Kick off the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival by celebrating Alabama's incredible filmmaking community!
Join us on Monday, August 24 for the Alabama Film Spotlight Happy Hour, hosted by Vineyard Brands. Connect with local filmmakers, raise a glass to homegrown storytelling, and toast the films and artists putting Alabama on the cinematic map.
Celebrate powerful storytelling, bold voices, and the filmmakers bringing them to the screen!
Join us on Tuesday, August 25 for the SHOUT LGBTQ+ Film Spotlight Happy Hour, presented in partnership with Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO). Connect with filmmakers, festival guests, and fellow film lovers as we celebrate outstanding LGBTQ+ cinema and the community that makes these stories possible.
Raise a glass to inclusive storytelling, meaningful connections, and an unforgettable evening at the Sidewalk Film Festival.
Celebrate the artists and stories shaping the future of Black cinema!
Join us on Wednesday, August 26 for the Black Lens Film Spotlight Happy Hour. Meet filmmakers, connect with fellow festivalgoers, and celebrate the creativity, talent, and powerful storytelling showcased throughout this year's Sidewalk Film Festival.
Raise a glass to bold voices, unforgettable films, and the community that brings them to life.
Wednesday August 26, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Bar1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Celebrate the imagination, artistry, and innovation of animated filmmaking!
Join us on Thursday, August 27 for the Animated Film Spotlight Happy Hour. Connect with animators, filmmakers, and fellow festival fans as we toast the creativity and craftsmanship behind this year's outstanding animated films.
From hand-drawn to stop-motion to cutting-edge digital animation, raise a glass to the artists bringing unforgettable stories to life.
Thursday August 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:00pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Bar1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Join us on Friday, August 28 from 5–7 PM for the Opening Night Pre-Show Block Party on the 1800 Block of 2nd Avenue North.
Celebrate the start of the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Weekend with music, food trucks, community, festival excitement, and a chance to gather with filmmakers, friends, and fellow film lovers before the opening night festivities begin a block away at the Alabama Theatre.
Grab your crew, soak up the energy, and kick off a weekend of unforgettable films, conversations, and connections in the heart of Birmingham's Historic Theatre District.
The Opening Night Film ends, but the celebration is just beginning.
Join us immediately following the Opening Night Film screening for the Opening Night After Party on the 1800 Block of 2nd Avenue North.
We're moving our traditional opening night after party to 2nd Ave N. this year for a special announcement and unveiling you won't want to miss! Plus, we'll have food trucks, bars, live music, and more!
Gather with filmmakers, festival fans, and the Birmingham community as we kick off an unforgettable weekend of cinema, creativity, and connection.
