Opa! Greek Fest Is Here!

Good morning Birmingham!

It’s officially the start of spooky season, and we have quite the weekend to kick things off! This weekend literally has 4 different festivals, so there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. We should finally see some cooler temps over the weekend before it heats up again early next week. But it won’t be too much longer before the city looks like the picture below again!

Let’s get to it.

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🇬🇷 52nd Annual Greek Festival

Experience the magic of Greece without leaving Alabama at Birmingham's legendary 52nd Annual Greek Food Festival, October 2-4, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 307 19th Street South! This is Birmingham's oldest and most beloved cultural celebration, featuring mouthwatering homemade Greek cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients by local parishioners—think flaky spanakopita, savory gyros, tender dolmathes, and irresistible baklava that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.

Dance along to live Greek music, watch mesmerizing performances by Greek dancers of all ages, and soak up the warm, family-friendly atmosphere that embraces everyone like they're part of the family—Opa! With free admission, tented seating, drive-thru options, and even tours of the stunning Byzantine-style Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral, this three-day extravaganza is the perfect way to experience authentic Greek culture right here in the Magic City.

Plus, your visit supports incredible local charities including Firehouse Ministries, First Light, and Urban Ministry—so you can feel good while feasting on some of the best food you'll taste all year. Don't miss out on this legendary festival that's been delighting thousands of visitors from across the Southeast for over five decades! (More)

🍜 Shu Shop

Tucked away in the Theatre District at 1820 3rd Avenue N, Shu Shop is one of the city's most atmospheric izakaya and ramen shop where moody lighting, hip vibes, and an incredible soundtrack set the stage for an unforgettable dining adventure!

Slurp your way through authentic, handcrafted ramen bowls featuring rich tonkotsu broth and smoky pork that'll transport your taste buds straight to Tokyo, then dive into creative Japanese-inspired small plates like crispy tako puppies (octopus hush puppies!), spicy Brussels sprouts, and delectable crab claws that are absolutely non-negotiable. The intimate 21+ atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or catching up with friends over sake and creative cocktails, with late-night hours (open until 1 a.m. on weekends!) so you can grab a steaming bowl after a show or concert downtown.

With its cozy Edison-lamp glow, trendy-yet-welcoming energy, and food so good that locals have been raving about it since 2017, Shu Shop is the kind of spot where you'll want to become a regular. Trust us—skip this gem at your own peril, because once you experience that first slurp of their incredible ramen, you'll be planning your next visit before you even leave! (More)

⚽️ World-Class Soccer Comes to Birmingham: Hoover Partners with Legendary FC Barcelona for Elite Youth Academy

The Hoover Soccer Club celebrated an exciting new partnership with FC Barcelona on Sunday, becoming one of just seven U.S. cities—alongside Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Orlando, San Diego, and Columbus—to host a prestigious Barca Academy training program.

This thrilling development brings world-class soccer instruction to the Birmingham area, with the academy targeting 240 players ages 6-18 this fall who will receive training using FC Barcelona's renowned philosophy, methodology, and values including effort, teamwork, respect, and humility. The significance of having one of the world's most legendary soccer clubs invest in Hoover cannot be overstated—FC Barcelona representatives, including former professional player and coach Sergi Barjuan, were on hand at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium to launch the program and will personally train local coaches who will then work with young players.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato expressed pride that Hoover is now part of the Barca Academy family alongside other international cities, while club leaders emphasized this partnership will strengthen instruction and help young players reach their full potential both on and off the field. The academy also plans to offer Barca camps that will attract players from across Alabama and the Southeast, with sessions already scheduled for December, January, June, and July. (link)

🚥 Headline: Birmingham Invests $10 Million in Surveillance Technology to Boost Public Safety

Birmingham city leaders have approved nearly $10 million in funding for new surveillance technology aimed at enhancing traffic safety and crime monitoring throughout the city.

The investment includes license plate recognition cameras, solar panels, and video monitoring systems at four railroad crossings that will connect directly to Birmingham's Real Time Crime Center. Council President Darrell O'Quinn noted that the cameras provide the added benefit of capturing other incidents that may occur in the area, giving law enforcement more comprehensive surveillance capabilities.

The project is a pilot program in Council Pro Tem Wardine Alexander's district funded by federal dollars, and if successful, could be expanded to additional train crossings across Birmingham in the future. (link)

🎃 Spooky Scares for a Good Cause: Birmingham's Conjure Haunted House Raises Funds for Domestic Violence Survivors

Conjure Haunted House in North Birmingham has opened for the spooky season through November 2, offering frightening Halloween entertainment while supporting a powerful cause.

The haunted attraction is owned by Mambo Baptiste, who is also the founder of Andrew's Place, an organization dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors, and a portion of the proceeds from the haunted house benefit this charity. Baptiste, who is herself a survivor of domestic violence, combines her love for Halloween with her passion for helping others who have experienced abuse, creating a unique way to generate funds quickly for survivors in need.

The haunted house features extended hours from October 29 to November 2, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the scares while supporting this important mission. (link)

🦎  Jurassic Quest | BJCC | 10/03-10/05 | More
North America's largest and most realistic traveling dinosaur experience coming to the BJCC in a couple of weeks!

