29 great August events in Birmingham including Sidewalk Film Festival

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Sidewalk Film Festival 2022
Which films will you see during this year’s Sidewalk Film Festival? (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

A new month means a calendar waiting to be filled with plans, and August in Birmingham is no exception. Get ready for Legally Blonde, The Musical Jr, the 23rd Picasso Pets benefiting Hand in Paw, Sidewalk Film Festival and more.

1. Summer Happiest Hour @ Lane Parke

  • What: Head to Lane Parke for this event featuring local pop-ups, a shopping pass for area retailers, live music + more. The first 25 attendees receive a complimentary drink ticket.
  • When: August 1 | 5:30-7:30PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

2. Legally Blonde, The Musical Jr @ Virginia Samford Theatre

  • What: Elle Woods is headed our way in the upbeat production of Legally Blonde, The Musical Jr. See her tackle stereotypes, snobbery and scandal as she pursues her dreams of becoming a lawyer. Check out Virginia Samford Theatre’s 2024-2025 lineup.
  • When:
    • Thursday, August 1 | 7PM
    • Friday, August 2-Saturday, August 3 | 2:30PM + 7PM
    • Sunday, August 4 | 2:30PM
  • Cost: $23-$28
  • Details

3. Rockin’ for Restoration @ Trussville Entertainment District

Rockin' for Restoration
Rockin’ for Restoration is in Trussville on August 2. (Will Bright Foundation)
  • What: Head to the Trussville Entertainment District for Rockin’ for Restoration benefiting the Will Bright Foundation—a local nonprofit dedicated to providing men battling addiction with a safe and supportive environment for recovery. There will be performances by Nashville-based musician Tyson Haynes + Birmingham-based country band Deputy 5. Plus, great food from the district’s many eateries.
  • When: Friday, August 2 | 6-10:30PM
  • Cost: Free admission | $10 donation requested
  • Details

4. Art on the Rocks @ Birmingham Museum of Art

Birmingham, Art on the Rocks, Birmingham Museum of Art
Art on the Rocks is always a blast. (Birmingham Museum of Art)
  • What: An unforgettable night awaits you at Art On The Rocks. Expect live gallery performances, beats from local DJs, artist demos, pop-up performances, specialty cocktails + more. Find out more about the event.
  • When: Friday, August 2 | 7-11PM
  • Cost: $25-$80
  • Details

5. Cahaba Brewlympics @ Cahaba Brewing Company

  • What: Ever wanted to compete in the Olympics? Now’s your chance! The Cahaba Brewlympics include a day filled with friendly competition, tasty brews and a whole lot of fun.
  • When: Saturday, August 3 | 3PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

6. Birmingham Restaurant Week @ Participating locations

  • What: Save the date—Birmingham Restaurant Week returns for 10 days of food and drinks. Over 50 restaurants, food trucks, bars + cafes will be participating, so eat your heart out while supporting local.
  • When: Thursday, August 8-Sunday, August 18
  • Cost: Prices vary
  • Details

7. The J’la Gala @ Levite JCC of Birmingham

  • What: The Levite Jewish Community Center will host its 3rd annual J’la Gala to benefit its wide range of programming for children and adults. Attend the event and enjoy a cocktail hour with open bar, silent + live auctions and plated 3-course kosher dinner prepared by Chef Maureen Holt.
  • When: Thursday, August 8 | 5-8PM
  • Cost: $125
  • Details

8. 22nd Annual Heart of the House Gala benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of AL @ The Country Club of Bham

  • What: Save the day for the largest fundraising event benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Enjoy a special night filled with live + silent auctions, a delicious dinner with wine pairings + unique games. Plus, hear from a family impacted by the organization.
  • When: Friday, August 9 | 6:30-11PM
  • Cost: Couples ticket $600
  • Details

9. No Scrubs: 90s Dance Party @ Saturn

  • What: Transport back to the days of CD binders and AOL during this must-attend 90s dance party. You’ll hear music from all your faves like TLC, The Notorious B.I.G., Britney Spears, Jay-Z, Nirvana, Tupac + No Doubt. Must be at least 18 years old to attend.
  • When: Friday, August 9 | 10PM
  • Cost: $15
  • Details

