January 23 – 24 William Bartram and Alabama: A Traveling Exhibit tells the remarkable story of William Bartram’s 1775 journey through Creek territory in what is now Alabama. This engaging traveling exhibit explores the adventures of America’s first great naturalist-artist, whose four-year expedition through the colonial South produced groundbreaking scientific discoveries and vivid cultural documentation. The exhibit is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. The exhibit is funded in part by the Leah Rawls Atkins Endowed Fund for Excellence and the Ann Draughon Cousins Endowed Fund for Excellence. This exhibit is located in the Richard C. Hunt Reception Hall between the Fort Payne Opera House and the DeKalb Hosiery Museum. 10 am to 2 pm

January 23 – 24 PBR Bull Bash Bull Bash is heading back to the Northeast Alabama Agri‑Business Center on January 23 and 24, and it’s going to be a wild ride. With top bull riders of the PRCA locked and loaded, this is your chance to cheer every heart-stopping second. Grab your tickets now and join us under the arena lights! Northeast Alabama Agri Business Center.  256-638-1650      https://bullbash2026.eventbrite.com/

January 24 The Bellamy Brothers The Bellamy Brothers, and special guest, Charlie Allen, live at The Pickin Post. Tickets on sale now at onfireconcerts.comor https://www.simpletix.com/…/an-evening-with-the-bellamy…and by phone at 615-663-6560. 7:00 PM Get ready for a foot-stompin’good time!

January 25 Bridal Show at Gibbs Manor Save the date! 1.25.26 – Bridal Show. Engagement season is here!   Tag your engaged friends! If your friend books our venue, you will receive a special gift from us! Take a tour, meet vendors, and exclusive discounts.
* 1:30 – early admission for all Gibbs Manor Brides.

January 30 – 31 William Bartram and Alabama: A Traveling Exhibit tells the remarkable story of William Bartram’s 1775 journey through Creek territory in what is now Alabama. This engaging traveling exhibit explores the adventures of America’s first great naturalist-artist, whose four-year expedition through the colonial South produced groundbreaking scientific discoveries and vivid cultural documentation. The exhibit is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. The exhibit is funded in part by the Leah Rawls Atkins Endowed Fund for Excellence and the Ann Draughon Cousins Endowed Fund for Excellence. This exhibit is located in the Richard C. Hunt Reception Hall between the Fort Payne Opera House and the DeKalb Hosiery Museum. 10 am to 2 pm

January 31 Adoption Event “New Year, New Friend” Dekalb County Animal Adoption Center will be hosting an adoption event. Help them get dogs and cats a home just in time to celebrate the beginning of a new year! 11 am to 2 pm

January 31 Serious Skills Series: Night Skies in Oil Class Unleash your creativity under the stars in this immersive oil painting class focused on capturing the beauty of night skies! Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this course will introduce you to a variety of techniques to create breathtaking nocturnal landscapes. You’ll learn how to blend rich, luminous colors, create depth and atmosphere, and paint glowing moons, stars, and dramatic clouds that bring the night to life. No prior art experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment. Each session will include hands-on demonstrations and ample time for practice, ensuring you leave with a solid understanding of oil painting techniques that you can use in your own future projects. By the end of the class, you’ll walk away with a few small, finished paintings and new skills you can apply to future artwork. 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (CST): DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, AL. Nature Center next to DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89: $100.00 -includes all supplies. Ages 12 to adult. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration link: https://forms.office.com/g/FvTSJsni5L

January 31 Bingo Night Sponsored by Leadership DeKalb Class 2026 Join in for a great night of BINGO with prizes and some great food all while supporting DeKalb Animal Shelter. Help raise money for spay/neuter services and dog park improvements for our local animal shelter. Guest are welcome to order food and drinks while they play. So come hungry, bring friends and have fun! Back Forty Ballroom 6 pm to 8 pm. $5 per BINGO card. Cash Only

January 31 – February 1 Gun and Knife Show 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! Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm

February

February 2 – 3 Loomis Bros. Circus Experience the thrills of the new 2026 edition of Loomis Bros. Circus coming to the Northeast Alabama Agri Business Center! It’s the BIG 3-RING CIRCUS everyone is talking about, where you’ll see. Amazing performing animals! World-class circus artists! Motorcycle stunt riders! Incredible daredevils, a live circus band and much more. This is the one family event you won’t want to miss! Show some love for this awesome offer and pass it along to all your friends and be sure to tag someone below who needs a family night out! https://lbctix.com/lbc/rainsvle26

