Every new week in the Magic City is an opportunity to find your new favorite crowd in the city. Birmingham is full of open mics, celebrations, concerts, and all sorts of other festivities - all you have to do is show up and have fun! Here are a few of the events we are most looking forward to this week.

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The Perfect Catch Presents Open Mic (Thursday)

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The open mic experience at The Perfect Catch is sure to be a fun one. Graphic from The Perfect Catch

Those who’ve been blessed to witness a Birmingham open mic night know this simple truth: we have some of the best, most genuine poets you’ll find in any city anywhere in the world! Ensley is an art hub in the city (led by the late great Brian “Voice” Porter and others), and The Perfect Catch plays the perfect host with delicious food and drink specials. One of Birmingham’s most talented and passionate poets, Shyy, will be over the competition aspect of the evening, with the top 2 places earning cash prizes and a free meal for third. The event begins at 8pm with $2 getting you in the door. 

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Dolly Parton’s Birthday Bash! at Avondale Brewing (Thursday)

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Thursday (and every day, really) is all about Dolly. Image from Dolly Parton

We’ve all heard about the dreaded cancel culture, but people don’t often speak of the term’s lovely counterpart - uplift culture. In addition to being a fantastic artist, Dolly Parton has spent her years improving communities around her. These actions have made the general public love her even further and we can’t wait to celebrate her birthday this Thursday at Avondale Brewing! The daytime features Dolly Parton movies and the night really turns things up with karaoke, costume contests by the decade, drink specials, and birthday cake. Book donations will also be accepted to go towards Dolly Parton’s book gifting program! 

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Silica Gel, Johnny Coley, TOWU and special guest: GULL at Saturn (Friday)

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TOWU joins Silica Gel, Johnny Coley, and GULL for a lovely night of live music. Image from TOWU

This Friday night show at Saturn was named one of About Town’s most anticipated concerts in the city during the month of January - and for good reason. This wide range of especially creative musicians isn’t found at a typical concert, with each act bringing a new audio experience to the ears. This is a great chance to expand your playlist by supporting local. 

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Black Market Throwdown with Crown the Sinner, Inclination of Direction, Road to Ruin (Saturday)

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The rock will be rolling heavily at Black Market this weekend. Image from Inclination of Direction

Looking for a metal show in the Magic City? Saturday night at Black Market’s 5 Points South location is the event to be at. Heavy metal heavyweights Crown the Sinner, Inclination of Direction, and Road to Ruin are combining forces to make it a night to remember (and we heard Black Market has some pretty great burgers too).

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Parachute Show: Camacho, Drop Driver, Boss Rush, Odd Polly at Saturn (Sunday)

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If it’s punk rock alongside other great genres that you’re looking for, Saturn has the answers you desire. Image of Boss Rush by Secret Playground Photography

Saturn brings another great free Parachute Show to the city this Sunday. North Alabama power rockers Camacho will be a highlight as they return to one of the city’s best venues alongside alternative rock from Drop Driver, emo tunes from Odd Polly, and punk rock from Boss Rush. 

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Thumbnail image from Getty Images

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