OCTOBER

October 21 – 25 DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair Rides on the midway, great food, live entertainment, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, awards, and so much more. Held at the VFW Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. 256-845-4752

October 23 Bats: Myth vs. Fact Did you know that bats play a vital role in Alabama’s ecosystem? Bats are native to Alabama, with several species calling the state home. While often misunderstood, these fascinating creatures are essential for controlling insect populations and pollinating plants across the planet.. Some bats have long thrived in the caves and forests of northern Alabama, while others are gradually expanding their range throughout the state. Along with them come myths, legends, and plenty of spooky stories. Join DeSoto State Park Staff to uncover the truth about bats, test your knowledge, and learn about their incredible contributions to our environment through a fun and interactive Jeopardy-style trivia game!  4:30 PM (Central time)  DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Benefield Nature Center next to the Country Store on Co. Rd. 89: Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Contact Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for any details. #AlabamaWildlife #BatEducation #DeSotoStatePark #alabamabats #nationalbatweek

October 24 – 25 Ghost Walk Tales of local mayhem and mysteries are coming back to Downtown Fort Payne with your spectral hosts Dr. Bloodsworth (Bill Potter) and Wysteria Gravely (Cassie Wigley)! Tickets go on sale September 1st for another chilling chapter, this time not just digging into Fort Payne’s history, but branching out to DeKalb County as well! Our hosts will lead you on a moonlit stroll from the Opera House through the Downtown Historic District as you learn about our area’s exciting past. We will have refreshments available for a donation as you explore the Fort Payne Opera House before & after your tour. A ticket is required to participate and must be reserved in advance. While this is a “casual” excursion, local topography may affect accessibility. Route covers about a mile with hills. Please provide your own mobility aids as needed. Tickets can be purchased on HERE https://www.eventbrite.com/o/landmarks-of-dekalb-county-49043174813

October 25 12th Annual 5K & Fun Run  – The Great Pumpkin Run 5K benefiting the DeKalb Country Children’s Advocacy Center. ALL proceeds from the 5K will go to the DeKalb Country Children’s Advocacy Center to help abused children in DeKalb County.  Pre-Registration is $30.00. Race Day Registration is $35.00. Race Day Registration will close at 7:45am. To be guaranteed a race day shirt you must be registered by October 6th. OVERALL MALE and FEMALE WINNERS CASH PRIZES: $100 Fun Run for ages 9 and under will begin at 9:00 AM.

October 25 Miss Turkey Trot Pageant This pageant is open to the public for Infants up to 12th graders. This pageant is a fundraiser for Collinsville High School. NO entries will be accepted after October 24th. Pageant rehearsal will be Friday, October 24th from 3:30-5:30 in the CHS Auditorium. All contestants must fill out a registration form and pay fees accordingly. There will be staggered check in times (beginning at 9am) for the day of the pageant. This form must be completed and returned to Jacqueline Clanton (jjclanton@dekalbk12.org) at Collinsville High School in the Elementary Office by October 24th.

October 25 FALLing in Love with Leaves: Fall Foliage Hike FALLing in Love with Leaves: Fall Foliage Hike It’s that time of year when the leaves begin to change! Join the Park Naturalist on a guided hike on Point Rock Trail as we observe this transitional period in nature. This is a Moderate to Hard trail due to uneven footing and elevation. Be sure to wear proper footwear and have water! We will be meeting outside the Park Office.  10:00 AM Fee: $5 per Person  Register Here:https://reserve.alapark.com/…/FallFoliageHike…

October 25 Moving and Grooving: Bird Locomotion Ever wonder how birds move around? Join the Park Naturalist at the Community Fire Pit at the Point Rock Overlook to learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and their unique way of getting around in the world! 1:30 PM   $5 per Person  Register Here: https://reserve.alapark.com/…/moving-and-grooving–bird…

October 25 May’s Gulf Music Fest Held at the Canyon Center Amphitheater. Doors open at 4 pm music 5 pm. Featuring Will Kimbrough | The Collective Review: Tom Petty Tribute. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. Rain or shine event. Coolers and leashed pets welcome.

