Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area

W. C. Handy Music Festival
2023-07-21 - 2023-07-30 | 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 the World.” The talented musicians of the Muscle Shoals are among the very best. Come and experience the sound for yourself! Go here for details.

Summer Soiree
2023-07-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Tuscumbia Depot and Roundhouse, 204 W 5th St., Tuscumbia, AL, 35674, 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 premiere of Warren Ertle’s Handy Suite as a W.C. Handy Music Festival kickoff. Appetizers and drinks included. *21 and older. Go here for tickets.

Village One School Workday
2023-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
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 a WWI-era school & community building that’s one of the most historically significant buildings in north Alabama. The Village School Foundation seeks to repair the building so it may continue to serve as a community & educational resource. We’ll be cleaning & organizing various sections of the interior and preparing for the next phases of restoration. Jobs may include cleaning, scraping and painting. We’ll provide supplies & direction — no experience necessary.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, including long pants & closed-toe shoes. If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to! Refreshments provided! Go here to register.

Handy Street Party
2023-07-22 18:00 - 23:30 | 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 corner to Singin’ River and pick up a beverage in a blue cup! We’ll have a limited number of Handy Street Party 2023 T-shirts so make sure to get there early to snag one. Sponsors include Matt Golley Real Estate, Singin’ River Brewery, Abraham Rowe Photography, Soul Wingery, Overflo Productions, United Rentals, Rivertown Coffee, Florence Federal Credit Union and Power-Flo Pumps.

WALKING IN MEMPHIS: Songs and Stories
2023-07-28 19:30 - 22:30 | 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 word & music, along with Christine Ohlman, Kelvin Holly & Jerry Phillips (no stranger to Memphis himself, with deep stories of Sun, Graceland & The King!). The Shoals/Memphis connection, from STAX to FAME and so much more, will be on full display, and Charlie & Travis’s recordings (including Charlie’s latest, “Mississippi Son”) will be spotlighted on this this not-to-be-missed night! Sponsored by MSNHA and Shoals Tourism. Go here for tickets.

Oka Kapassa Return to Coldwater Festival
2023-09-08 - 2023-09-09 | Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL, 35674, 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
2023-09-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Singin’ River Brewery Company, 526 East College Street, Florence, AL, 35630, 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 Innovation Challenge, 3M Foundation, TVA and University of Tennessee, Knoxville). Based on feedback from the leadership team & members of the Shoals community, the RiverLine’s Planning and Design team has put together ideas for the Old Railroad Bridge. These include signage, enhanced access & potential connectivity to Patton Island. The RiverLine is also helping the Shoals with a funding strategy for the project, recommending grant opportunities to move this project forward.
We’d love to hear what you think!

Sledgefest
2023-09-16 | Town of Leighton, Leighton, AL, 35646, 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
2023-09-16 08:00 - 11:00 | 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 matters to you in the Shoals.

$500 Grand prize to the group with the most volunteers
$100 MVP Award for most litter collected (one winner at each site)
$100 Constellium recyclers award (one winner at each site)

Enter 13-gallon trash bags of litter to compete for cash prizes solo or with your organization. Get ready to put on your free T-shirt & keep the Shoals beautiful.
Lunch provided for all volunteers after the event. Starting locations include McFarland Park (200 James M Spain Drive) in Florence and Riverfront Park (1316 Alabama Ave.) in Sheffield. We encourage you to pick up along the river or anywhere in the Shoals that you feel could use some love!
Go here for details & registration.
Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful will join us by bringing their boat with a 15-volunteer limit. To join this cleanup on the KTNRB boat, sign up here.
Questions? Email TNRiverLitter2023@keeptheshoalsbeautiful.org

Young Learners' Series: Creek Warrior William Weatherford
2023-09-16 10:00 - 23:30 | 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 Wind Clan from the town of Coosada, an Alabama town in the Creek Confederacy. Born into a prominent Creek lineage on his mother’s side, he was raised in a bicultural family of French & Scottish ancestry. He spoke both his native language & English. He is most well known as a chief of the Upper Creek & the Red Stick war leader during the Creek War of 1813-1814. He is credited for leading an attack on Fort Mims that was the first significant action of the Creek War and transformed the conflict from an Indian civil war into an American-Creek War. He rebuilt his wealth as a slave-holding planter and horse breeder & racer, in Monroe, after the war.
The YLS helps students explore early Shoals history through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. The programs focus on 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments.
This program is free and sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums & MSNHA. Call 256-760-6427 for details..

