Beat the heat: 7 cool ways to enjoy downtown this summer ?
Summer temperatures don’t have to keep you indoors at home. Downtown Birmingham is filled with museums, theaters, cafés, breweries, restaurants and other air-conditioned destinations that make it easy to enjoy the city all season long. From catching an independent film to exploring world-class art collections, here are some of the best indoor activities in Birmingham to help you […]
Navigating downtown: Parking and transit?
Whether you’re visiting downtown Birmingham for a weekend getaway, attending a conference, catching a show, or exploring the area’s restaurants and attractions, getting around is easier than you might expect. Downtown’s districts are connected by a walkable street grid, and visitors have several transportation options available — from public transit and on-demand rides to parking decks and convenient mobile […]
Becoming a preservation advocate (even if you’re not an expert)?
Historic preservation can feel intimidating from the outside. The terminology, tax credits, architectural styles and policy conversations can make it seem like you need a specialized background before you can participate. But the truth is, some of the strongest preservation advocates are simply people who care deeply about the places they call home. For the […]
Preservation that pays: The economic case for saving historic buildings?
When people think about historic preservation, they often think about nostalgia, architecture or cultural identity. And yes, those things matter. Historic buildings help tell the story of a city and create the kind of authentic places people actually want to spend time in. But preservation isn’t just about sentiment. It’s also about economics. Economist Donovan […]
What makes a downtown feel alive??
There’s a certain energy you feel the moment you step into a thriving downtown. It’s not just about tall buildings or busy streets, it’s about the interplay of people, design, activity and care. In Birmingham, that sense of vibrancy is something we actively cultivate every day. Here’s a closer look at the elements that bring a downtown to life and how we’re working to strengthen each one. Foot […]
Five Points South by the hour: Experience a full day in the district?
In the heart of Five Points South, the day doesn’t simply begin and end. It flows. From early morning coffee runs to packed patios at night, the district hums with activity nearly every hour of the day. In fact, visitor data from 2025 shows that thousands of people move through Five Points South daily, with traffic steadily climbing from the morning hours […]
Sweet spots for dessert-lovers downtown?
Downtown Birmingham is full of places that know how to end things on a high note. From gelato and pastries to signature desserts that locals swear by, these dessert-centric spots (and dessert-worthy menus) make it easy to satisfy any sweet tooth year-round. So bookmark this list now — you’ll thank yourself later. Late-night cravings Ampersand […]
Gifting from the heart of the Magic City?
Downtown Birmingham is kind of a gift in itself! Tucked along our streets are locally-owned shops full of personality, creativity and things you simply won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re shopping for a holiday, a birthday, or a “just because” moment, downtown offers no shortage of meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifting options. Plus, shopping local doesn’t just feel good, it does good. Every purchase helps keep our favorite spots thriving, […]
Getting to know Downtown BHM: A district-by-district guide ?
Downtown Birmingham is bigger (and more layered) than many people realize. The map above offers a bird’s-eye view of the city’s urban core, highlighting the nine districts that together shape what we call Downtown BHM. Each district has its own personality, history and a mix of amenities. Understanding how they fit together can make exploring downtown feel far […]
Feet on the street: 10 events that activate downtown every year ?
Downtown Birmingham comes alive through the rhythm of its events, each one playing a unique role in shaping the city’s vibrancy, foot traffic and economic momentum. From the festive aromas of the Greek Food Festival to the nostalgic charm of the Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Film Series to the joyful crowds drawn by the Magic City Classic, these events don’t just entertain — they bring our streets, sidewalks, shops and restaurants to life.