Sidewalk Fest is Almost Here!

Good morning Birmingham

I hope everyone had a great start to the school year! And survived the morning traffic that is back in full force 🫠 

We’ve got a lot of activities this weekend and some small changes to the newsletter this week that show some events further into the future. One thing we want to do better is track big events weeks ahead of time to give everyone more time to plan as needed. Let us know what you think!

Let’s get to it.

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📽️ Sidewalk Film Festival

Get ready, Birmingham film lovers! The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival is rolling into downtown Birmingham August 18-24, 2025, and it's going to be absolutely spectacular.

Picture this: over 250 films transforming the Magic City's gorgeous historic venues into cinema wonderlands for an entire week. We're talking about screenings in the restored Alabama Theatre, a stunning 2,200-seat movie palace built by Paramount in 1927, plus venues like the Lyric Theatre, Alabama School of Fine Arts, and even the Birmingham Museum of Art. It's like a treasure hunt through Birmingham's most beautiful spaces, except instead of gold, you're discovering cinematic gems.

What makes this festival so deliciously different? Nearly 40% of the features have a female director or co-director, and over 20% of the lineup are Alabama-related films – talk about celebrating local talent alongside international storytelling! The festival has earned serious street cred too, being 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.

But here's the real magic: Sidewalk has perfected its own personal trifecta of quality film programming, filmmaker networking, and pure fun, with low-priced passes and a condensed footprint that encourages filmmakers and attendees alike to connect. It's not just about watching movies – it's about bumping into directors at coffee shops, discovering your new favorite filmmaker, and feeling that electric buzz of creativity that only happens when passionate people gather in one place.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a week where Birmingham becomes the coolest film town in the South! (link to full schedule)

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Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

Newly Opened

🏈 Fairway Social
Fairway Social Birmingham recently opened in downtown Birmingham's Parkside District at Urban Supply, bringing a fresh entertainment concept to the Magic City. This 7,500-square-foot venue combines virtual sports gaming with elevated dining and social experiences.

The highlight is their six Full Swing golf simulator bays - the same technology used by pros like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth - where guests can play virtual golf along with interactive soccer, football, and baseball games. Beyond golf, the venue features cornhole, ping-pong, and a full-service restaurant and bar serving chef-inspired food and craft cocktails.

What makes it extra special is The Lodge, a hidden speakeasy-style lounge tucked inside Fairway Social. Guests need to crack a code to find the secret entrance, then enjoy live music, duckpin bowling, and signature cocktails in this intimate 21+ space.

Operating Tuesday through Sunday (11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with extended weekend hours), Fairway Social is designed to bring together families and friends of all ages and skill levels for premium entertainment experiences. It's part of Competitive Social Ventures' growing portfolio of social entertainment concepts. (link)

🏊‍♂️ Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Vestavia

Tail-wagging news for Vestavia pet parents! Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is opening soon in Patchwork Farms, taking over the former Papa Murphy's spot at 3056 Healthy Way.

This isn't just any pet store – it's a "sPaw" experience where your pup gets salon-style grooming with premium shampoos and nail care, while you browse their gourmet bakery filled with all-natural treats, decorated cookies, and even birthday cakes for dogs! Located conveniently between Smoothie King and Kumon near Publix, it's the perfect spot to treat your four-legged family member like the VIP (Very Important Pup) they truly are.

Get ready to discover the "Woof Gang difference" – where professional pampering meets gourmet goodies! Grand Opening celebration this weekend! (link)

💉 Southern Research Opens $98 Million Biotech Center, Aims to Make Birmingham "Silicon Valley of the South"

Southern Research opened a new $98 million biotechnology center in downtown Birmingham on Tuesday, with officials predicting it could transform the city into the "Silicon Valley of the South" for health research.

The 150,000 square foot facility is expected to create 100 direct jobs and generate $80 million in economic growth over the next 3-5 years, according to the nonprofit research organization that has been in Birmingham since 1941. The center will focus on discovering new molecules and medicines to combat chronic illnesses, cancer, and infectious diseases, serving clients including the U.S. Department of Defense and pharmaceutical companies. Mayor Randall Woodfin said the investment charts "an even brighter future" for Birmingham's biotech industry, while University of Alabama Chancellor Sid Trant declared that the facility announces "Birmingham has become the biotechnology center of the South." State Sen.

Roger Smithermann expressed hopes that the facility will usher in an era where Birmingham becomes "the biotech valley of this country, just like Silicon Valley in California." (link)

✈️ Birmingham Airport Lease Extended to 2070 to Support $70 Million Investment Plan

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport's lease has been extended by 25 years to 2070, pushing back the original 2045 expiration date to accommodate major facility improvements.

The extension enables Atlantic Aviation and Million Air to invest over $70 million combined into their airport facilities, with the companies projecting the improvements will take 30 years to complete. Birmingham City Council President Darrell O'Quinn said the action "gives them the pathway" for these substantial investments while providing long-term certainty for the airport's operations. The extension is part of the region's broader economic redevelopment strategy, with O'Quinn emphasizing that the airport's guaranteed long-term presence creates more opportunities for development.

