TUSCUMBIA – If you’re looking for a weekend full of music, food, family fun, and cultural pride, the
North Alabama African Heritage Festival is the place to be. Set for Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at
the Willie Green Recreation Complex in Tuscumbia, this community favorite brings people together in
the best kind of way. The entire event is free, thanks to a group of dedicated sponsors who believe in
what this festival stands for.
The weekend kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with live music from The Come Up Band out of Decatur. They’ll
get the crowd going before blues artist King Tut from Tennessee takes the stage. It’s the perfect way to
ease into a weekend filled with good vibes and great sounds.
Saturday is where the fun really takes off. Starting at 10 a.m., the festival grounds will be packed with
food vendors, kids’ games, cultural exhibits, and a wide mix of live music. There’s something for just
about every taste. Gospel, R&B, reggae, blues, and hip hop will fill the air throughout the day.
Local favorites The Midnighters will represent the Shoals music scene, while Birmingham’s Pinky with
The YAC Blues and reggae group Cultural Dread bring their own energy to the stage. Exodus Reggae from
Memphis is back for their sixth year in a row, and new to the lineup this year is 3N?GMA from Pensacola,
Florida, with their unique urban hip hop style.
The festival isn’t just about music, though. Saturday afternoon will feature an African fashion show that
highlights both traditional and modern styles, along with a performance by the always-popular Muscle
Shoals Twirlers.
At its core, this festival is about more than just entertainment. It’s about community. It’s about honoring
heritage, sharing culture, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
“The North Alabama African Heritage Festival is one of those events that truly captures the spirit of our
community,” said Susann Hamlin, President and CEO of Colbert County Tourism. “It celebrates the
history, the music, and the shared experience that brings people together. We are proud to help support
something so meaningful.”
“We’re thrilled that the forecast is looking great for our 21st year,” said Rea Phyfer, Treasurer of the
North Alabama African Heritage Association. “This festival is about bringing the entire Northwest
Alabama region together, from Huntsville to Cherokee. We’re planning a fun, family-friendly event filled
with great vendors and unique entertainment. It’s a celebration of culture and community, and we want
everyone to feel welcome. So bring your family, your friends, and don’t forget your lawn chair.”
It’s the kind of event that brings generations together. Kids will be laughing and playing, old friends will
be catching up under the shade of a tent, and music will carry across the grounds. Whether you’re
stopping by for the food, the music, or just to soak it all in, you’ll leave feeling a little more connected.
For more information, call Wallace Ricks at 256-335-2911 and plan to spend your weekend in Tuscumbia.
You’ll be glad you did.
Media Release/Maryanne Floyd
Director of Communications Colbert County Tourism
