🌿 Medical Marijuana in Alabama???

Good morning Birmingham!

It has been so cold the past several days. 🥶 I usually love cold weather, but 15 degrees in Alabama is ridiculous! Here’s to hoping we stay above 30 degrees at least for the rest of the year.

We are exactly 1 week out from Christmas, which means you need to soak up the holiday spirit while you still can! We’ve got a list of some final holiday events in this week’s edition to make it easy for you. Next week, we will send a shorter edition with some NYE events so you can find a fun way to ring in the new year! If you have any ideas for great events to feature, be sure to send it over to us and we will add it to the list.

Let’s get to it.

🎵 Grammy Winners Pentatonix Bring Holiday Magic to Birmingham

The Grammy Award-winning a cappella sensation Pentatonix takes the stage at Legacy Arena on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Known for their stunning vocal arrangements and especially beloved for their Christmas music, the group has redefined the modern holiday soundtrack with rich harmonies, inventive vocal percussion, and emotional depth that captivates audiences worldwide.

Birmingham fans can expect an unforgettable evening of festive spirit and musical brilliance as Pentatonix delivers their signature fresh takes on classic holiday songs. The Arena Club opens early at 5:30 PM for premium ticket holders, while the venue offers comprehensive amenities including parking information and clear bag policies to ensure a smooth concert experience for all attendees.

This performance represents a major holiday entertainment draw for the Magic City, bringing together families and music lovers for what promises to be a spectacular seasonal celebration. With their multiple best-selling holiday albums and dynamic stage presence, Pentatonix continues to set the gold standard for contemporary a cappella performance. Purchase tickets through Ticketmaster

🍸️ Bygones Cocktail Bar

Step into Bygones Cocktail Bar in Southside Birmingham, where craft cocktails meet history in one of the city's most sophisticated drinking destinations. Owners Michael Tobey and Phillip Crowe—two longtime local bartenders who spent five years bringing their dream to life—have transformed an 1890s ferrier's workshop into an elegant escape complete with green velvet booths, brass hardware, and historic details you simply can't recreate.

From the moment the doorman opens the door to welcome you inside, every element is intentionally designed to make you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be, whether you're sipping a Chilton County Blackberry June Espresso Martini or enjoying an ice-cold beer. The building itself tells Birmingham's story, with grooves in the stamped concrete floor marking where swinging doors once stood and wooden posts worn smooth from bored horses gnawing over a century ago.

Open daily at 3pm (staying open until 11pm Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday-Saturday), Bygones offers expertly crafted cocktails, a curated wine menu, and an atmosphere that blends rough historic charm with soft, classy touches. This is the kind of place where the lighting, music, glassware, and every cocktail are crafted with purpose—making it the perfect spot for date night, celebrating with friends, or simply treating yourself to a drink done right. (link)

🎨 Gallery Annette

Gallery Annette has opened in Edgewood's former Art Alley space on Broadway Street, bringing a thoughtfully curated collection of original artwork from 21 local and regional artists. The gallery features diverse styles from scenic landscapes to abstracts, pop art, and florals.

Owners Duncan and Anna Chancellor created an approachable, welcoming environment where art exploration feels enjoyable rather than intimidating. The space serves as both gallery and community hub, offering private rentals and planning future events like artist meet-and-greets, art lessons, and creative workshops including make-your-own mahjong tiles.

The Chancellors took over when longtime Art Alley owners decided to retire after 25 years, continuing the tradition of supporting original art in Birmingham. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11AM to 4PM, Gallery Annette offers an inviting place to discover new artists or start your first art collection in the heart of Edgewood's creative scene.

Birmingham Jewish Community Lights Menorahs Publicly Despite Rising Antisemitism Local Jewish leaders are hosting public Hanukkah celebrations at city halls across the Birmingham metro area, emphasizing visibility and unity in response to recent global attacks on Jewish communities. Rabbi Levi Weinbaum praised local officials and law enforcement for their support, saying community presence itself is an act of strength during these challenging times.

