Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau

Annual Events + Festivals

 

Northwest Alabama Farm Toy Show

February 9-10, 2024 

The 2024 Northwest Alabama Farm Toy Show will take place February 9-10, 2024, at the Clarion Inn Hotel, 4900 Hatch Blvd Sheffield, AL. Each year during February, vendors from across the region travel to Colbert County for the Northwest Alabama Farm Toy Show to sell their merchandise and participate in display competitions, door prizes, and pedal tractor raffles. In 2023 there were more than 30 vendors, 13 displays, remote control demonstrations, display judges, and over 800 buyers from across the southeast in attendance. Mark your calendars for Friday, February 9th, from 5:00 PM-8:30 PM and Saturday, February 10th, from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM at the Clarion Inn for the Northwest Alabama Farm Toy Show!

Admission: $3.00, kids 12 and under are free.
For more information: 256-320-7490
Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Swampers 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

April 29, 2023

It's time to register for the Swampers 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run! The 19th Annual Event benefits the Shoals Civic League. Runners may pick up their packets on Friday, April 29th, from 4:30-6:30 PM or Saturday morning at the Muscle Shoals Middle School Gym. All runners will receive a t-shirt, and all 5K finishers and kids 12 and under in the 1 Mile will receive a custom finishers medal. This is a 2023 RRCA Southern Region 5K Championship event.

For more information, call 256-320-7490, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.swampers5k.com.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Recall LaGrange

May 6, 2023 

LaGrange College was Alabama’s first state-chartered college in 1830. It later became a military institute and was known as the “West Point of the South.” Union Forces burned the college and the town of LaGrange in 1863. The LaGrange Living Historical Association hosts Recall LaGrange each year, which presents living history events that commemorate the college and town. The free event includes tours of a log cabin village, wagon rides to historic LaGrange Cemetery, music, arts and crafts, and vendors.  

Admission: Free
For more information: 256-383-0783   Vendor contact: 256-446-9324
www.lagrangehistoricsite.com

 

Belle Mont Celtic Festival

May 12-13, 2023

The 2nd Annual Belle Mont Celtic Festival will be held at Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, on May 12-13, 2023. The outdoor festival will feature world-class Celtic musicians staged on the sweeping lawn of the historic home. Stirring tunes featuring bagpipe, flute, and fiddle music will be showcased by some of the most popular Celtic bands in the U.S., among them Chambless and Muse, Piper Jones Band, and Scottish native Dr. Ed Miller. This year’s Belle Mont Celtic Fest will be headlined by the Steel City Rovers on U.S. tour from Ontario, Canada. Inside Belle Mont you may enjoy chamber music, exhibits, demonstrations and panel discussions on the migratory trends into the Tennessee Valley of North Alabama by people with roots in the Celtic British Isles. The festival will include arts and crafts, food and Scottish merchandise. Advance tickets at “early bird” rates will go on sale on March 1. Full price “day-of” tickets will be available at the gate. Admission to the museum will be free with festival tickets. (Prices TBD) Belle Mont, built circa 1828, is a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission.

Keep in touch with plans by following 2023 Belle Mont Celtic Fest on Facebook. Call 256-381-5052 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.gmail.com for more information.


Muscle Shoals Street Rod Festival

June 3, 2023

This annual festival features one of Alabama's largest antique and street rod car shows. Over 300 gleaming street rods and vintage classics dating from 1972 and older will be on display in beautiful Spring Park in Tuscumbia. Come join us on the first Saturday in June.

Admission: Free
Spring Park - 1 Spring Park Rd., Tuscumbia
For more information, call 256-383-0783.


North Alabama African Heritage Festival

June 2-3, 2023

Explore African art, fashion, culture, crafts, and food at the annual African Heritage Festival. This cultural event is always held on the first weekend in June. It features traditional drumming and dance demonstrations, live music with rhythm & blues, gospel choirs, folk storytelling, and activities for the children.

Willie Green Center - 609 S. East St., Tuscumbia, AL
Admission is free.
For more information, call 256-383-0783.


Walking Tours of Sheffield and Tuscumbia

April 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2023

Each Saturday in April, free guided walking tours of historic districts take place in Sheffield and Tuscumbia. Led by knowledgeable guides, the historic tours travel past structures that date before the Civil War. Tuscumbia boasts one of the state’s best collections of antebellum structures, and Sheffield offers Victorian and Craftsman-style homes and structures.

Admission is free.
For more information, call 256-383-0783.


