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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

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Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
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Mural on the exterior wall of a building reads "It's Nice to Have you in Birmingham" in a deep magenta color.

“It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” mural by Creighton Tynes © Bham Now

Main Street Alabama and Sweet Home Alabama are incredibly excited to co-host the 2024 Main Street Now Conference alongside Main Street America in Birmingham, Alabama, from May 6 – 8. Get to know our state, host city, and Main Street communities through this final article of the conference blog series! As you build out your personal agenda in the mobile app, make sure to also make time to explore our amazing host city. 

Pre-registration is closed. Onsite registration is available on a first come, first served basis beginning Sunday, May 5. Check out the conference website and follow the conference’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest updates.

Main Street Alabama is thrilled to welcome Main Streeters to Birmingham for Main Street Now 2024. We want you to have a great experience in The Magic City, so we have pulled together this roundup of some local favorites for you to explore between conference sessions, activities, and celebrations.

  • A young girl skates through a pedestrian promenade.

    Find spaces to walk (or skate), gather, and relax at City Walk BHAM. © Main Street Alabama

  • A latte and pastry served on simple plates rest on a wooden table.

    June Coffee serves up coffee house standards and seasonal specials. © June Coffee

Steps Away from the Conference 

Looking for a break from the conference venue? Located just outside the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), City Walk BHAM is a vibrant area spanning eight blocks under the interstate. This hub of placemaking amenities features pickleball courts, a dog park, a skate park, food trucks, walkways, and various social spaces. 

After you’ve explored City Walk BHAM, make sure to visit the nearby Birmingham Museum of Art. Take a stroll in the sculpture garden and explore galleries brimming with artifacts and works of art from their permanent collection. If you’re a Disney enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the special exhibit, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume. Or take a walk along the Downtown Mural Trail, and duck into nearby eateries and shops along the way. 

Nearby and throughout downtown, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants and bars to satisfy your taste buds. For dining, our favorites are El Barrio, Bocca, and Helen. As far as bars go, we highly recommend Adiõs and House of Found Objects. Check out June Coffee, Frothy Monkey, or Last Call Baking for delicious coffee, tea, and pastry specialties. 

  • A Black woman sits in a chair and smiles while surrounded by the colorful African clothing on display in her retail store.

    Ferrill African Wear is located in the Historic 4th Avenue Black Business District. © Main Street Alabama

  • A family engages with a sculpture installation made up of four girls positioned in various poses; a large church is visible in the background.

    The Four Spirits sculpture by Elizabeth MacQueen commemorates the 1963 racially motivated bombing that killed four girls. ©Greater Birmingham CVB

Historical Legacies

The Civil Rights District is also a short walk from the BJCC. This national park monument district features landmarks including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, A.G. Gaston Motel, and the 16th Street Baptist Church. Are you a music lover? Visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame located in the Carver Theatre. Make sure to also check out the Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park, which honors the Temptations lead singer and Birmingham native. Other must-visit places while in the district include Green Acres for delicious Southern Soul Food; Fly‑V for the latest urban wear fashion; and Ferrill African Wear for vibrant clothing, accessories, and a celebration of African culture. 

Aerial of a city skyline (left) and large park (right) divided by railroad tracks.

Railroad Park is a lush green space in the heart of Birmingham. © Art Meripol

Parkside District

Explore further! Scoot, bike, or take a walk to the Parkside District, home of Railroad Park. Once a blighted area, this park has been transformed into a verdant, multi-use space that provides venues for people to gather, and is a significant factor in the rejuvenation of the neighborhood. Just east of Railroad Park is Rotary Trail, a beautifully landscaped, four-block trail that was built on a vacant railroad right-of-way. Since its completion in 2015, the trail has become a popular destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists, as well as a catalyst for significant growth in the area. 

While in the area, you can’t miss Regions Field, home to the Birmingham Barons, and the Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum. The minor league featured many baseball legends, including five Hall of Fame members: Willie Mays, Leroy ​“Satchel” Paige, Hilton Smith, Norman ​“Turkey” Stearnes, and George ​“Mule Suttles.” Along the way, stop at the Alabama Peanut Company on Morris Avenue. If you haven’t tried boiled peanuts before, this is your opportunity. It doesn’t get much more Southern than that! 

  • Large metal tulip sculptures in the foreground and a group of people sitting in red lawn chairs on a grassy area in the background.

    Find live music, delicious food, and specialty cocktails in a unique sculpture garden setting at Elysian Gardens. © REV Birmingham

  • A pint of dark beer sits on a countertop; in the background "Welcome to Avondale" is painted on a brick wall in bright, bold font.

    Craft brews and live music are on tap at Avondale Brewing Company. © Avondale Brewing Company

Avondale

At the other end of the Rotary Trail is Avondale, a hub for nightlife, music, and groovy businesses. Avondale Brewing Company, Saturn, and Ferus on 41st are all known for hosting live music. Be sure to check their websites to see who will be performing during the week. Other businesses to check out are Seasick Records, a popular spot for new and used records; Sojourns, a shop with unique items by fair trade artisans and Gatos and Beans, Alabama’s first cat café and 2nd place winner in REV Birmingham’s pitch competition (Note to cat lovers: the café is only open on Sunday and Monday during the conference, and reservations are encouraged.) You can also check out another pitch winner, Elysian Gardens, where you can enjoy cocktails, food, and sculptures from local artists.

