Alabama Theatre
Alabama Theatre things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
Posts
I first went to the theater when my family moved down to Birmingham 33 years ago. It was a wreck. It needed a ton of restoration work yet you could see the 'bones' were there for a beautiful facility if the money and effort could be raised. I was 30 years old then. Now I'm 63. What an incredible difference has occurred over the years. The theater is absolutely incredible. They have restored it to it's original splendor of it's creation in 1927! The occasion for our visit tonight was a viewing of the Christmas classic WHITE CHRISTMAS. The movie remains the same which is timeless but the pre-show entertainment of the Vestavia Hills High Rockettes was beyond my expectations and was just wonderful! And the playing of the still incredibly impressive WURLITZER 'Big Bertha' organ by the house organist was worth the admission price alone! My greatest compliments to everyone who put the evening together as they made it a lifelong memory for all of us there! The evening was a joy and highlight of the season! UPDATE (8/26/23) - At the invitation of a friend I attended a 'INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SILENT FILM' presentation with guest organist Nathan Avakian at the ALABAMA THEATER. It was part of Birmingham's annual Sidewalk Film Festival. The presentation centered largely upon the WURLITZER theater organ that is more than 100 years old. I have heard the organ played several times before and enjoyed it but this day, played by Mr. Avakian, it made those 'silent films' come alive! I've never really enjoyed silent films before that you see on TV (TCM). Experienced in this place with the extraordinary variety of sounds made by Mr Avakian with 'Big Bertha' I was enthralled! Birmingham is indeed blessed to have people who donate enormous personal time to attending to, fixing, carrying for this beautiful theater and wonderful musical creation. If not for the dedication and talents of these very few a true treasure of yesteryears would be gone and an amazement would be lost. Cudos to all who have and continue to make the ALABAMA THEATER the crown jewel of Birmingham!
Keith BrittKeith Britt
00
♿️ This was my first time inside and it was for a rock show. It is gorgeous from the chandeliers and ceilings to the walls, even the bathrooms. So full of history and this is a beautiful theater. In the lobby they have a small cabinet with different Vulcan souvenirs that have been made throughout the years and just things from the time period that have been donated. The attention to detail is immaculate. Next chance I get I will definitely return. There is a handicap bathroom on the main floor. Your wheelchair will fit just fine throughout the lobby, but you may have to sit in the back, as it is all downhill getting to the seats. But, it is worth it to see this historic theater brought back to life. There are the regular restrooms down a flight of stairs. It has a huge waiting, primping area before going inside the actual restrooms. There is a bar with a few of their speciality drinks. Lines were not that long and service was pretty quick. Wonderful experience.
NovaNova
00
I used to go to Alabama Theater every Christmas with my Mama, daughter, sister, best friend, and a bunch of other family members and friends to see It's a Wonderful Life. The only movie my Mama ever wanted to see. She would make fresh pralines that would melt in your mouth and put them in baskets and make sure that there was enough to go around. We would meet and eat somewhere before we would all pile in cars together to ride to Birmingham to the Beautiful Alabama Theater. We always got there in time for the sing-along with the organ. The Alabama Theater is like stepping back in time with the beautiful light fixtures and the pop up organ out of the stage. It is just breathtaking. My Mama died in October 2011 and I went a few times without her, but it's just not the same. Though a group does continue to go. I will never forget the first time I went and stepped foot inside the Alabama Theater, that memory will stay with me forever.
Carla RCarla R
00
There’s no place like the Alabama Theatre! It truly is “the showplace of the south!” This gorgeous, historic theatre has been completely restored to the glory of its heyday. The theatre itself is spacious with tiered balconies to accommodate a large audience. They have special events - concerts, weddings, etc, in addition to a classic film series, Christmas movie season, and much more. The theatre’s 17th street sign (original to the building and removed in 1957) was recently replaced, making it even more spectacular. Concessions are inexpensive and classic, along with a bar offering mixed drinks. The opulence of this place is something that’s rare to see in today’s modern age, a throwback to stylish luxury. Visiting is a real treat, and I do so often. You’ll also find plenty of lots and street parking when you come, but do arrive early and buy tickets well before any event or movie as they sell out fast!
Elizabeth DElizabeth D
00
Absolutely Beautiful Theater with such friendly staff!! We had a family emergency and was not able to make the Nutcracker show on time. Actually my wife and I showed up an hour after the curtain closed. We hated that we missed the show but I at least wanted to show my wife the inside of the theater. Zay was out front guarding the doors and she was so nice and friendly. She called Jerry who once checking our tickets gave us a small tour of the place so my wife could at least enjoy seeing the theater. Jerry didn’t have to take time out of his busy night for this but this is the kind of people that work here at the Alabama Theater. The theater was clean and fully restored and I didn’t see a bad seat in the house. Thank you Zay and Jerry! Brett and Amy Lovell - Hoover AL
Brett LovellBrett Lovell
00
While we weren’t here for a production or a show. My company was renting the theater for a video which our corporate was filming. The staff were exceptional and extremely accommodating to our schedule that was changing. Glenny was our main contact who was an absolute delight. She helped the out of town corporate crew with everything they needed and provided us with so much insight to the history of the theater. She gave us so much information that we had no idea about. She even took us across the street to the Lyric to give us a tour and a history lesson. If you are considering using this for any event, I would highly recommend it. A big shoutout to Glenny for all the help she gave to us during this time!!
Adam WestAdam West
00
Nearby Attractions Of Alabama Theatre
McWane Science Center
Railroad Park Foundation
Birmingham Museum of Art
Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler
Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
Kelly Ingram Park
Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection
Boutwell Auditorium
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham
Lyric Theatre

McWane Science Center
4.7
(2.2K)Click for details

Railroad Park Foundation
4.7
(1.8K)Click for details

Birmingham Museum of Art
4.8
(1.2K)Click for details

Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler
4.1
(776)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Alabama Theatre
The Pizitz Food Hall
Fife’s Restaurant&Diner
Yo' Mama's
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - Med Center
Pies & Pints - Birmingham, AL
Paramount
El Barrio
Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]
Wasabi Juan's The Battery
Trattoria Zaza

The Pizitz Food Hall
4.5
(1.1K)Click for details

Fife’s Restaurant&Diner
4.3
(943)Click for details

Yo' Mama's
4.7
(841)Click for details

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - Med Center
4.5
(812)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Map
Phone
+1 205-252-2262
Call
Website
alabamatheatre.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: McWane Science Center, Railroad Park Foundation, Birmingham Museum of Art, Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler, Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton, Kelly Ingram Park, Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection, Boutwell Auditorium, Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham, Lyric Theatre, restaurants: The Pizitz Food Hall, Fife’s Restaurant&Diner, Yo' Mama's, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - Med Center, Pies & Pints - Birmingham, AL, Paramount, El Barrio, Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only], Wasabi Juan's The Battery, Trattoria Zaza

- Please manually select your location for better experience