Remembering 9/11

Good morning Birmingham!

There’s plenty going on in the city this weekend, so be sure to scroll down and find an event or two to partake in this weekend!

But don’t forget to take a little time to reflect on this day in particular. As we remember September 11th, we honor the heroes who ran toward danger to save others and the many loved ones who were lost on that tragic day. Though it happened many years ago in a city far from Birmingham, this event united us all, and continues to remind us of our shared bonds as Americans today. So take a few moments to reflect and keep the memories of those lost alive (link).

Lets’s get to it.

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Legendary jam band Phish is bringing their Summer Tour 2025 to Birmingham this weekend with two electrifying shows at the brand new Coca-Cola Amphitheater on Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th, both starting at 7:00 PM!

The Vermont-based quartet of musical wizards - Trey Anastasio (guitar, vocals), Jon Fishman (drums, vocals), Mike Gordon (bass, vocals), and Page McConnell (keyboards, vocals) - are ready to blow minds with their legendary blend of mind-bending improvisation, genre-defying songcraft, and absolutely transcendent live performances. These Birmingham shows are part of an epic southern leg that's taking the band through Louisville, Alpharetta, and Hampton as they close out what's sure to be an unforgettable summer tour.

Get ready for musical magic as Phish delivers their famous improvisational jams and completely unique setlists that never repeat - every show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This marks the band's debut at our hottest new venue, promising an absolutely mind-blowing weekend that will have both devoted "phans" and curious newcomers dancing, grooving, and experiencing pure musical bliss. (link)

Top 50 Restaurant in America

🦐 Bayonet

The New York Times has just crowned Birmingham's Bayonet restaurant as one of America's 50 best restaurants for 2025, catapulting this incredible seafood destination into the national spotlight as Alabama's hottest culinary gem!

Opened in March 2025 by celebrated chef Rob McDaniel, this vibrant raw bar has become the place where everyone wants to be, serving up an ever-changing seasonal menu that showcases the best of Gulf Coast seafood alongside creative masterpieces like Gulf shrimp banh mi with caramel sauce and cobia schnitzel. This isn't just any restaurant making waves - Bayonet has earned triple recognition in less than a year, also landing on Southern Living's best new restaurants list and Garden & Gun's prestigious "Hot List," proving this is THE dining experience you absolutely cannot miss in Birmingham right now.

Located next door to McDaniel's acclaimed first restaurant Helen, Bayonet represents the chef's brilliant expansion into showcasing the Gulf's incredible seafood bounty, complete with hand-cut fries, seasonal sides, and pastry chef Candace Foster's show-stopping desserts. Don't wait - this nationally acclaimed culinary sensation is the hottest reservation in Alabama, and experiencing Rob McDaniel's innovative coastal cuisine at Bayonet is your chance to dine at one of America's absolute best restaurants right here in Birmingham! (article) (site)

Jim Reed Books - The Museum of Fond Memories

Jim Reed Books is downtown Birmingham's absolute treasure trove of literary wonder, where nearly 300,000 books spanning five centuries pack every corner of a magical 3,500-square-foot space that feels like stepping into your favorite childhood memory!

Founded in 1980 by beloved author and humorist Jim Reed himself, this isn't just any bookstore - it's a nostalgic adventure where rare first editions mingle with vintage magazines, toys, postcards, record albums, and thousands of quirky collectibles that are "all the things you wish your mother had not thrown away." The charming and welcoming Jim Reed knows exactly where everything is in his delightfully chaotic wonderland, ready to guide you through towering shelves of literary gems and help you discover that perfect book or nostalgic artifact you never knew you needed.

Whether you're a serious book collector hunting for rare finds or just someone who loves getting lost in a place where every corner holds a new surprise, Jim Reed Books is the kind of one-of-a-kind Birmingham destination that will have you browsing for hours and leaving with armfuls of treasures. This is pure bibliophile bliss combined with a trip down memory lane - a must-visit spot that captures the heart and soul of what makes an independent bookstore truly special!

🚗 Local Food Distribution Programs Help Birmingham-Area Families Combat Rising Grocery Costs

The Jefferson County Family Resource Center and Grace Klein Community have created a wonderful partnership, distributing free food boxes twice monthly in Bessemer and Birmingham that provide families with fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples to help stretch their budgets during challenging economic times. This amazing community initiative has seen tremendous growth, with organizers proudly distributing over 2,000 food boxes so far this year as more families discover this valuable resource that allows them to redirect savings toward other essential expenses like utilities and housing.

Recipients appreciate how these programs strengthen the community, with participants sharing the benefits with neighbors and emphasizing how the free food helps families maintain dignity while making their dollars go further. The program continues its mission of care through the end of the year, with upcoming distributions on September 12th in Bessemer and September 26th in Birmingham, demonstrating how local organizations are stepping up to support Birmingham-area families and build a stronger, more connected community. (link)

🏢 Birmingham City Council Approves Two-Year Loan Deferral for Historic Pizitz Building

The Birmingham City Council has approved a 24-month deferral on the Pizitz Building's $3.2 million HUD loan that was originally borrowed in 2015 to restore the historic downtown property. Councilors emphasized the building's critical importance to Birmingham's downtown corridor, with District 2 Councilor Hunter Williams warning that allowing it to become vacant would have a "devastating impact" on the area.

