By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
ENJOY THE FAMILY AND FUN OF THE SEASON!
THURSDAY, JULY 2
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**IRONDALE RED, WHITE & WOOF, 5-7 p.m. at Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park Dog Park. Enjoy a Free hot dog and let your pup meet Uncle Sam.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.
**RnB POETICALLY LIT, 5-7 p.m. at Lit on 8th, 518 Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. with HUNCHO ZAVY, KD MCQWEEN, CAROL HOOD, DKMODE, BRIANNE SHARDAW and hosted by HEMP THE ARTIST. Every Thursday.
**3rd THURSDAY at the Nick with RAMBLIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.
**FILMMAKER NETWORKING NIGHTS, 5 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.
**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.
**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**THE MAYOR’S DESK PODCAST, 8 a.m. Live on Facebook & YouTube featuring Gunnery Sergeant Jason Miller, U.. Marine Corps (Ret.) Marine Corps J.R.O.T.C. Instructor at Shades Valley High School.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN MICHAEL COLYAR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SUNDROP FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS at The Nick.
**FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 5 p.m. at Howard’s Unlimited Lounge & Cocktail Bar at 4010 Avenue I with food by 1918 Catering Food Truck. Happy Hour at 5 p.m. Call 205-213-9097 for more.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
**RED, WHITE, BLUE & YOU FESETIVAL: Irondale’s Birthday Party for America, 6-9 p.m. at Irondale City Hall. Live music by the Official Clutch Band and Deputy 5, Patriotic Parade & Entertainment, Food Trucks – FREE to the First 500.
**FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR, 9 p.m. at Irondale City Hall with professional Fireworks show like Irondale has never seen.
**EVERY SATURDAY through AUGUST 1 – FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, Every Saturday, 8 – 11 a.m., at the Irondale City Hall, 101 20th Street South. Seeking Vendors NOW. Any Questions: Contact etolbert@cityofirondaleal.gov or madelynjayne02@gmail.com.
**COMEDIAN MICHAEL COLYAR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**RADIO CULT, CRYPT 24 & DIRTY HOLLY at The Nick.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights with our own favorite son radio personality D.J. CHRIS COLEMAN. Check it out for Sunday Brunch with food by 1918 Catering, music and more!! For more, call 205-213-9097. 1918 Catering is the best food for lunch, dinner or your special event. (Take my word.)
**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7th Avenue Suite105.
**EASE BACK 4th SUNDAYS, 5 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.
**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with our favorite TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN MICHAEL COLYAR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY, JULY 6
**WEEKDAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors, Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.
**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.
**MONDAYS – GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, 10-11:30 a.m. at CJFS Conference Room. Open to survivors who have experienced loss within the past 2 years. Call 205-278-7101 to sign up.
**MONDAYS – ENVISION RADIO, 1 p.m. ‘Where Praise Meets Talk’ with a Special Guest each Monday. For more: www.envision-radio.com.
**MONDAYS – DEMENTIA CAREGIVER VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP, 3 p.m. and/or
Tuesday, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.
**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at the Nick.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**RICKEY SMILEY KARAOKE CLASS REUNION at the StarDome Comedy Club. This is a night of music, laughter and good energy from our own Rickey Smiley. So come and sing your heart out with family and friends as Rickey keeps you laughing. Be ready to laugh dance, sing along and lose your voice in the party atmosphere at the StarDome Comedy Club. Enjoy your life!
TUESDAY, JULY 7
**TACO TUESDAY R & B NIGHT, EVERY TUESDAY at Hemings on 2ND Avenue.
**PODCASTING 101 at CREED63, EVERY TUESDAY at 5:45 p.m. Learn how to launch and create your own podcast at 1601 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203.
**JOSE CARR EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT at True Story Brewing.
**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY 2ND TUESDAY at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT NICK TUESDAYS with RAMBIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – OSCILLATIONS – ELECTRONIC MUIC OPEN IC PERFORMANCE at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 9
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.
**COMEDIENNE AMBER WALLIN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**J KILLEN with JANET SIMPSON & ASHLEY WINGO at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 10
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**FRIDAY NIGHT SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES showing at Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Drive in Irondale. There will be popcorn, hotdogs, train rides, snow cones, lemonade and more.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST- Preliminary Round at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIENNE TISHA CAMPBELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COUNTRY DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**THE STOLEN FACES – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD at Avondale Brewing Co.
