depositphotos 175960962 stock photo handsome shocked man glasses watching AMC Theatres to reopen + 5 more openings in Birmingham — AMC Theatres are reopening in Birmingham as early as August 20!

From movie theatres and restaurants to local public schools, here’s the latest on what’s opening—and reopening—around the greater Birmingham area.

1. AMC Theatres

uwjbqbchy7g AMC Theatres to reopen + 5 more openings in Birmingham — Popcorn—the must-have movie snack. Photo by Linus Mimietz

Movie-goers, it’s time to celebrate. After months of jonesing for that in-theatre movie experience, the time has finally arrived. AMC Theatres announced that over 100 of its theatres will be reopening on August 20 with 300 more theatres to follow between August 27 and September 3

Believe it or not, it gets even better.

August 20 marks AMC Theatres 100-year anniversary and they’ll be offering an incredible deal—“Movies in 2020 at 1920 Prices.”

This means that on this special date, tickets will be sold for just 15 cents (plus tax).

Of course, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, safety protocols are in place. Here are some to expect:

Masks are required by all except while eating or drinking.
Concession stand menus have been simplified for shorter lines.
Auditorium capacity has been reduced to 30%.

If needed, masks are available for purchase for $1.

Full safety list here.

Here’s when AMC Theatres reopen around the greater Birmingham area:

AMC Dine-In Vestavia Hills: August 20
AMC Patton Creek: August 20
AMC Summit 16: August 27
AMC Classic Lee Branch 15: August 27
AMC Classic Cullman: August 27

Check here for showtimes and tickets.

2. Delta Hot Tamales

Birmingham, Delta Blues Hot Tamales, food, restaurant — Venture to the Delta with these eats from Delta Blues Hot Tamales. Photo via Delta Blues Hot Tamales’ Facebook page

If the name of this restaurant rings a bell it’s because it originally opened in Birmingham for a short time in 2015. Now, the restaurant held a grand reopening on August 1 at a new location in Pelham.

Owned by Adam and Fawn Freis, Delta Blues Hot Tamales offers Cajun and Creole cuisine-inspired by, you guessed it, the Delta.

But there’s something special about this restaurant—its menu caters to those with dietary restrictions like Celiac disease and food allergies. It is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Here are some top items to try:

Delta-Style Hot Tamales (Choice of Mild Chicken, Spicy Black Bean or Spicy Pork): made with organic blue corn masa and McEwen & Sons Blue Cornmeal.

Delta Catfish: Mississipi blue corn-crusted catfish served with homemade comeback sauce.

Red Beans N’ Rice: red beans and Andouille sausage over rice, served with one side and yellow corn chips.

Address: 3569 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

3. Michael’s Restaurant

Birmingham, Michael's Restaurant, restaurants, food — Entrance to Michael’s Restaurant. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

Those around the greater Birmingham area have long-awaited the reopening of Michael’s Restaurant. On August 3, their wish came true.

Founded by Greek restaurateur Michael Mastos back in the 1950s, the restaurant was known for its high-quality cuisine. Now it’s delicious aromas and tastes can be had once more at their new location in Birmingham’s Parkside District.

Must-try dishes include:

Fried green tomatoes: local farm tomatoes flash fried + served in cornmeal batter with remoulade sauce.

Michael’s Signature Burger: ground beef on fresh brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo + mustard. Served with Julienne fries.

Salmon Rockefeller: blackened salmon topped with applewood smoked bacon + creamed spinach. Served with choice of salad + one side.

Be sure to make room for the white chocolate macadamia nut bread pudding for dessert.

For more on Michael’s Restaurant, check out Bham Now’s sneak peek.

Address: 1525 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Electra

Birmingham, Electra — Electra in Lakeview held their grand opening on Aug. 7, 2020. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

Birmingham’s Lakeview District welcomed their newest bar on August 7. Say hello to Electra.

Located in the old Chapel Bar & Nightclub, this cyberpunk-themed bar is one of the coolest places to hit the social (distancing) scene. Owned by Marsha Mims, owner/operator of Marty’s GM in Irondale and Marty’s PM in 5 Points South, Electra offers all the essentials for a good time, including:

Drinks
Patio games
Live music + entertainment
And more!

Discover more coming to Lakeview.

Address: 620 27th St South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Facebook | Instagram

5. Half Shell Oyster House

Birmingham, Trussville, Half Shell Oyster House — Simply delectable. Photo via Half Shell Oyster House Birmingham’s Facebook page

After months of waiting, Half Shell Oyster House is open for business in Trussville. And, so far, it’s had lots of satisfied guests.

Along with their famous oysters, Half Shell Oyster House serves:

Soups
Seafood
Fish + Steak
Pasta
Wine, bourbon, specialty drinks

Want to know what else is heading to Trussville? Find out here.

Address: 218 Main St, Trussville, AL 35173
Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. Birmingham City Schools

Bham Now Teacher support — Taken before COVID-19. Photo via Birmingham City Schools

If, when and how public schools around the greater Birmingham area would start the 2020-2021 school year has been on the minds of students, parents and teachers for months. And, while some schools have already opened, Birmingham City Schools have decided to opt for more time.

Originally, Birmingham City Schools had planned to start the year on Monday, August 24 with virtual learning only for at least the first nine weeks. Now, these schools are slated to reopen after Labor Day weekend on Tuesday, September 8.

Why the later start?

To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to students and faculty.
To help teachers prepare for remote learning while giving the district more time to distribute electronic devices to students for learning.