October 26 Dinner Experience with Sonoko Sakai –  Soba, Sonoko & A Seriously Special Night  You know we love bringing creative, one-of-a-kind dining experiences to Andiamo Lodge — and this one’s extra special. The amazing Sonoko Sakai — cookbook author, teacher, and soba noodle queen — is joining us for a night that’s part feast, part demo, and 100% unforgettable.

October 27 High Cotton Bull Sale Join us for our 12th Annual High Cotton Angus and Hereford Bull and Female Sale. Also featuring a select group of commercial females.

October 24 – 26 Spookapalooza at DeSoto State Park Trick or treating, games, live animals, storytelling, and more are in store during this popular annual event. Grab your favorite costume, bring the family, and come stay with us! All events are free to the public & great for all ages! More details to come. DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama Call 256-997-5025 or see www.alapark.com/DSP-Spookapalooza for complete details.

October 25 Hot Rods in the Valley 50s Music and HotRods is our theme. But we welcome anything with wheels. This Cruise-In we will have kids coming thru Trick or Treating. If you are able to please bring candy to give out. Trunk or Treat is from 4pm-6pm and cruise in till 8 pm. Movie on the field starts at dusk Hocus Pocus will be playing. Our 2 restaurants will be open.

October 25 NE AL Chick Chain Show & Auction It’s (chicken) show time! Over 100 northeast Alabama 4-Hers and their hens have been working hard to put on an unforgettable show. Join us at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds for the show. Show starts at 11 am and the auction follows at approximately 3:00 pm.

October 27 Author Talk If you’ve ever imagined exploring the countryside of Scotland by ScotRail, in search of Highland cows, fairies, and stories, come hear these two writers who managed to do just that. The program is at 6:30 pm and is free and open to the public. Additional library parking is available on the grass beside the library as well as in the Moon Lake Campus lot around the corner.

October 30 Halloween Bash & Ribbon Cutting Join us for our Halloween Bash & Ribbon Cutting to commemorate the completion of all our new amenities & improvements at Little River Campground over the past 12 months!  Complimentary food, music, and a truck or treat will follow the ribbon cutting ceremony!  Ribbon Cutting is at 2 pm with Halloween Bash and cookout at 4 pm and a trunk or treat to follow at 6 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.

October 31 Halloween Block Party Join us at the VFW Fairgrounds for another fun year of trick-or-treating. Inside the VFW Fairgrounds, we encourage you to go on in and walk around. Try and form lines in front of the businesses rather than a single line all around. It is free to participate, both businesses and trick-or-treaters. If you are a business interested in participating please email info@fortpaynechamber.com.  4pm to 6 pm  

October 31 Trunk – a – Treat Mentone Community Church Bring the kids to collect candy and stick around for free hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. This event is sponsored by Mentone Community Church, St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, and Moon Lake Baptist Church. We’re excited to celebrate together and welcome families from across our community. 5:30 to 7:30

October 31 Trunk a Treat Join Downtown Collinsville for the annual Trunk a Treat. You are encouraged to come hand out candy. This is a great time for the kids and to keep them safe. There will be a Haunted House, treats and popcorn. You can dress in costume or not as you choose.  Good times!!

October 31 Trunk a Treat Ruhama Lodge Come on up to Dogtown on Halloween between 5:00-7:30PM, Ruhama Lodge #902 F&AM will be hosting a Trunk-Or-Treat!

October 31 Wills Creek RV Park Trunk a Treat We will be greeting all the little trick or treaters at the office with several of the residents of the park in costume handing out treats.

October 31 Trunk-A-Treat at Landers McLarty Ford Spooky Fun Awaits at Landers McLarty Ford’s Trunk or Treat! Get ready for an evening full of candy, costumes, and community fun! 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Located at 1916 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968 Bring your little monsters for a safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration with trunks full of treats and festive surprises!

