Events

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Kids in Kayaks Docent Training

McFarland Park Florence, AL

Become a Kids in Kayaks docent for youth ages 11-18. Kids in Kayaks help develop an appreciation for paddling culture & the Tennessee River. This training, 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, at McFarland Park, Florence, teaches docents how to set up, run & take down program learning activities. During Kids in Kayaks sessions, you'll be […]

Tennessee River Litter Tournament

McFarland, Riverfront & Wildwood Parks Florence & Sheffield, AL

Join Keep the Shoals Beautiful for the 7th Annual Tennessee River Litter Tournament, 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24! Fish for litter in the water, on the shorelines at Riverfront or […]

Young Learners Series — Mussels

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

October's Young Learners Series, at the Florence Indian Mound Museum, focuses on the importance of freshwater mussels to the Southeastern peoples. Students will create an exhibit about what they've learned. The […]

Free

Colbert County Recreational Trails Master Plan Community Engagement Event

Sheffield Public Library 316 Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, Alabama, United States

There are many exciting recreation initiatives happening across north Alabama, including Tennessee RiverLine & Singing River Trail. MSNHA is working with the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance […]

Colbert County Recreational Trails Master Plan Community Engagement Event

Leighton Town Hall 8900 Main St, Leighton, AL, Leighton, AL, United States

There are many exciting recreation initiatives happening across north Alabama, including the Tennessee RiverLine & Singing River Trail. MSNHA is working with the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation […]

Trail Care: TVA Native Plant Garden

TVA Native Plant Garden Muscle Shoals, AL

Join us at the TVA Reservation, Muscle Shoals, 7-10 a.m., as we continue restoring the Native Plant Garden. The Shoals Wildflower Society started the garden in the early 2000s & have maintained it with other local groups, but help is needed! We will prune invasives along the garden's trails as we learn about native plants […]

Trail Care: TVA Native Plant Garden

TVA Native Plant Garden Muscle Shoals, AL

Help us steward our community's native plant garden at the TVA Muscle Shoals Reservation. Click here to register.

Appalachian Teaching Project

But don't worry -- we'll watch the movie indoors where it's warm! Join the University of North Alabama’s Appalachian Teaching Project in the downtown Courtland Park, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, as we celebrate the history of Courtland and think about its future. Learn about the Singing River Trail & Tennessee RiverLine, play lawn games […]

Young Learners’ Series: Arthur C. Parker

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound & Museum's Young Learners' Series, 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, focuses on Arthur C. Parker, Seneca, a museum director & archaeologist and an early advocate for Native American Heritage Month. The Young Learners' programs explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. Beginning this month, […]

Black Friday concert to benefit Muscle Shoals Music Camp & MSNHA music programming

Shoals Theatre 123 N. Seminary St., Florence, AL

Sick of turkey & shopping? Come join the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area at the historic Shoals Theatre, in Florence, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, & dance off some of the stuffing you consumed the day before. Thad & Company will start the show, followed by Lilly Hiatt. Then Billy Allen and the Pollies will […]

Young Learners Series — Pushmataha

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum hosts a series of children’s programs exploring 12 Native Americans through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport and will receive a stamp for each program attended -- awards are given at six, nine & 12 stamps. December's program, 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, focuses […]

“Southeastern Native Americans—Fact, Fiction, and Folktales”

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum is collaborating with the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association to host a  series will focus on different aspects of Southeastern Native American history & culture. Presentations will be both in-person & recorded. Author & lecturer Paul Matheny's presentation will examine the reasons for the removal of the […]

Young Learners’ Series — Nanyehi (Nancy Ward)

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of programs for students to explore Shoals' early history. The programs explore 12 Native Americans through their biographies, contributions, hopes & […]

Bad Kitty Trail Race 5K and 10K Fun Run

Wildwood Park State Route 13, Florence, United States

The MSNHA is excited to bring you the 2023 Bad Kitty Trail run, which has 5K & 10K options. The race will begin on the campus on the University of North Alabama & finish in Wildwood Park. It does include approximately a mile of road running before the trail run begins. At the race's conclusion, […]

