Who's Up For A Nightcap?

Good morning Birmingham!

This past Tuesday was National Taco Day. Coincidentally, I’ve had tacos twice this week for dinner 🌮 It got me thinking - what are the best taco spots in Birmingham? It feels like we have so many but I want to hear from you all! I might throw a poll in the newsletter next week so we can settle this once and for all.

Let’s get to it.

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🎸 Thomas Rhett - Better In Boots Tour

Get ready, Birmingham—country superstar Thomas Rhett is bringing his electrifying Better In Boots Tour to the brand-new Coca-Cola Amphitheater on Thursday, October 9th at 7:30 PM! This rescheduled show (originally postponed from June due to storms) promises to be worth the wait, featuring the multi-platinum artist performing all his chart-topping hits like "Die A Happy Man," "Marry Me," "Unforgettable," and "Look What God Gave Her" under the stars at one of Alabama's hottest new outdoor venues.

Known for his high-energy performances and genuine connection with fans, Thomas Rhett delivers an unforgettable night of country music that seamlessly blends traditional sounds with modern pop sensibilities. Rising star Tucker Wetmore joins as special guest, adding even more excitement to an already incredible lineup that will have you singing along all night long.

With VIP packages available that include premium seating, exclusive lounge access, appetizers, drink tickets, and photo opportunities, you can make this concert experience truly legendary. Don't miss your chance to see one of country music's biggest stars light up Birmingham—this is the fall concert event you've been waiting for! (tickets)

🍸️ 🍰 Nightcap

Downtown Birmingham just got a whole lot sweeter with Nightcap, the brand-new dessert lounge that just officially opened its doors from the acclaimed restaurateurs behind Bamboo on 2nd! This cozy late-night hotspot is filling a major gap in the Magic City's dining scene, offering decadent locally-made desserts from The Handel, Sorelle, and The Greek Kouzina alongside crafted cocktails, fortified wines, and espresso martinis until midnight.

Located at 2225 2nd Ave N, just down the street from El Barrio, Nightcap isn't just about the sweets—they're also serving up savory late-night bites like gourmet grilled cheese with tomato soup and crispy French fries, making it the perfect post-dinner destination or hangout spot for service industry workers getting off their shifts. The evening-themed concept features everything from classic espresso martinis to dessert wines and ports, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for lingering over something sweet.

Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5PM to midnight (and Sundays 3-10PM), this stylish new addition to 2nd Avenue North is already creating buzz as the downtown destination Birmingham has been craving. Whether you're wrapping up date night or looking for that perfect late-night treat, Nightcap is bringing sophisticated dessert-lounge vibes to the heart of the city—and it's about time! (instagram)(link)

💎 Levy’s Fine Jewelry

Levy's Fine Jewelry is a true Birmingham treasure with over a century of legacy, having been family-owned and operated since 1922 when founder Joe Denaburg borrowed $2,500 from his mother-in-law, Esther Levy, to open the store that would bear her name. This four-generation family business has earned international renown as home to Alabama's largest collection—and one of the nation's most impressive selections—of vintage and antique jewelry spanning from Georgian through Modernist periods, with pieces that feel more like museum exhibits you can actually purchase.

Beyond their extraordinary estate collection, Levy's showcases an exquisite array of modern designer engagement rings, rare colored gemstones, pre-owned luxury watches including Rolex, and previously-loved pieces from top designers like Tiffany & Co, David Yurman, and Cartier. Their newly launched Lineage Collection beautifully bridges past and present, featuring vintage and antique-inspired designs created by their talented in-house design team, and they also offer custom jewelry services to transform inherited diamonds and gemstones into personalized heirlooms.

