By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
THE SUMMER IS GETTING AWAY! ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!
THURSDAY, JULY 30
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**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 LAVELLE DONTAE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**DORIO with CHAYSE PORTER and HIS PALACE DOORS, SUPERFUND, DJ Updog at Saturn.
**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 31
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**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.
**COMEDIENNE ADELE GIVENS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN RON TAYLOR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CAN’T FEEL MY FACE: 2010s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**GRAVE HUFFER, KAMIKAZE ZOMBIE, FORMULAS and MECHANYZED at The Nick.
**UNCLE IAN’S BAND – LIVE IN THE BACKYARD at Avondale Brewing Co.
**HIT RADIO – The Upstairs at Avondale.
**GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
**LAST SATURDAY – FINAL IRONDALE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, 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.
**LOCAL AUTHORS EXPO, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Birmingham Public Library – Central Location, 2100 Park Place. Speakers and programming include HOPE FORTENBERRY covering self-publishing and YOGI DADA, Spiritual Teacher, Author, and Community Leader at 10:30 a.m.
**PUPPETEERS FOR FEARS presents ROBOPOCALYPSE: THE MUSICAL at Saturn.
**COMEDIENNE ADELE GIVENS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN RON TAYLOR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**JOHN EWBANKS & THE TELLERS with RETT STOCILL (Early Show) at The Nick.
**THE FISHWIVES + STICKY BONGWATER at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT: DJ BUBBLES & RELLY at Avondale Brewing Co.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
**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.
**SPLASH AND HOT SURFACE 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.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**COMEDIENNE ADELE GIVENS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN RON TAYLOR at the StarDome Comedy Club.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
**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.
**WEEKDAYS – LIBRARY AT THE GARDENS, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Weekdays. Present your Jefferson County Card to check out books, audiobooks, DVDs and more for adults and children at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**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.
**THE BODY at Saturn.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
**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.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**COUNTRY DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
**BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY, Every Third Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. in the conference Room of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Go to the website and email Louise Billings to reserve a spot.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST – SEMI FINAL ROUND at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE – JUST PENELOPE with CASH LANGDON and HOCKY at Saturn.
NEXT THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**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.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**2026 ALABAMA’S FUNNIEST – SEMI FINAL ROUND at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**SPRITZ & POUR CANDLE MAKING EVENT at Avondale Brewing Co.
**ZOSO THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPLEIN EXPERIENCE at Iron City.
NEXT FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Linn Park.
**COMEDIAN KERWIN CLAIBORNE at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN ELIJAH NEVELS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**LUMBERJVCK at Saturn.
**PENELOPE ROAD + WINYAH & THE BAND HONEY at Avondale Brewing Co.
AUGUST IS HERE – ENJOY IT ALL!!!
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH
**15th ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL JOB FAIR – Congresswoman Terri Sewell is hosting her Annual Job Fair on August 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Wallace Community College Selma, 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy in Selma. Industries will include automotive, restaurant and food management, transportation and construction, hospitality and retail, health services, utilities and telecommunications, manufacturing and production, staffing agencies, government agencies and law enforcement. Admission is FREE. You can register on-site.
FOR LOVERS OF ART, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH AND MUCH MORE…
**TODAY – CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA GETS SUPPORT FROM DAIRY QUEEN – Alabama families can enjoy a sweet treat and support Children’s of Alabama on its Annual Miracle Treat Day, TODAY at participating Dairy Queen locations across the state of Alabama. For every Blizzard treat sold $1 or more will be donated to Children’s of Alabama through the Children’s Miracle Network. The network raises funds and awareness for hundreds of children’s hospital across the United States and Canada. Children’s of Alabama is the state’s only freestanding pediatric hospital.
**SATURDAY – VOCABBY’S WORLD in the Titusville neighborhood is hosting a FREE community vocabulary program for kids ages birth to 5 and their families or guardians. Vocabby World provides FREE books, curriculum and art materials to reinforce the new vocabulary learned. The theme for August is “THE ONE AND ONLY ME.” Each session features hands-on activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Each lesson is themed and features words describing topics like weather, activities, animals and more. Meetings are at two locations: Sixth Avenue Baptist Church on the first Saturday. Woodlawn United Methodist Church hosts its meetings on the third Saturday of each month – August 15 this month.
**AUGUST 8 – COUGAR FEST, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Lawson State Community College – Birmingham Campus. FREE.
**AUGUST 9 -10 – ENCORE THEATRE AND GALLERY IS HOSTING GENERAL AUDITIONS FOR 2026 AND 2027 – Encore Theatre and Gallery (ETG) is home to bold storytelling, Black artistry and artists at every stage. ETG is looking for the next company of actors, singers, dancers and storytellers to help bring these stories to life. AUDITION DATES: August 9 (Sunday) and August 10 (Monday), by APPOINTMENT ONLY, at 1604 2nd Avenue North. Reserve your audition at https://koalendar.com/e/encore-2025-2026-auditions-2627?month=2026-08&duration=3 ETG is looking for performers of all backgrounds, identities, body types, abilities and experience level. Opportunities are available for principal, featured, supporting and ensemble roles. INTERESTED: Prepare a Monologue (1-2 minutes preferred), Headshot (if available), Resume (if applicable) and be prepared for cold readings. Those auditioning for musicals may also be asked to sing a brief selection.