  • A mural painted in vibrant teal, yellow, red, and green depicting two women leaning into each other; they wear head wraps and dresses evocative of African prints.

    “The Way” features murals like this piece celebrating sisterhood by Jhamasa Lewis-Adams and Lydia Walker. © REV Birmingham

  • A woman takes a photo of two young women holding beverages and while embracing at an outdoor farmers market.

    Opportunities to connect abound at The Market at Pepper Place. © REV Birmingham

Woodlawn

A quick drive away from the BJCC is the Woodlawn district. This community rose to national prominence during the desegregation of schools when a local football coach was determined to unite, not divide, the community. It is no wonder that equitable entrepreneurship is at the heart of REV Birmingham and Woodlawn United’s economic vitality strategies in the neighborhood. Visit Naughty but Nice Kettle Corn, voted as one of Birmingham’s favorite Black-owned businesses; The Wood, a vintage skate shop; Slutty Vegan for awesome plant-based fare; and the Woodlawn Market Place, featuring market vendors in their own brick-and-mortar locations. Make sure to soak up the arts by visiting the historic Woodlawn Theatre and ​“The Way,” a mural-lined alleyway that runs behind the theater. 

Lakeview

If you’re in town on Saturday, we recommend The Market at Pepper Place in the Lakeview District. The outdoor market is widely popular and is open from 7 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pick up goodies for the week and souvenirs to bring home. Then, pop into Pepper Place for a unique shopping and dining experience in this former Dr. Pepper bottling plant. You might also enjoy Hop City, featuring 66 taps, ciders, seltzers, mead, wine, and non-alcoholic libations. A few blocks away, there’s Automatic Seafood, Mayawell tequila bar, and Hi-Wire Brewing.

  • Upshot view of a large statue with its right hand outstretched towards the sky.

    Vulcan sits atop Red Mountain and is the largest cast iron statue in the world. © Ted Tucker

  • A large pond surrounded by leafy trees; in the foreground, a bush with magenta flowers (left) lines a walking path leading to a curved bridge (right).

    The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis featuring more than two dozen garden spaces. © Birmingham Botanical Gardens 

Other Attractions

For a fantastic view of the city, and to learn more about The Magic City’s industrial history, you should visit the Vulcan Park & Museum, which is filled with outdoor information stations and museum exhibits that cover the early history of Birmingham. Check out the observation tower to see the 56-foot-tall cast iron statue up close and breathtaking views of downtown Birmingham and beyond. 

For thrill seekers and lovers of fast cars, plan a trip to Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum. The museum has the largest private motorcycle collection in the world and a showcase for some of the rarest race cars ever built! 

If nature is more your scene, check out Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Mountain Brook. Be sure to stop by the Wellness Station (located near the registration desk at the BJCC) before your outing for complimentary sunscreen and bug spray. 

Finally, if you have time before your flight home, visit the Southern Museum of Flight located near the airport. It is a great place to experience the rich and exciting history of aviation and aircraft. 

This is just a fraction of all the incredible sights and experiences that Birmingham offers. For more information and tailored recommendations, we encourage you to visit Birmingham Tourism’s booth at the Main Street Expo and the Downtown BHM website to customize your itinerary and get the most out of your stay in The Magic City. 

See y’all in the HAM! 

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Due to unprecedented demand, we've added an additional 5 spots and a waitlist for our Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa. Register today to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your ability to develop solutions for your downtown and create transformation strategies that work.

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Three people working together to install a planter and fence, while in the background another person carries a square planter and main street lined with historic buildings are visible.

Volunteers help make streetscape improvements in Nevada, Iowa. © Main Street Nevada

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Just Opened: 2025 Main Street Now Conference Call for Proposals

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People sit at tables set-up on a street and chat while listening to a band performing on a stage.

Events create opportunities for the community to gather in downtown Nevada, Iowa. © Linda Wendt

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Don’t Miss Your Chance to Apply for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award

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A group of people pose in front of a downtown restaurant holding the GAMSA plaque

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Save the Date: 2024 Community Transformation Workshop in Iowa

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Main Street Nevada is excited to welcome 2024 Community Transformation Workshop participants in October. © Main Street Nevada

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A saxophonist, drummer, and vocalist set-up on a wide sidewalk perform for pedestrians.

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A large group of people clap and wave from stage.

Madison Main Street Program accepts their 2024 Great American Main Street Award. © Alicia Gallo

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On a sunny day, diners enjoy outdoor sidewalk seating under the shade of trees and meals from a café located in a historic brick building.

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Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
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Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
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Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.
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Main Street Foundations Series logo
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A woman wearing a helmet sits in a wooden derby car, a man behind her gets ready to push the car.
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Group of people gather in small business.
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Designed image reading, "Vote Your Main Street 2018"
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People walking along narrow sidewalk with small businesses along each side.
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Two women, Renee Changnon, Assistant Editor Hardware Retailing Magazine, and Tara Mazzarella of Independent We Stand, stand in front of blue van.
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