October 31 Friday Night at the Movies Have you aged out of trick or treating? Here’s an alternative – come to Moon Lake Library and meet Audrey II, Seymour, and the whole gang. If you’ve never seen “Little Shop of Horrors,” you’re due for a treat. And if you have, you know it has a wild and scary(ish) plot — man-eating plant — and an unforgettable sound track. We’ll have popcorn and other snacks available. Come party at the library on Halloween! 6 pm

October 31 Haunt Seekers 2025 Haunt Tour will comprise 11 distinct haunts this Halloween season, featuring full-fledged scream parks, haunted corn mazes, and hidden gems. The tour will include some of the most highly rated haunts, such as Woods Of Terror. Join us on the Haunt Seekers tour as we explore these diverse haunted attractions. A pop-up shop will be available at each location, offering a range of merchandise, including necklaces, keychains, ceramics, resins, pins, stickers, T-shirts, tumblers, cups, and a 10×10 banner with photo opportunities featuring zombies and highlighting our partnerships. Tickets for each haunt will be posted individually on each haunt tour event. 6 pm to 10 pm

October 31 Halloween Night Golf Exciting news ! Halloween night, October 31 . Night Golf!!! .. BIGGER BETTER BRIGHTER with LED balls . It’s going to be a BLAST. We also having a costume contest for those who want to dress up !! Come and enjoy a day of 9 holes and then at dark play 9 holes of LED fun !! Spots are going to be limited so reserve your team today !! Call 256-634-2104 to Sign up your team!!

November

November 1 Canyon Fest: A Celebration of Arts and Nature Little River Canyon Field School and Interpretive Center want you to come and enjoy live music, nature and arts activities, arts demonstrations and sales, great food, vendors, children’s activities and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-782-5697

November 1 Watercolors for Beginners- Autumn Brushstrokes Hosted by DeSoto State Park & Little River Arts Council Perfect for anyone who’s ever said, “I can’t even draw a leaf!”—no prior art experience needed. You’ll learn simple watercolor techniques to capture the rich colors and textures of autumn leaves, trees, and cozy fall landscapes. With easy brush strokes and approachable color mixing, we’ll bring the beauty of the season to life on paper. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence, relax into the creative process, and leave with a collection of several autumn-themed paintings you’ll be proud to share. Just bring your curiosity and a love for fall!  DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, AL. Nature Center next to DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89. $55.00 -includes all supplies. Ages 12 to adult. Class space is limited to 10, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. www.littleriverartscouncil.org/autumn-watercolors.html  2:00 pm-5:00 pm

November 1 An Evening on the Farm- Sweet Seasons Event Barn An unforgettable evening awaits at Sweet Seasons Farm! Guests will enjoy a beautifully curated Rustic Italian dinner, blending exquisite food artistry with rich cultural flavors. This one-of-a-kind dining experience promises to delight every palate. Space is limited— Get your tickets now!  5:00-8:00 PM 2339 Co Rd 608, Valley Head AL

November 1 Dark Skies & Starry Nights Join the Park Naturalist for an evening under the stars as we explore the connection between stargazing, light pollution, and migratory bird conservation! Learn how artificial light affects our view of the night sky—and the incredible journeys of birds that rely on it to navigate. This all-ages program will include guided stargazing, hands-on activities, and discussions on simple ways you can help protect both our skies and wildlife! We will be meeting at the Point Rock Overlook parking lot. 7:00 PM Fee: $5 per Person Register Here: https://reserve.alapark.com/…/dark-skies-starry-nightsbpsp

November 1 Ghost Walk Tales of local mayhem and mysteries are coming back to Downtown Fort Payne with your spectral hosts Dr. Bloodsworth (Bill Potter) and Wysteria Gravely (Cassie Wigley)! Tickets go on sale September 1st for another chilling chapter, this time not just digging into Fort Payne’s history, but branching out to DeKalb County as well! Our hosts will lead you on a moonlit stroll from the Opera House through the Downtown Historic District as you learn about our area’s exciting past. We will have refreshments available for a donation as you explore the Fort Payne Opera House before & after your tour. A ticket is required to participate and must be reserved in advance. While this is a “casual” excursion, local topography may affect accessibility. Route covers about a mile with hills. Please provide your own mobility aids as needed. Tickets can be purchased on HERE https://www.eventbrite.com/o/landmarks-of-dekalb-county-49043174813

November 1 – 2 Holiday Open House Fort Payne Main Street  Get ready for the most magical time of the year in Fort Payne! Join us for the Holiday Open House in downtown Fort Payne! Local merchants are all set to make this the ultimate shopping weekend with fantastic sales and delightful refreshments all around town.  Mark your calendars, call your friends, and explore the festive charm of Fort Payne. While most merchants are participating, don’t forget to check their hours and keep an eye out for extended hours and specials. See you there!