Bad Kitty Trail Party

Wildwood Park State Route 13, Florence, United States

After the Bad Kitty 5K/10K Trail Run, 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, join the after-party from 9 a.m. to noon to celebrate all that Wildwood Park has to offer. We'll have food by Rivertown Coffee, music by Coffee Black, shopping with outdoor & recreation vendors and a silent auction to benefit MSNHA recreation programs. Register for […]

Young Learners’ Series: Te Ata

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs for students to explore early Shoals history through short lessons & hands-on learning. The programs explore 12 Native […]

Village School Workday

Join in 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, as we continue restoring Village One’s School with the Village School Foundation. Each person may contribute in a way they are most […]

Shoals’ RiverTowns Volunteer Training

Become a community paddle leader with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area! Create accessible & memorable experiences for others to enjoy the natural wonders of the Tennessee River & its tributaries throughout 2023 in the Shoals' RiverTowns program. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or have never touched a paddle, all are welcome to participate. […]

“Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals” Author Talk

Cultural musicologist Christopher Reali will discuss the process of writing his 2022 book, "Music and Mystique in Muscle Shoals," and what he learned about Muscle Shoals music along the way. Based on years of archival and oral history research, the book is one of the most comprehensive histories of the music that rocked the world.

League of Outdoor Women March Hike — Pine Torch Horse Loop

Bankhead National Forest Pine Torch Trailhead 3638 County Road 70, Moulton, AL, United States

You asked for longer hikes and we are happy to oblige! Join us for the ladies-only 12.2-mile hike into the Bankhead Forest along the Pine Torch Horse Loop trail. This trail is rated moderate to challenging but will show the beauty that Bankhead never fails to provide. Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m. and […]

Young Learners Series: Deb Haaland

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs on the Shoals' early history using short lessons & hands-on learning. The programs explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will be given a passport with the 12 figures & a stamp for each program attended. Students […]

“Cheers to Plants! A Wildlife Gardening Event

Esther's Eatery, Florence 1416 Huntsville Road, Florence, AL, United States

Learn about essential native plants and how they support wildlife at Esther's Eatery & natural wine shop. Everyone goes home with a plant! Wildlife gardening enthusiast Abbie Hyche will highlight five native plants, their benefits to wildlife and functions in the landscape. Everyone will be given a native plant to add to their garden. Additional […]

The Shoals’ RiverTowns Community Paddle on Cypress Creek

Wildwood Park State Route 13, Florence, United States

The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is excited to begin our 2023 paddling season with a community paddling event on Cypress Creek! We will learn about the Tennessee RiverLine and the history of Cypress Creek while exploring the creek's waters, watching for wildlife & enjoying an easy, beginner-friendly paddle experience lasting around 2 hours and […]

Project Threadways Symposium

Alabama Chanin - The Factory Florence, AL, AL

Join Project Threadways, in Florence, Thursday-Saturday, April 20–22. We'll share stories of those have worked with textiles and in the process created economic opportunity, organized resistance & achieved self-determination. The 2023 Project Threadways Symposium offers discussions, presentations, a sewing circle, tour of Alabama Chanin's The Factory and more. Tickets are here.

Celebrating Cane Creek Canyon

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, AL, United States

Spring is one of the best times to visit Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve – the waterfalls are flowing & wildflowers are blooming. This year is even more special as […]

TVA Native Plant Garden workday

TVA Native Plant Garden Muscle Shoals, AL

Join us as we prune invasives along the garden's trails & learn about native plants from Alabama Master Gardener Margie Anderton. Wear closed toe shoes & clothes you don't mind getting dirty and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. Meet at the pavilion near the garden. Our efforts at the Native […]

