The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank will take place August 18th – 24th, 2025 in Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District, offering screenings of more than 200 films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, networking events and parties.
We may be biased, but we think a bag of popcorn in a dimly lit theater is the perfect way to wrap up your summer. Established in 1999 as the flagship program of the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Sidewalk Film Festival has perfected the trifecta of quality film programming, filmmaker networking, and pure fun.
Repeatedly recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Festivals in the World and by TIME Magazine as one of the Top 10 Festivals for the Rest of Us, Sidewalk annually brings over 250 independent films to The Magic City. Low-priced passes, a concentrated footprint, and Southern Hospitality encourage filmmakers and attendees alike to connect during the festival week.
Sidewalk actively strives to bring a variety of films to its audience. To that end, we are pleased to highlight civil and social issues in our Life & Liberty Track, diversity-related topics and black filmmakers in our Black Lens track, LGBTQ filmmakers and content with our SHOUT track. As an Alabama festival in a city with multiple universities, we also spotlight local and student filmmakers with our Alabama track.
Great Press for the Fest
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50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee 2017
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The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival will take place August 18th – 24th, 2025 in Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District.
VIP, Weekend Passes and all add-ons will go on sale May 1st, 2025. Day passes go on sale July 1st, 2025; premium single tickets will go on sale in July (pending schedule release).
Pass prices will increase on June 1st, July 1st, August 1st, and August 21st, 2025.
Passes
VIP Pass
The VIP Pass provides you with top-tier access to the Sidewalk Film Festival – including access to Festival parties, first (or early) access to all Festival weekend films (VIP Pass holders are granted entrance first, alongside premium single ticket holders, followed by weekend pass holders, day pass holders and finally general admission ticket holders), the VIP Lounge and special perks throughout the weekend. VIP pass holders can add-on Spotlight Night tickets for only $2 at the time of checkout (regularly priced at $15). For more information on each Spotlight Night Film, Click here.</a href>
Weekend Pass
The Weekend Pass provides you with access to the Sidewalk Film Festival – including access to all Festival weekend films (remember, VIP pass holders are granted entrance first, alongside premium single ticket holders, followed by weekend pass holders, day pass holders, and finally general admission ticket holders) and the Opening Night After Party.
Day Pass
The Day Pass provides you access to all the films on your chosen day of the Festival (Saturday or Sunday). Remember, VIP pass holders are granted entrance first, alongside premium single ticket holders, followed by weekend pass holders, day pass holders, and finally general admission ticket holders. Day Passes go on sale on July 1st.
Opening Night Film + Party
The Opening Night Film + Party pass provides you with access to the Opening Night Film on Friday, August 22nd at the Alabama Theatre and the Opening Night After Party. More information TBA. Opening Night Film + Party tickets go on sale after the festival Sneak Peek.
Sidewalk Saturday Party Pass
The Saturday Night Party pass provides you with access to the Saturday Night Party. More information TBA.
Single Tickets
Spotlight Nights – $15 ($2 for VIP Passholders at time of pass purchase)
Join us for films highlighting our specialty programming tracks: Alabama Filmmakers, Life + Liberty Civil and Human Rights Films, SHOUT LGBTQ+ Films, and Black Lens.
VIP passholders can add these tickets to their cart when purchasing their VIP pass for only $2 per film at time of purchase.
To see a complete list of all Spotlight Nights the week of the festival, click here</a href>
Premium Single Tickets – $15
A limited number of premium single tickets are sold for each film block. These tickets guarantee first access to that particular film or shorts block. You must be in line at the appropriate venue at least 30 minutes before the listed showtime to ensure early access. All remaining seats are reserved for our Pass holders on a first-come, first-served basis (VIP, then Weekend, then Day). Purchase Premium Single Tickets Here.
Festival Weekend General Admission Ticket – $10
General Admission Tickets are ONLY SOLD DURING FESTIVAL WEEKEND at our festival box offices. These tickets are NOT AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE OR ONLINE. These tickets can be used for any film Festival weekend (Saturday and Sunday) where seating is available. These ticket holders are only granted access to screening venues after all VIP pass, Premium Single Ticket, Weekend pass and Day pass holders have been seated.
Festival Box Office + Event Policies
Box Office Policies
- No refunds or exchanges except in rare cases of program cancellations.
- Premium single tickets are guaranteed seating and are admitted to all screenings first, followed by VIP Passholders , Weekend Passholders, Day Pass Holders, then General Admission ticket holders.
- Premium Single Tickets are the ONLY product that guarantees seating to a specific film. General admission single tickets, day passes, weekend passes and VIP lanyards do NOT guarantee seating to specific films. Please arrive early to the films you are most interested in to secure a seat.
- VIP lanyards are non transferable.
- Please silence all mobile phones and other devices while in screening venues
- Festival schedule and filmmaker appearances are subject to change.
- No outside food or drink of any kind is allowed in any of the Sidewalk Film Festival screening venues.
- Recording devices are not permitted without Sidewalk provided media credentials.
- Most indie films have not been rated. Proceed with caution.
Contact the Box Office
- [email protected]
- 205-324-0888