FORT PAYNE-Exciting eight events are on tap next month in DeKalb County (Ala.) and DeKalb Tourism is gearing up for an influx of visitors in search of fun and fresh air. For those in search of something to do once school is out for the summer, eight events ranging from a free family festival featuring a version of HeeHaw and a fiddler’s convention to a concert under the stars and the return of the highly anticipated June Jam country music festival are on tap next month, providing plenty of opportunities for creating lifetime memories.
First on the agenda is Teddy Gentry’s Singing with the Stars, set for June 1, 2023, at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium. The event features a singing competition for local artists and a concert by Wildwood with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of DeKalb County. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the show beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 256-997-9700 for more information and to buy tickets in advance. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
Set for June 2, the Fans Songwriter Showcase Spectacular will feature songwriters Jamey Johnson, Gary Baker, Ronnie Rogers and Chris Tompkins. Tickets are $50.00 and available exclusively through the ALABAMA Fan Club. Boys in the Band, an ALABAMA tribute band, will perform live following the Songwriter Concert. The concert is reserved for Songwriter Concert ticket holders only. Show starts at 7 p.m. and takes place at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium located at 200 Gault Avenue South.
One of the biggest country music events from the 1980s and 90s returns to Fort Payne this year. Set for June 3, 2023, June Jam returns, bringing with it an incredible lineup of musicians while benefiting those in need and disaster relief in and around the state of Alabama. Supporting acts for the concert include Randy Travis, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen, Exile, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, Dailey & Vincent, Home Free, The Malpass Brothers and Dee Jay Silver. Alabama, featuring founding members Randy Owen, lead vocals and guitar, and Teddy Gentry, bass and vocals, will headline the concert. The concert is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will take place at the DeKalb County VFW Fair Grounds. Ticket prices are $49.50, $79.75, $150 and $250 (plus applicable fees) and may be purchased from ticketmaster.com.
Fan appreciation events will lead up to June Jam 2023, and include a brunch at Cook Castle for the Jeff & Lisa Cook Foundation (Friday, June 2 at 11 AM) and a public Celebration of Life for the late Jeff Cook (12 p.m. June 3 at the VFW Fairgrounds). Each event is ticketed separately. Ticket information is available via the Alabama fan club.
From 1908 until 1942, people packed the DeKalb County Courthouse on the first Monday night of the fall session of Circuit Court to attend the DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention. Today, Landmarks of DeKalb County, along with the City of Fort Payne, hosts this time-honored folk tradition in the 133 year old Fort Payne Opera House the first Saturday in June. The competition, set for June 3, 2023, features 12 different categories and over $5,600 in prizes and awards and is a showcase for bluegrass players of all skill levels to show off their talents. Admission is $10 per person 11 years old and up. Built during the city’s industrial boom and opened in 1890, Fort Payne’s Opera House is the only one in the State of Alabama still in use. It has been used as a live theatre, movie house, and public forum. For more information on the event, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
The annual Bluegrass on the Rim returns to the Little River Canyon Center located at 4322 Little River Trail NE in Fort Payne June 10, 2023, for an evening of authentic mountain music under the twinkling stars. Featured acts include Foggy Hollow, Valley Road and Three on a String. The event is held outdoors and festival goers are encouraged to bring a chair and/or blanket. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. Admission charged. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) plays host to the Latino Festival on campus Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. where admission and all activities are free. Entertainment includes a Mariachi group, DJ and authentic dancers. Kids and adults can enjoy a climbing rock wall, trackless train, inflatables, giant Jenga, Mexican bingo, puppet show, photo booth, pony rides, and much more. Free ice cream and soft drinks will be served and there will be food vendors of authentic Mexican food. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
Also set for June 10, 2023, Hammondville’s Hamfest features a car show, arts and crafts, a variety of food vendors, barbeque contest, a children’s area and other free family fun. Activities will be held in Hammondville Park located at 37646 US Highway 11 beginning at 10 a.m.
The Fort Payne Railroad is pulling into the Depot in 2023, for a new show at the historic Fort Payne Opera House. Landmarks of DeKalb County, Inc. is pleased to introduce the Boom Town Opry to be held June 17, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. Think of it as Fort Payne’s version of HeeHaw, with a featured cast of players performing skits alongside musical guests and friends. Each performance will take place during the Third Saturday Cruise-in (June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16). Admission is a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic 1889 Opera House. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
For information on the above events or on additional things to do in northeastern Alabama, visit www.VisitLookoutMountain.com or call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740.
Media Release/John Dersham, President & CEO/DeKalb Tourism