The Shoals’ RiverTowns Community Paddle on Second Creek

Second Creek Boat Launch, Rogersville

The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is excited to begin its 2023 paddling season with a community paddle at Second Creek in Rogersville! We will learn about the Tennessee RiverLine, the natural history of the Tennessee River & nearby Joe Wheeler State Park while exploring Second Creek’s waters, watching for wildlife and enjoying an easy […]

Young Learners’ Series — Tuscumbia

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

This program & activity focuses on Chickasaw chief Tuscumbia, for whom the city of Tuscumbia is named. Tuscumbia sold land to the Dickson family, considered to be the first white […]

Young Learners’ Series — Mary Golda Ross

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

June's Young Learners' Series features Cherokee engineer Mary Golda Ross, the great-great granddaughter of Principal Chief John Ross. Born in 1908, Ross graduated college with a mathematics degree & studied […]

An Evening with Crystal Gayle

Norton Auditorium 500 N. Pine St., Florence, AL, United States

Crystal Gayle concert presented by the non-profit Shoals Scholar Dollars to raise money for local students to attend college. Go here to buy tickets and here to learn more about […]

Young Learners’ Series: Dragging Canoe

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

July's Young Learners' Series is about Cherokee chief Dragging Canoe, who led a separatist group to Chickamauga Creek in 1776. Known as the Chickamauga Cherokee, this group resisted American encroachment […]

W. C. Handy Music Festival

The Shoals AL, United States

A 10-day long series of primarily music events occurring in and around the Shoals which honors William Christopher “W.C.” Handy and the musical legacy of the “Hit Recording Capital of […]

Summer Soiree

Tuscumbia Depot and Roundhouse 204 W 5th St., Tuscumbia, AL, United States

Celebrate the end of Shoals Symphony at UNA's 40th season on a perfect summer evening at the Shoals Symphony Summer Soireé. Enjoy chamber music, authentic Dixie-Land Jazz and the world […]

Village One School Workday

Help us continue restoring Village School in Sheffield, working with the Village School Foundation. Drop in anytime from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 22. Village One's school building is […]

Handy Street Party

Soul Wingery Florence, AL

Join us for the third annual Handy Street Party, 6-11:30 p.m., Thursday, July 22, in front of Soul Wingery (rain location is Singin' River Live). This year's lineup is Dos Fuegos, Bold Bloom, Coffee Black, Thad & Co. and Billy Allen & the Pollies. There will be food vendors, and you can go around the […]

WALKING IN MEMPHIS: Songs and Stories

Shoals Theatre 123 N. Seminary St., Florence, AL

W. C. Handy Festival week will get deep, real & completely iconic as Charlie Musselwhite & Travis Wammack -- high school Memphis friends -- share their lifelong personal history in […]

Oka Kapassa Return to Coldwater Festival

Spring Park Tuscumbia, AL, United States

Native American gathering from Nations across the country. School day is Friday & open-to-the-public day is Saturday. Free admission. Dancing, crafts, food and more. Details to come.

RiverLine’s Community Planning Initiative — Old Railroad Bridge

Singin' River Brewery Company 526 East College Street, Florence, AL, United States

Join the Tennessee RiverLine to explore ideas for enhancing visitor experience at Old Railroad Bridge. The Shoals RiverTown's leadership team -- composed of members from Quad Cities & Colbert County -- selected the Old Railroad Bridge as priority placemaking project for the RiverLine's Community Planning Initiative program (funded by US Department of Agriculture Rural Placemaking […]

Sledgefest

Town of Leighton Leighton, AL, United States

Community event with music, art & food to celebrate Leighton native Percy Sledge. Fee admission. Go to Leighton's Facebook page for details.

