There are plenty of good reasons to spend a fall weekend in The Shoals, but ShoalsFest might just be one of the best.
I would put the best music from Muscle Shoals up against the best music from anywhere else on Earth.
On October 3rd & 4th, 2026, ShoalsFest returns to McFarland Park in Florence, bringing two days of live music to the banks of the Tennessee River. Add in legendary recording studios, downtown shopping, local food, and a little time to slow down and enjoy the scenery, and there is a whole lot to fit into one weekend.
The good news is, it can be done.
Here is a weekend guide to making the most of ShoalsFest weekend in The Shoals, starting Friday evening and carrying on through the final song Sunday night.
Friday, October 2nd
4:00 PM: Hotel Check In
Downtown Florence makes a great home base for ShoalsFest weekend. Restaurants, shops, coffee, nightlife, and plenty of local character are all close by, and McFarland Park is just a short drive away.
For travelers who like something with a little personality, GunRunner Boutique Hotel and The Stricklin Hotel are both right in downtown Florence. Those looking for a bigger resort experience can settle in at Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa and take in those Tennessee River views.
Once everybody is checked in, it's time to head downtown.
5:30 PM: Spend the Evening at First Fridays
Talk about good timing.
ShoalsFest weekend lines up with First Fridays in downtown Florence, so visitors can kick off the weekend with one of the city's favorite monthly traditions.
Downtown fills up with local makers, artists, vendors, food, music, and folks enjoying an evening out. It is an easy way to get a feel for Florence before the festival even starts.
Take a stroll down Court Street, browse the booths, pop into a few shops, and enjoy a little live music along the way.
8:30 PM: Grab Dinner and Explore Downtown
After First Fridays, stick around downtown for supper.
There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, whether the mood calls for something casual, something a little nicer, or just a late-night bite.
Saturday, October 3rd
8:00 AM: ShoalsFest Day 1
Festival days call for a proper breakfast.
Big Bad Breakfast is an easy place to start the morning with biscuits, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more to get the day moving.
9:45 AM: Head Across the River
After breakfast, make the short drive across the O'Neal Bridge toward Sheffield.
Before spending the afternoon listening to live music, it only makes sense to spend the morning learning a little about the music that made this area famous.
10:30 AM: Tour Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
There are music studios, and then there is 3614 Jackson Highway. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is one of those places where the walls have stories to tell. The studio was founded by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, better known as The Swampers, and became part of a recording history that still brings music fans from all over the world to The Shoals. Tours typically last around 45 minutes, giving visitors a closer look at the studio, its history, and the artists who recorded there.Reservations can be found here!
12:30 PM: Lunch in Downtown Florence
Head back across the river and settle in for lunch. Odette is a great choice for visitors wanting a sit-down meal before spending the rest of the day at McFarland Park.
1:30 PM: Make a Hotel Stop
Before heading to the festival, swing by the hotel one more time.Change into comfortable shoes, charge the phone, grab a water bottle, and double-check that your festival bag is clear or smaller than 12” x 6” x 12”.
2:30 PM - Late: Head To McFarland Park
Now the main event begins. Saturday's announced lineup includes Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Drive-By Truckers with Jason Isbell, S.G. Goodman, and Steve Trash. Food and drinks will be available inside the festival grounds, so you're in, you can settle in for the evening. Just remember, ShoalsFest does not allow re-entry, so make sure everything needed for the night is packed before walking through the gate. Then find a spot and enjoy the music!
Sunday, October 4th
9:30 AM: Slow Morning
Nobody needs an alarm going off at sunrise after a full festival night. Grab some coffee + breakfast (we have many great local shops!) and take time to ease into the day.
10:30 AM: Stroll Through Downtown Florence
After breakfast, spend a little time exploring downtown Florence. Walk along Court Street, wander through Wilson Park, browse a few local shops, and enjoy the historic buildings and slower Sunday morning pace. This is also a good chance to pick up a souvenir, grab another cup of coffee, or simply sit for a little while and enjoy being in town. ShoalsFest may be the reason for the trip, but this part of the weekend is what gives you a chance to really get to know what makes Florence so special.
11:30 AM: Music History
There's plenty to learn about music history in The Shoals, and Sunday is a great opportunity to do it at your own pace. With most of the region's attractions closed, you can embark on a the self-guided Roots of American Music Trail from your phone. This trail includes recording studios, museums, and other historic sites.
1:00 PM: Lunch and Something Sweet
Before heading back to McFarland Park, grab some lunch and a sweet treat at the iconic Trowbridge's Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop.Trowbridge's has been part of downtown Florence for generations, and its old-fashioned soda fountain atmosphere makes it an easy addition to a weekend itinerary.
3:00 PM: Until Late, ShoalsFest Day 2
Sunday brings another afternoon and evening of live music along the Tennessee River. The announced lineup includes Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Jeff Tweedy solo, Willow Avalon, and Steve Trash. Once inside, grab some food, find a good spot, and settle in for one more night by the river.
Things To Know Before ShoalsFest
- ShoalsFest is a rain-or-shine event, so keep an eye on the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Guests can bring beach chairs, small bag chairs, and blankets for designated areas. Guests can bring one factory-sealed water bottle that is 20 ounces or smaller.
- Empty reusable bottles are also allowed, as long as they are not glass, and water filling stations are available inside.
- Portable phone chargers are allowed, which can be mighty helpful after a full day of photos, videos, and checking the festival schedule.
- Outside food, coolers, and umbrellas are not allowed.
- Most importantly, there is no re-entry after entering the festival grounds.
- Check the official ShoalsFest website before heading out in case any festival policies or schedules change.
Make A Weekend Of It
ShoalsFest is plenty of reason to visit The Shoals, but the music does not stop at the festival gates.
It's in the studios, streets, restaurants, and the stories have been passed down around here for generations. We can't wait to welcome you!