COLBERT COUNTY-Colbert County Tourism is officially rolling into the summer season here in the county, and things are really starting to
move. Heading into July, Colbert County Tourism has a new What’s Happenings for July:
Now- August 1, 2026 – It’s In the Water: The Musical Heritage of the Shoals, Tennessee
Valley Museum of Art, 511 W. Water St., Tuscumbia. The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
will host an exhibition titled It’s In the Water: The Musical Heritage of the Shoals from now
through Saturday, August 1, 2026. Presented by the Tennessee Valley Art Association, the
exhibition will open daily at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. For more information regarding
the display, community members can contact the museum at (256) 383-0533.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026 – Beats & Eats, Cypress Lakes Golf & Tennis, 1311 E 6th St.,
Muscle Shoals. The 2026 Beats & Eats summer series will take place at Cypress Lakes every
Thursday in July from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event features live music from local talent,
community fun, and food available from Shoals Bistro. The complete July lineup includes
Trey Nichols on July 2, Hannah Clarke on July 9, The Voice alumnus Bay Simpson on July 16,
McKenzie Lockhart on July 23, and Libby Counts & Terry Richardson wrapping up the
month on July 30. For additional information, contact (256) 386-9720.
July 3, 2026 – Town of Leighton Fourth of July Bash & Water Show, Leighton Police
Department Lawn, 8900 Main St., Leighton. The Leighton Police Department will host its
Fourth of July Bash Water Day & Fireworks Show on Friday, July 3, 2026, starting at 5:00
PM. The community event, which also marks America’s 250th anniversary will take place
on the Leighton Police Department Lawn. For additional information, contact Leighton City
Hall at (256) 466-8477.
July 4, 2026 – Cherokee 4th of July Celebration, Downtown Cherokee. The Town of
Cherokee will host its Semiquincentennial Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July
4, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. Taking place on Main Street in downtown Cherokee, this
community event marks America’s 250th anniversary and will feature live music from
musical guests The Kirkman Trio. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options from
vendors like Boona’s and local ice cream trucks, ride a mechanical bull, and enjoy a
fireworks show scheduled for 9:00 PM. For additional information, contact Cherokee City
Hall at (256) 359-4959.
July 4, 2026 – Soak the Streets, Downtown Tuscumbia. Get ready for Tuscumbia’s new
summer tradition with Soak the Streets, an exciting downtown water parade happening on
Saturday, July 4, 2026. Designed to kickstart the Fourth of July and celebrate America’s
250th anniversary, the parade officially begins at 10:00 AM, with participants meeting at
Foodland on Main at 9:30 AM to join the lineup. This all-ages celebration features live
music from the Cane Creek Cliff Dwellers, free train rides, a chance to “Squirt the Sheriff,”
and free hot dogs and drinks from sponsors Foodland and Pepsi. Everyone is encouraged to
wear swimwear and bright colors and bring water guns or buckets, though water balloons
and high-pressure soakers are prohibited to ensure a safe, clean, and respectful
environment for the downtown area. For additional information, contact Tuscumbia City
Hall at (256) 383-5463.
July 5, 2026 – 6th Annual Mayday Music Fest, Spring Park, 1 Spring Park Rd., Tuscumbia.
The 6th Annual Mayday Music Fest has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, July 5,
2026, at Spring Park in Tuscumbia. Running from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the festival
features live music, various vendors, and a Kids Corner. This year’s event benefits The
CU360 Sanctuary. Vendors interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to Lisa T
or Chris Garner at (256) 815-5136 or via email at shoalspro@gmail.com.
July 9, 2026 – Doug Jones Town Hall live from IBEW 558 Union Hall in Sheffield. Doug Jones will speak at a town hall meeting that will be live streamed, hosted by the IBE 558 union. The meeting will commence at 5:00Pm on the 9th.
July 9, 2026 – America’s 250th Anniversary: Red, White & Bluegrass, Alabama Music
Hall of Fame, 617 Hwy. 72 West, Tuscumbia. Colbert County Tourism and the Alabama
Music Hall of Fame invite the community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Red,
White & Bluegrass on Thursday, July 9, at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia,
Alabama. This special evening features the young Shoals-area bluegrass band JamTowne—
composed of Dustin Young, Steven Smiley, Trey Terry, Kaleb Hall, Carson Glass, and Liam
Lawson—who are dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s rich musical traditions.
Held inside the museum surrounded by the legends who shaped America’s soundtrack, the
event opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. with live music kicking off at 6:00 p.m. Part of Colbert
County’s America250 celebration, the evening also benefits American Legion Post 31 to
support local veterans and community programs. Advance tickets are available for $10
online or in person at the Colbert County Tourism office and the Alabama Music Hall of
Fame, or they can be purchased at the door for $12, offering an exceptional night of music,
patriotism, and community fellowship for all ages. For additional information, contact
Colbert County Tourism at (256) 383-0783.
July 10-19, 2026 – A Chorus Line, The Ritz Theatre, 111 W. Third St., Sheffield. The
Tennessee Valley Arts Association and SummerStock at The Ritz will present a production
of the musical A Chorus Line this summer. The show will run at the Historic Ritz Theatre
with performances scheduled for July 10–11 and July 17–19, 2026. For tickets or additional
information regarding the production, community members can contact organizers at
(256) 383-0533.
