Free Events

The Alabama Screendance Festival at Sidewalk Cinema is where movement meets the magic of film. This dynamic program brings dance off the stage and onto the screen, showcasing short films created specifically for the camera, where choreography, cinematography, editing, and sound come together as one art form. From intimate solos captured in close-up to bold ensemble works set in unexpected locations, Screendance invites audiences to experience dance in new, cinematic ways. The camera becomes a creative partner, revealing details, perspectives, and emotional depth impossible to see from a theater seat. Each film is a world of its own, visually striking, emotionally resonant, and endlessly inventive. This screening celebrates innovation, storytelling, and the power of movement to connect us across disciplines. Whether you’re a dance lover, film enthusiast, or simply curious about something new, Screendance offers a fresh, immersive experience that lives at the intersection of art, motion, and imagination. Join us at Sidewalk Film Cinema and Festival for an evening where bodies tell stories, cameras dance, and film comes alive through movement. *This is a FREE event and SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Registering is strongly recommended to help with the check in process but does not guarantee a seat.*

All we can tell you is that it's a movie and it's bad. Join us for our celebration of bad cinema. Surprises + Fun and it's free! Grab a drink at our bar, you're going to need it. *This is a FREE event and SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Registering is strongly recommended to help with the check in process but does not guarantee a seat, and due to the popularity of this event seats can not be saved for folks who have not arrived yet. As always, our lobby bar & concessions are open to the public so if you arrive after the theatre has hit capacity please feel free to stick around for some food, drink, and board games. Also please note that these screenings often have audience engagement occurring during the film.

Join us at Sidewalk for a watch party featuring the broadcast of the 41st annual Film Independent Spirit Awards. Hosted by 'Saturday Night Live' alum Ego Nwodim, this program will recognize and honor the best in independent film and television in our lobby area. Enjoy specialty cocktails + mocktails available for purchase at the bar, lobby programming, and a ballot game (with prizes). *This is a free event. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. Seating is first come, first served*

Come to the Sidewalk lobby for the 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony hosted by Trevor Noah. Enjoy specialty cocktails + mocktails available for purchase at the bar, lobby programming + ballot game (with prizes). *This event is free and first come, first served. Ticket reservations are strongly recommended.*

On Thursday, February. 5, we're hosting a FREE Heated Rivalry marathon watch party! All six episodes will be shown on the BIG screen. The first episode is slated to begin at 3:00 pm, so be sure to get here early and claim your seat! There’ll be a 30m intermission between episode 3 and 4. We’ll also have themed specialty cocktails at the bar. Ages 18+ ONLY! No tickets necessary for this event, but capacity is limited! Seating is first come, first served. Sponsored by BAO (Birmingham AIDS Outreach).

Join us for a "good evening" in celebration of Sidewalk’s very first Filmmaker Focus of 2026 for the Master of Suspense. 🐦‍⬛ 🔪 😱 We're having a HITCHCOCK cocktail 🍸 party....and you are invited! Enjoy specialty cocktails + mocktails available for purchase at the bar, door prizes + giveaways, hair-raising photo ops + a costume contest! And for one hour (from 9-10 pm), enjoy a series of interactive Jackbox mystery games 🔍 with plenty of Hitchcocky 💀 vibes. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. * This is a free event. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. *

Join us at the Sidewalk Cinema for Monthly Movie Trivia from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm, immediately following Networking Nights. Hosted by Owen Roberts. Invite your friends and school your contemporaries over some movie trivia. We'll see you there! *This is a FREE event and SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.*

After years of helping their hubbies climb the ladder of success, three mid-life Manhattanites have been dumped for a newer, curvier model. But the trio is determined to turn their pain into gain. They come up with a cleverly devious plan to hit their exes where it really hurts - in the wallet! *This is a free event. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. Seating is first come, first served*

Head to the end zone at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema for the Big Game! Root for your favorite team while enjoying the BIG Championship game on all of our lobby screens and in lounge areas. We will have specialty cocktails + mocktails on the menu along with free party essentials (while supplies last). *This is a free event. Reservations are strongly recommended but not required. SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.*