The School Year Begins!

Good morning Birmingham!

It’s the end of summer vacation, and the beginning of the new school year. That sound you hear is the collective sigh of relief from all the parents who were juggling kids at home on top of their daily responsibilities all summer long. It’s also the sound of morning school traffic back in full force.

For all the families out there, I hope the first day goes well and we all have a great school year!

Let’s get to it.

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Get ready Birmingham - country music superstar Riley Green is bringing his "Damn Country Music Tour" to the brand-new Coca-Cola Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 9th at 7:00 PM! This special show features chart-topping hits like "There Was This Girl" and "I Wish Grandpas Never Died," plus special guests Ella Langley and Lauren Watkins to make it an unforgettable evening.

The Alabama native is known for his authentic storytelling and crowd-pleasing performances that always leave fans completely engrossed in the music. With tickets starting at just $69, this is your chance to sing along to all those heartfelt country anthems under the Alabama stars.

Picture yourself surrounded by thousands of fellow country fans, stage lights blazing, and Riley's authentic southern storytelling filling the warm summer air. Don't sleep on this one - it's going to be the perfect Saturday night to make some "damn good" memories in the Magic City! (tickets)

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Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

Fun Throwback

🕹️ Up-Down Arcade Bar
Step into the ultimate nostalgia trip at Up-Down Arcade Bar, where over 60 classic arcade games, pinball machines, and five skee-ball alleys are all yours to conquer for just 25 cents per play!

Channel your inner 80s kid while sipping craft cocktails and cold beer at the central bar, then fuel up with made-to-order 18-inch pizzas crafted with high-quality ingredients that are perfect for sharing between games. The flashing screens and sounds from days-gone-by fill the room while TVs throughout play iconic movies and pop culture from the 80s and 90s, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of retro fun.

Whether you're reliving your arcade glory days or discovering these classic games for the first time, Up-Down delivers that perfect blend of throwback gaming, delicious food, and expertly crafted drinks that'll have you saying "game over" way later than you planned.

🥤 South Fizz Soda

Get ready Birmingham - I just learned about a beverage truck in town that's bringing serious fizz to your day! South Fizz Soda is the mobile beverage sensation that pops up around the Magic City, serving up handcrafted, dirty sodas and creative flavor combinations from their rolling refreshment truck.

The beauty of their food truck setup means they can bring the party to festivals, events, and neighborhoods throughout the area, making every encounter a delicious treasure hunt. Since they're constantly on the move, following South Fizz becomes part of the fun - just keep an eye on their social media to see where they'll be bubbling up next.

Supporting this local mobile business means you're not just getting a great drink, you're investing in Birmingham's growing food truck culture. So when you spot that South Fizz truck, don't hesitate - pull over and treat yourself to something fizzy, fresh, and locally crafted! (instagram)

✏️ Birmingham Area Schools Starting Back Today!

Summer break is officially coming to an end as 27 school districts across central Alabama welcome students back to the classroom on Wednesday, August 7th, making it the most common start date in the region.

The massive back-to-school day affects hundreds of thousands of students and families across Birmingham City Schools, Hoover City Schools, Jefferson County Schools, Tuscaloosa City and County Schools, and numerous other districts throughout the greater Birmingham metro area. Teachers have been busy preparing with professional development days leading up to the big day, with Birmingham City Schools holding teacher prep days on August 4th, 5th, and 6th.

While some districts like Clay County and Coosa County jumped back into classes as early as August 5th, and others like Mountain Brook and Talladega won't start until August 11th, the August 7th date represents the coordinated return for the vast majority of central Alabama students. This synchronized start means parents across the region are simultaneously dealing with back-to-school shopping, schedule adjustments, and the end of summer routines all at once.

Whether families are dreading the end of summer or eagerly anticipating the new school year, August 7th marks a major transition day that affects nearly every household in the greater Birmingham area. Here are some links to Jefferson County school schedules, and Shelby County school schedules.