Located at 2116 2nd Ave N in downtown Birmingham (just down the street from Nightcap 😉 ), Levy's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and honest service has made them the city's most beloved jewelry destination for over 100 years. Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, a piece of history to cherish, or looking to create your own family heirloom, Levy's Fine Jewelry offers an unparalleled shopping experience where every piece tells a story. (link)

🧒  Birmingham RESTORE Program Expands to Serve Children as Young as 11
Birmingham City Council has approved expanding the RESTORE youth intervention program to serve children as young as 11 years old, down from its original target age of 16-19. The expansion aims to intervene earlier with at-risk youth before they become involved in cycles of crime and violence, using reallocated federal funds rather than new resources. More

🏢  Federal Shutdown Impacts Birmingham's Civil Rights District
The government shutdown has affected the A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham's Civil Rights District, which will no longer have National Park Service rangers on site to answer questions and has reduced visitor traffic to the area. While federal sites are impacted, city-operated attractions including the gallery around the A.G. Gaston and Alicia's Coffee remain open to visitors. More

🚒  Birmingham to Vote on Fire Station Upgrades & Youth Services Expansion
The Birmingham City Council will vote on over $121,000 in dorm upgrades for three fire stations and an amendment to expand the RESTORE program, which provides re-entry services to youth by reallocating $200,000 for community-based service provider microgrants. The council will also consider joining opioid settlement funds and seeking reimbursement from the McCalla Area Fire District for firefighter training costs. More

🚗  Kroger Expands DoorDash Delivery Service, Impacting Birmingham Market
Kroger is expanding its partnership with DoorDash to offer on-demand delivery of all products across 2,700 locations, including its 10 stores in north and east Alabama, with support from the company's Birmingham fulfillment center opened in 2022. The expansion intensifies competition with Birmingham-headquartered Shipt, as Kroger aims to provide customers more convenient shopping options with lower prices and delivery-focused offers through the DoorDash app. More

♻️  Birmingham Receives $138K Grant to Expand Recycling Programs 
Birmingham received a $137,837 grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, with most funds supporting school recycling education programs through Keep Birmingham Beautiful. This grant will help expand recycling awareness among residents and builds on the city's recent investments in its containerized recycling system to reduce contamination and optimize collection routes. More

🌳  Birmingham Approves Safety Improvements for East Lake Streets
Birmingham City Council approved a $372,000 contract to replace temporary barricades in East Lake with permanent curbs, trees, and bike paths as part of the Safe Streets initiative. The program's first year showed significant results, with a 25% drop in gunshots detected, a 22% reduction in emergency service calls, and a 40% decrease in traffic deaths in the area. More

🪄 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!

🧹 Hocus Pocus | Alabama Theater | 10/10 | More
A spell binding evening featuring a costume contest and a screening of the fan-favorite film about three diabolical witches awakened in modern-day Salem!

🍂 Alabama Farmer’s Market Fall Festival | 344 Finley Ave W | 10/11 | More
Free celebration packed with live music, inflatables, games, face painting, a pumpkin patch, craft vendors, and a massive outdoor flea market in one autumn extravaganza!

🎉 Grand RiverFest | Shops at Grand River | 10/12 | More
Grand Riverfest transforms the Outlet Shops of Grand River in Leeds into a vibrant family celebration featuring arts, crafts, fashion, delicious food, face painting, balloon art, and bounce houses for an afternoon of fall festival fun!

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

🩰 World Ballet Company: Cinderella | Alabama Theatre | 10/15 | More
A Broadway-style production featuring 40 international dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, hand-crafted sets, and enchanting choreography that brings the magical story to life on the Alabama Theatre stage!

🎙️ Charlie Wilson | Coco Cola Amphitheater | 10/10 | More
The R&B legend is hosting "Uncle Charlie's R&B Cookout" this Friday night featuring special guests Babyface, K-Ci, and El DeBarge!

👜 The Wildflowers - Tom Petty Tribute | The Gateway - Trussville | 10/10 | More
The Wildflowers brings the magic of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers back to life with spot-on renditions of his greatest hits and deep tracks in this free, all-ages concert!

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

🏉 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!

🎷 Battle of the Blues Bands | Woodlawn Theatre | 10/12 | More
The annual battle returns for an electrifying day featuring musical showdowns between solo artists and bands competing for blues supremacy!

🏆 The Rock Orchestra | BJCC | 10/13 | More
Legendary rock and metal songs with classical orchestration and Gothic visuals in a candlelit setting.

📰 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!