Annual Events
Plan your visit around one of our top annual events, festivals, or holiday celebrations. See what’s happening throughout the year.
Summer Events
Helen Keller Festival
Every June, honor Helen Keller’s memory and lasting impact in Tuscumbia with a weeklong celebration, including a street festival, parade, film screenings and more.
Spirit of Freedom Celebration
Head to McFarland park in Florence to celebrate Independence Day with free fireworks over the Tennessee River. Enjoy festivities throughout the afternoon, capped off with fireworks around 9 pm.
W.C. Handy Music Festival
A weeklong tribute to W.C. Handy a.k.a “The Father of Blues,” this July festival features more than 300 events and live performances.
Spring Events
St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Florence with plenty of parties and of course green beer.
Arts Alive
This free May festival takes place in downtown Florence and features a juried display of painting, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, and photography from both local and national artists and crafters.
Memorial Day
Honor the fallen on Memorial Day in Florence and the Shoals. With multiple ceremonies and events throughout the area.
Fall Events
Labor Day Weekend
Honor workers at the Labor Day celebration in Tuscumbia featuring a parade, car and truck show, and more family-friendly fun.
Shoalsfest
Join Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit for 2 days in October as they rock out with their friends in McFarland Park, Florence. For more information on the festival, visit www.shoalsfest.net
Trail of Tears Ride
A commemorative motorcycle ride and Native American Pow-Wow with vendors of handmade Native American goods, food, and family-fun.
Shoals Dragon Boat Festival
Cheer on teams of competing paddlers racing traditional Hong Kong-style dragon boats down the river.
North Alabama State Fair
A local favorite for more than 84 years, don’t miss one of the most popular events in Northern Alabama. Held in September, the North Alabama State Fair features live entertainment, food vendors, rides, family activities, agricultural exhibits, and more.
St. Florian Oktoberfest
Did you know that German immigrants settled St. Florian in the late 1800s? Fete the arrival of autumn with a traditional Oktoberfest in St. Florian City Park featuring food, live music, and more.
Alabama Renaissance Faire
Held in Florence on the fourth weekend in October, this family-friendly event attracts more than 30,000 visitors throughout the weekend.
Halloween
Halloween in Florence and the Shoals features ghost tours, haunted houses, and many special events. Find out about all the best Halloween activities here.
Winter Events
Christmas & Holidays
Celebrate Christmas with a tree lighting, holiday parade, light boat parade, and tons of family-friendly events to get into the holiday spirit.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in the Shoals is a blast. Celebrate with live music, parties, fireworks, and more.
W.C. Handy Music Festival
Celebrate the “Father of the Blues” and Florence, AL native, W.C. Handy.
Billy Reid Shindig
Music, food, fashion and art combine for a hot summer weekend celebration in Florence, AL.
Helen Keller Festival
Remembering Helen Keller and celebrating her legacy with music, art, and activities.
Arts Alive
Get inspired by the dozens of talented artists and makers at Arts Alive.
Renaissance Faire
This October, travel back in time at the Alabama Renaissance Faire.
Live Music
The Shoals is known for its live music. You never know what well-known musician might make an appearance – possibly even a grammy award winner or two!
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