Birmingham Parent Magazine

Welcome to our birthday issue. Birthdays are a reflection of each year, not only where we have been but also where we are going. This July, our nation celebrates a major milestone: 250 years. We have hit a couple of milestones in my house this year as well. My daughter turned 18 in April, and I turned 45 in June. Birthdays are about making memories for your children, but also for the parents because, let’s be honest, you survived another year.

Looking for a fun family day close to home? From authentic Italian pastries and hands-on pizza-making classes to hiking at Moss Rock Preserve and ending the day with wood-fired pizza, here’s your guide to spending the perfect Saturday at The Preserve in Hoover.

Stay ahead of the school year with this handy guide to the 2026–2027 academic calendars for Alabaster City Schools, Birmingham City Schools, Homewood City Schools, Hoover City Schools, Jefferson County Schools, Shelby County Schools, Trussville Schools, and Vestavia Hills Schools. We’ve rounded up the most important dates—including the first and last day of school, holidays, fall and spring breaks, teacher workdays, and more—so you can plan vacations, childcare, and family activities with ease.

Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School is entering a new chapter with a new name. As of June 29, the school is officially Cristo Rey Birmingham, a change that reflects its expanding reach across the Birmingham metro area while maintaining the mission and values that have defined the school for decades. A New Name for a Growing School Approved by the school’s board of directors, the new name recognizes how far the school has grown since its beginnings in Ensley in the 1940s.

Taking care of your smile doesn’t stop when you’re on vacation. One of the best things about going on a trip is breaking away from daily routines. However, the team at Birmingham Orthodontics emphasizes that proper care for your braces and teeth should never be pushed to the side—regardless of the season. Like any great accomplishment, a straight smile doesn’t appear overnight; it requires consistent brushing, flossing, and smart food choices.

This summer, Gaylord Opryland Resort is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a bang at their All-American SummerFest. Whether you have grown kids home from college or littles, the Gaylord has something for everyone. The family-friendly celebrations are endless, with events like poolside parties, interactive scavenger hunts, outdoor movie nights, and dazzling firework shows happening all summer through September 7.

Summer and ice cream go hand in hand, so it’s only fitting that National Ice Cream Day falls right in the middle of July. This year, the sweet holiday lands on Sunday, July 19, giving Birmingham families the perfect excuse to cool off with a frozen treat. (Check out this list of 11 local ice cream shops!) Whether you prefer classic vanilla in a waffle cone or love trying adventurous new flavors, National Ice Cream Day is all about treating yourself.

There’s no shortage of fun around Birmingham. Not sure where to start? We’ve created this bucket list to help you explore and enjoy the city in nearly every possible way, from outdoor adventure areas and must-visit concert venues to a few of the fabulous, unique foodie destinations around town and more.

Mark your calendars: Alabama’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, 2026, giving families the chance to save on everything from school supplies to laptops before the new school year begins. The holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Sunday.

5 Seconds of Summer Brings the EVERYONE’S A STAR! Tour to Birmingham This August Julianna Steen 5 Seconds of Summer fans, get ready—one of Australia’s biggest rock bands is making a stop in Birmingham this summer.