November 1 – 2 Copper Cactus Christmas Open House Join us as we team up with the Downtown Ft. Payne Holiday Open House for a weekend full of fun, shopping, and festive cheer!  The first 10 people in the door each day (Saturday & Sunday) will receive a gift bag! There will be door busters, refreshments, permanent Jewelry with our favorite artist, trucker hat bar (you know it’s a hit!) Saturday, November 1st | 9AM–4PM Sunday, November 2nd | 1PM–5PM

November 1 – 2 Holiday Open House at Cotton + Pine

November 1 – 2 Holiday Open House at The Wishing Well

November 1 – 2 Holiday Open House at Blue Charm

November 2 Annual Meeting 2025 Join us for Landmarks of DeKalb County’s Annual Meeting at the Fort Payne Opera House with refreshments to follow in the Richard C. Hunt Reception Hall. 2 pm

November 6 -9 & 13 – 16 “Dearly Departed” NACC Theatre presents “Dearly Departed” NACC Theatre presents “Dearly Departed Support the arts and join us for a night of laughter and heart with this Southern comedy classic!  Thurs, Fri & Sat @ 7:00 p.m. Sun @ 2:00 p.m Phone: 256.638.4418 ext. 2218 or Online: https://www.showclix.com/tickets/dearlydeparted

November 7 Main Street Movie Night “Jurassic World – Rebirth”

November 7 – 8 Pottery Retreat at Andiamo Lodge Nurture your creative spirit at our fall Pottery Retreat at Andiamo Lodge. This exclusive two-day, one-night immersive experience will introduce you to the practice of hand-building with clay, a uniquely creative technique that’s incredibly easy to learn and enjoy. We are honored to welcome Senior Food Editor Josh Miller and Lauren Scott of Wild Goose Gardens + Pottery as instructors for this unique pottery class. Their combined expertise in artisanal craftsmanship and thoughtful design promises an inspiring, enriching, and uber-fun experience for all participants. A dinner will be included on Saturday night, in addition to the package price.  The price includes all supplies for both projects, a welcome cocktail and gourmet dinner, yoga class, and a wonderful brunch.

November 8 Collinsville Historic Turkey Trot –  Join us for food, fun and games. An antique car and tractor show, turkey shoot, cake walk, and historic “turkey toss” from the roof of a building make this an event fun for all ages. Sponsored in part by the Collinsville Historic Association. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-524-2788

November 8 – 9 Creative Spirit Market Set in beautiful surroundings, this unique open-air art fair offers a vibrant mix of creativity and community. Enjoy live acoustic music as you explore locally and regionally made fine and folk art, handcrafted goods, and live artist demonstrations. Watch painters, potters, weavers, quilters, and other skilled artisans at work, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for early shopping. Fun for all ages, the event also features interactive art stations for both kids and adults—inviting everyone to get creative and be part of the artistic experience. Some unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will be available for purchase. Stop by and get some early gift-shopping in! 10:00 am-3:00 pm each day The market is held near DeSoto State Park’s picnic area across from the Country Store on County Road 89. If the weather is chilly, market-goers can enjoy a blazing fire in the stone fireplace in the CCC pavilion. Bring your own camp chair to hang out a while and listen to the music. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park. There is limited parking in the picnic area, the tennis court area, and in front of the Country Store. If parking anywhere in the picnic area, a $2 per vehicle fee applies. There is no fee to attend the open-air market. Rain or shine event.