Alabama Approves First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses After Years of Delays The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission awarded licenses to four companies that will operate up to 12 dispensaries across Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery and other cities, with the first locations potentially opening by spring 2025. The breakthrough comes after more than two years of legal disputes, though one license remains under review pending a challenge from a competing company.

Central Alabama Water Installs Seven-Member Executive Leadership Team The utility serving 770,000 customers across five counties has confirmed its new C-suite, including veterans from the Air Force and Marine Corps alongside water industry professionals with decades of experience. The board also selected Jacobs Engineering Group as consulting engineer to comply with Alabama Act 2025-297 requirements.

Birmingham Clears West End Homeless Camp Following Linn Park Controversy City workers dismantled a homeless encampment in West End using industrial equipment, just one week after facing criticism for clearing camps in Linn Park. Officials maintain they only act when encampments pose public safety threats and always offer resources to displaced individuals, while announcing a $1 million contribution toward a new homeless shelter at Jimmie Hale Mission.

Kulture City Plans Significant Growth Initiative The Birmingham-based nonprofit organization that creates sensory-inclusive experiences for individuals with disabilities is announcing a major expansion of its operations and services. The organization, known for its work with sports venues and entertainment facilities nationwide, continues to broaden its impact in making public spaces more accessible.

Paul Kellogg Named Permanent Police Chief in Irondale The Irondale City Council unanimously approved Mayor James Stewart's appointment of Paul Kellogg as police chief Tuesday evening, promoting him from interim chief after Jason Wiggins' September retirement. Kellogg, who brings 32 years of law enforcement experience, pledged to work with the mayor on strengthening community relations and ensuring the department reflects Irondale's values.

Hoover Taps Former Pell City Manager as New City Administrator Mayor Nick Derzis has appointed Brian Muenger to serve as Hoover's city administrator, effective immediately. Muenger previously managed Pell City's operations, overseeing 230+ employees and a $40 million budget, bringing what Derzis calls proven leadership to strengthen city operations and advance administrative priorities.

Birmingham Historic District Demolition Plans Put on Hold After Community Pushback Stone River Company has paused its proposal to demolish five 1920s-era buildings in Highland Park after neighborhood leaders discovered the plan and raised concerns about proper historic preservation procedures. The city's Design Review Committee postponed consideration of the demolition while developers engage with community representatives about the fate of the already-vacated structures.

Birmingham Couple Opens Dual-Purpose Venue for Kids' Parties and Weddings Patrick and Sydney Foote launched Burrow and Bloom on Morris Avenue, featuring a tech-free children's playroom with coffee bar for parents on the first floor and a 115-seat wedding space upstairs. The venue offers 2.5-hour rentals for birthday parties in a less overstimulating environment, complete with play areas, diaper room, and reading nook.

Community Food Truck Festival Combines Winter Dining with Coat Drive A winter food truck festival is bringing together local vendors and community service, featuring mobile dining options alongside a charitable coat drive to help those in need during the colder months. The event combines Birmingham area food culture with community outreach efforts.

Alabama High School Athletic Association Places Moody Football Program Under Probation The AHSAA has imposed probationary status on Moody High School's football program, though specific details about the violations or duration of the sanctions have not been disclosed. The disciplinary action affects the school's athletic standing within the state's governing body for high school sports.

Birmingham Friends Launch Creative Club Fostering Joy and Community for Black Women Elizabeth Southern and Morgan Lee created Leisure League, a hobby club that has grown to over 7,000 Instagram followers since February, offering monthly creative workshops from pottery to glassblowing. The club provides a safe space for Black women to connect and heal through activities rooted in joy rather than struggle, with plans to expand to other Alabama cities.

Alabama Construction Leaders Push for Workforce Development Partnership The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama is collaborating with the newly reorganized Alabama Department of Workforce to address the state's construction labor shortage through their Academy of Craft Training program. The initiative allows high school students to learn trades directly from industry professionals, targeting the $17 billion construction industry's workforce needs.

