“Summer” goes until September 22, so don’t miss any of these fantastic festivals!


We know that there is always so much *Happenin’ in the Ham,* but here is our list of “Must Attend” festivals this summer! Check out the details, map links, and event links below to get all the inside info! **[#RUhappenin](https://www.instagram.com/happeninsintheham/)** ___

Birmingham Innovation Week 2018
Birmingham Innovation Week

July 9-13
At: Downtown Bham (map)
Kick off Innovation Week 2018 at Iron City on July 9th (5:30pm)! After that, there will be a plethora of events throughout the week culminating with Sloss Tech 2018! While a lot of the events take place at Innovation Depot, many of them will be at various locations in our city. Some of the events require pre-registration, so click the link below for a full list! Don’t forget to use #IWB2018 when you are sharing to social media! You are going to love this celebration of creatives, risk-takers, and innovators!
Click here for more info.


![Sloss Tech 2018](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/07/fest-Sloss-Tech.jpg) **Sloss Tech 2018
Fri, July 13, 9am-3pm At: Lyric Theater ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lyric+Theatre/@33.5152268,-86.8117908,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891b9181ae0f87:0x23d9263389211a7d!8m2!3d33.5152268!4d-86.8096021))** Sloss Tech teamed up with Sloss Fest to offer an inspiring weekend that provides a venue for thought-provoking presentations and workshops covering the latest in creative thinking and emerging technologies. Sloss Tech's mission is to become a hub for our technological community to network, share ideas, and push boundaries of innovation. In the past the festival has featured Gary Vaynerchuk and Casey Neistat! This year brings us Uber's Chief Brand Officer, and former Apple Music Marketing Executive, Bozoma Saint John! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sloss-tech-2018-hosted-by-techbirmingham-telegraph-tickets-46024613859)**

Sloss Fest Blast Stage
Sloss Fest 2018

Sat & Sun, July 14 & 15

At: Sloss Furnaces (map)
Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Arcade Fire, Griz, and so many more great artists are heading to the historic Sloss Furnaces for the 3rd annual Sloss Fest! If you haven’t attended before you need to start this year! For Sloss Fest veterans, there are always new things to keep you engaged between bands! You can check our past Sloss Fest Survival Guide HERE for tips to get the most out of the festival! We will be posting live from inside the festival. If possible, upgrade to the Iron Pass! It gets you access to tents with seating, chargers, and AIR CONDITIONING! No matter what type of ticket you have, we can guarantee a great time!
Click here for more info.


![Art on the Rocks 2018 Birmingham](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/07/fest-AOTR-2018.jpg) **Art on the Rocks
Fri, July 27 & Fri, August 17 At: Bham Museum of Art ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Birmingham+Museum+of+Art/@33.5192551,-86.79517,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891b9a8d8a002d:0x4ff9c6343444caba!8m2!3d33.5222197!4d-86.8100693))** The final two Art on the Rocks events are coming up soon! July 27th, **[The Seratones](https://www.facebook.com/seratonesofficial/)** bring their unique style of Gulf Coast Jazz/Rock/Blues to the stage. Then, on Aug. 17th, Tank and the Bangas are sure to draw a huge crowd! Art On The Rocks is bringing Friday nights of entertainment to downtown Birmingham with artist collaborations, interactive performances, food, cocktails, and more! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/BMAArtOnTheRocks/)**

Secret Stages 2018
Secret Stages

Fri, Aug. 3 & Sat, Aug. 4
At: Avondale District (map)
Secret Stages is moving to Avondale! That’s right! Birmingham’s music discovery festival has outgrown the Loft District. Former acts include The Seratones, Daws, and St. Paul and the Broken Bones! This is definitely a “before they were famous” festival, and make no mistake, some of these bands will be quite famous very soon! One tip: BUY THE VIP PASS! It is such a great deal! You get a private, air conditioned area, that has its own stage, beer, and includes food catered by some of your favorite local restaurants! Trust us on this one!
Click here for more info.