**AUGUST 18 – AARP CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR – The AARP Central Birmingham Chapter 4668 is inviting you to the Community Health Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham CrossPlex. There will be healthcare providers, community organizations, local businesses that offer health information, wellness resources, screenings, giveaways and educational opportunities to help improve the health and well-being of residents throughout the Birmingham area. If you are interested in more information, call 205-601-4130.
**AUGUST 24-30 – 28th ANNUAL SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL. Look for more, right here and in the Birmingham Times!
**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.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
**SATURDAY SHORT DAY HIKE AT DESOTO FALLS PARK – Meet at 8:45 a.m. with Southeastern Outings Short Day Hike and Glorious Swim at the bottom of the 102-foot-high DeSoto Falls in DeSoto State Park – DETAILS: Walk through the woods and on a trail down a steep hill in DeSoto State Park to the huge pool seen above DeSoto Falls. Swim and play for most of the day in this pool at the bottom of the waterfall, in the West Fork of Little River. There is a new trail, which extends from the road going to the top of DeSoto Falls down to the opposite side of the pool at the bottom of the falls from where the previous trail leads. It is easier and much less treacherous than the old one and is 7/10 mile long one-way going and coming. The first half goes down a fairly steep hill. The second half parallels the West Fork of Little River and is more or less level. The new trail is rated moderate to strenuous and rocky, but open. Bring TWO sturdy hiking poles in order to wade across the West Fork of Little River (where the new trail is located) to the opposite side. Spend most of the day floating on the water and on that beach to eat lunch. You must be able to swim! Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. Wear hiking boots or sturdy overland shoes, shorts or a swim-suit and water shoes. Hot showers are available before dinner. Bring shower things and a change of clothes (or not) if you wish to clean up for dinner OR drive straight home without going to dinner. Meet 8:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s Restaurant in Trussville. Depart at 9 a.m., or meet the group at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of the DeSoto State Park Lodge, stop to use the restrooms before drive to the start point of walk. Email southeasternoutings@gmail.com For more details, contact Trip Leader: Dan Frederick at 205-631-4680, if interested.
FOR GARDENING LOVERS
AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
**AUGUST 4 – THE GARDENER’S PLOT by Deborah J. Benoit, 4 p.m.
**AUGUST 25 – 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.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
AUGUST IN IRONDALE -SAVE THE DATES:
**FALL SPORTS at the City of Irondale for Ball teams registration deadline is August 31, Practice is September 21 with games beginning in October. Flag Football Teams Registration deadline is August 24 with Practice beginning on August 31 and Games beginning on September 31. For more contact, Will Harrington, Parks & Recreation Director at wharrington@CityOfIrondaleAL.gov.
**AUGUST 1 -FINAL IRONDALE FARMERS & MARKERS MARKET, 8 – 11 a.m.
**AUGUST 4 – BACK TO SCHOOL PEP RALLY – Mayor James D. Stewart is presenting the Back to School Pep Rally, 5 – 7:30 p.m. at the Iron City Hall, 101 20th Street South. Wear your school colors. Enjoy the Line Dancing and DJ Maverick. There will be Free School Supplies & Giveaways, food trucks, community resources, games and entertainment, a College and Career Zone, Irondale Education & Youth Fund Grants. AND, you can meet the Shades Valley Athletes – Win Your Spirit Pack.
**AUGUST 4 – THE MAYOR’S DESK, 12:30 p.m. with Special Guest Dr. MARVIN A. CARTER, II, Principal of Shades Valley High School.
**AUGUST 13 – IRONDALE COMMUNTY GUIDE LAUNCH CELEBRATION, 11:30 – 1 p.m. at the AGC Conference Center. Get there for lunch, community and celebration of the 2026-2027 Irondale Community Guide.
**AUGUST 19 – THE MAYOR’S DESK, 12:30 p.m. with Special Guest DR. WALTER GONSOULIN, Superintendent of Jefferson County School System. This is a Podcast with Mayor James D. Stewart.
**AUGUST 20 – BONES AND CONES ICE CREAM SOCIAL presented by Mayor James. D. Stewart, Jr., 5-7 p.m. at the Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park, 2420 Ruffner Court.
**AUGUST 21 – GOLDEN RHYTHMS JAZZ BRUNCH, 11 a.m., at Alabama AGC Building, Irondale with delicious Chef prepared Brunch by Infiniti Eats and musical performance by SHERRY REEVES. This event celebrates National Seniors Day. For more, call 205-951-1413.
**AUGUST 29 – 6th ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDER CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT, 9 a.m. Registration and Play begins at 10 a.m. benefitting Spina Bifida Camp and supporting essential resources for children and families at Children’s of Alabama. For more, go to www.AlabamaCornhole.com/FirstResponder.
**NEED HELP WITH MAX? – The recently launched MAX Customer Care Team is available. Free Ride Promo Code: IRONDALE. Call 205-521-0101 for more.
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.
