Why you’ll love Birmingham Artwalk, a free local festival in downtown, Sept. 6-7

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Birmingham Artwalk 2023
See local and regional artists at Birmingham Artwalk. (Larry O’Gay)

On September 6 and 7, the streets of downtown Birmingham will come alive with live music, street performances, food and drink vendors and—of course—more than 100 visual artists showing their work during the 22nd annual Birmingham Artwalk.

Read on to learn more about this free, two-day festival and how you can attend.

Birmingham Artwalk is back + bigger than ever

Birmingham Artwalk 2023
Birmingham Artwalk takes place in downtown Birmingham. (Larry O’Gay)

Imagine a New Orleans-esque gallery in the streets, with visual artists, live performances, food and drink vendors and much more. That’s what you’ll find on the first day of Birmingham Artwalk.

Saturday’s events are geared toward the family crowd, with a Kid Zone open all day Saturday in the Forstall Arts Center parking lot and multiple live performers set up throughout the festival.

Birmingham Artwalk
The festival will take place in four city blocks + several buildings downtown. (Birmingham Artwalk)

Fun Fact: With more talented artists than ever before, Birmingham Artwalk has extended its footprint to include an extra block as well as space inside the Iron Age Building at 212 20th Street North.

  • What: The 22nd annual Birmingham Artwalk
  • When:
    • Friday, September 6 (5PM to 10PM)
    • Saturday, September 7 (10AM to 6PM)
  • Where: Artwalk District, 1st Ave. N and 5th Ave. N along 20th Street N
  • Price: FREE

Support talented local artists at Birmingham Artwalk

Birmingham Artwalk 2023
Birmingham Artwalk is fun for the whole family. (Larry O’Gay)

At its heart, Artwalk is a celebration of emerging local artists. Their work is represented in a variety of mediums, including:

  • Ceramics
  • Digital Art
  • Drawing
  • Fiber
  • Glass
  • Jewelry
  • Leather
  • Metal
  • Mixed Media
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Watercolor/Gouache
  • Wood

Over 100 artists will display their work at Artwalk, such as:

  • Steve Dunlap, a professional drone photographer and videographer out of Birmingham.
  • Eric Poland, a local painter known for his vivid depictions of local landmarks.
  • Candy Mayer, a local painter specializing in landscapes and still lifes, with a signature Van Gogh-inspired pastel style.
  • Michelle Carter, a ceramic artist creating fun, functional pieces.
  • Andrew and Jellique Frazier, a metalworking duo specializing in both functional and decorative objects made from copper.

Click here to check out the work of the artists participating in Birmingham Artwalk 2024.

Enjoy live music and local performers

(Birmingham Artwalk)
Several artists from across Alabama will perform at Artwalk. (Birmingham Artwalk)

This year, Artwalk will give a “street fair” vibe with performers located throughout the four blocks.

Two local bands will perform on Friday evening:

  • The Murder of Jane Crow (Birmingham)
  • Guntram Anderlik (Birmingham)

Saturday will feature several performers from across Alabama:

  • Tyler AK (Huntsville)
  • Cheyloe and Kyle (Birmingham)
  • The Steel City Jug Slammers (Birmingham)
  • Lindy Urban (Muscle Shoals)
  • Jug Johnson (Tuscaloosa)
  • Tony Rodio (Birmingham)

Grab a bite or drink at local restaurants, bars + food trucks

Zaza / Orchestra Partners
Trattoria Zaza is a popular restaurant in downtown Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Hungry? Artwalk is the perfect excuse to visit your favorite local restaurant—or try a new one! Restaurants within walking distance of Artwalk include:

BONUS: This year, Artwalk is hosting concession bars on each block, with cold beer, cocktails and Coca-Cola products available for purchase.

Artwalk
Love local art? You’ll love Artwalk. (Larry O’Gay)

In addition, you can take a break from the heat with a refreshing drink from one of these local bars:

Mark your calendar for Birmingham Artwalk, Sept. 6-7

Birmingham Artwalk
Support for favorite local artists. (Larry O’Gay)

Don’t miss out on one of the most exciting events of the year! Mark your calendars for the 22nd Birmingham Artwalk, September 6 and 7.

Birmingham Artwalk is made possible by the support of several sponsors, including:

  • Lenovo
  • Patty Pilkerton
  • Stella Artois
  • Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED
  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • 2nd Avenue Storage
  • Bancography

Planning to attend the 22nd annual Birmingham Artwalk? Tag @bhamartwalk to let them know + follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the event!

Sponsored by:

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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