Culture

Discover the soul of Alabama through exclusive SoulGrown stories about its rich culture

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This September, Airing of the Quilts festival registrants have the chance to win one of three one-of-a-kind quilted bags handmade by Gee’s Bend quilter Annie Lou Square.

Gee's Bend quilted bags

A piece of Gee’s Bend artistry: enter to win a handmade quilted bag

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September 3, 2026

From lakeside festivals to bonsai gardens, there’s something for everyone this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Walt's On the Roof

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (Aug. 31 – Sept. 6)

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August 28, 2026

A yearlong exhibition traces street art’s rise from the sidewalk to the gallery wall.

Mobile Museum of Art

Street art legends Banksy, Haring, and more are about to take over Mobile Museum of Art

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August 27, 2026

Nobel laureate and former Governor David Beasley believes the dinner table might be the most powerful tool for peace we have.

Jones Valley

Breaking bread: how a former governor learned that the dinner table can save the world

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August 26, 2026

A reflection on how one woman’s commitment to literacy, kindness, and generosity left a lasting imprint on a state she never lived in, but clearly loved.

Dolly Parton

To Dolly Parton, from the people of Alabama: an open letter

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August 25, 2026

Before fall takes over, Tuscaloosa’s Ernest & Hadley shares five Southern reads worth making time for.

Ernest and Hadley interior

5 last-minute Southern summer reads, according to Ernest & Hadley Booksellers

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August 24, 2026

Ahead of the 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, three programmers share their can’t-miss picks and insider tips.

Sidewalk Cinema sign

Sidewalk Film Festival is back—here’s what insiders say you can’t miss

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August 21, 2026

From a beloved film festival to whiskey tastings, car shows and farmer’s markets, Alabama has plenty to offer this week. Whether you’re looking for a night out, a family-friendly outing or a chance to support a good cause, here’s what’s happening around the state. Sidewalk Film Festival — Birmingham AUGUST 24TH-30TH Downtown Birmingham transforms into […]

Roundup

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (Aug. 24-30)

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August 21, 2026

More than 100 chefs are converging on Birmingham for 10 days of food, music, and community this September.

Heritage Dinner

Southbound Food Festival returns to Birmingham with 10 days of good food and company

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August 19, 2026

After more than a decade, Alabama Shakes is returning with a new album and a fanbase ready to welcome them home.

Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes are back with a new album and a renewed sense of possibility

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August 18, 2026

The new festival is bringing national artists, 22 local DJs, and a distinctly Birmingham experience to Sloss Furnaces this September.

Sloss Furnaces

Sloss City is bringing a new electronic music festival to Birmingham

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August 14, 2026

Our weekly roundup offers plenty of ways to get out and enjoy another beautiful week in Alabama.

Hog Days of Summer

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (Aug. 17-23)

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August 14, 2026

Filmed across central Alabama in 2023, the Matthew McConaughey-led film finally arrives in theaters this week.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey’s Alabama-filmed movie finally comes home this week

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August 12, 2026

Decades after studying art in Tuscaloosa, Miriam McClung is bringing her early sketches back to the University of Alabama.

Miriam McClung elephant sketches

A Tuscaloosa homecoming: Miriam McClung’s elephants find a new home at the Graduate Hotel

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August 12, 2026

The new film traces Owen’s journey from a DeKalb County farm boy to one of country music’s most recognizable voices.

Randy Owen

A new Randy Owen documentary will explore the musician’s life, music, and legacy

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August 11, 2026

In Florence, a fashion brand is preserving traditional sewing techniques while rethinking what sustainable fashion can look like.

Natalie Chanin working with a mannequin

How Alabama Chanin is keeping the art of hand sewing alive

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August 10, 2026

From concerts and festivals to outdoor adventures and local markets, here’s what’s happening across Alabama this week.

Buckmasters Expo

SoulGrown Roundup: events across Alabama this week (Aug. 9-16)

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August 7, 2026

The small Alabama community’s century-old quilting tradition is now the inspiration for Ralph Lauren’s latest Artist in Residence collection.

Ralph Lauren and Gee's Bend

Ralph Lauren x Gee’s Bend: inside the Alabama quilting collaboration

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August 3, 2026

The Montgomery artist explores memory, identity and Southern storytelling in his first solo exhibition, Emergence: An Introspective, opening Aug. 7 at King’s Canvas.

David Banks

David Banks finds beauty in the stories the South leaves behind

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August 3, 2026

A month of special menus, local events, and new culinary experiences shines a spotlight on the people and places feeding the Rocket City’s growing food scene.

Revivalist chicken sandwich

Huntsville Restaurant Week returns in August with special menus and events

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August 3, 2026

Across the state, the first week of August is filled with concerts, festivals and local traditions that make the most of these last long summer days.

House Plant Collective

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (August 3-9)

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July 31, 2026