Tennessee River Litter Tournament

McFarland Park Florence, AL

Join Keep The Shoals Beautiful for the 8th Annual Tennessee River Litter Tournament! Fish for litter in the water, on the shorelines at Riverfront or McFarland Park or anywhere that […]

Young Learners’ Series: Creek Warrior William Weatherford

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

In this month's Young Learners Series, the program & activity will be about Creek Warrior William Weatherford. Also known as Hoponika Fulsahi (Truth Maker), Weatherford was a member of the […]

Village School Workday

Join our efforts to restore the Village One School with the Village School Foundation. The building is a WWI-era school & community center that's one of the most historically significant […]

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Athens State University 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, Athens, AL, United States

Athens State University will be welcoming old-time music lovers of all ages to campus for the 56th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, presented by Aetos Systems, Inc. Entertainment […]

Dragon Boat Festival

McFarland Park Florence, AL

Local community teams race in traditional Hong-Kong-style dragon boats to raise money for Shoals Scholar Dollars. Funds help provide two-year scholarship to Northwest Alabama Community College for qualifying students. Go […]

Photo Contest

Our annual photo contest is live! Show us your best pics of the MSNHA's natural beauty. It's easy to enter -- simply post your pics on Facebook or Instagram with #msnhaphotocontest23 & we'll do the rest. Include whatever you want people to know about your image -- where you took it, what the photo shows, […]

Village One School Workday

Village One School Sheffield, AL

Join our efforts to restore the Village One School with the Village School Foundation. The building is a WWI-era school & community center that's one of the most historically significant in north Alabama. The Village School Foundation seeks to repair the building so it continues to be a community & educational resource. Each person may […]

Athens Storytelling Festival

Athens State University 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, Athens, AL, United States

We plan to be in-person this year, so join us as we move our tent a little to the east to the Athens State University campus. It will be a […]

Shady Lady 5K & 10K

Joe Wheeler State Park 4401 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL, United States

You don’t need to be a lady to run in the League of Outdoor Women’s Shady Lady Trail run this year! The race is open to men, women, children, aliens, kangaroos, etc. All funds benefit League of Outdoor Women programming so come show the women in your life how much you support their outdoor adventures! […]

Young Learners’ Series: Chief Levi Colbert

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

Chickasaw Chief Levi Colbert is the subject of this month's Young Learners' Series program. Colbert is also known as Ittawamba Minko, which translates to Bench Chief. He was born in […]

Concert at McCandless Hall — The Riverside with Will Paustian

McCandless Hall, Athens State University 302 Bryan St., Athens, AL, United States

Save the date for The Riverside with opener Will Paustian as part of the Scout House Concert Series. Perfectly beautiful acoustics. Comfortable & charming with great talent! Tickets $15.

$15

Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival

The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to bring songwriters & music lovers together from all across the globe. The festival celebrates and gives […]

YOUNG LEARNERS’ SERIES:  Storytelling

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

Native American Storytelling is an important practice historically and in the present.  Stories shared over generations help keep Native American culture alive. Join us for a short informational presentation on […]

LOW hike benefitting Cane Creek Nature Preserve

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, AL, United States

Help support Cane Creek Canyon with our donation-based fall hike at Cane Creek Nature Preserve! Donate on the Land Trust of North Alabama website, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx..., or with cash at donation box onsite. A donor has pledged to match up to $100,000 for donations received by the end of 2023, so let's take advantage of that. […]

Colbert County Trail Master Plan Community Input Meeting

Leighton Public Library 8740 Main St., Leighton, AL, United States

Join the MSNHA and National Park Service's Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program and Colbert County communities to share feedback on the draft trail maps for Colbert County. We'd love to hear your thoughts on other recreational resources -- kayak launches, camping areas and parks, as well. Drop in anytime during the session. We'd love […]

Colbert County Trail Master Plan Community Input Meeting

Sheffield Public Library 316 Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, Alabama, United States

Join the MSNHA and National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program and Colbert County communities to share feedback on the draft trail maps for Colbert County. We’d love to hear your thoughts on other recreational resources — kayak launches, camping areas and parks, as well. Drop in anytime during the session. We’d love […]

Young Learners’ Series: Native American Finger Weaving

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

Join us for a program and activity about Native American Finger Weaving, a traditional artform in many Native American and Indigenous nations. In the Cherokee tradition, finger woven regalia was […]

