Can’t Miss Alabama: Fuel your weekend with incredible entertainment
Sidewalk Film Festival
The 27th annual Sidewalk Film Festival is underway through Sunday, Aug. 24, in Birmingham’s historic theater district. The film fest is offering screenings of more than 200 films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, networking events and parties. Venues include the Alabama School of Fine Arts, Alabama Theatre, Birmingham Museum of Art, Carver Theatre, First Church Birmingham, Lyric Theatre and Sidewalk Cinema. Click here for the schedule and here for tickets. The festival map is being updated regularly; check here for updates.
The annual Sidewalk Film Festival is underway through Aug. 24 at multiple venues in downtown Birmingham’s historic theater district. (Sidewalk Film Festival)
Black Belt Folk Roots Festival
Celebrate the 50th annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival Aug. 23-24, on the Rev. Thomas Gilmore Square (old courthouse square, downtown Eutaw). The festival will pay tribute to those persons recognized as bearers of the folkway, traditions and culture of the West Alabama Region, exemplified through their creations in craft, music, jewelry, storytelling, foodways and more. Learn more about the festival on the website.
Celebrate the 50th annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival Aug. 23-24 in downtown Eutaw. (Black Belt Roots Festival)
Hog Days of Summer
The annual Hog Days of Summer BBQ & Music Festival is set for Saturday, Aug. 23, in Montgomery. Live performances include Neal Francis, Brent Cobb, Soul Rebels, Kanika Moore and Blues Old Stand. The family affair will offer a kids’ zone with inflatables, arts and crafts and games for all ages. Purchase tickets here. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram. The venue is at 300 Water Street.
Hog Days of Summer BBQ & Music Festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 23 in Montgomery. (contributed)
Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival
The Birmingham’s Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival returns to the 4th Avenue District Saturday, Aug. 23, with live performances by The Heritage Band, Hoover High Jazz Band, Yarbrough & Company, Dee Lucas, Eric Essix and Darryl Evan Jones. There will be a variety of vendors on site. T-shirts will be on sale for $20 to $25. Admission to the festival is free. Donations are welcomed. Stay updated on Facebook and Instagram.
The crowd at the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival in 2024. (Taste of 4th Inc.)
Iron Hills Country Music Festival
Save the date for the inaugural Iron Hills Country Music Festival Oct. 11-12, at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Rising country stars and modern chart toppers will intersect with legacy country artists on two stages for an unforgettable weekend of country music and more. The complete music lineup is here. Purchase your ticket at ironhillscountry.com.
Sporting events
Cheer on your favorite team:
- Birmingham Barons will battle the Rocket City Trash Pandas at Regions Field through Sunday, Aug. 24. Follow this link for the complete schedule, updates, promotions, giveaways and ticket information. Regions Field is a cashless facility.
- Birmingham Legion FC will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Protective Stadium Saturday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online. Birmingham Legion FC games are broadcast live on WABM My68. Call 205-791-7145, download the Legion FC app or follow @bhmlegion on social media for more information.
- UAB Blazers football team will square off with Alabama State University at Protective Stadium Thursday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here. Visit the website for the complete schedule.