Will Avondale be Birmingham’s 4th entertainment district?
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Who doesn’t love heading to Avondale for restaurants, bars, coffee shops or shows? After a public hearing scheduled for 9:30AM, Tuesday, June 23, Avondale may be Birmingham’s fourth entertainment district. Keep reading to find out more.
A refresher on entertainment districts
Birmingham currently has three entertainment districts. These are the places where you can get a drink in a special cup, carry it outside and head over to another venue in the area. Since it’s okay to walk around with open containers, it’s easier to move between bars, restaurants and music venues.
By law, Birmingham is allowed to have up to five entertainment districts. Avondale would be the fourth.
- Uptown was the first in 2015.
- Pepper Place was second in 2019
- 5 Points South joined the party at the end of 2019.
Why Avondale?
According to Councilor Hunter Williams, Avondale’s businesses are eager to have the entertainment district designation. Relaxed open container laws are a boon for nightlife, which can help other businesses come to the area.
Imagine heading to Avondale Brewing for a music event, being able to head outside to enjoy some fresh air with friends, then stopping into Melt or Fancy’s on Fifth to grab a bite to eat. Could make for a nice afternoon and evening out, right?
If you haven’t been to Avondale for a while, here’s a glimpse at what you’ve been missing:
- The ultimate guide to going out in Avondale (July 2017)
- Excitement is brewing in Avondale. Here are 7 updates you don’t want to miss (April 2019)
- Connect with Birmingham at Cottages on Fifth (June 2019)
- Birmingham’s Post Office Pies named one of the 30 best pizzerias in USA Today (September 2019)
- Connecting Birmingham: Jones Valley Trail to extend from downtown to Avondale (February 2020)
Fun fact: an actual spring runs under 41st Street—it even has a beer named after it
First, you need to know that 41st Street used to be called Spring Street. Why? Because actual springs flowed from the hillside of what became Avondale Park.
In this awesome article on Birmingham’s lost springs by my colleague Pat Byington, he explained:
“Thanks to the recent renovation of Avondale Park, the spring sees daylight along the hillsides for children to explore. The spring’s tributary underneath Spring Street (now known as 41st Street) is piped and buried underneath the street and buildings. However, ‘Spring Street’ does live on as the namesake of one of Avondale Brewing’s favorite beers.”
Want to weigh in on the proposed Avondale entertainment district?
Head over to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting, or contact your Councilor.
- When: Tuesday, June 23, 9:30AM
- Where: Birmingham City Hall, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
If approved, Avondale will join a number of other entertainment districts in the Greater Birmingham area
Vestavia:
- Rocky Ridge
- Cahaba Heights
- City Center
Pelham:
Trussville:
Now tell us, Birmingham, what do you think of the prospect of Avondale becoming Birmingham’s fourth entertainment district? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know!