Village School Workday
2023-09-23 11:00 - 14:00 | 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 contribute in a way they are most comfortable. We’ll clean & organize various sections of the interior and prepare for the next phases of restoration in the basement. This may include cleaning, scraping & painting. We’ll provide supplies & instruction — no experience necessary. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, including long pants & closed-toe shoes. If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to! Refreshments provided. Tickets & details at www.eventbrite.com/e/village-school-workday-tickets-705612484937?

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
2023-10-04 - 2023-10-07 | Athens State University, 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, Athens, AL, 35611, 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 for this year’s Fiddler’s Convention will include Appalachian Road Show, The Grascals and the Dan Tyminski Band. Go here for tickets and here for details.

Dragon Boat Festival
2023-10-14 | 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 here for details on participating. Free admission for spectators.

Photo Contest
2023-10-18 - 2023-12-01 | AL
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, etc. Photos must be taken within MSNHA’s six counties: Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone & Morgan. Deadline is Friday, Dec. 1. A “heart” from us means your photo is entered. Staffers will choose their favorites, so you might win a prize! All photos entered could be used on our social media, in our newsletters, on our website & in national publications. Questions? Email msnha.una.edu.

Village One School Workday
2023-10-21 11:00 - 14:00 | 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 contribute in a way they are most comfortable. We’ll clean & organize various sections of the interior and prepare for the next phases of restoration in the basement. This may include cleaning, scraping & painting. We’ll provide supplies & instruction — no experience necessary.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in, including long pants & closed-toe shoes.
If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to! Refreshments provided. Go here for details & registration.

Athens Storytelling Festival
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-29 | Athens State University, 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL, Athens, AL, 35611, 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 crisp fall weekend spent listening to stories of adventure and excitement … a place where memories & magic are captured & spun into tales that make you laugh & cry. Hear stories that tell of a time that used to be or a time yet to come. Glimpse into the past and live the imaginary. Learn more about your parents, your children and yourself. Discover all this and more at the annual Athens Storytelling Festival. Check here for details.

Shady Lady 5K & 10K
2023-10-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Joe Wheeler State Park, 4401 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL, 35652, 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! Run or walk. Register by Sept.28 to ensure you get a T-shirt. Start at Joe Wheeler Boat Ramp (not at the marina as in previous years). The 10K course is a loop, while the 5K is an out-and-back. Trails are relatively wide & well managed. Limited amount of elevation change on both courses – while there are hills, they aren’t very steep! Prizes in each age group plus for overall winners. Registration & details here.

Young Learners' Series: Chief Levi Colbert
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 1759 in the Chickasaw Nation & was later an important leader of the Chickasaws. He & his brother, George Colbert, were avid negotiators & interpreters; as bilingual leaders, they were trusted by their people & the American government. Levi Colbert spent much of his time working with Andrew Jackson’s appointed negotiators regarding the Treaty of Pontotoc & the Indian Removal Act. He died at 74 before most negotiations were completed. Today, his legacy lives on with his family name, Colbert, representing towns & locations in the states of Alabama & Mississippi. Come join us this Saturday to learn more about Chief Levi Colbert’s courageous & gracious characteristics and participate in a hands-on learning activity.
This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums & MSNHA.
Young Learners’ Series is a series of children’s programs to explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons & hands-on learning exercises. The programs explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes & accomplishments. Students will receive a passport with 12 figures and a stamp for each program attended. Students who collect six, nine or 12 stamps will receive an award!

Concert at McCandless Hall -- The Riverside with Will Paustian
2023-10-28 18:00 - 20:00 | McCandless Hall, Athens State University, 302 Bryan St., Athens, AL, 35611, 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.

Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival
2023-11-03 - 2023-11-05 | AL
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 a platform to diverse voices, experiences & points of view; invests in songwriters by providing education, collaborative tools & opportunities that break down music industry barriers; and honors the history of Muscle Shoals and facilitate the continuance of its magical musical synergy for generations. Tickets & details here.

