Summer is in full swing across North Alabama, and this week’s calendar is packed with opportunities to get outside and enjoy it. From bluegrass overlooking Little River Canyon and rodeo action in Cherokee County to mountaintop concerts in Huntsville and live music under the stars in Florence, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Here are four events worth adding to your weekend plans.
Stars & Guitars: Austin Bohannon — Florence
June 12
Pack a lawn chair and head to Wilson Park for another installment of Florence’s Stars and Guitars concert series. This week’s featured act is Sipsey Falls, a North Alabama country band known for blending classic country influences with crowd-pleasing favorites. The free concert is part of Florence’s America 250 celebration and offers a relaxed evening of live music in the heart of downtown.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. June 12 and is open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a family-friendly night under the stars. With free admission, free parking and a backdrop of summer music in Wilson Park, it’s an easy addition to any weekend plans in The Shoals.
City Lights & Stars: Stanley Dan — Huntsville
June 12
A summer concert with one of the best views in Huntsville is on tap as the City Lights & Stars series continues at Burritt on the Mountain. This installment features Stanley Dan, a nine-member tribute band celebrating the music of Steely Dan while also covering artists such as Sade, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Stevie Wonder. The group’s horn section, rhythm players and dual lead vocalists bring a mix of jazz, soul and classic rock to the mountaintop stage.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic setups to enjoy an evening overlooking the city. Food trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available for purchase. The concert is part of Burritt on the Mountain’s long-running City Lights & Stars series, a summertime tradition that pairs live music with panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley.
Estes Field PCA Rodeo — Centre
June 12-13
Dust off your boots and head to Centre for two nights of rodeo action at the Estes Field PCA Rodeo. The annual event brings professional cowboys and cowgirls to the arena to compete in fan-favorite events including bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping and saddle bronc riding.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each night, with mutton busting kicking off at 6:30 p.m. before the rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Beyond the competition, attendees can expect food trucks, rodeo clowns and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or just looking for a summer night out, the Estes Field PCA Rodeo offers a chance to experience one of the South’s most enduring traditions.
Bluegrass on the Rim — Fort Payne
June 13
Bluegrass music and canyon views come together at the 13th annual Bluegrass on the Rim concert at the Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne. This year’s event will feature performances by Three on a String and Foggy Hollow Review, bringing an evening of traditional bluegrass, humor and mountain music to one of North Alabama’s most scenic venues.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an outdoor concert overlooking Little River Canyon. Leashed pets and coolers are welcome, and barbecue and other food vendors will be on site throughout the evening. Whether you’re a dedicated bluegrass fan or simply looking for a laid-back summer night in the mountains, Bluegrass on the Rim offers plenty of reasons to make the trip.
