Enter our Photo Contest!
2026-02-17 08:00 - 2026-08-28 17:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
We’ve opened our photo contest and are looking for photos that illustrate this year’s “Landmarks & Legacies” theme — and connect northwest Alabama to America’s 250th birthday. Go here to learn more about our guidelines and access our new online submission form. Deadline is Aug. 28. And winners plus other selected entries will be displayed in a Florence gallery!

Village School Volunteer Workday
2026-08-15 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
Join us for our next volunteer event at Village One School. We’ll provide supplies and direction — no experience necessary. Work will include anything from cleaning, painting, scraping, to yard work, to organizing materials and more. Email or get in touch via social media to sign up and/or alert us to specialized skills you might share. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, such as jeans and closed-toe shoes. Feel free to bring work gloves, as well. If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, please stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to! Volunteer workdays are generally the third Saturday, from March to October.

Cypress Creek Cleanup
2026-08-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Cox Creek Bridge Canoe Ramp, 802 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL, 35630, United States
Join us for a scenic & impactful cleanup on Cypress Creek! Paddle with a purpose as we float downstream, collecting litter and helping protect the beauty and health of our local waterways.

Meet us anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Cox Creek Bridge Canoe Ramp. We will see you at the other end at Wildwood Park for litter & supply collection. We’ll provide all the cleanup supplies. All you need is your personal watercraft. Let’s keep our creek clean, together!

Biotic Index
2026-09-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Wildwood Park Canoe Ramp, 1211 Waterloo Road, Florence, 1211 Waterloo Road, Florence, AL, 35630, United States
Join us at the Wildwood Park Canoe Ramp on Cypress Creek as we perform a biotic index under the instruction of Dr. Kara Million from the University of North Alabama Department of Biology! Initial instruction will begin at 9 a.m. by the creek. This event is for those 8+ and will require adult supervision at all times. Be sure to wear your water shoes & clothes you are comfortable getting wet. Don’t forget to pack water, a snack & sunscreen! Co-hosted by UNA Department of Biology & Tennessee RiverLine.

Kayak Class
2026-09-19 08:00 - 12:30 | McFarland Park Boat Ramp, 200 Jim Spain Drive, Florence, AL, 35630, United States
Have you always wanted to learn how to kayak? Join us at the McFarland Boat Ramp! Both children 9 years & older and adults are welcome to attend. The children’s class will begin is 8-10 a.m. The adult class is 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Both classes are at the McFarland Boat Ramp. Bring water, a snack & sunscreen! Co-hosted by Alabama Highway Patrol Marine Police & Tennessee RiverLine.

Tennessee Valley Old Timers Fiddlers Convention Concert Series--Wyatt Ellis
2026-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | McCandless Hall, Athens State University, 302 Bryan St., Athens, AL, 35611, United States
Born in the rich music bed of east Tennessee, Wyatt Ellis has quickly become one of the most-watched young musicians in bluegrass music. A devotee of Bill Monroe, Ellis has been mentored by many iconic bluegrass musicians, including Bobby Osborne. He’s studied with mandolin masters, composed his own original instrumentals and transitioned from playing alone in his living room to performing seamlessly alongside bluegrass legends & Hall of Famers. During the pandemic, learning about bluegrass music became his preferred pastime, and his passion for music grew. In a few short years, Ellis has mastered the mandolin and become a vocalist & multi-instrumentalist. He has been invited to perform on stage with some of the most iconic musicians of this era. In 2024 Wyatt was named International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year.
