoers in real-time about shark sightings.

Since returning home to Alabama, Lulu has refused to let her injuries define her, taking up golf with specialized attachments, relearning to slalom water ski, and even beginning to run with a prosthetic leg. Her appearance on the national morning show continues to inspire not only the Birmingham community but people across the country who have been following her remarkable journey of turning pain into purpose. (article)(Lulu Strong Foundation).

✈️ Spirit Airlines Leaving Birmingham Airport

Spirit Airlines announced it will discontinue service at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport effective October 3, 2025, as part of its bankruptcy restructuring efforts.

The low-cost airline, which only began serving Birmingham in October 2024, operated direct flights to Fort Lauderdale, Newark, and Detroit before making the difficult decision to cease operations at Birmingham and 10 other airports nationwide. Birmingham Airport Authority Vice President Kim Hunt explained that Birmingham was one of Spirit's newest markets and the airline had to make tough choices during its financial struggles, noting that the airport will no longer have any low-cost carriers once Spirit departs.

The airport authority is actively working with existing airlines and meeting with other low-cost carriers to potentially fill the void, while passengers with booked flights after October 3rd will need to contact Spirit directly for refunds. Delta Air Lines continues to provide service from Birmingham to Detroit and New York's LaGuardia Airport, helping to maintain some connectivity to those destinations. (article)

🏗️ Birmingham Experiences 2nd Largest Increase in New Apartment Construction

Birmingham's apartment construction boom is part of an incredible revitalization story that's been building momentum for several years, and it's absolutely thrilling to see our city's strategic downtown development initiatives paying off as we become a premier affordable urban destination in the Southeast!

The surge reflects Birmingham's emergence as a true migration magnet for residents from neighboring states who are discovering what we've always known—that our lower cost of living, combined with our rapidly expanding tech and startup ecosystem, creates an unbeatable quality of life. It's heartwarming to see major developments that serve our entire community, from workforce housing initiatives like the impressive 192-unit Market Lofts on Third that provides affordable options for working families, to stunning upscale projects transforming our historic buildings into luxury lofts near beloved spots like Railroad Park and the Rotary Trail.

This sustained construction activity proves that developers recognize the genuine demand and bright future we're building together—this isn't speculative development, it's smart investment in a city that's finally getting the recognition it deserves as a competitive alternative to more expensive Southern metros. The momentum we're seeing is laying the foundation for continued economic expansion and population growth, and frankly, it's about time the rest of the region caught on to what makes Birmingham such a special place to call home! (article)

🎶 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!"

🎡 Alabama State Fair | Birmingham Race Course | 09/18-09/21 | More
Thrilling rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food, and family-friendly activities this Saturday from 12 PM to 10 PM!

🚒 Touch-A-Truck | Mountain Brook Fire Station 2 | 09/20 | More
Come celebrate the life of Cam cole while exploring fire trucks and more at Mountain Brook’s new fire station!

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 09/20 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

🪨 Rock Painting & Magnet Making | Farmer’s Market at Brock’s Gap | 09/20 | More
Walk around the farmer’s market while letting the kids build magnets and rock painting!

🗣️ Corresponding Angles | Levite Jewish Community Center | 09/18 | More
A powerful Holocaust remembrance program where Gail Cohn (daughter of an American liberator) and Dr. Reuben Sloan (son of a Holocaust survivor) share the extraordinary discovery that their fathers' lives intersected during the Holocaust.

👧  Ladies Night Out | Brock’s Gap Brewing Company | 09/18 | More
Food, drinks, live music, and boutique shopping perfect for girls night out!

🥐 Southbound Food Fest | Downtown | 09/19-09/28 | More
Featuring over 100 chefs for a 10 day festival held at Sloss Furnace, Pepper Place, and local restaurants!

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

🐶 Adopt A Golden | Cahaba Brewing | 09/20 | More
Adopt A Golden is a featured sponsor at Oktoberfest so convince yourself to adopt an adorable dog after having one too many drinks!

🦐 Bourbon & Boil | 1119 Bryan Dr | 09/20 | More
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, premium bourbon, and community fun, all to support the Heidi’s Kids non profit!

🎸 The Major Dudes | Elysian Gardens | 09/19 | More
Steely Dan tribute band playing at downtown Birmingham’s backyard music venue!

🧑‍🍳 Collard Green Cookoff | Elysian Gardens | 09/20 | More
Come find out who cooks the best collard greens in Birmingham this Saturday from 11-4pm!

🎵 Irondale’s 138th Birthday | Beacon Park | 09/20 | More
Irondale is celebrating its 138th birthday with the 4th Annual City of Irondale Music Festival at Beacon Park, featuring free admission and performances by Ken Ford, Kim Scott, The Emily Joseph Band, and The Official Clutch Band.

🎸 The Swingin Medallions | Ferus Artisan Ales | 09/20 | More
"The Party Band of the South," bringing their signature high-energy style on Saturday night!

🎨 The Craft Room Grand Opening | 169 Oxmoor Road | 09/20 | More
Grand opening for the “Creative Reuse Cafe” featuring a secondhand arts and craft supply shop with a maker space and a cozy cafe.

Looking Ahead

🎸 Jason Aldean | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/26 | More
Jason Aldean showcasing his signature blend of country rock hits at the city's new outdoor music venue!

🇬🇷 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!

🎸 Thomas Rhett | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 10/09 | More
Thomas Rhett delivering his signature blend of country-pop hits and chart-topping singles to the outdoor venue!

🪄 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!

🎸 St. Paul & The Broken Bones | Avondale Brewing | 10/17 | More
Our hometown band showcasing their powerful blend of Southern soul, R&B, and rock with frontman Paul Janeway's dynamic vocals at our favorite Avondale venue.

🎸 Twenty One Pilots | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 10/17 | More
Twenty One Pilots showcasing their unique blend of alternative rock, pop, and hip-hop with their theatrical live performance style!

🏆 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!

🎸 The Revivalists | Avondale Brewing | 10/31 | More
The Revivalists celebrating a decade of their acclaimed album with their signature blend of rock, soul, and New Orleans-influenced sounds!

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