Culture

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

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In Steven Potaczek’s new book, the musician-turned-professor argues authenticity is the one thing AI can’t fake.

Steven Potaczek

Fear Not, Creative: Samford professor’s new book tackles AI anxiety in the arts

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September 15, 2026

The historic Birmingham theatre opens its 2026-2027 season with Mary Badham and Cecilia Peck in Growing Up With Atticus, a new work exploring the legacy of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Virginia Samford Theatre

Virginia Samford Theatre marks 100 years with star-studded centennial season opener

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September 14, 2026

From a mountaintop art festival to a week-long county fair, Alabama’s calendar is packed as summer eases into fall.

Monte Sano State Park

SoulGrown Roundup: this week across Alabama (Sept. 14-20)

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September 11, 2026

Alabama Sawyer marks ten years of turning fallen trees into heirlooms—and invites the state to celebrate with them.

Alabama Sawyer table

Camp Sawyer: celebrating 10 years of Alabama Sawyer

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September 10, 2026

From Jim Crow to today, one family’s oral history of a Creole settlement—and the ground it’s slowly losing.

Utopia Club members

The history of Mon Louis Island, and the community that built its own utopia

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September 10, 2026

For the first time, Soul of the South is opening its doors to the public.

Announcing the 4th Annual Soul of the South nominees: limited tickets now available

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September 9, 2026

On a Sunday afternoon this month, one of the most recognized names in classical music will take the stage at Troy University’s Davis Theatre—not in New York, not in Vienna, but in Montgomery.

MSO Jubilee

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra opens their 50th season with Yo-Yo Ma

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September 9, 2026

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