Officials also noted that the airport authority will have the opportunity to renegotiate agreements for the warehouse facility in the near future. (link)

🛣️ Highway 280 Construction Keeps Mountain Brook Residents Awake as Infrastructure Improvements Come at Cost of Sleep

Mountain Brook residents are struggling with severe sleep disruption from nighttime Highway 280 construction, which began in July to widen the road from two to four lanes in each direction between Lakeshore Drive and I-459 to improve traffic flow in this heavily traveled corridor.

Resident Lura Denson told the city council that jackhammering from 7 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. is so loud it wakes her children and dogs, with road crew managers warning that upcoming bridge demolition will create "the loudest two weeks of our lives." The Alabama Department of Transportation says nighttime work is necessary to avoid disrupting traffic on one of Alabama's most traveled roadways, though they promise to coordinate with contractors to minimize noise impact going forward. While the infrastructure improvements are needed for the busy corridor, the unfortunate reality is that residents must endure months of sleepless nights, with some like Denson facing social media backlash for voicing complaints.

Others are more concerned about safety issues once the two-year project is complete, with parents worrying about teenagers navigating four lanes of faster-moving traffic in each direction—one resident comparing future crossings to "playing Frogger going across 280 westbound." (link)

🎥 Movies on the Mountain: Toy Story | Vulcan Park | 08/16 | More
Gather family and friends, bring blankets and chairs, and enjoy a night of film, fun, and fantastic views!

🎬️ Moo-vie in the Park | Bill Noble Park | 08/15 | More
Free family movie on field #9 with a chance to win a Chick-fil-A themed basket!

🎪 Omnium Circus Journey of Hope | UAB Alys Stephens Center | 08/16 | More
An unforgettable one night show featuring the one and only Omnium Circus!

🎉 Family Fun Day | Mountaintop Church | 08/17 | More
Food trucks, inflatables, and face art for a great family fun Sunday morning!

🏓 Armory Square Pickleball Party | Armory Square Pickleball | 08/15 | More
Free indoor pickleball party with 7 courts, pool table, ping pong, and players lounge!

🧺 Pepper Place Farmer’s Market | Pepper Place | 08/16 | More
The most amazing local farmer’s market right in Pepper Place from 7am-12pm!

🌽 Helena Market Days | Helena Amphitheater | 08/16 | More
Back to school themed farmer’s market with local goods and a school supply drive!

💃 50 Years Gold | The Edge, Homewood | 08/16 | More
A family oriented evening of fun and food on the lawn from 5-7pm!

🏡 Alabama Home & Garden Show | Trussville Civic Center | 08/15-08/17 | More
Everything you could ever need for all home improvement projects over a long weekend!

🏗️ Magic City Youthbuild Kickoff | Housing Authority of Birmingham | 08/15 | More
Cohort for 16-24 year olds looking earn their GED and/or learn a skilled trade!

🎙️ Zero Dark Thirty | The Lodge at Fairway Social | 08/15 | More
Get ready to rock with this high octane Rock & Roll cover band!

🏍️ August Bike Night | Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson | 08/16 | More
Live music, free food, vendors, and a giveaway at the premier Motorcycle shop in town!

🤵 100 Years of Gatsby | Arlington Historic House | 08/16 | More
Roaring 20s Gatsby themed interactive murder mystery dinner event!

🍾 Brunch & Bubbly | Board In Birmingham | 08/16 | More
Boozy brunch at the only charcuterie restaurant in town - every Saturday from 9-11!

🎸 Mustache the Band at Avondale | Avondale Brewing | 08/16 | More
3 full hours of 90’s country music at one of the best breweries/venues in town!

🧸 Adopt-A-Trail Work Day | Vestavia Hills Library | 08/17 | More
Volunteer event raking, pruning, and cleaning up the Boulder Canyon Loop trail!

🏃 Tuesday Night Trails | Red Mountain Park | 08/19 | More
Walking/running in a community setting welcome to all ages, fitness levels, and even friendly pets on leashes!

Looking Ahead

🎸 Dierks Bentley | Coca Cola Amphitheater | 08/22 | More
Grammy nominated country superstar headlining at the new downtown Amphitheater!

🎨 Birmingham Art Walk | 20th St N | 9/6-9/7 | More
Two day arts festival in the heart of downtown featuring hundreds of artists, live music, street performers, vendors, and kid’s activites!

🍻 Oktoberfest | Cahaba Brewing | 09/20 | More
Festive day of Bavarian activities such as weiner dog races, keg toss, and of course drinking beer!

🇬🇷 Greek Food Festival | Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral | 10/02-10/04 | More
Opa! Fun filled weekend immersed in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Greece!

🧸 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert | BJCC Concert Hall | 10/10-10/12 | More
The 5th installment of Harry Potter live in concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra!

🏆 Parkinson’s Moving Day | Railroad Park | 10/25 | More
A wonderful community event honoring loved ones with Parkinson’s disease and supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation!