From music in the Shoals to college football’s return, North Alabama has plenty happening this week. Whether you’re looking for a night out in Huntsville or a weekend getaway in Florence, here are some events taking place across the region from Aug. 28 – Sept. 3.
Concerts on the Dock: The Gumption – Huntsville
August 28
Grab your camping chair or picnic blanket and head to Lowe Mill for the return of Concerts on the Dock, a beloved fall tradition that brings families, friends and neighbors together on the historic loading-dock-turned-stage. This week’s lineup features a performance from local favorite The Gumption. The free, all-ages concert kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs into the evening, with food trucks and Lowe Mill’s shops and galleries open for browsing before the show.
SkyDog: The Shoals Experience – Florence
August 28-30
A brand-new music-driven festival celebrates the legacy of Muscle Shoals sound at the Renaissance Shoals Resort and Convention Center. SkyDog Shoals brings a lineup of Jackson Dean, Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall, Maggie Rose and a collection of legendary Muscle Shoals session players, along with regional food, film and storytelling across the property. The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 6–11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tickets start at $99.
Fire Cider Workshop – Huntsville
August 29
Get ahead of cold and flu season at University Pickers’ hands-on Fire Cider Workshop, where guests will learn to make their own batch of the traditional herbal tonic from scratch. Fire cider is an oxymel — a folk remedy made from apple cider vinegar, honey and warming ingredients like ginger, horseradish and hot peppers — that’s been used for generations to support digestion and immune health through the winter months. Participants will leave with their own jar to take home, along with the know-how to make more. The workshop runs from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and costs $55.
Story Financial Partners Bowl: Samford vs. UNA – Huntsville
August 29
College football makes its return to the Rocket City as Joe Davis Stadium hosts the University of North Alabama Lions taking on the Samford Bulldogs to open both programs’ 2026 seasons. It’s a rare early-season showcase for the Rocket City, bringing Division 1 football to a stadium better known for hosting the Huntsville Stars and local high school matchups. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Wicks Family Field, with tickets starting at $26.
Rocket City New Music: Sound Bites – Huntsville
September 2
Experience Lowe Mill in a whole new way during Sound Bites, a one-night progressive percussion concert presented by Rocket City New Music. The performance brings an experimental, boundary-pushing take on percussion music to one of Huntsville’s most eclectic venues, offering something a little different for listeners looking to branch out from typical live music fare. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Summer may be winding down, but North Alabama isn’t slowing down with it. With football kicking off, music filling venues across the region and plenty of ways to get outside before fall arrives, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the final days of August.
