Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Everything you need to know about the 28th Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham (August 24-30, 2026)
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It’s that time of year again—Birmingham’s biggest celebration of independent film is back!
From August 24-30, 2026, the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival will transform downtown Birmingham into a movie lover’s destination, complete with 200+ screenings, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, networking events and plenty of chances to find your next favorite movie.
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for another year, here’s everything you need to know before the festival begins.
Everything to know about Sidewalk Film Festival 2026
What is Sidewalk Film Festival?
Founded in 1999, Sidewalk Film Festival is a weeklong showcase of independent cinema, with hundreds of feature films, documentaries, shorts and Alabama-made productions screening in several venues spread across downtown Birmingham. Held in August, the Festival draws thousands of film fans from around the world to Birmingham for filmmaker Q&A’s, panels and workshops, networking opportunities, festival parties and—of course—the opportunity to experience screenings in some of the city’s most iconic historic venues.
- What: The 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival
- When: August 24-30, 2026
- Where: Downtown Birmingham Historic Theatre District
- Tickets: Available now through Sidewalk Film Festival
What movies can I watch at Sidewalk Film Festival?
With more than 200 films spanning virtually every genre—from documentaries and dramas to horrors and comedies—as well as hundreds of independent short films, I simply don’t have the space to list them all here. Instead, you can find the full list of screenings on Sidewalk’s website.
Where is Sidewalk Film Festival located?
The week-long Sidewalk Film Festival takes place in downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District, with screenings and events hosted in multiple venues, including:
- Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA)
- Alabama Theatre
- Birmingham Museum of Art
- Carver Theatre
- First Church Birmingham
- Lyric Theatre
- Sidewalk Cinema
- Kress Ballroom
- McWane’s Rushton Theater
- Main Box Office + VIP Pass Pick-up (The Gallery at the Pizitz)
- VIP Lounge (Kress rooftop)
- Lakeview Marina
- Golden Age Wine Garden
The Central Box Office will be located in The Gallery at The Pizitz Building, where attendees can pick up passes, receive festival information and get assistance during the event.
Pro tip: Since the events are spread throughout downtown, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes!
How do I plan my schedule?
With hundreds of screenings and events happening throughout the week, it’s (sadly) not possible to see every film at Sidewalk Film Festival.
To help plan your Festival experience, Sidewalk recommends creating a free Sched account prior to the festival, where you can browse films, save favorites and build out a personalized itinerary.
Pro tip: Arrive early for popular screenings and leave some extra time to walk between venues!
What type of ticket should I buy?
With tickets ranging from single-movie stubs to week-long VIP passes, the best ticket option for you depends on how much of the festival you want to experience.
- If you’re looking for top-tier access, the Festival VIP Pass offers the most access—including entry to the Opening Night After-Party and the Saturday Night Party, access to the VIP lounge and exclusive VIP discounted tickets to select Festival Week special events.
- Weekend Passes and Day Passes are ideal for attendees focusing on the busiest days of the festival, while individual tickets are a great option if you only have time for one or two screenings. Learn more about ticket options here.
How do I get tickets to the 28th annual Sidewalk Film Festival?
Whether you’re an avid cinephile or a casual moviegoer looking for a memorable week in downtown Birmingham, there’s something for every movie fan at the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival. Visit Sidewalk Film Festival’s website to learn more + get your tickets today.
What film (or films) are you looking forward to seeing at the 28th annual Sidewalk Film Festival? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
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