All of Sidewalk's screening venues and hot spots are within walking distance from each other. It's one of the many aspects of Sidewalk that visitors love. Below are the venues from 2008. Many of these have been Sidewalk staples for years, while some are relatively new.
To see the map of the 2008 festival, click here.
1. Alabama Theatre [1817 Third Avenue North]
The Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 by Paramount Studios as an Alabama showcase for Paramount films. It was used primarily as a movie palace for 55 years. It now hosts many live events, as well as films. Each year the Theatre hosts over 300 events attended by a half million Birmingham area citizens. In 1998, the Theatre underwent a complete front door to back door restoration. The work was done by EverGreene Studios from New York City. In 8 months, the theatre went from its look of faded grandeur to a sparkling 1927 look with all the gold leaf paint either replaced or cleaned. In addition to the restoration, new carpet was installed in the ladies lounge and new drapes were installed on the stage and organ chambers. (Capacity: 2,176)
2. Harbert Center [2019 Fourth Avenue North]
With its distinguished character, elegance and charm, the Harbert Center serves as a premiere downtown location for corporate, civic and social events. The Italian granite and mahogany structure sets the stage for sophisticated social affairs while comfortable surroundings and state-of-the-art meeting amenities provide the ideal atmosphere for productive business events. Built in 1986 by a group of dedicated, civic-minded individuals, the Harbert Center serves as home to Rotary Club of Birmingham, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and more. The Harbert Center is committed to serving the many nonprofit organizations that meet on a regular basis. (Capacity: 250)
3. Carver Theatre [1631 Fourth Avenue North]
The Carver Theatre is located in the historic 4th Avenue Business District and has become a popular venue not only for local jazz artists, but for the local comedy and spoken word scene as well. We have played host to jazz legends such as Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. Hosting events from theatrical performances to jazz jam sessions to swing dance classes, the Carver Theatre opens its doors to the very best in entertainment. (Capacity: 508)
4. Alabama Showplace [1817 Third Avenue North]
A new addition to the Alabama Theatre family, the Alabama Showplace is a beautiful banquet hall that reflects the elegant style of the theatre itself. With a state of the art projector and drop-down screen, the Showplace is the perfect addition to Sidewalk this year. It is located to the right of the theatre, with an entrance less than 30 feet from the theatre's doors. (Capacity: 200)
5. Regions Center Auditorium [1900 Fifth Avenue North]
In addition to their generous support, Regions has offered Sidewalk the use of their amazing auditorium. With a generous seating capacity, the auditorium will be the perfect place to watch your new favorite film. (Capacity: 250)
6. McWane Science Center [200 19th Street North]
The Rushton Science Theater is a state-of-the-art multimedia science learning environment capable of hosting any type of program imaginable. Home to McWane's largest presentations like Combustion, Lightning Strikes!, and Body of Knowledge, the Rushton Science Theater is frequent home to extraordinary fires and huge bolts of lightning. Entrance to Rushton located on 3rd Ave N by the Alabama Theatre. (Capacity: 180)
7. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute [520 Sixteenth Street North]
The BCRI is nestled in the newly revitalized Civil Rights District. BCRI's Permanent Exhibitions offer a self-directed journey through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s on to the human rights struggles of today. It currently has four traveling exhibitions and offers numerous educational outreach programs. Since 2007, the BCRI has partnered with Sidewalk to bring you the Life & Liberty Sidebar. It is home to documentaries, features, and short films that portray human and civil rights issues. (Capacity: 60)
8. Playhouse Costume Co Op & Scene Shop [1816 3rd Ave North]
Come visit the Sidewalk Café @ the Playhouse, located right across the street from the Alabama Theatre in the heart of the festival footprint. The Playhouse was created by Ed & Mary Gurney to provide the very best in costume/scene/set design & construction, rental of costumes, props, and more. Ed and Mary have allowed us to turn their amazing costume co-op shop into a bustling hub of activity, complete with beautiful scenery and stunning costumes to admire. The Café offers a great place to meet up with friends in between screenings. With a coffee bar, and affordable and tasty snacks provided by Whole Foods, it’s a great place to recharge your batteries while deciding which film to see next.
9. Speakeasy [1920 3rd Avenue North]
If you haven't been to the Speakeasy yet, then you're missing out. Conveniently located in downtown Birmingham, the bar plays off it's address and name with throwbacks to the days of prohibition ("secret" back room, anyone?). With its beautiful brick interior and spacious layout, it's the perfect place to rest your weary eyes and let your ears take over as enjoy the sounds of the Sidewalk Music Lounge. Combining the remarkable talent of local musicians with some incredible national acts with a litany of film composition credits, the Sidewalk Music Lounge is the perfect place to kick back, relax, grab a beverage and enjoy some tunes.