July 10,11,16,17,18, 2026 – The 65th Annual Miracle Worker play, Ivy Green (Helen
Keller’s Birthplace), 300 North Commons W, Tuscumbia. Performances take place Friday and
Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with gates opening at 7 p.m. Held in the outdoor theater on the
grounds of the historic Helen Keller Birthplace, this award-winning production tells the story of
Helen Keller, known as “America’s First Lady of Courage,” and her remarkable teacher, Anne
Sullivan. The Miracle Worker is recognized as Alabama’s Official Outdoor Drama. Reserved
seating is $20, and general admission is $15. For more information, visit
www.helenkellerbirthplace.org or call 256-383-4066 for ticket reservations.
July 11, 2026 – Every Piece Matters Craft & Vendor Fair & Car Show, Gattman Park,
996 Gattman Park Dr, Muscle Shoals. Every Piece Matters Craft & Vendor Fair & Car Show
will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will be held
in Gym 3 at the Muscle Shoals Rec Dept. This family-friendly event supports Every Piece
Matters and autism awareness. Vendor and car show setup begins earlier that morning at 7:00 AM. For additional information, contact the Muscle Shoals Rec Dept at (256) 386-9270.
July 11, 2026 – Trade Days at the Cove, Downtown Cherokee. Trade Days in Cherokee will
return to downtown Cherokee on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This
community flea market and craft event features a wide variety of vendors offering western gear,
antiques, handmade goods, and more. Vendor spots are available for $25.00, and those interested
in participating or seeking additional information can contact Tammie Campbell at (256) 815-
6623.
July 16-19, 2026 – “Saddle Up for St. Jude” Trail Ride, Gardiner Farm, 1 Underwood
Road, Tuscumbia. Horseback trail riding, auctions, wagon rides, roping demonstrations,
headliner concerts, and much more mark this two-day charitable event. This horse-related
event benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and is the largest in the Southeast. It
is held on the 3rd weekend in July. Information: http://www.saddleup4kids.org (256)
383-0377, or (256) 383-0783.
July 15-27, 2026 – Annual W.C. Handy Music Festival, Various locations in Colbert and
Lauderdale Counties. The W.C. Handy Festival is a weeklong celebration of the musical
heritage of northwest Alabama, honoring Florence native W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” Over 200 events take place during the week, ranging from mini-
concerts to headliner concerts, plays to art exhibits, picnics to restaurants and clubs. Specific events and times are TBA. For additional information, contact 256-766-7642 or visit wchandymusicfestival.com.
July 18, 2026 – Village School Volunteer Workday, The Village School, 200 Chickamauga
St., Sheffield. The next community volunteer workday at the historic Village One School is
scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hosted in partnership
with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, the event welcomes all experience levels to
help with painting, scraping, cleaning, yard work, and organizing materials, with all
necessary supplies and direction provided. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes
that can get dirty, such as jeans and closed-toe shoes, and to bring work gloves if available.
Community members can sign up or share specialized skills by emailing organizers,
connecting via social media, or contacting MSNHA at (256) 765-5028.
July 18 & 25, 2026 – Cane Creek Canyon Trail Care, Cane Creek Canyon, 251 Loop Road,
Tuscumbia. The Land Trust of North Alabama will host Trail Care workdays at Cane Creek
Canyon on Saturdays, July 18 and July 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Working
alongside Land Stewards to maintain the canyon’s trail system, volunteers should be
prepared to hike up to 3 miles with elevation changes exceeding 250 feet. No prior
experience is required, but participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring water, snacks, and work gloves, though extra tools and supplies will be provided. Pre-registration and a signed waiver are required for each individual participant. For more information or to register, visit https://landtrustnal.org/.
July 21, 2026 – Gary T. Miller Book Signing, Muscle Shoals Public Library, 1918 Avalon
Ave., Muscle Shoals. The Muscle Shoals Public Library will host a local author book signing
on Tuesday, July 21st, from 5:00 to 6:45 p.m. featuring Gary H. Miller as he celebrates his
second novel, Shop of Old Things: Resolution. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet
the author, and copies of his new book will be available along with his first novel, Ragsdale
Blues. For more information about the event, the library can be contacted directly at (256)
386-9212.
July 21, 2026 – “100 Years of Service: A Century of Empowering People”, Easter Seals
Rehab Center, 1615 Trojan Drive, Muscle Shoals. An Outdoor Music Event celebrating “100
Years of Service: A Century of Empowering People” will take place on Tuesday, July 21,
2026, at 6:00 PM. Hosted by Easterseals Alabama, the concert features live performances
from Mike Curtis, Ashley Bronn, Donny Carpenter, and Garrett Miles. The event will be held
in the Easterseals Rehab Center parking lot.
July 25, 2026 – W.C. Handy Festival presents: Music at the Mansion, Belle Mont
Mansion, 1569 Cook Ln., Tuscumbia. The Music at the Mansion series returns to the historic
Belle Mont Mansion with a free jazz performance on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
The concert will take place indoors, offering the community an afternoon of live music in a
historic setting. For additional information regarding the performance, contact Belle Mont
Mansion at (256) 381-5052.
July 25, 2026 – W.C. Handy Music Festival Songwriter Showcase, The Village School,
200 Chickamauga St., Sheffield. The Village School Foundation, in partnership with the
Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, will host a W.C. Handy Music Festival Songwriter
Showcase on Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM. Held at the historic school
foundation building, the event will raise funds to benefit the foundation’s ongoing
community initiatives. While specific artist lineups and ticket details are still to be
announced, community members are encouraged to save the date. For future updates, visit
thevillageschoolfoundation.org/home.
Media Release/Julie R. Schlosser
Colbert County Tourism Bureau
