Upgraded City Center in Hoover?

Good morning Birmingham!

Just last week I talked about that fall weather being near. And then not a day later we got hit with summer like heat 🤦 But now that it’s officially Fall, hopefully those cooler temps will stick around.

I read some chatter online about how there’s never anything to do in Birmingham. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! There is always something to get into, so check out the events below and let us know if we missed anything!

Let’s get to it.

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Get ready for an electrifying Friday night as country superstar Jason Aldean brings his Full Throttle Tour 2025 to Birmingham on September 26th at 7:30 PM. The five-time Grammy-nominated former Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year will deliver all his biggest hits in a high-energy performance that showcases why he's one of country music's most dynamic live acts.

You'll be treated to an incredible lineup featuring special guests Nate Smith and RaeLynn, plus DJ Dee Jay Silver, creating a diverse showcase of today's hottest country talent all on one stage. Aldean's powerhouse vocals and rock-infused country anthems will have you singing along to chart-toppers like "Dirt Road Anthem," "My Kinda Party," and "She's Country" under the Alabama stars.

His Full Throttle Tour promises non-stop energy, incredible production, and the kind of party atmosphere that only a Jason Aldean concert can deliver. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to country music, this show guarantees an unforgettable night of pure country rock excitement that will leave you wanting more! (Tickets)

One of our Favorites

🍴 Wooden City
Experience the perfect blend of great drinks, comforting American cuisine, and sincere hospitality in the heart of downtown Birmingham! Located at 2335 Morris Avenue, Wooden City has become the go-to spot for an elevated dining experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (with the bar staying open until 11:00 PM on weekends), this downtown gem offers the ideal setting for everything from intimate date nights to celebratory dinners with friends. The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through in every dish, featuring classic American favorites prepared with care and creativity.

With convenient street parking on Morris Avenue and validated parking in the rear lot, getting to this culinary hotspot is as easy as enjoying the incredible food once you're there. Wooden City isn't just dinner – it's your new favorite downtown Birmingham tradition waiting to be discovered! (website)

🛋️ Lolo French Antiques

Lolo French Antiques et More is a charming treasure trove in Avondale that specializes in hand-picked French country antiques and home décor that embodies timeless elegance. The shop features carefully curated collections that blend laid-back sophistication with authentic French charm, showcasing everything from antique furniture to garden-inspired accents.

With their signature style of soft blues, creamy neutrals, and beautifully aged patinas, Lolo transforms everyday spaces into effortlessly elegant havens that capture the essence of French country living. Whether you're searching for a statement piece or the perfect finishing touch, this beloved local boutique offers unique finds that bring European sophistication and rustic charm to Birmingham-area homes.

Their seasonal collections, like their current "Summertime" theme, ensure there's always something fresh and inspiring to discover at this Avondale gem! (website)

🏢 Riverchase Galleria Getting a Major Makeover? Study Proposes Exciting Plans to Turn Mall Into Vibrant City Center!

Great news for Birmingham area development possibilities! The iconic Riverchase Galleria could potentially get a fantastic transformation that might bring new life to Hoover and boost our entire region. A comprehensive study by Chicago-based Hunden Partners has proposed exciting plans to convert portions of the aging mall into a modern, walkable city center complete with over 250 apartments, retail spaces, an arts center, and beautiful green spaces.

The proposed $240 million redevelopment project could potentially generate an impressive $396 million in net new spending and create 156 full-time jobs over the next decade. What makes this study especially exciting is how it addresses the changing retail landscape while envisioning a vibrant community hub that people would actually want to visit and live in. The recommendations recognize that consumer tastes have evolved, suggesting a more contemporary approach with smaller-scale retail mixed with residential living and entertainment options.

With sales tax revenue from the Galleria having dropped by 41% since 2007, this proposed redevelopment represents a potential opportunity to revitalize the area and could generate an estimated $9.2 million in new city taxes. It's fantastic to see such forward-thinking development concepts that could help position our city as a modern, desirable place to live, work, and play – exactly the kind of smart growth vision that might attract new residents and businesses to Birmingham if it moves forward! (link)

🇺🇸 Birmingham Honors Fallen Heroes: POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony Pays Tribute to Those Who Never Came Home

Birmingham observed National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday with a deeply moving table dedication ceremony organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs office to honor those who never came home from war.