YOUNG LEARNERS' SERIES: Storytelling
2023-11-18 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 storytelling and how it shaped & sustained different Native American cultures. After the presentation, students can create their own stories with an interactive animal activity, which they can take home or share as part of our youth education exhibit. This program is free and sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums & MSNHA.

LOW hike benefitting Cane Creek Nature Preserve
2023-11-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia, AL, 35674, 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.
Meet at the main parking lot. We’ll hike down into the canyon & visit many of the waterfalls. Hike is considered moderate with some steep inclines. Wear appropriate hiking attire and bring daypack with hiking essentials, lunch and water.

Colbert County Trail Master Plan Community Input Meeting
2023-12-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Leighton Public Library, 8740 Main St., Leighton, AL, 35646, 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 to hear from you!

Colbert County Trail Master Plan Community Input Meeting
2023-12-13 16:30 - 18:30 | Sheffield Public Library, 316 Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, Alabama, 35660, United States

Young Learners' Series: Native American Finger Weaving
2023-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 historically used for men. It was used for adornment and item trading with others. In the past, Chickasaw women would gather in groups to weave. They would teach each other, share different methods of the craft, and
create woven works while visiting with one another. Today, the artwork of finger weaving is worn as a part of regalia for both men and women during times of cultural celebration and to carry on tradition. It is also practiced by individuals, as well as passed down from generation to generation to keep the cultural practices alive.
In the Florence Indian Mound Museum’s Young Learners’ Series, students explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons and hands-on learning exercises. Each month features a practice relating to Native American culture; participants will explore history & culture and complete a hands-on project.
This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area.

Young Learners' Series: Native American Jewelry
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 beaded jewelry to take home or share as part of our youth education exhibit. The program is free.
Jewelry is an important form of art and culture for many Native American tribes. In the past & today, jewelry making is passed down as a cultural practice and is used for adornment and individual & familial identification. Historically, jewelry was made of natural materials such as shells & nuts, which were carved into beads. As trading with Europeans increased, beading became more popular.
Native Americans designed their beaded jewelry to reflect their stories. Today art jewelry is made from metals, seeds, nuts, stone & fish bone as well as synthetic beads. It is shared from teacher to student within families & groups to preserve artistic & cultural practice or worn in cultural identification & celebration.

Young Learners' Series: Pottery
2024-02-24 10:00 - 17:00 | 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 relating to Native American culture. Participants will explore the history & cultural meaning behind each practice while engaging in an activity related to that topic.

Join us this month for a program & activity about Southeastern Native American pottery making.
Native American tribes of the Southeast created pottery for more than 4,000 years. Pottery historically had various purposes & was used both for function & ceremony. Children can create their own pottery pieces with air-dry clay to share in a student-made exhibit or take home. Together we will learn how and why pottery was made in the past and how it is still created and shared today.

TVA Native Plant Trail Workday
2024-03-09 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 Plant Garden Trail. The garden & its trails have enhanced habitat for local wildlife and provided accessible recreation opportunities to our local community for decades, but we need your help to maintain it.
Our efforts at the Native Plant Garden are part of Operation Pollination — an initiative to educate on the benefits & needs of bees & other pollinators as well as restore native habitat for them. 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.

Village School Work Day
2024-03-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Village One School, Sheffield, AL
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 & direction, so no experience necessary. If you’re not able to stay the whole morning, please stop by anyway to say “hi” and see what we’re up to!

Bad Kitty 5K & 10K
2024-03-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Wildwood Park, State Route 13, Florence, 35630, 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 in the Bad Kitty, the Artsy Fartsy (5K and 1-mile fun run, June 22), and the Shady Lady (5K, 10K and Half Marathon, Oct. 26) and receive a special medal for completing the series! Entrants can register for all three races at once using the multi-race bundle option to save $5 on each race fee.
All proceeds from the Bad Kitty Trail 5K & 10K will help support trail development projects and recreational programming in Wildwood Park.
For full Heritage Area Hustle Race Series details, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website at https://msnha.una.edu/heritage-area-hustle-race-series/