🏎️ Barber Vintage Festival | Barber Motorsports Park | 10/3-10/5 | More
The 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival featuring motorcycle racing, food trucks, beer zone, and a kids zone. Kids under 15 get in free!

🎉 Yo Amo Irondale Festival | Irondale City Hall | 10/4 | More
A free, family-friendly celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring live mariachi music, dance performances, authentic Mexican food trucks with free meals for the first 300 guests, a mechanical bull, bounce houses, and more!

🦒 Alabama Symphony Goes Wild! | Birmingham Zoo | 10/5 | More
Alabama Symphony Orchestra performing animal-inspired orchestral music with pre-concert activities including access to ambassador animals, face painting, and an interactive "instrument petting zoo."

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 10/4 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

🔨 Kids Workshops at Home Depot | The Home Depot | 10/4 | More
Workshop for kids between 5-12 to learn how to build simple wooden projects and basic tool skills and safety!

🚶‍♀️ Step Up for Down Syndrome | Wald Park | 10/5 | More
A family-friendly celebration with entertainment, food trucks, activities, and a fun zone to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome!

🌮 Tapas and Taps | Lane Parke | 10/2 | More
Fundraiser for Libby’s Friends featuring live music, small plates, pop-ups, raffle items, local drinks, and more right in Lane Parke! Tickets include unlimited food samples, two drink tickets, and a raffle ticket!

🎤 Furnace Fest | Sloss Furnances | 10/3-10/5 | More
Commemorating 25 years since the original groundbreaking festival with an electrifying three-day lineup featuring punk, hardcore, and metal acts with album plays, reunions, and surprises throughout the weekend!

🎙️ Abbey Road LIVE! | Avondale Brewing | 10/3 | More
Celebrating the legendary Beatles timeless hits featuring general admission standing room and preferred pit seating at picnic tables close to the stage!

🤘 Era of Yacht Rock - Presented by Black Jacket Symphony | BJCC | 10/3 | More
Black Jacket Symphony delivering an unforgettable night of smooth, sailing classics as they recreate iconic yacht rock hits note for note and sound for sound!

🎭️ UAB Center for the Arts Block Party | Alys Stephens Center | 10/3 | More
Free party featuring activity tables, gallery talks, food trucks, vendors, and headlining performances by powerhouse bassist and genre-blending jazz artist Endea Owens and The Cookout!

🎉 Latin American Heritage Festival | Birmingham Museum of Art | 10/4 | More
A free celebration featuring Spanish-language gallery tours, Latin cuisine, hands-on art activities, family programming, face painting, and a lively performance by Orquesta MaCuba!

🍻 Crestwood Crawl 2025 | Urban Suburban | 10/4 | More
Fundraising event for Birmingham AIDS Outreach featuring 10 themed stops throughout the neighborhood followed by an after party at 5400 Cocktail Corner with food from The Ark, drinks, and music!

🍳 Cahaba River Frydown | Cahaba Brewing | 10/5 | More
A catfish cook-off competition and festival featuring unlimited catfish tastings, live music, kids' activities, craft beer, environmental education stations, and entertainment benefiting the Cahaba River Society!

🎸 Rick Springfield and Richard Marx - Acoustic Tour | BJCC | 10/7 | More
Grammy® winners Rick Springfield and Richard Marx bring their electrifying 2025 Acoustic Tour to the BJCC next Tuesday night!

Looking Ahead

🎸 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!

🏉 Birmingham Vulcans | Ramsay Park | 10/11 | More
Our hometown men’s rugby team takes on the Nashville Rugby club at Ramsay Park off Montclair Road!

🪄 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!

🎤 Breezy Bowl | Protective Stadium | 10/11 | More
Two-time Grammy winning R&B superstar Chris Brown with Jhene Aiko and Bryson Tiller at Protective Stadium!

🏀 Pelicans vs Rockets | Legacy Arena | 10/14 | More
An exciting NBA preseason exhibition game featuring stars like Zion Williamson and Jalen Green!

📰 What History Teaches: Women’s Loss of Rights | Zoom Event | 10/16 | More
A virtual lecture with Deborah Barton to discuss the loss of women’s rights, particularly for Jewish, Black, and political opponents in 1930s Germany.

🎸 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!

🎙️  TP20: 20 Years of T-Pain | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 10/19 | More
T-Pain brings his "TP20: Celebrating 20 Years of T-Pain" tour to the Coca-Cola Amphitheater featuring EARTHGANG!

👰 Alabama Bridal Expo | BJCC | 10/19 | More
An amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help couples find everything they need for their perfect wedding!

🎤 NBA Youngboy | BJCC | 10/22 | More
The prolific rapper, Youngboy, featuring special guests Offset, DeeBaby, BabyMel, and more!

🏆 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!

📰 What History Teaches: Universities, Education, and Intellectuals | Zoom Event | 10/29 | More
A virtual lecture with Steven Remy describing how the German higher education center drastically changed in the 1930s and it’s last effects.

🧊  Disney On Ice | BJCC | 10/30-11/02 | More
A magical multi-leveled ice show featuring Mickey Mouse and Disney friends on a quest to help Captain Hook find Tinker Bell!

🎸 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!