Each item on the commemorative table held profound significance, including a chair that will forever remain empty – a powerful symbol representing the ultimate sacrifice made by prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The ceremony serves as a solemn reminder that we must never forget the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country, enduring unimaginable hardships as prisoners or whose fate remains unknown.

Shannon Aldredge from the Birmingham VA Health Care System emphasized that "it's only appropriate that we as Americans don't forget them," highlighting how this sacred tradition honors their sacrifice while supporting the families who continue to wait and hope. A local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post donated the table to ensure it remains a permanent display, creating a lasting tribute that will continue to honor these heroes and remind future generations of the true cost of freedom. (link) (link)

☎️ UAB Brings World-Class Critical Care to Rural Communities: Tele-ICU Program Extends Life-Saving Expertise Beyond Birmingham

UAB eMedicine has partnered with UAB St. Vincent's to launch revolutionary Tele-ICU capabilities at locations in Blount, St. Clair, and Chilton counties, bringing the expertise of UAB's critical care specialists directly to community hospitals. The innovative program provides 24/7 access to UAB's subspecialized physicians and nurses through advanced telemedicine technology, essentially putting Birmingham's world-renowned medical care at patients' bedsides regardless of their location.

This groundbreaking initiative is a game-changer for families in rural Alabama who previously faced the difficult choice between traveling long distances for specialized care or settling for limited local options. Dr. Wes Smith, UAB St. Vincent's regional chief medical officer, emphasized how the program allows patients to "stay close to home, in their community, while providing the highest level of care for our critically ill patients" – a tremendous relief for families during medical emergencies.

The Tele-ICU program represents the future of healthcare accessibility, ensuring that geographic location no longer determines the quality of critical care patients receive, while reducing the need for stressful transfers and lengthy separations from loved ones. (link)

🐻 Bear Week at the Library | O’Neal Library | 09/22-09/28 | More
Vote for a favorite book bear, attend bear-themed storytimes, create bear art and bring your bear to a teddy bear sleepover with stories and after-hours mayhem!

🎻 Symphony in the Gardens | Birmingham Botanical Gardens | 09/28 | More
Alabama Symphony Orchestra performing on the lawn, with pre-order picnics, beverages, and kids' activities like face painting and an instrument petting zoo!

🏓 Intro To Pickleball Clinic | City Walk | 09/27 | More
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🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 09/27 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

🎨 Mini Makers | Artsy Studio | 09/29 | More
A unique art experience made for toddlers featuring painting, playdough, sensory bins, and pretend play - and a latte bar for parents!

🥐 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!

🎤 MercyMe & Tobymac | BJCC | 09/25 | More
Contemporary Christian superstars MercyMe, Grammy Award-winning TobyMac, and Matthew West performing together for an uplifting evening of faith-driven music blending rock, pop, hip-hop, and worship influences!

🏓 Free Pickleball Party | Armory Square | 09/26 | More
The largest indoor open pickleball event with 7 open courts, pool tables, ping pong, and a BYOB atmosphere this Friday night!

👗 Painted Tree River Ridge Grand Opening | Painted Tree Boutiques | 09/27 | More
Painted Tree Boutiques celebrates its grand opening at their new River Ridge location!

🏃‍♀️ Sistah Strut | Legion Field | 09/27 | More
A 3K breast cancer walk/run hosted by Brenda's Brown Bosom Buddies benefiting a nonprofit organization that supports women with breast cancer and provides resources and access to mammograms!

🎸 Blues at the Ballpark | Rickwood Field | 09/28 | More
District 8 and Councilor Carol Clarke are hosting a free Blues at the Ballpark event featuring live blues entertainment with MC-MZ Aretta, Hurricane Elaine, the Garry Burnside Band, Mz. Lowe, and Bobby Rush, along with food trucks!

🎸 Rilo Kiley | Avondale Brewing | 09/28 | More
Rilo Kiley, the Los Angeles-based indie pop band fronted by Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett, performs with special guest The Faint!

🎙️  Shaboozey | Avondale Brewing | 10/01 | More
Grammy-nominated alt-country artist coming to Avondale next Wednesday night!

Looking Ahead

🇬🇷 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!

🦎  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!

🎸 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!

🎤 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!

🎸 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!

🧊  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!