November 12 Fly Tying 101 Join us for Fly Tying 101 at the Little River Canyon Center!  Discover the art of fly tying and experience the thrill of catching fish with flies you’ve crafted yourself! Join Dr. Tim Lindblom for a hands-on Fly Tying 101 Workshop, where you’ll learn how to create effective flies for local bass and bream, and the techniques to use them. Each participant will tie their own flies to take home or trade. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is perfect for you. Be sure to return in the spring for our Fly Fishing 101 course, where you’ll get the chance to catch your first fish on the flies you’ve tied! All materials are provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own. Space is limited; registration is required. 5 pm – 8 pm (CST) Location: JAX State’s Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, Alabama Ages: 14 and up: $35 supply fee. No refunds after November 3.  For questions, please call the Little River Canyon Center, 256-845-3548, or email fieldschool@jsu.edu.

November 14 Hernando’s Adventure Storytime Hike Join DeSoto State Park staff on a meandering hike along the Azalea Cascade Interpretive Trail in DeSoto State Park. Hike along and stop at points along the trail to hear the tale of a little raccoon named Hernando. Hernando is a little on the lazy side…and he gets left behind while his mother and siblings are off hunting for food. He awakens some time later to find himself alone…and hungry…and not really sure what to do! About the book: Hernando’s Adventure is a short book for children in which the ways of the woods are explained so that kids from pre-school to elementary school can understand them. About the hike: Trail is approx. .7 of a mile long on slightly rocky terrain (not suitable for strollers) Bring snacks/drinks/daypack if you wish. 4:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89. $2.00 per person. For ages 3 to 103. Participants should bring a lunch/snacks/water, clothes & footwear suitable for the river. Pre-registration is required

November 15 2nd Annual Pumpkin Popup Vendor Fair  Show up and bring your friends, kids, and relatives! We will be having local vendors and artisans who will be selling their unique wares/products! Local food vendors will be serving their delicious dishes as well. FREE GAMES, BOUNCE HOUSES, FOOD TRUCKS, KARAOKE and MUSIC. FREE PARKING with optional donation for Toys For Tots or Food Bank for Thanksgiving. We hope to see you there and enjoy the Fall season together! SonRise Retreat  10 am to 4 pm

November 15 Sean of the South Join us for an evening of music, stories, and laughter as Landmarks of DeKalb County, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of author & humorist Sean Dietrich, better known as Sean of the South, to the historic Fort Payne Opera House. The doors open at 4:30 and the show starts at 5:30. All are welcome to join Sean at a meet and greet after the show where he’ll be hugging necks, signing books and taking photos. As always, you are most welcome to bring your books from home to have them signed. Books and other merch will be available before and after the show. All tickets are $40.

November 15 Hike with a Naturalist Join the JSU Field School the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday of every month in 2025 for a guided hike. We’ll discuss the plants, animals, and natural history of the area as we hike the trails. Please join us on a guided arduous 2-mile hike on the Eberhart Point Trail at the Little River National Preserve. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking. Bring water, sun protection and possibly a snack. Meet at the Little River Canyon Center at 10:00 AM CDT – Fort Payne, Alabama on AL Hwy 35. We will caravan to the trail head. – Leashed dogs and children welcome. 10:00 am–1:00 pm (CST) -Register here (appreciated, not required): https://jsuweb.wufoo.com/forms/zhqhi5f0xyl6nd/ For details, call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548.

November 15 – 16 Gun and Knife Show VFW Fairgrounds  – The Fort Payne Gun and Knife Show is held at the Dekalb County VFW Fairgrounds and is promoted by A.G. Gun Shows.    All federal, state and local firearm laws and ordinances must be followed. 250 tables of guns (new & used, antique & modern), knives, ammo, military surplus, tactical gear and more! Come check us out! Sat 9 to 5 and Sun 10 to 4

November 16 May’s Gulf Songwriter Series Join us for the May’s Gulf Songwriter Series at Little River Canyon Center featuring Ordinary Elephant | Stuart Douglas Tickets $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. Coolers welcome. This is a rain or shine event. No refunds or exchanges, no exceptions. Featuring Ordinary Elephant and Stuart Douglas 3 pm til 5 pmFeaturing Ordinary Elephant and Stuart Douglas

November 27 Thanksgiving Cooking By Fontana We are so excited to cook for you all again this year. You can now text your pre order to 256 557 5605 with your name and how many plates . Pick up will be 11-1 Thanksgiving day at the mentone inn- we will be serving from the pavilion & back gate. We are so excited to have the opportunity to come home for a few days, spend time with family, cook and see all of you.