10. Cahaba Heights Bargain Days @ Heights Village

  • What: If you love a bargain, this event’s for you. Taking place in Cahaba Heights, you’ll have the chance to shop deals up to 90% off on shoes, clothes, home goods, jewelry + more.
  • When: Friday, August 9-Saturday, August 10 | 10AM-5PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

11. ¡HICA!’s 4th Annual Birmingham Pig Roast @ Cahaba Brewing Company

¡HICA!
Don’t miss the annual Bham Pig Roast at Cahaba Brewing Company in Birmingham. (¡HICA!)
  • What: Celebrate this fun yearly event offering good food, family-friendly entertainment and brews from Cahaba Brewing. Event proceeds benefit the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!) and its mission to empower Latinos in Alabama.
  • When: Saturday, August 10 | 2-6PM
  • Cost: $20 in advance | $25 at door
  • Details

12. Woodlawn Street Market @ Woodlawn

  • What: This popular urban market returns in August withlocal vendors, delicious eats and a must-see King of the Streets Dance Battle.
  • When: Saturday, August 10 | 5-9PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

13. Salute to Service Gala @ The Club, Inc.

  • What: Enjoy a night out in honor of those who served and sacrificed. There will be casino games, plated dinner and dessert, dancing and the opportunity to bid and win auction items and raffle prizes.
  • When: Saturday, August 10 | 5:30-11PM
  • Cost: $250 
  • Details

14. Journey To Africa “Journey of the Drums” @ Dorothy-Jemison Day Theatre

  • What: Don’t miss this production featuring spoken word, live drumming + a repertoire of nine dynamic, engaging, original choreographed dances from local + regional artists.
  • When: Saturday, August 10 | 6PM
  • Cost: Adults $25 | Kids (2-12) $18
  • Details

15. Back to Hogwarts – Friday Nights (ages 21+) @ McWane Science Center

  • What: Those ages 21+, get ready for an exciting night featuring all things Harry Potter at McWane Science Center. There will be Harry Potter-themed programming and science demos, a cash bar, snacks, and the chance to see Harry Potter and the Prisoners of Azkaban in the IMAX Dome Theater. Psst, don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character! Go behind the scenes with us at the IMAX.
  • When: Friday, August 16 | 7-11PM
  • Cost: Admission is $35 per person and $10 for the feature film |
    • Ticket includes parking + snacks while the concession stand is open.
  • Details

16. Dragon Boat Race & Festival @ East Lake Park

Dragon Boats Race and Festival
Paddle at Mitchell’s Place’s Dragon Boat Race & Festival at East Lake Park. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
  • What: This spirited fundraising event returns for another amazing year this August. Expect action-packed boat races, family-friendly activities, food vendors, a Bloody Mary Contest and more. Event proceeds benefit Mitchell’s Place—an inclusive accredited preschool and outpatient clinic specializing in improving the lives of children and their families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. 
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 8AM-3PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

17. Birmingham Babypalooza Baby Expo @ The BJCC

  • What: Experience all things baby at this special expo. You’ll have access to expert-led education sessions and valuable resources, plus meet local parents.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 10AM-2PM
  • Cost: Get free admission when you register for the event.
  • Details

18. Art Market by Art-Hub Collective @ City Walk BHAM

  • What: Take part in this monthly market showcasing interactive art, local vendors, music + food trucks.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 3-8PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Details

19. Journey of Hope @ United Ability

Journey of Hope
Journey of Hope is a Bham-favorite event every year. (United Ability)
  • What: Show your love for United Ability during their annual fundraising event—Journey of Hope. Enjoy a night full of dinner, drinks, entertainment + silent auction, plus hear from a local family who has been positively impacted by the organization.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 5-9PM
  • Cost: General Admission Adult (age 13+) $100 | General Admission Child (age 7-12) $35
  • Details

