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It’s Friday, Birmingham! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: La Fête crowned Alabama’s best French cuisine, Monster Jam’s gravity-defying trucks, and Puppy Pals Live’s stunt dog circus + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Birmingham protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Menu highlights draw acclaim: La Fête in Birmingham was named Alabama’s best French cuisine by Tasting Table. Chef Kristen Hall earned a 2026 James Beard nomination, and the bistro received Bib Gourmand status — read about its accolades.

Championing growth and policy change: For nearly 140 years, the Birmingham Business Alliance has backed entrepreneurs, supporting nearly 550 members. See how programs like the Small Business Intensive and member spotlights could help your business — read the full story.

Meeting growing veteran needs: Birmingham VA expanded in North Alabama, opening Huntsville South Specialty Care Clinic and launching free Veterans Transportation. Planned next are women’s and mental health services plus a Greenbriar dental clinic — explore services and upcoming clinics.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Monster trucks defy gravity at Monster Jam
• Liverpool Legends revive Beatles’ magic
• Hunt eggs and meet Big Bunny
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Serious supplies, zero fuss: From buttery oils and workhorse sketchbooks to fountain pens you’ll actually use, Forstall Art Center keeps your creative pantry stocked, plus classes and custom framing when a masterpiece needs polish. Consider this your midweek nudge to make something, refresh those tired brushes, and enjoy tools that work.

Deck dreams, delivered: If your backyard’s more weeds than wow, Cahaba Outdoor designs and builds custom wood or composite decks, plus screened spaces and pergolas, tailored to how you live. This Birmingham team guides you from design to completion with smart material options that cut upkeep and free your weekends.

Oysters worth a detour: Gulf-fresh plates, a raw bar that changes often, and seasonal specials turn weekday dinners into little celebrations. Automatic Seafood and Oysters balances polish and ease, with a daily catch that leads the menu… and plenty to savor whether you’re slurping oysters or sharing something cooked.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🥞 2026 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser @ Homewood Public Library | Saturday (3/14) at 7:00 AM – New location alert, the 42nd annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is at the Homewood Public Library. Eight bucks gets you all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, and coffee, tickets at the door, kids five and under free. Carb-load for a cause, benefiting local kids and the library.

❤ 2026 Heart Walk @ Railroad Park | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 AM – Patio weather can wait, this is a stroll through Railroad Park that actually counts. The Birmingham Heart Walk returns, where your steps help fund CPR training, stronger hearts, and safer neighborhoods. It’s exercise with receipts, and signing up takes about a minute.

🛍 Lakeview Bazaar @ Christopher House Antiques | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to turn Saturday mornings into productive loitering, Lakeview Bazaar is your new outdoor market. Stroll, sip coffee, browse quality local goods, and catch up with neighbors. Selling something? They’re taking vendor applications.

🎨 Big Bold Flowers with a Palette Knife @ Forstall Art Center | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Swap your brush for a palette knife with Marcia Hodges and make bold florals using six colors, black, and white. All levels, max 10, $150, supplies needed, lunch included; start with a 6×6, then scale up to a canvas you don’t have to water.

🌱 Spring Lawn Class @ Super-Sod of Birmingham | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from your patchy Bermuda and swing by Super-Sod Birmingham for a free lawn class with Ken and the crew. Get smart on spring prep, sip coffee, snag donuts, maybe win a giveaway, RSVP because spots disappear faster than a snowflake on 280.

✂ Ribbon Cutting & Block Party @ Connection Point Church | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Come celebrate the new digs with a ribbon cutting and a block party, featuring building tours, bounce houses, caricatures, and really good eats. Ceremony at noon, party after, then we’ll all remember why adults stretch before jumping, and kids don’t need caffeine.

🐶 Puppy Pals Live @ DJD Theater | Sunday (3/15) at 1:00 PM – They’re back at DJD Theater after last year’s sell-outs with the stunt dog circus you pretend is for the kids. Think rescued pups landing flips, audience antics, and laugh-out-loud chaos, all herded by Wesley Williams. Buy straight from DJDTheater.org, because Rover hates scalpers.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 All-Nashville Roadshow Concert @ Wald Park – 12:00 PM
• 3/14 Michael King @ Homewood Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/14 Sleeping Beauty @ The BJCC – 7:30 PM
• 3/14 Khamari @ WORKPLAY Studio A – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Grits & Greens @ Elysian Gardens Birmingham – 8:00 PM
• 3/15 Seussical @ Levite JCC of Birmingham – 2:00 PM
• 3/15 Freaky Friday @ The Edge Homewood – 5:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Birmingham report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 67°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 44. South wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 75°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

This house is wild

Craftsman-meets-modern farmhouse on 3 acres in a cul-de-sac with a porte-cochere. Hardwood and concrete floors lead to a vaulted beamed great room and a commercial kitchen with honed Calcutta marble and a gas range. Primary on main, secret playroom, finished basement, screened porch with swing bed, fire pit. Roof and Hardi siding 2019, main HVAC 2025, fridge 2026.

Take a peek inside →

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