November 28 Black Friday Sales Join Fort Payne Main Street for Black Friday Sales

November 29 Small Business Saturday Shop local and support Fort Payne and all their small businesses.

December

December 5 Main Street Movie Night “Elf”

December 6 Christmas @ the Cabin in Henagar Join us on the first Saturday in December for Christmas at the Cabin! The night will begin with our annual lighted Christmas parade at 4:00 pm and will finish with entertainment, pictures with Santa, train rides, and delicious food from Crossover Cowboy Church at the Henagar Park as the parade ends. Be sure to visit the Henagar Park throughout the month of December to see all the beautiful Christmas Trees sponsored and decorated by members of our community. 

December 6 Ider Christmas Parade 1 pm

December 6 Crossville Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park 5:30 pm

December 7 Valley Head Christmas Parade 5 pm

December 12 Christmas in the Park

December 12 Fort Payne Christmas Parade

December 12 Main Street Ice Rink Opens

December 12 – 13 Alice Circle Vendor Event

December 13 Crafting with Nature Join the Park Naturalist at the Sauty Pavilion to get crafty with natural materials! 10 am

December 13 Canyon Christmas Come celebrate the season with us at the Little River Canyon Center. Snap a picture with Santa and take home a free 4×6 print as a keepsake! Families of all kinds are welcome, including your furry friends (on a leash). Stroll the Storybook Trail, make holiday crafts, enjoy tasty treats, and discover more surprises throughout the day. Don’t miss this joyful, family-friendly tradition!  All activities are free and open to the public. Call the Little River Canyon Center, 256-845-3548 for more information. 10am – 2pm

December 13 Fyffe Christmas Parade 12 pm

December 13 Collinsville Christmas Parade 5 pm

December 13 Geraldine Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park 6 pm

December 13 Boys in the Band 7^th Annual Tribute Show Boys in the Band return home for the 7th annual hometown tribute show. A portion of proceeds benefit the Alabama June Jam Foundation.

December 14 Weaving a Reed Curvey Basket Join artist Brittney Hughes to discover how to weave a reed basket; learning how to set up & form the basket, continuous weaving techniques, and how to add a rim. Complete basket kit for the Beauty of Autumn basket (kit pictured) will be provided, as well as all tools & supplies to use. This class is for ages 12 to adult (please no younger children for safety reasons) What to Bring: Enthusiasm (all materials and tools needed to complete this project will be provided). Wear comfortable, casual clothing (this can get messy), and bring a sack lunch if you wish. This workshop emphasizes the use of hand tools, students should have moderate hand strength. 9:00 – 4:00 (CST) JSU’s Little River Canyon Center-Fort Payne, Alabama Fee: $130 supply fee. Pre-registration required by November 9th. Space is limited to 5 participants. Pre-registration required by emailing Brittney Hughes (NOT via Facebook/social media). For details and to pre-register email Southernchick888@hotmail.com.

December 19 Dark Skies & Starry Nights Join the Park Naturalist for an evening under the stars as we explore the connection between stargazing, light pollution, and migratory bird conservation! Learn how artificial light affects our view of the night sky—and the incredible journeys of birds that rely on it to navigate. This all-ages program will include guided stargazing, hands-on activities, and discussions on simple ways you can help protect both our skies and wildlife! We will be meeting at the Point Rock Overlook parking lot. 7:00 PM Fee: $5 per Person Register Here: https://reserve.alapark.com/…/dark-skies-starry-nightsbpsp

December 19 Fort Payne Main Street Movie Night “Polar Express”

December 20 Sylvania Christmas Parade 1 pm