Accessibility

ACCESSIBILITY

The 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival will take place August 24th – 30th, 2026 in Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District.

Sidewalk is committed to creating experiences that are accessible to all artists, audiences, staff, and volunteers. Please review the information below and let us know of any questions or concerns by messaging us at [email protected]

This is an ongoing effort with many improvements still in process. Your feedback is critical to creating the most inclusive experiences possible.

  • To contact our Accessibility Coordinator in advance of the Festival, please send an email to [email protected]
  • To contact our Accessibility Coordinator while on-site, please call or text us or visit the Central Box Office, located in The Gallery at The Pizitz (corner of 2nd Ave. N. and 19th St.) and request the Accessibility Coordinator’s contact card.
  • If you’d like mobility-related accommodations while at the Festival, please visit the Central Box Office and request your accessibility wristband from a box office staffer or volunteer. Our accessibility wristbands help our volunteer staff at each venue better meet your needs.
  • Wearing our accessibility wristband will provide you with early access to screening venues as well as access to our ADA shuttle service.
  • There are no dedicated parking lots or garages for the Sidewalk Film Festival, so accessible parking space availability will vary throughout the Festival footprint, on city streets, in private and city-owned lots and garages.

    Read on for more information about accessibility at each of our 2026 Festival screening and special event venues:

Alabama School of Fine Arts: Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre

Both ASFA and DJD entrances are accessible entrances, however doors do not offer the auto-open feature since the DJD theater is a part of a school campus. There are no stairs at either entrance.

The DJD has 6 wheelchair accessible seats: 1 in back in the house center, 2 in each dress circle area x 2, and 1 in the center orchestra.

ASFA offers one wheelchair accessible stall in each of their restrooms, along with one family restroom that is also wheelchair accessible.

Both ASFA and Recital Hall entrances are accessible entrances, however doors do not offer the auto-open feature since the Recital Hall is a part of a school campus. There are no stairs at the entrance. The Recital Hall is ground level with flexible seating arrangements for wheelchair seats.

ASFA offers one wheelchair accessible stall in each of their restrooms, along with one family restroom that is also wheelchair accessible.

Parking spaces for persons with disabilities are available for vehicles bearing handicapped parking stickers or license plates. These spaces are located on the south side of the Theatre. Additional spaces are in the lot in front of the main entrance.

Wheelchairs may be reserved in advance to assist in transporting guests from their vehicle to their seats. Parking lot assistance may also be arranged for people with disabilities.

Accessible restrooms are available in the main lobby. Both male and female restrooms are located in the hallways to the left and right of the concessions counter. Gender neutral restrooms may be arranged.

Wheelchair and sight-impaired seating is available. The availability of vision-impaired and hearing-impaired devices for closed-captions or assisted listening tracks vary per individual film.

There are 16 wheelchair accessible seats.

The accessible entrance to the Museum is the parking lot entrance located off of Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North, directly behind the Museum. Designated accessible parking spaces are available in the parking lot. We also have a wheelchair lift located at our main entrance on Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. However, the main lobby entrance doors are not automated.

Visitors can request manual wheelchairs from security officers at both entrances. There are two elevators that allow access to all areas of the Museum. The parking lot can only be accessed from Elevator A. The Sculpture Garden can be accessed by pressing 1R in Elevator A. Wheelchair companion seating is available in Steiner Auditorium near the Auditorium entrance and close to the stage. All restrooms include accessible stalls (3).

The Carver has ramped wheelchair entrances, ADA bathrooms, a family bathroom, and hearing assistance devices. The Carver Theater office said the 17th street parking lot located next door to the theater has ADA parking and is free on weekends.

First Church has handicap-accessible entrances and restrooms. There are reserved “Visitor” parking spots near the building’s handicap accessible entrance. The Contemporary Worship Space is one floor up, accessible via elevator or stairs.

The Lyric Theatre has several ground-level accessible entrances. 12 definitive accessible seats. 2 platforms at rear of floor seating.

The Lyric Theatre does not have a dedicated parking lot or garage.

Elevator access upon entry to the building (adjacent to stairwell).

4 wheelchair accessible seats immediately available when entering the theatre with companion seats for each.

1 accessible stall per bathroom – located in the rear of the facility.

Box office, bar and concessions counters are wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair accessible water fountain in the rear of the facility, in hallway near restrooms.

Sidewalk Cinema is a Kulture City certified venue. Check in at the box office for details.

McWane is a Kulture City partner. Elevators and ramps serve all public areas within the museum. The Sensory Room, located on Level 1 under the interior staircase, is designed to provide a safe, calming environment for visitors who are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. Visitors can ask the security guard for access to this room. Sensory bags and headphones are available for checkout at the Ticketing Counter.

Both the Kress Rooftop (VIP Lounge) and the Ballroom (screening venue) are accessible via elevator located on the ground level. The Kress Ballroom offers flexible seating arrangements for wheelchair seating.