By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
ENJOY THE SEASON!
THURSDAY, JULY 16
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**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.
**THE CHRISTI SHOW at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN NA’IM LYNN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**NPR TINY DESK: THE BEST OF ALABAMA at Saturn.
**Early Show with STONEYARD (Seattle) + SILVER FERN (Huntsville) + BARBER POLE SOUND at The Nick.
**WOORMS (LA) with FALSE GODS (NYC), HESSUS, SACREUS at The Nick.
**SAFE WORD GABRAXAS COMPRENDIUM (on tour from Texas) with support from SUBHYMNAL, TENGEN, THE SLIPPERY DISH at the Nick.
**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 17
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**COMEDIAN NA’IM LYNN at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**TOMMY WRIGHT III with SNAKE CHURCH, THE LIE WITHIN CALLIE, FORCED NEGLECT, CHANCHO, SWAMP MEET at Saturn.
**FRIDAY NIGHTS LATE NIGHT DIRTY SNATCHA AFTER PARTY featuring SOLAR HALO and FEDDIE 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 18
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**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.
**AMERICAN CLASSIC CRUISE – AT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, 8 a.m. by the Tracks at Irondale City Hall. Enjoy classic cars, shop local and build community.
**GIRLS ROCK CAMP SHOWCASE, 3 p.m. at Saturn.
**“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!
**OFF CAMPUS DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**COMEDIAN SYDNEY CASTILLLO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**BONG OF THE DEAD TOUR: DIVINORUM, SLOWROT, VENEFICUS, HIRAETH, GHOST TAPE and FORSAKEN VALLEY at The Nick.
**EMO NIGHT at The Nick.
**STS9 – HUMAN DREAM TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co.
**STS9 AFTERS @ The Upstairs at Avondale Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, JULY 19
**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.
**KING SERPENT at The Nick.
**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.
**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with our favorite TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.
**COMEDIAN SYDNEY CASTILLO at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**SALVO (FKA PAIN) FAREWELL + GUTHRIE ECHOES ALBUM RELEASE with SALVO, HEATH GREEN & THE MAKESHIFTERS at Saturn.
MONDAY, JULY 20
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**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.
TUESDAY, JULY 21
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**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.
AN EVENING with BAND OF HORSES AND DINOSAUR JR. at Avondale Brewing. So.
**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY 2ND TUESDAY at The Nick.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**THE STEPFATHER (FREE SCREENING) at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**DRAGONS AND DAMSELS IN THE GARDENS, 10 a.m. – Noon. Walk through the gardens with nature photographer ROBBY HOOD to observe and learn about the ancient order of Odonata who begin life as aquatic nymphs before transforming into skilled fliers, driven by two instincts: to eat and to reproduce at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**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.
**WOMBO with SHOWER CURTAIN and MOOD ROOM at Saturn.
**BIG DAMN ROAD SHOW from NOLA with VIOLET GEIN at the Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY, JULY 23
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**NATURE TRIVIA NIGHT, 7-9 p.m. with Naturalist HENRY HERSHEY for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks and learn something new at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register
**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.
**COMEDIAN MYRON JEWELL at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – CAPTAIN KUDZU, KNELT & SLOPING at Saturn.
NEXT FRIDAY, JULY 24
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMPS, 9 a.m. – Noon, daily, where children will learn about insects, the sounds of nature, the Bugs at Work and Nature Music Makers camps at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Register.
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**FRIDAY NIGHT SCREEN SCENE MOVIE SERIES showing TOP GUN: MAVERICK at Friday Nights at Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Drive in Irondale. There will be popcorn, hotdogs, train rides, snow cones, lemonade and more.
**COMEDIAN TK KIRKLAND at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CONAN with ESOTERIOR, and COWARD GOD at Saturn.
**CODY BOLDEN & THE ROADHANDS & BIKE + CLASSIC CAR SHOW at The Nick.
**JESSE WELLES – RED TOUR 2026 w/STEPH STRINGS at Avondale Brewing Co.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…
**ALABAMA’S FIRST MET GALA EXPERIENCE – STEEL CITY LEGACY GALA is Saturday at WorkPlay, 8 p.m. with Sebastian Kole better known as three-time Grammy Winner PYNK BEARD, a songwriter, musician and vocalist performing. There will be Red Carpet Arrivals, Silent Auctions, Scholarship Giveaways and so much more. This is a night of fashion, philanthropy and legacy. This is a celebration of the people, businesses, educators, leaders, first responders, entrepreneurs, artists and community champions who make our world great. From Old Hollywood glamour to the red carpet, Alabama will show the world what we are made of.
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS
**SATURDAY KAYAK/CANOE TRIP with Southeastern Outings Kayak/Canoe Trip at Tallapoosa River at Heflin, Alabama. Meet 9:45 a.m. DETAILS: This section is relatively easy. This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area. Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their boat. The trip length is about 7 miles long. There are two relatively easy class I rapids on this stretch. If you wish to rent a boat, please call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680. Dan will relay your boat rental reservation on to the outfitter.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Contact leader Dan Frederick, southeasternoutings@gmail.com or phone 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this canoe/kayak trip. Leave name, telephone number, skill level, whether you want to kayak or canoe and whether you are bringing or wish to rent a boat and whether you need a paddling partner. Do not just show up for this outing without making advance reservations. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. Depart at 10 a.m. If you decide to meet at some place other than the meeting place in Leeds, please notify Dan in advance and directly of this fact. After the canoe and kayak trip we are planning to go to a restaurant for dinner on the way back. Hot showers are available for no charge at the outfitter’s place. If you would like to shower, wash up and/or have dinner with us at the restaurant after the canoe trip, bring a change of clothes and your shower things to be kept in the car.
FOR GARDENING LOVERS
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**AUGUST 24 – LANDSCAPE FOUNDATIONS: SELECTING AND SITTING TREES AND SHRUBS, 11 a.m. – Noon with BOB KOONS in the Kaul Wildflower Garden and during the plant sales as he discusses the selection, environmental needs, sitting, planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs. Get guidance and a sneak peek of what is at the Fall Plant Sale. Register.
**BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY, every third Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. in the conference Room of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Email Louise Billings to reserve a spot.
FOR ART LOVERS
**AUGUST 29 – ARTPLAY NEXT GEN: VISUAL ARTS PORTFOLIO AND THEATRE AUDITION SYMPOSIUM is designed to empower emerging artists with expert feedback and resources to help them thrive in college auditions and portfolio reviews. High school seniors preparing for college courses in the visual arts or theater performance can join this hand-on symposium.at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. ArtPlay NextGen will take place 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the historic ArtPlay House, 1006 19th St. South. You must register through August 15.
IN 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 goes through July.
COMING SOON!
**AUGUST 24-30 – 28th ANNUAL SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL. Look for more, right here!
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.
