Culture

Discover the soul of Alabama through exclusive SoulGrown stories about its rich culture

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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings visitors from around the globe to the United States, many of the moments capturing attention online have little to do with soccer itself.

American flag on beach

World Cup visitors are falling in love with Alabama hospitality

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July 6, 2026

A reflection on the makers, growers, and creatives who show us what to carry forward as America approaches its 250th birthday.

Gee's Bend quilts on a fence

As America turns 250, we look to artists for what to carry forward

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July 3, 2026

This week’s events celebrate the artists, musicians, makers and traditions that give each corner of the state its own character.

Legacy Arena

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (July 6th-12th)

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July 3, 2026

Watch the sky light up from Walt’s on the Roof, where elevated small plates, refreshing cocktails, and panoramic views transform a holiday tradition.

Walt's on the Roof

This Auburn fireworks experience is the ultimate Fourth of July upgrade

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June 30, 2026

Whether you’re planning meals around the farmers market or simply looking to eat more seasonally, here’s a guide to some of Alabama’s freshest summer crops and the nutritional benefits they bring to the table.

summer produce

What’s growing now? A guide to Alabama’s healthiest summer produce

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June 29, 2026

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this week’s SoulGrown Roundup is dedicated to celebrating the red, white, and blue.

Women holding American flags

SoulGrown Roundup: America celebrates 250 years

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June 26, 2026

The Clotilda was the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States—but its story continues in survival, memory, and the founding of Africatown.

Clotilda exhibit

Mobile’s Africatown: the story of the Clotilda slave ship and its survivors

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June 25, 2026

Part visual journal, part cultural archive, An Alabama Song traces the people, places, and memories that shape Alabama’s musical identity.

Tara Stallworth Lee

Tara Stallworth Lee explores Alabama’s musical legacy in new book

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June 24, 2026

Wind Creek Wetumpka’s Spa Reserve delivers Alabama’s best full-service wellness experience—and it’s worth the visit.

Wind Creek Spa

The best spa day in Alabama might be hiding in Wetumpka

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June 23, 2026

Consider your summer bucket list handled with these family-friendly Alabama destinations worth the drive.

Family-friendly summer activities in Alabama: 25 places to explore with kids

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June 23, 2026

For brothers Stuart Kent and Dr. Steven Kent, sunscreen has never been an afterthought.

Lazyface Sunscreen founders

This Southern brand aims to change how people think about sunscreen

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June 19, 2026

Last weekend, The Malone Society hosted their 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Highland Park in Birmingham, continuing a tradition that has grown from a simple idea between friends into one of the more meaningful fundraising events in The University of Alabama alumni community.

How The Malone Society is opening doors for the next generation

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June 17, 2026

Black panthers don’t exist in Alabama—so why does everyone keep seeing one?

black panther

Alabama legends & tall tales: the mystery behind Alabama’s black panther sightings

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June 16, 2026

From hometown festivals celebrating the state’s favorite crops to unforgettable performances and unique cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of reasons to hit the road this week.

heirloom tomatoes

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (June 15-21)

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June 12, 2026

An Auburn University student with roots in Birmingham is receiving national attention after being featured by Vogue as part of the magazine’s American Style series.

Chelsi Banks

Auburn student Chelsi Banks featured in Vogue’s American Style project

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June 11, 2026

The recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for the Shoals area, which continues to attract visitors drawn by its role in shaping American music and its reputation as an active recording and performance destination.

Shoals Fest

Florence earns national recognition as one of the South’s best music destinations

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June 8, 2026

Zephyr Barber has become known for its relaxed atmosphere, intentional design, and commitment to making every customer feel welcome. But long before Kellen Mataafa opened the Birmingham shop, he was simply a college student looking for community, purpose, and a place to belong.

Zephyr

How a California native built one of Birmingham’s most intentional barber shops

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June 5, 2026

The second week of June is shaping up to be a busy one across Alabama. From dragon boat races on the Alabama River to country concerts on the Gulf Coast, there are plenty of ways to explore something new this week.

Montgomery Dragon Boat

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (June 8-14)

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June 4, 2026

Birmingham has a way of producing people who build things with intention. Tommy Mayfield is one of them. In February 2026, he launched something he believes the sports drink industry has been missing for a long time — a hydration product with nothing to hide.

Nuke Hydration

Clean by design: how NU/KE Hydration is building something different in Birmingham

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May 31, 2026

There’s something powerful about seeing history not as a distant artifact, but as something still breathing through a community today. That’s the feeling behind a new exhibit at the Poarch […]

Poarch Creek Indians artifact

Inside the Poarch Creek Indians’ new exhibit on Native Southern art and culture

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May 29, 2026

Whether you are looking for a weekend road trip, a new local tradition or simply an excuse to spend some time outside, this week’s lineup of events offers a little something for everyone.

Rodeo

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (June 1-6)

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May 29, 2026