20. 23rd Annual Picasso Pets benefiting Hand in Paw @ The Harbert Center

Picasso Pets
Vintage Picasso Pets. (Hand in Paw)
  • What: Help bring animal-assisted therapy to those who need it most. The 23rd annual Picasso Pets features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, photo booth, live auction + more.
  • When: Saturday, August 17 | 6-10PM
  • Cost: $250
  • Details

21. Alabama Rum Fest @ WORKPLAY Theatre & Canteen

  • What: Don’t miss your chance to try 50+ unique rums + cocktails while enjoying music and a charity auction. Proceeds from the event benefit Camp Seale Harris—a local organization that education, encourages + empowers kids with Type 1 Diabetes and their families to live well.
  • When: Sunday, August 18 | 2-6PM
  • Cost: $50
  • Details

22. 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival @ Participating venues in Birmingham

Sidewalk Film Festival
Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
  • What: The annual Sidewalk Film Festival returns for its 26th year this August. See a variety of movie genres produced by filmmakers across the country at designated venues across Birmingham’s Theatre District.
  • When: Monday, August 19-Wednesday, August 25
  • Cost: Day Pass $40 | Weekend Pass $105 | VIP Pass $275
  • Details

23. Chris Stapleton @ The BJCC

  • What: From country music to Southern rock, here it all live when Chris Stapleton hits the stage at The BJCC this August.
  • When: Wednesday, August 21 | 7PM
  • Cost:  $125+
  • Details

24. Latinos Con Onda 5th Anniversary Party @ Sloss Furnaces

  • What: Celebrate the 5th anniversary of Latinos Con Onda this August. The milestone event is bringing the community together for a night filled with music, dancing, food from local vendors representing all of Latin America + more.
  • When: Saturday, August 24 | 2PM-2AM
  • Cost: $15
  • Details

25. Ross Bridge 8K and Health Expo @ Ross Bridge Village Center

  • What: Slip on your sneakers and hit the pavement for this exciting running event crossing 6 distinctive Hoover neighborhoods. Make time to check out the Health Expo after the race featuring prizes, vendors + kids’ activities.
  • When: Saturday, August 31 | 8K is from 8AM-Noon | 1 Mile Fun Run is from 9AM-Noon
  • Cost: $20
  • Details

26. Purple Madness Tribute to Prince @ Iron City

iron city
See all the hot shows in Birmingham. .(Iron City / Facebook)
  • What: Head to Iron City for a music-filled night honoring the one and only Prince.
  • When: Saturday, August 31 | 8PM
  • Cost: $20
  • Details

27. Land of Infinity EDM Music Festival @ Sloss Furnaces

Land of Infinity
You won’t want to miss You won’t wanLand of Infinity (Sho Hill)
  • What: Sloss Furnaces transforms on August 31 for a music festival you’ll never forget. Immerse yourself in music and dance with world-renowned DJs, rising EDM stars + more, plus enjoy food trucks, festival art, flow art and local vendors. Must be age 18+ to attend.
  • When: August 31 | Noon
  • Cost: $34.99+
  • Details

28. Repticon @ Trussville Civic Center

  • What: Discover all things reptile at Repticon. See live animals, take part in seminars, buy exotic pets from top-quality breeders + more.
  • When: Saturday, August 31, 9AM-4PM | Sunday, September 1, 10AM-4PM
  • Cost:
    • Single Day: Adults $11 | Kids (5-12) $6
    • One Day: Adults $10 | Kids (5-1) $5
    • Super Tickets: Adults $15 | Kids (5-12) $6
    • Kids 4 and under: Free
  • Details

Bonus Event

29. 2024 Alabama Colloquium @ Von Braun Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (Huntsville)

Alabama Humanities Alliance, Alabama Colloquium
Alabama Humanities Alliance, Alabama Colloquium
  • What: Grammy winners and North Alabama natives Jason Isbell and Brittany Howard will be in Huntsville on August 26 to receive the highest humanities honor in our state during this event hosted by the Alabama Humanities Alliance.
  • When: Monday, August, 26 | 6:30-8:30PM
  • Where: Von Braun Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
  • Cost: $75-$100 + fees
  • Details

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Patience Itson
Patience Itson
Articles: 1763