Men’s soccer soars in Can’t Miss Alabama
Birmingham Legion FC will take on North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence. (contributed)
The best of summer entertainment is yet to come.
Get connected to Olympians and Paralympians online
Enjoy crafts, artworks, wellness tips, workshops, fitness classes and more with some of the world’s best athletes at airbnb.com. Featured athletes include David Hill, Michelle Carter, Jackie Joyner Kersee and Lex Gillette. Click here to see the complete list of athletes.
Birmingham Freedom Fest Recap
Last week, the Birmingham Freedom Fest celebrated the triumphs of Birmingham and its commitment to forging a united future. The event included thought-provoking discussions, interactive videos, interviews and entertainment. Follow this link to view the complete virtual event.
Black Lives Matter to libraries
Books for Black lifestyles and Black history by Black authors are popular now more than ever. Libraries across Alabama, particularly in areas where civil rights events have occurred, are seeing an uptick in requests for books on race relations. Some of the most popular are “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson and “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. In Montgomery, the main public library and its nine branches are closed but are distributing books curbside. Visitors are allowed inside the Selma Public Library after a temperature scan. The Birmingham Public Library is open online and curbside pickup is available.
Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC has returned to play and the 2020 USL Championship season has gotten off to a fast start. After going unbeaten in its first three games, the club travels to take on North Carolina FC next, airing locally on My68 and ESPN+ on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m., and then returns home to BBVA Field to play the Charlotte Independence at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and Atlanta United 2 at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Both matches will air live on My68 and ESPN+. Get tickets and check out the full schedule at bhmlegion.com.
Taylor Hicks at Avondale Brewing Aug. 7
Tickets are on sale for Taylor Hicks’ “Tonight’s The Night” concert at Avondale Brewing Friday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m. The Birmingham native will perform Rod Stewart’s classic hits. Tickets are $40 to $250. Patrons are required to wear a mask upon entering and when moving throughout the venue. Masks can only be removed once the patron is set up and stationary for the show. All social distancing rules and regulations must be followed. Patrons must be considerate of others, distance physically and practice hand hygiene.
Michael’s Steaks and Seafood Restaurant grand reopening Aug. 3
One of the oldest steakhouses in the state is moving from Homewood to the Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum Monday, Aug. 3. The steak and seafood restaurant will open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (pickup only) and dinner (reservations only) Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The family restaurant will offer curbside pickup and delivery services, and will accept reservations for rooftop dining. Learn more about the reopening and safety guidelines on Facebook. For takeout, call 205-871-9525.
A few more nights for ‘Dancin’ In The Streets’ at the Wharf
Safely dance in the streets at The Wharf in Orange Beach on Friday, Saturday and Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Kick off the weekend with a boogie-worthy block party along Main Street. A DJ will be spinning those tail-feather-shaking tunes on Main. Partake in theme nights and games to win prizes. Guests are required to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Come out, have fun and keep back 6 feet. Air high-fives are encouraged when you see your friends at the event. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the property. Admission is free. Follow along on Facebook.
Pallas’ Cat Kittens at the Birmingham Zoo
The Predator and South America/Primate buildings are open to visitors at the Birmingham Zoo. Guests and members will have the opportunity to visit indoor animal habitats as they travel a one-way path through the zoo. Visitors will see four male Pallas’ cat kittens born on April 10. The kittens have been living behind the scenes and getting acclimated to their new home. The zoo is open and operating with reduced hours Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at limited capacity. Guests and members are required to follow health and safety guidelines, including face coverings for those older than 6. Timed admission tickets are no longer required, but visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online at birminghamzoo.com to help minimize physical contact with zoo staff. The Red Diamond Express train and Protective Life carousel are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase onsite and online. Due to the closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, donations are welcomed to the emergency animal fund.
The Quarantine Cat Film Fest
The Quarantine Cat Film Fest is happening at the Sidewalk Film Center through Friday, July 31. Amateur filmmakers from around the world filmed their beloved cats during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. This compilation reel brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest and most loving of these videos. Check out the trailer here. To rent the movie, follow this link. Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema is a year-round independent movie theater that also hosts the annual Sidewalk Film Festival, entering its 22nd year. It hosts year-round film screenings, classes and filmmaking competitions (under normal circumstances). The Film Center has been closed since March due to COVID-19, but ticket purchases help sustain it while closed. Half of each ticket purchase directly supports Sidewalk Film Center. For tech support, please visit the Help & Connect Page. There are no native apps for smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV. They are available for mirroring only. For specific questions, email tech@rowhouse.online.