February 3 – March 31 Moon Lake Bee-Culture (Beekeeping) This 8-week class led by instructor Mr. Cameron Mitchell will cover safety, beekeeping tools and safe use, history of beekeeping, origins, anatomy and life cycle, etc., and starting your own bee yard. The class will begin on 2-3-26 and continue through 3-31-26 on Tuesdays from 5-7PM. The cost of the class is $25 and can be paid either by cash or check on the first date of class. Tuesdays from 5 – 7 PM For more information, contact Laura Otinger @ 256-228-6001 Ext. 2322

February 5 – March 12 Moon Lake Land-Based Art and Southern Heritage Art Class This six-week, land-based art course explores Southern and Appalachian culture through place-based making and hands-on projects. Meeting Thursdays from 3:00–4:30 PM (February 5–March 12), students will complete three two-week projects: painting a 12” x 12” barn quilt inspired by regional traditions, creating a nature-based mandala or medicine wheel using locally gathered materials, and constructing small stone sculptures that emphasize balance and form. The course encourages creative connections to place, heritage, and identity while developing foundational skills in design, painting, and sculpture. No prior art experience is required. The course fee is $25 and can be paid with cash or check on the date of the first class.  (Thursdays 3:00–4:30) For more information contact Laura Otinger @ 256-228-6001 Ext. 2322

February 5 – 7, 9, 12 – 14 Children’s Advocacy Center Dinner and Play –Children’s Advocacy Center presents their annual dinner and play written and directed by: Eddie McPherson. The play will be held at the First United Methodist Church Life Center.  Ticket prices vary and are by reservation only. For more information or tickets, 256-997-9700

February 6 – 7 William Bartram and Alabama: A Traveling Exhibit tells the remarkable story of William Bartram’s 1775 journey through Creek territory in what is now Alabama. This engaging traveling exhibit explores the adventures of America’s first great naturalist-artist, whose four-year expedition through the colonial South produced groundbreaking scientific discoveries and vivid cultural documentation. The exhibit is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. The exhibit is funded in part by the Leah Rawls Atkins Endowed Fund for Excellence and the Ann Draughon Cousins Endowed Fund for Excellence. This exhibit is located in the Richard C. Hunt Reception Hall between the Fort Payne Opera House and the DeKalb Hosiery Museum. 10 am to 2 pm

February 7 Harold Beck Memorial Antique Tractor Show All brands of tractors and Hit and Miss engines are welcome! We will have plenty of door prizes and stuff to give away! So come out and bring the family and all of your friends to the 2nd Annual Harold Beck Memorial Tractor Show! NE AL Agri Business Center. Doors open at 8 am. Breakfast and Lunch will be available at the concession stand. All admission proceeds will be donated to DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Departments. For more info call 256-440-0502 or 256-601-3178

February 7 Serious Skills Series: Nature’s Elements in Metal Art Workshop The Serious Skills Series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors. Unleash your creativity as you design and create your own unique metal art piece inspired by the beauty of nature. Join artist Kevin Watson from Tintations for a fun workshop that utilizes reclaimed tin and barn wood. Make your own piece of art to hang at home or give to someone special. This class is for ages 14 to adult. What to Bring: Enthusiasm (all materials and tools needed to complete this project will be provided). Wear comfortable, casual clothing and bring drinks/snacks if you wish. This workshop emphasizes the use of hand tools, students should have moderate hand strength. 1 pm to 3 pm: DeSoto State Park-Location disclosed at time of registration. $40.00 includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/TrpDjAEefD

February 13 – 14 William Bartram and Alabama: A Traveling Exhibit tells the remarkable story of William Bartram’s 1775 journey through Creek territory in what is now Alabama. This engaging traveling exhibit explores the adventures of America’s first great naturalist-artist, whose four-year expedition through the colonial South produced groundbreaking scientific discoveries and vivid cultural documentation. The exhibit is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. The exhibit is funded in part by the Leah Rawls Atkins Endowed Fund for Excellence and the Ann Draughon Cousins Endowed Fund for Excellence. This exhibit is located in the Richard C. Hunt Reception Hall between the Fort Payne Opera House and the DeKalb Hosiery Museum. 10 am to 2 pm