FOR OUTDOOR AND ENTERTAINMENT LOVERS
**THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN – Alabama’s largest and most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks is marking the nation’s 250th Birthday with a display visible across Birmingham and Homewood. The PYRO SHOWS OF ALABAMA, 9 p.m. will start the 2,500 fireworks shells and effects for a 20-minute show with a production including synchronized and patriotic soundtrack. Residents and visitors can tune in to iHeart Media Birmingham Radio Stations including 102.5 The Bull, 103.1 The Beat, 103.7 The Q, Magic 96.5, News Radio 960 WERC and LaJefa 98.3. The Fireworks will also air on WBRC 6 News. Vulcan Park and Museum as well as the surrounding streets will be closed.
**FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR, 9 p.m. at Irondale City Hall with professional Fireworks show like Irondale has never seen.
**JULY 10 – UNBOUND: FREEDOM TO READ, 4- 8 p.m. at Innovation Depot, 1500 1st Avenue North by the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter- Educating and Uplifting with Freedom of Speech and Expression, Legacy and History. There will be authors, poets and writers. Come and experience a moment of expression in unity. Network and meet other business owners to experience the importance of Black Voices in the community. There will be spoken word, live music, light hors d’oeuvres, and drink ticket. It is hosted by LADY WOO, with beats by CHOCOLATE and performances by DEIDRE GADDIS and Saxophonist PEDRO MOORE. For vending, and more information, call Donnie at 205-873-4572.
FOR YOUTH …PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
**POOLS ARE OPEN – Started in Crestwood, ML King, Maclin, Memorial, EO Jackson, McAlpine and Roosevelt City from 12 noon – 6 p.m. $1 Entry CASH ONLY.
**SPLASH INTO SUMMER – SWIM LESSONS SESSION 3 is July 7-17 and SESSION 4 is July 21-31for all ages, kids, teens and adults with certified instructors and for all skill levels. Sign up at birminghamal.gov/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/pools. Make waves. Build confidence. Have fun. Call Rod (205) 933-4191, Jackie (205) 254-6396 or Tevin (205) 725-8703.
**MAGIC CITY YOUTH BUILD is a six to nine-month initiative that provided job training and educational opportunities to ages 16-24 who are looking to earn their GED and want to pursue careers in construction and healthcare. Application are accepted through July 15. Email youthbuild@habd.net or call (205) 983-7550.
**RESTORE GAMES is a community event promoting unity, mentorship and youth violence prevention, July 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium for ages 11 – 19. www.restoregamesbham.com. FREE. Enjoy fun, food, and prizes.
**RAISING ROYALTY BHM – Girls Mentoring Program, ages 8-19 at Southside Police Precinct, 1320 19th Street South, every 3rd Saturday month, 3-5 p.m. Contact Regina at (205) 396-7010.
(FOR MORE: City of Birmingham, Department of youth Services, call (205) 320-0879.)
FOR BOOK LOVERS
**BOOK SIGNING – YOGI DADA, author of DJEMBE CHRONICLES – HUMANS, ANIMALS AND ANGELS at the Birmingham Public Library at 2100 Park Place. There are 22 short stories of real life, inspiration, photography, artwork, a drum, a woman a journey and GOD.
AT THE CITY OF IRONDALE
SAVE THE DATES:
**IN JULY ALL MONTH – STORY BOOK WALK “GOD BLESS AMERICA” at 16th St. S. across from Irondale Community School.
**SUMMER READY AT THE IRONDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY started and goes through July.
**JULY 17 – SUMMER SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES with TOP GUN: MAVERICK, Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 7 p.m. with FREE popcorn, hotdogs and more.
**JULY 18 – AMERICAN CLASSIC CRUISE-IN AT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, 8 a.m. by the Tracks at Irondale City Hall. Enjoy classic cars, shop local and build community.
**JULY 18 – “AI” I LOVE IRONDALE DAY & DRONE SHOW, 4- 9 p.m. at Irondale City Hall – This is the 6th Annual Signature festival themed “AI” LOVE IRONDALE featuring all things tech plus a spectacular “DRONE SHOW,” with food trucks, games, music and more. PLUS 300 Drones Light up the Night Sky!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send your questions, contact info with your events, your things of interest and more to: gwenderu@yahoo.com AND thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.
