Can’t Miss Alabama: Sidewalk Film Festival, Sweet Tea Festival, summer-inspired events
The 26th annual Sidewalk Film Festival is Aug. 19-25 at multiple venues in downtown Birmingham’s historic theater district. (Jaysen Michael)
Sidewalk Film Festival
The 26th annual Sidewalk Film Festival is slated for Aug. 19-25 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 26th annual Sidewalk Film Festival is Aug. 19-25 at multiple venues in downtown Birmingham’s historic theater district. (Jaysen Michael)
WildWater Cullman
WildWater is north Alabama’s newest water park featuring a 22,000-square-foot wave pool, 10 thrill rides, a kids’ splash area with eight slides and a drift river for those looking to relax. Have a meal from the Oasis Bistro for lunch, grab a quick snack at The Gully and finish the day with a frozen treat from the Iceberg. The park is open daily. Visit the website for a complete list of things to do, park hours and information.
Enterprise Sweet Tea Festival
Celebrate a Southern tradition and have a TEArrific time at the annual Alabama Sweet Tea Festival in Enterprise. The sweetest event of the year is steeped, stirred and ready to be served up at the Enterprise Civic Center and Festival Field Saturday, Aug. 17, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The festival will pay tribute to the greatest of all Southern drinks through sweet tea tastings, a best home-brew competition, sweet Southern dining experiences, shopping opportunities with craft, retail and produce vendors and live music. For more information, email specialevents@visitenterprise.com.
The Alabama Sweet Tea Festival is a celebration of the beloved beverage that has long been a staple of Southern culture. (contributed)
Sweet Tea Trio is among the performers at the Alabama Sweet Tea Festival Aug. 17. (contributed)
Franklin County Watermelon Festival
Summer’s favorite fruit will take center stage Aug. 16-17 at the annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival. The festival offers a variety of contests, 5K run and 1-mile fun run, car and truck show, food vendors, pageant, games and live music.
Festival schedule:
Friday, Aug. 16:
- 6 p.m. – Festival begins.
- 6:30 p.m. – Opening ceremony, main stage.
- 7 p.m. – Tremayne.
- 8:30 p.m. – Lover: An Eras Tour Experience.
Saturday, Aug. 17:
- 7 a.m.-2 p.m. – Car and truck show.
- 7:30 a.m. – Watermelon 5K begins (1-mile fun run to follow immediately after).
- 10 a.m. – Festival begins.
- 10 a.m.-noon – Character guests, Valley State Bank.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Watermelon contests, Russellville First Baptist Church Park.
- 6 p.m. – Rewind of the Shoals.
- 7 p.m. – Austin Bohannon.
- 8:30 p.m. – Colin Stough.
- 10 p.m. – Festival ends.
The festival takes place along Main Street (Jackson Avenue) in downtown Russellville. For more details, visit the website or call 256-332-1760. Follow on Facebook.
Russellville’s two-day Watermelon Festival will take place along Main Street (Jackson Avenue) Aug. 16-17. (Jared Davis / DJI & IMG)
Russellville’s two-day Watermelon Festival will take place along Main Street (Jackson Avenue) Aug. 16-17. (Jared Davis / DJI & IMG)
Rhythms of Color Art Festival & Student Competition
Save the date for the 18th annual Mr. Painterman Rhythms of Color Art Festival Saturday, Sept. 28, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The festival will feature live entertainment, student art competition, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, original art, pottery, jewelry, apparel, accessories, purses, eyewear, soap, perfume and books.
Guest artists include:
- Brian Dagreat, Atlanta.
- Delores Gee, Dallas.
- Clarity Level, Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Toni North, New Orleans.
The show is hosted by Blues Hall of Famer Aretta Woodruff. Admission is $20 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, call 205-617-9164 or email Java Lewis at javalewis19540@gmail.com. The venue is the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham.
Birmingham Legion soccer
The Magic City’s professional soccer team, Birmingham Legion FC, will face Detroit City FC Friday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. at Protective Stadium. Tickets are available online. Birmingham Legion FC games are broadcast live on WABM My68 and stream on CBS Sports Golazo for free. Call 205-791-7145, download the Legion FC app or follow @bhmlegion on social media for more information.
Birmingham Barons baseball
The Birmingham Barons will battle the Tennessee Smokies at Regions Field through Sunday, Aug. 18. Follow this link for the complete schedule, updates, promotions, giveaways and ticket information. Regions Field is a cashless facility.
