Every year, before college football becomes a months-long weekend endeavor, the people of Birmingham and like-minded visitors gather together to watch a few movies.
Okay, more than a few—a lot of movies. And excellent ones too.
That’s the reputation our Sidewalk Film Festival has earned in 17 years of fantastic film programming, unmatched filmmaker hospitality, and legendary parties. And we’d like to invite you to join us in Birmingham for the festival’s 18th year, August 26-28.
And if you’re new to the city, or you haven’t been back in a while, there’s plenty to see, do, and taste while you’re in town. Here are a few suggestions for your weekend visit, all within close distance of the festival map.
FOOD & DRINKS
If you love real Southern fare, there are plenty of options nearby, of course. Green Acres Café is known for their fried chicken and fried green tomatoes, John’s City Diner provides fantastic plated entrees (with a killer pimento cheese), and Gus’s Hot Dogs is nothing less than a Birmingham institution.
For more worldly options, we’ve got that covered too. Yeh Man is a hidden gem featuring delightful Jamaican/Caribbean food, El Barrio is some of the best multi-regional Mexican cuisine around, and Bamboo on 2nd has quickly become a local favorite thanks to its affordable and tasty Pan-Asian menu.
With a full weekend slate of films and parties, we know you’ll be in need of coffee. Revelator Coffee opened up right across from the Alabama Theatre just in time for last year’s festival, and they’ll be serving fresh joe all weekend long. If you venture a bit further out, try Red Cat Coffee at Railroad Park or Urban Standard on 2nd Avenue North.
And if you’re skipping one of the parties, there’s plenty of nightlife in the area. Try the Paramount barcade for a great beer (and vintage arcade game) selection, The Collins for expertly crafted cocktails, or The Wine Loft for a couple hours of casual conversation.
LANDMARKS
Sidewalk just so happens to be one of the few walkable film festivals around. And there’s plenty to see and do when you’re taking a break between films.
Just a few blocks from Sidewalk Central you’ll find Birmingham’s Civil Rights District. Kelly Ingram Park is the centerpiece of this historic area that also features the iconic 16th Street Baptist Church and the enriching experience of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Head south a few blocks and you’ll come to Railroad Park, a delightful and expansive location that’s earned national praise and lofty green space awards. And while the Birmingham Barons won’t be in town this weekend, the new Regions Field is worth a gander. (Stop by Good People Brewing Company if you’re feeling thirsty.)
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention some of Sidewalk’s spectacular venues too. The Birmingham Museum of Art is well worth a quick tour in between screenings, the Carver Theatre is home to the wonderful Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Theatre and Lyric Theatre are a pair of gorgeous, historic venues that you’ll never forget.
LODGING
No matter how big your group is, Birmingham has more than 14,000 hotel rooms to accommodate our guests.
Visit our hotel directory to find the right room for you and your family.
TRANSPORTATION
Birmingham made the leap to Uber-friendly status this past winter, so navigating Sidewalk will be more convenient than ever.
And if you want to enjoy the warm Southern air while you’re going from place to place, try our brand new Zyp Bikeshare program, where a few bucks will get you a bike rental plan to ride from station to station. They’ve even got motorized bikes to help with the hilly areas!