The Miracle Worker (Alabama’s Official Outdoor Drama)

June 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24, and July 7,8,14,15, 2023

Performed at the outdoor theater on the grounds of the historic Helen Keller Birthplace, William Gibson's play The Miracle Worker recalls the childhood of the deaf-blind child, who became known as “America’s First Lady of Courage”, and her gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan. See the world of communication open to Helen at the very spot the miracle took place. The outdoor drama is the longest consecutively running drama in the state. This annual performance is held on Friday & Saturday evenings from June to mid-July. Gates open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm. Concessions are available.

300 N. Commons W., Tuscumbia
General admission is $10.00, and Reserved admission is $15.00.
For more information and to reserve tickets, call 256-383-4066 or visit www.helenkellerbirthplace.org  


Helen Keller Festival

June 22-25, 2023

This popular festival pays tribute to America’s “First Lady of Courage” with four days of activities: parade, fine art & crafts show, food vendors, art exhibits, Keller Kids, staged musical entertainment, history programs, tours, and two performances of “The Miracle Worker Play.” This is a STS* Top 20 and ABA* Top 100 event.

This annual festival is held on the 4th weekend in June (Thurs-Sun) in beautiful downtown Tuscumbia & Spring Park.

Most events are free, with an admission charge to the evening concerts. For more information call 256-412-7346, 256-383-4066 or visit www.helenkellerfestival.com


Saddle Up for St. Jude

July 13-15, 2023

Horseback trail riding, auctions, wagon rides, roping demonstrations, headliner concerts, and much more mark this two-day charitable event. This horse-related event benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and is the largest in the Southeast. This is a STS* Top 20 event and is held on the 3rd weekend in July. 

Gardiner Farm
1 Underwood Road
Tuscumbia, AL
Admission: donations of $20 Thursday, $20 Friday, and $40 Saturday, or $60 for 3-day pass. 
For more information, call (256) 383-0783 or visit Saddle Up for St. Jude - Facebook Page or www.saddleup4kids.org 

256-446-5392 or 1-800-282-7436


W.C. Handy Music Festival

July 22 - July 29, 2023   Various Event Locations

In tribute to the “Father of the Blues,” the area comes alive for a full week with music performed day and night in auditoriums, parks, restaurants, and other venues.

STS* Top 20 and ABA* Top 100 event.
Last full week in July.
Free & ticketed events.

For more information, call 256-766-7642 or visit www.wchandymusicfestival.org.


Labor Day Events

September 4, 2023

Cherokee

The Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration is held at the world’s only Coon Dog Cemetery. Over 300 coon dogs have been laid to rest in this once popular hunting camp known as Freedom Hills. Enjoy “old time” bluegrass music, buck dancing, local barbecue, and a liar’s contest. This is an STS* Top 20 event. Celebration times are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

4945 Coondog Cemetery Road
Cherokee, AL
Admission is free.
256-383-0783

Tuscumbia

Labor Day in Spring Park, Tuscumbia, is celebrated annually with a parade, live music, traditional political speeches, and a beauty contest. This is the nation’s oldest labor union celebration. Free event. 


“Oka Kapassa” – Return to Cold Water American Indian Festival

September 8-9, 2023

This festival commemorates Native American Heritage in Northwest Alabama as the Nations journey back to “recollect” Tuscumbia hospitality that was shown during the early 1800s. Experience aspects of authentic culture showcased in storytelling, dancing, music, arts & crafts, and a torch-lighting ceremony. This festival is celebrated each second Friday and Saturday in the month of September. This is a STS* Top 20 event.

Spring Park - 1 Spring Park Rd., Tuscumbia
Admission is free.
For more information, visit www.okakapassa.org


Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride

Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride From Chattanooga, TN to Waterloo, AL

September 16, 2023

This annual motorcycle ride pays respectful tribute to the celebrated route once taken by the Cherokee Indians. Included in this ride are American Indian pow-wows and various activities such as drumming and dancing, vendors in Waterloo, and many stops all along the Trail of Tears. This is held each year on the 3rd Saturday in September and offers free live entertainment.

Admission is free.
For more information, visit al-tn-trailoftears.net

 


TVAA'S Winter Art Market

 

November 15- December 23, 2022

Find the perfect gifts for your loved ones at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art's Winter Art Market. 50+ local and regional fine artists will have booths in the market, selling works varying from paintings and pottery to jewelry, baskets, and scarves. A wide range of price points will be available, so whether you’re looking for small stocking stuffers or elaborate gifts, the market will have special, one-of-a-kind treasures.

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
511 N. Water Street
Tuscumbia, AL  35674
256-383-0533

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for TVAA members. 

 

 

“It’s a Dickens Christmas Y'all” – Downtown Tuscumbia, AL

December 9, 2023

Along downtown streets, Tuscumbia. Holiday festival reminiscent of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” with horse-drawn carriage rides, snow falling, music, and food vendors.  Admission is charged for some events. Sponsored by Tuscumbia Retail Development. More information: 256-383-9797