Young Learners’ Series: Native American Jewelry

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

Join us for a short informational presentation on the art of Native American jewelry making past and present. After the presentation, students will have the opportunity to create their own […]

Young Learners’ Series: Pottery

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs exploring the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learnings. Each month features a practice […]

TVA Native Plant Trail Workday

TVA Native Plant Garden Muscle Shoals, AL

TVA Nature Trail Free Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook Join us in learning about native plants & stewarding the TVA Nature Trails as we prune invasives along the TVA Native […]

Village School Work Day

Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty in -- such as jeans -- and wear closed-toe shoes. Feel free to bring work gloves, as well. We'll provide supplies & […]

Bad Kitty 5K & 10K

Wildwood Park State Route 13, Florence, United States

The Bad Kitty 5K & 10K is the first event part of the inaugural Heritage Area Hustle Race Series. The Heritage Area Hustle Race Series is MSNHA’s annual challenge & fundraiser designed to support MSNHA’s programs & projects related to outdoor recreation, arts & culture and equity of access to natural & cultural resources. Participate […]

Young Learners Series: Music

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

The Florence Indian Mound Museum hosts a series of children’s programs that explores Shoals early history through short lessons & hands-on learning. Each month features a practice relating to Native […]

Herbal Soap-Making Workshop

Pope's Tavern Museum 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence, AL, United States

Florence Arts and Museums is partnering with Summer McCreless, an herbalist who specializes in regional plant and material knowledge, to conduct a series of workshops, presentations & demonstrations where participants can explore aspects of our region’s tangible history. Her herbal soap-making workshop includes the history of Southeastern native plants plus processes & uses in soap […]

TVA Native Plant Garden Trail Workday

TVA Native Plant Garden Muscle Shoals, AL

Join us in learning about native plants & stewarding the TVA Nature Trails as we prune invasives along the TVA Native Plant Garden Trail. The garden & its trails have […]

Young Learners’ Series: Dance

This month's program is Native American Dance. Native American dance is an important practice historically & in the present. Dance has been shared over the ages to celebrate special events in life such as welcoming visitors, marking the change of seasons & celebrating friendships as well as many different ceremonies. Join us for a short […]

Village School Work Day

Join us with Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area for our next volunteer event at the Village School, 200 Chickamauga St., Sheffield. We'll provide supplies and direction, no experience necessary. Please […]

Young Learners’ Series: Weaving

Florence Indian Mound and Museum Florence, AL

Learn about traditional weaving of the Hopi and the Pueblo People. The Young Learners will learn about this special art 10-11 a.m., Saturday, June 15. A family event, appropriate for ages […]

Artsy Fartsy 5K and 1-mile Fun Run

River Heritage Trail 15 Hightower Place, Florence, AL, United States

The Muscle Shoals National Heritage area is full of music makers and other talented artists. To support the arts in the MSNHA, we are excited to announce the Artsy Fartsy […]

‘Native Flora’ launch

All the Best 128 E. Tennessee St., Florence, AL, United States

Come out celebrate the launch of digital magazine "Native Flora" at All The Best coffee & record shop. Enjoy snack specials & giveaways including a limited run of printed copies. […]

The Shoals’ RiverTowns Community Paddle on Waterloo’s 2nd Creek

Waterloo Boat Ramp Lauderdale County Road 14, Waterloo, AL, United States

The Shoals’ Tennessee RiverTowns program hosts a community paddle at Waterloo’s 2nd Creek. Join us for an interpreted tour along led by MSNHA Director Carrie Crawford. We'll watch for wildlife […]

Shoals RiverTown’s Community Paddle on Waterloo’s 2nd Creek

Waterloo Boat Ramp Lauderdale County Road 14, Waterloo, AL, United States

The Shoals’ Tennessee RiverTowns program is excited to host a community paddling event at Waterloo’s 2nd Creek! Join us for an interpreted tour along 2nd Creek led by MSNHA Director Carrie Crawford. We will watch for wildlife & explore local history on this beginner-friendly paddle experience lasting around two hours and four miles. We will […]