Birmingham

Hundreds of Birmingham residents will hit the water this weekend to participate in one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Mitchell’s Place is hosting its third annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival on Saturday (August 19) at East Lake Park. Festivities begin at 8 a.m.

Birmingham is one of two Alabama cities selected to a add a new position to help spread poetry in the state. Mobile is the second.

U.S. Housing Secretary Marcia L. Fudge traveled to the Magic City on Wednesday to announce the multi-million-dollar grant award. The grant will create new housing for Birmingham residents and provide more economic opportunities to Central Alabama.

A new online business has given eco-friendly fashion and thrifting a new life in the Iron City. The Clothing Library is a clothing rental subscription service that focuses on making fashion more sustainable.

Birmingham’s Rickwood Field has been a working ballpark since 1910. This signifies it as the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. One of the highlights of its history is that the park was the home of the Birmingham Black Barons, a legendary team from the Negro leagues that hosted some of the best baseball players in American history. Major League Baseball is recognizing this history with a tribute to Willie Mays next year.

Boutwell Auditorium is hosting its second Wind Down Wednesday of the summer this Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The theme is Neo Soul Lounge.

Birmingham will be hosting another sporting event starting next year. The Magic City will be the holding The Transplant Games of America in the summer of 2024. The mission of the event is to honor the legacy of people who donate and to highlight the need for organ transplants.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the Magic City nearly $22 million to improve its ongoing urban trail project. Funding is part of DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant Program.

A nonprofit organization that documents the history of LGBTQ+ people in the South invites Alabamians to two Pride events happening Wednesday, June 15, in Montgomery and Birmingham.

Magic City Sips is the department’s first-ever food and drink series. Nine local bars and restaurants will host their own happy hour specials from 4 to 7 p.m.