From live music and endurance sports to space exploration and community festivals, North Alabama is packed with events this week. Whether you’re looking to catch a concert, cheer on athletes or celebrate the region’s rich history and culture, there’s plenty happening across the Tennessee Valley to fill your calendar.
W.C. Handy Music Festival — Florence
July 15th-26th
The annual W.C. Handy Music Festival returns to the Shoals July 15-27 with more than 200 events across Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. The festival honors Florence native W.C. Handy, known as the “Father of the Blues,” through concerts, songwriter showcases, educational programs and community events celebrating the region’s musical heritage. This year’s lineup is headlined by Grammy-winning blues artist Shemekia Copeland and includes performances spanning blues, rock, gospel, jazz and country.
Rocket City Space Fest — Huntsville
July 16th-25th
Huntsville will celebrate its role in America’s space legacy during the inaugural Rocket City Space Fest, a nine-day festival taking place July 16-24. Timed around the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the communitywide celebration features astronaut appearances, educational programs, family activities, live entertainment and special events at venues across the Rocket City, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Designed for visitors of all ages, the festival highlights Huntsville’s past, present and future contributions to space exploration.
CREED: Summer of ‘99 with Mammoth and Hinder — Huntsville
July 22nd
Creed will bring its Summer of ’99 Tour to Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater on July 22. The Grammy-winning rock band will be joined by special guests Mammoth and Hinder for a night of hits including “Higher,” “One Last Breath” and “With Arms Wide Open.” The stop is part of the band’s nationwide reunion tour, giving North Alabama fans a chance to hear some of rock’s biggest songs from the late 1990s and early 2000s live.
Mountain Lakes Triathlon — Guntersville
July 25th
Athletes from across the region will head to Guntersville on July 25 for the annual Mountain Lakes Triathlon. One of the nation’s longest-running triathlons, the event offers both sprint- and Olympic-distance races featuring a swim in Lake Guntersville, a bike course through the surrounding area and a run along the city’s greenways. The event welcomes competitors of all experience levels, from first-time participants to seasoned triathletes.
Whether you’re spending the week in Huntsville, heading to Lake Guntersville or making the trip to the Shoals, these events offer plenty of ways to get out and explore North Alabama. Mark your calendar and take advantage of everything the region has to offer in the days ahead.