February 13 – 15 Valentine’s Weekend Trail Rides This Valentine’s Weekend, let your hearts wander through the mountains with Shady Grove Horse Ranch. Ride one of our beautiful horses along winding forest trails that lead to the majestic DeSoto Falls. Our experienced guides will ensure you have time to pause, soak in the scenery, and be there to help capture the perfect photos to remember your magical day forever! Choose a private ride for $120 per person or a group ride for $60 each, and let the mountains, the horses, and the waterfall create a Valentine’s adventure you’ll never forget. Our spots are very limited, so please call ahead to reserve your ride! Text or call 256-634-4027 or message us on Facebook today for booking. Rides are by appointment only!

February 14 Darren Knight & Friends Excited to announce our Valentine’s Day show with Darren Knight and Friends at the Back Forty! Tickets go on sale, Nov 15th!

February 20 Evening of Jazz JSU’s Little River Canyon Center Presents An Evening of Jazz Featuring TAD of Jazz. Doors 5:30 pm | Dinner 6 pm | Music 7 pm. Adults $50, students $25 in advance make reservations by 2/17, seating is limited. Tables accommodate 8 guests, please call for parties of 8 or more. If you would like to sponsor a table and have your organization or business recognized please call 256-845-7213 or email canyoncenter@jsu.edu for more info. Proceeds benefit environmental education. 

February 20 – 22 Twining with Fabric Workshop Hosted by DeSoto State Park & Little River Arts Council The Serious Skills series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors. Join expert weaver Patty Baird for a two-session workshop exploring the art of twining—a traditional weaving technique used to create beautiful rugs and chair upholstery. Patty will bring her own loom and demonstrate the process, sharing the rich history of twining, how to construct a simple loom, and tips on selecting the right fabrics and techniques for your project. Over the course of the workshop, participants will create a 12″ x 18″ woven piece using the twining method. All materials, including a personal loom, are provided—and yours to keep at the end of the workshop. This will be held over a few days. Friday evening intro (2 hours) Saturday 4-hour class, and the next day a 4-hour class to finish up the project. Friday: 6:00-8:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am-1:00 pm (CST) Sunday 1:00 to 5:00.  DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Fee: $150.00 per person which includes most supplies. Participants will need to bring at least 3 twin-size flat sheets of 3 colors to make strips for their project. (COTTON ONLY) Pre-registration required by February 1st. RSVP here: www.littleriverartscouncil.org/twining.html

February 21 Animals of Alabama Come join us for a nature talk at Little River Falls viewing platform. At 10:30 AM you can join Ranger Regina to walk from the visitor center to the falls or join us at the falls viewing platform at 11:00 AM for the program.

February 28 Serious Skills Series: Mojo Bag Workshop The Serious Skills series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors.Start the new year by creating your own mojo bag with Southeastern fingerweaver Keena Graham. In this hands-on workshop, all materials are provided to craft one medium-sized mojo bag, along with charms for adornment and a selection of herbs and flowers to make sachets for your mojo. So, let’s get your mojo working for you in 2026! 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (CST) DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. Benefield Interpretive Center next to Country Store on County Road 89. $65-includes all supplies. Class space is limited to 10, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration: https://forms.office.com/g/s6CppAv1Li
https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/mojobags

March

March 6 – 7 DeKalb Shrine Rodeo DeKalb Shrine Club is proud to present its 8th Annual Shrine Rodeo ‪at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville, AL. Event starts at 7:30 each night.  Tickets will be sold at the door only: $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for Children 6–11, FREE for Kids 5 and under. Doors open at 6pm  This exciting event returns for its 8th year to bring you heart-pounding thrills and a family fun experience that will become a great family memory! The Rodeo offers Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riders, Calf Roping, Barrel Racing and more! Shrine Rodeo is produced in partnership with 4L Rodeo Co. and the Professional Cowboy Association. The athletes competing in the rodeo are professionals and are here at their own expense. Sponsorships and program advertising are now available. Call ‪256-717-6263 for more information. All proceeds are for the benefit of Alhambra Shriners and are not tax-deductible.