Birmingham Commits $1M to Fund New 98-Bed Emergency Homeless Shelter The city council approved spreading $250,000 annually over four years to help the Jimmie Hale Mission build a $4.4 million facility on Second Avenue North, featuring family rooms, medical consultation spaces, and social services. Construction is planned for 2026 as Birmingham addresses ongoing homelessness challenges and encampment issues throughout the metro area.

Former Birmingham Journalist Deborah Bowie Named to Lead Civil Rights Institute Deborah V. Bowie, who previously worked as a Birmingham journalist and served as chief of staff to Mayor Larry Langford, will become the new President/CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Bowie returns to Birmingham after years in Florida, taking over the 33-year-old institution during a critical period following more than a year of temporary leadership and organizational challenges.

Fannie Mae Plans Birmingham Office Move from California by 2026 The federal mortgage giant will relocate operations from San Francisco to Birmingham to cut costs and better serve southeastern lenders, bringing well-paying jobs to Alabama's Magic City. Local officials including REV Birmingham's David Fleming and Rep. Terri Sewell praised the move as prestigious for the region's economy.

Birmingham City Council Approves New Surveillance Cameras for Rockford Neighborhood The council authorized installation of four Flock Safety cameras near Rockhurst Drive and Rockford Circle, including pan-tilt-zoom and license plate reader technology. Police officials say the expanded camera network serves as an investigative tool to track vehicles and help detectives solve crimes more quickly in the ongoing effort to enhance public safety.

✨ Glow Wild | Birmingham Zoo | 11/22-1/4 | More
A magical mile-long journey through over one million lights and handcrafted lanterns celebrating nature, plus holiday treats, Santa visits, and special themed nights through January.

🎄 Cullman Christkindlmarkt | Depot Park | 11/20-12/23 | More
Experience authentic German Christmas market traditions with southern hospitality, featuring handcrafted treasures, seasonal treats, and festive celebrations in downtown Cullman.

🎭 The Nutcracker Ballet Performance | BJCC Concert Hall | 12/13-12/23 | More
Experience Alabama Ballet's enchanting production of George Balanchine's classic holiday masterpiece in downtown Birmingham.

🎄 Christmas in Pelham Park | Pelham City Park | 12/18 | More
Pelham's inaugural holiday celebration features a decorated snowman trail, caroling by the high school choir, food trucks with hot beverages, and Miss Shelby County.

🎬 Classic Cinema: Meet Me in St. Louis | Sidewalk Film Center | 12/18 | More
Experience this beloved 1944 musical on the big screen with special introduction as part of the monthly Film 101 series focusing on cinematic spectacles.

🎬 Holiday Movie Night: The Santa Clause | Alabama Theatre | 12/18 | More
Join us for this beloved Christmas comedy about an ordinary dad who accidentally becomes the new Santa Claus in this heartwarming family film.

🎭 Miracle on 34th Street | Carver Theatre | 12/18-12/20 | More
A soulful reimagining of the Christmas classic set in Atlanta's C.W. Carter's Department Store, blending gospel warmth, Motown groove, and Southern humor in a heartwarming tale about faith, family, and believing in miracles.

🛍️ All the Jingle Ladies Shopping Event | Painted Tree | 12/18 | More
An evening of holiday shopping with seasonal treats, music, and hundreds of unique shops perfect for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers.

🎅 Holiday Mini Golf with Santa | Putter Up | 12/19 | More
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for festive mini golf, holiday photos, and Christmas cookies in this magical indoor celebration perfect for families.

🎄 Chelsea Christmas Parade | Chelsea Middle School | 12/20 | More
Over 100 festive floats, marching bands, horses, and community groups bring holiday cheer to families along the parade route in this beloved Chelsea tradition.

🎄 Critter Filled Christmas | Oak Mountain Interpretive Center | 12/20 | More
Meet live animals, craft bird feeders and Christmas cards, write letters to Santa, and enjoy holiday movies in this festive family celebration.

🎄 Immersive Christmas Experience | Faith Chapel | 12/21 | More
Walk through the Nativity story with stunning visuals and illuminated environments designed for families to experience Scripture together.