Encore Theatre and Gallery
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— Plan Your Visit

Directions & Parking.

Encore Theatre & Gallery is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Whether you're coming from across town or traveling in for a performance, we're easily accessible from I-20/59 and I-65 — with parking and transit options right at our doorstep.

The Venue

Encore Theatre & Gallery

1604 2nd Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203

— Turn-by-Turn

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Getting Here

Routes by Origin.

Tap any origin to expand step-by-step driving directions. Once you reach downtown, watch the overhead signage carefully — exits come up quickly.

  1. Step 01

    Exit the airport via Messer Airport Highway and follow signs toward I-20 West / I-59 South — Downtown Birmingham / Tuscaloosa.

  2. Step 02

    Merge onto I-20 West / I-59 South toward Downtown Birmingham.

  3. Step 03

    Take Exit 126A — Carraway Boulevard / US-31 / US-280.

  4. Step 04

    Coming off the exit, continue toward downtown and follow 6th Avenue North west.

  5. Step 05

    Turn left onto 16th Street North and continue toward 2nd Avenue North.

  6. Step 06

    Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North — you're there.

  7. Arrive

    Encore Theatre & Gallery

    1604 2nd Avenue North · Birmingham, AL 35203

Travel tipThe airport is close to downtown, but allow additional time during weekday rush hour or major downtown events.

Where to Park

Parking.

The public surface parking lot directly across 2nd Avenue North from Encore Theatre & Gallery, framed by a mature shade tree.

Directly Across the Street

The Lot on 2nd Ave.

A wide public surface lot sits just across from our front doors — shaded, easy in-and-out, and steps from the marquee.

Free evenings & weekends
The public surface parking lot across 2nd Avenue N from Encore Theatre & Gallery.

  1. Street Parking on 2nd Avenue N

    Free after 5 pm · Free weekends

    Metered spaces line 2nd Avenue North directly in front of the venue. Meters are enforced 8 am – 5 pm on weekdays and are free on evenings and weekends — perfect for most performances.

    Tip: The Park Mobile app makes daytime metered parking a breeze if you arrive early for a matinee.

  2. Surface Lot Across the Street

    Typically free · Occasional event fee

    The lot pictured above sits directly across 2nd Avenue N from the theatre. It's normally open with no charge in the evenings. During select downtown events an attendant may collect a small fee — signage will be posted at the entrance.

  3. Nearby Decks & Overflow

    Under $10 typical

    Additional public decks are within a 2–3 block walk along 3rd Avenue N and 18th Street — a good backup on high-demand nights.

Please plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before curtain. This gives you time to navigate downtown, park, check in, and get settled before the performance begins. House opens 15 minutes prior to showtime; late seating is at the discretion of house management.

Downtown Birmingham occasionally has street closures, construction, festivals, or special events — please allow a little extra travel time when needed. For the most accurate real-time route, enter our full address into your GPS or navigation app before you leave.

Public Transit

Transit & Rideshare.

MAX Transit (BJCTA)

Birmingham's regional bus network connects the theatre to neighborhoods across Jefferson County via fixed routes, the Birmingham Xpress rapid line, and on-demand microtransit. Central Station is roughly a five block walk.

Plan a Trip on MAX

Rideshare Drop-Off

Uber and Lyft drop off curbside on 2nd Avenue N. For pickup after the show, request from the front doors — 2nd Ave is a one-way running east.

Accessibility

Arriving with Ease.

Wheelchair Access

The lobby and house are step-free from street level via the main entrance. Accessible seating is available — please note any needs when booking so we can hold the right seat for you.

Accessible Parking

Designated accessible spaces are available along 2nd Avenue N and in the lot across the street. Curb cuts run the full length of the block.

Assistive Requests

Need large-print programs, hearing assistance, or advance lobby entry? Reach out via our contact page and we'll get you set.

Around the Theatre

Make a Night of It.

— Plan Your Trip

Greater Birmingham CVB

Hotels, itineraries, and the best of Birmingham for visitors arriving from out of town.

Visit birminghamal.org

— Pre-Show & After

Downtown Dining

Second Avenue North and the surrounding Loft District are lined with restaurants for every taste and budget — from classic Southern to global small plates, all within a short walk.

Safe travels

We'll see you at Encore.

Questions? Contact Us