🏬 Southeastern Salvage Opens Massive New Store in Former Golden Flake Factory

Birmingham has a new treasure hunting destination worth checking out! Southeastern Salvage has opened their largest location yet in the former Golden Flake factory, spanning 135,000 square feet indoors plus two acres of outdoor space.

The store offers an impressive selection of imported goods including hand-knotted rugs from New Zealand, pottery from Bali, furniture from India, and cowhide rugs now priced at $49. Owner Bubba Morgan preserved a piece of local history by keeping the iconic Golden Flake tour trailer with its painted clown exactly where generations of Alabama school children remember it.

With items ranging from 99 cents to thousands of dollars, the store caters to every budget and style preference. It's a unique shopping experience that combines global finds with a nostalgic nod to Birmingham's snack food heritage. (link)

🐔 The Foo coming to Hoover

Great news for chicken lovers - Foosackly's is bringing their famous fingers to Hoover! The beloved Mobile-based chain just snagged a spot at 5552 Grove Boulevard in The Grove shopping center, meaning you won't have to make that trek down south anymore for their legendary chicken.

Since 2000, Foosackly's has been perfecting the art of fresh-never-frozen chicken fingers and their irresistible made-from-scratch sauces that have Gulf Coast fans absolutely hooked. With 16 locations already conquering Alabama and Florida, Hoover gets to join the "Foo crew" and discover what all the fuss is about - spoiler alert: it's totally worth it!

One user on in the Birmingham reddit even was bold enough to claim, “The Foo is what Guthries used to be back in the 80’s.”

⚾️ Barons vs Chattanooga Lookouts | Regions Field | 08/07-08/10 | More 
4 days straight of Barons baseball against border state foe from Tennessee!

🎨 Art Mini Camp! | Artsy Studio | 08/08 | More
Creative experience where kids explore different art materials through hands-on projects and imaginative play.

⚽️ Legion vs Hartford Athletic | Protective Stadium | 08/09 | More
The Legion host Hartford Athletic at 7pm this Saturday night!

🎥 Moonlight Movies feat. Inside Out | Lane Parke | 08/09 | More
Grab a to-go dinner/drink at Lane Parke while enjoying a family fun movie night!

⛳️ The Magic City Championship | Highland Park Golf Course | 08/09 | More
Golfweek Amateur Tour playing at our local Highland Park course!

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 08/09 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

🌽 Vestavia Cornhole Tournament | Vestavia City Center | 08/09 | More
Local cornhole tournament supporting Vestavia first responders and Vestavia schools!

🌽 Irondale Cornhole Tournament | Two Men & A Truck | 08/09 | More
Cornhole tournament in Irondale supporting First Responders!

🍾 First Sip of Freedom | Board in Birmingham | 08/07 | More
If any moms are available after the first school drop off tomorrow, come enjoy a mimosa brunch to celebrate the end of summer!

🪄 Magic City Expo | BJCC | 08/09 | More 
Alabama's premier free business event celebrating local small businesses with shopping, food, and networking in Birmingham!

🎸 Tub’s Annual Jerry Garcia Celebration | Avondale Brewing Company | 08/09 | More
Annual celebration of Jerry Garcia featuring T.U.B The UnKnamed Band!

🏑 Adult Field Day | Hueytown | 08/09 | More
Wild games, good food, loud laughs, a little liquor, and sore muscles the next day!

🎉 Alabama Rum Fest | Workplay | 08/10 | More
An afternoon of premium rum pours, signature cocktails, live cigar rolling, and delicious food truck eats, with all proceeds benefiting Camp Seale Harris to help children with diabetes live well and thrive.

🎨 Maker’s Market | Birmingham District Brewing | 08/10 | More
Local artisans, handmade goods, craft beer, and delicious Cajun food!

🎯 Bingo Night at Back Forty | Back Forty Beer Company | 08/11 | More
Bingo at a local favorite brewery supporting the Cancer Service Line at UAB!