![Magic City Brewfest](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/07/fest-MC-Brewfest-2018-1.jpg) **Magic City Brewfest
Fri, Aug. 10 & Sat, Aug. 11 At: Avondale Park ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Avondale+Park/@33.5217307,-86.7745568,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891a5aa6e2ea43:0x58931fc3f0734b33!8m2!3d33.5217307!4d-86.7723681))** Magic City Brewfest returns to Avondale Park for 2018! Come and sample tons of brews from Birmingham and beyond. There are always so many varieties to choose from that there is sure to be a favorite beer for everyone to seek out! PRO TIP: Make a pretzel necklace at home, with a little yarn, and wear it to the event! This will provide you with a much needed snack and palate cleanser between samples! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/magiccitybrewfest/)**
![Birmingham Restaurant Week 2018](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/07/fest-brw-2018.jpg) **Birmingham Restaurant Week
Fri, Aug. 10 – Sun, Aug. 19 At: Participating Restaurants** Enjoy dining out at more than 70 restaurants during this 10-day event - plus sample delicious dishes, wines, local beers and cocktails during our interactive tasting experiences that uncover all Birmingham has to offer. From fine dining to down-home cookin’, food lovers with a taste for adventure can enjoy sampling two and/or three course lunches or dinners from prix-fixe menus ranging from $10 to $40 per person – making it easy and affordable for everyone to enjoy a taste of Birmingham’s diverse and flourishing culinary scene. Head to our **[“Eatin’ and Drinkin’”](http://happeninsintheham.com/tag/eatin-and-drinkin/page/2/)** page to see some of our past BRW experiences! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.facebook.com/events/1075448155941944/)**
![Sidewalk Film Festival 2018](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/07/fest-SWFF-2018.jpg) **Sidewalk Film Festival
Thurs, Aug. 23 – Sun, Aug. 26 At: 3rd Ave. N ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Alabama+Theatre/@33.5148887,-86.8112821,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88891b93d9c2fb7b:0x607c0735ce1f64d3!8m2!3d33.5148887!4d-86.8090934))** Join us for the 20th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival in downtown Birmingham! Another year of great films, food, parties, and a sneak peek at the new cinema is the perfect way to wrap up your summer. 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 200 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. Happy Sidewalk!!! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.sidewalkfest.com/)**
![Southern Social Summit](https://s3.amazonaws.com/happenins-in-the-ham/2018/07/fest-s3-banner.png) **Southern Social Summit
Friday, August 31 At: Rosewood Hall ([map](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Homewood+City+Hall/@33.5830184,-86.880015,11z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1srosewood+hall!3m4!1s0x8889197b6b703cb9:0x1e3b4be20c062e48!8m2!3d33.4804255!4d-86.7902625))** Southern Social Summit is a conference dedicated to exploring the science and discovering the art behind social media marketing. Experience a one-day serving of collaborative workshops, networking, and insight from the industry’s thought leaders! Meet future partners/clients/influencers, gain actionable steps and tactical takeaways to improve your social media presence, and create lasting memories and relationships! Did we mention giveaways and SWAG BAGS?! See you there! **[Click here for more info.](https://www.southernsocialsummit.com/)**

Art Walk 2018
Artwalk 2018

Fri, Sept. 7 & Sat, Sept. 8
At: Bham Loft District (map)
Head down to the Loft District on 2nd Ave N for Artwalk 2018! You’ll be able to shop dozens of local artists and makers while you enjoy live music and other fun activities for FREE! This is always one of our favorite events since we can chat with artists who we’ve been following on Instagram! Bring a tote bag, because you are sure to find a piece or two to take home with you!
Click here for more info.

Mac and Cheese Festival 2018
Mac N Cheese Festival

Sun, Sept. 9, 1-4pm
At: Brookwood Village (map)
Come out to the 2nd Annual Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival! Come taste various Mac N' Cheese dishes from your favorite restaurants, food trucks and caterers in Birmingham! This year the Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival will be held at Brookwood Village! Stayed tuned for more information about vendors, music, and new fun additions to this year's event! All proceeds benefit Community Grief Support to help fund free grief support groups, grief counseling and community grief education in the Greater Birmingham area.
Click here for more info.