Council President O'Quinn pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic's significant effect on the Pizitz's business operations, particularly its food hall, and reminded residents of the challenges the city faced when the building sat vacant for decades. David Silverstein, who is involved with the Pizitz, said the deferral will provide crucial breathing room for rebranding and remarketing efforts as they work to bring new businesses to the food hall and continue investing in the property every six months. (link)

🎭️ Birmingham Theatre Community Unites for Special Alzheimer's Fundraiser This Saturday

Members of Birmingham's theatre community are coming together for "FINDING THE LIGHT: An Evening of Song & Storytelling" this Saturday, September 13th at 7 PM at the Terrific New Theatre to raise money for Alzheimer's research. The special one-night-only event will feature musical performances, poetry recitations, and staged readings by local theatre artists and distinguished guests, including WBRC's Russell Jones and Mike Dubberly.

Organized by Hal Word, who serves on the board of directors for the Alzheimer's Association Alabama Chapter, the fundraiser aims to draw attention to Alzheimer's disease while supporting the state's largest funder of Alzheimer's research. The group also encourages people who can't attend to purchase donation tickets for others who want to attend but can't afford it, and they plan to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's Heart of Alabama event on October 19th. (link)

🏫 Birmingham City Schools Becomes First in Nation to Implement District-Wide Sensory Training Program

Birmingham City Schools has made history by becoming the first school district in the United States to provide comprehensive sensory inclusivity training for all employees, from teachers and principals to bus drivers and custodial staff, through an innovative partnership with KultureCity. The groundbreaking program ensures that every student, especially those on the autism spectrum or with sensory needs, receives appropriate support and understanding rather than facing potential disciplinary misunderstandings for behaviors related to their abilities.

Each school has been equipped with sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, mobile sensory stations with calming lighting, and some schools even feature dedicated sensory regulation classrooms where students can decompress and self-regulate. Superintendent Mark Sullivan, who has personal experience with family members on the spectrum, hopes this pioneering model will inspire other districts nationwide to adopt similar inclusive practices that help break down stigmas and create supportive learning environments for all students. (link)

🏈  UAB Blazers | Protective Stadium | 09/13 | More
Our local college team looking to bounce back from last week’s game as they take on the Akron Zips this Saturday night!

⚾️ Birmingham Barons | Regions Field | 09/11-09/14 | More
Hometown Barons against the Biloxi Shuckers Thursday through Sunday night!

🎶 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!"

🧟 Disney Descendants/Zombies | BJCC | 09/11 | More
Family-friendly musical celebration featuring hit songs from the four Descendants and four Zombies films

🧒 Children’s Consignment Sale | Trussville Methodist | 09/12 | More
Infant and children’s clothing, toys, games, and books plus essentials such as swings, high chairs, carriers, strollers, car seats, walkers, pack and plays, jumpers and much more!

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 09/13 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

👵 Grandparents Day | Putter Up | 09/14 | More
Enjoy a fun-filled day of mini golf, laughter, and quality time with Grandparents enjoying half off admissions!

🎵 Hardy | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/12 | More
Country-rock sensation HARDY bringing his electrifying Jim Bob World Tour to downtown Birmingham this Friday night!

🪑 So So Spiffy Monthly Sale | So So Spiffy | 09/12 | More
The once a month sale featuring brand new out-of-the-box LUXURY furniture pieces that are BELOW RETAIL PRICING!

🎙️ Rhiannon The Stevie Nicks Experience | Ferus Ales | 09/12 | More
The legendary, Nashville band paying homage to Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac!

👻 Paranormal Palooza Ghost Hunt | Arlington House | 09/13 | More
Interactive Ghost Hunt and Paranormal Investigation at the haunted Arlington House this Saturday night!

🎸 Christone “Kingfish” Ingram | Iron City Birmingham | 09/13 | More
Grammy-nominated blues guitarist bringing his Hard Road World Tour to Iron City on Saturday night!

🧺 Sunday Maker’s Market | Birmingham District Brewing | 09/14 | More
Local vendors, makers, artists, and small businesses selling handmade goods while guests enjoy craft beer in the taproom!

🏙️  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!

🎤 Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/17 | More
Leon Bridges' smooth R&B soul style joins Charley Crockett's country authenticity for a unique cross-genre collaboration at the downtown Amphitheater!

Looking Ahead

🥐 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!

🗣️ 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.

🎵 Nelly and Ja Rule | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 09/18 | More
Nelly and Ja Rule delivering a nostalgic hip-hop showcase featuring two of the early 2000s' biggest rap stars!

🎸 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!