March 7 Series Skills: Quilt the Forest Join fabric artist and nature enthusiast Michelle Reynolds, for a creative quilting workshop inspired by the beauty of the forest. In this hands-on class, you’ll design and hand-sew small blocks onto a canvas square using colorful felts, embroidery threads, and other materials. Reflect on your favorite nature scenes as you create a unique vignette, cutting out symbols, layering colors, and stitching them together to tell your story. All fabric and supplies will be provided, no previous experience required. 1:00-4:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. Benefield Interpretive Center next to Country Store on County Road 89: $55-includes all supplies. Class space is limited to 12, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/quilttheforest1.html

March 7 Damon Johnson at the Back Forty Ballroom Spend an intimate night with Damon Johnson, who will be taking you through his music and musical experiences. 7:30 pm to 10 pm Get tickets HERE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-damon-johnson-tickets-1981083630468

March 7 – 14 Finder Keepers Consignment Sale You will find gently used, good quality name brand children and adult clothing and shoes, home furnishings, electronics, books, toys, furniture and more, all at great prices. Sign up NOW to become a consignor!  Will be held at the VFW Fairgrounds. Special pre-sale hours for consignors.   256-632-2420 or 256-638-5998
SALE HOURS:  Saturday, March 7th – 9 am to 5 pm; Monday, March 9th – Thursday, March 12th – 9 am to 5 pm 1/2 PRICE SALE HOURS:  Friday, March 13th – 9 am to 5 pm  & Saturday, March 14th – 9 am to 2 pm ** Closed Sunday, March 8th **

March 13 – 14 Myrtle Jane’s Spring Open House Celebrate the new season with us at our Spring Open House! Lots of vintage, florals and home décor. Friday, 13^th 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday, March 14 10 am to 4 pm.

March 19 MERF Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction – Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Taste of the Mountain & Art Auction, MERF’s annual fundraiser! Join us at Camp Alpine for a night of delicious local flavors and exciting silent & live art auctions featuring pieces from talented area artists. Tickets go on sale Feb 1st, and will be available at the Mentone Market for cash and check sales. Don’t miss your chance to support art education and community programs while enjoying a fantastic night out!

March 21 Mustang Run 5K Run or walk the beautiful Northeast Alabama Community College campus on Saturday, March 21, 2026, and help us to raise money for scholarships at the First Southern State Bank Mustang 5K! The Mustang Run / Walk will begin promptly at 8 AM from the Soccer Field on the Northeast Campus at 138 Alabama Highway 35 Rainsville, Alabama. Chip timing will be provided. All proceeds from this race will benefit scholarships at Northeast Alabama Community College. Pre-registration until February 14 is only $25. February 14 until day of race is $30. Registration day of race is $40. Students pay only $20. To be guaranteed a long sleeve race t-shirt, please register before March 1. Register: https://runsignup.com/…/FirstSouthernStateBankMustang5K…

March 21 – 22 Peacefest at Tigers for Tomorrow Peace, Love & Big Cats

April

April 16 – 26 “Little Women” NACC Production Northeast Alabama Community College brings the beloved classic Little Women to the stage with a heartwarming production presented by the NACC Theatre Department. Audiences are invited to experience the timeless story of the March sisters as they navigate family, friendship, and finding their place in the world. Performances are held in the Tom Bevill Lyceum on the NACC campus. Show Times: Thursday – Saturday’s @ 7:00 p.m. & Sunday’s @ 2:00 p.m. Tickets $8. Appropriate for ages 13+.

April 18 – 19 Gun & Knife Show This event will be held at the DeKalb County VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne. It will house 350 tables of rifles, shotguns, handguns, knives, edged weapons, modern & antique weapons, and related items.  256-845-7140

April 25 Lost Falls 10K & Half Marathon

May

May 2 Memories of Mayberry Join the Town of Valley Head for a great day for the whole family! There will be a cruise in, food, fun, entertainment and more. Special guest will be Barney Fife. Will be held in the downtown square of Valley Head. 9 a.m. 256-899-3776 or 256-635-6814.

May 14 – 17 US 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale – Thursday thru Sunday following Mother’s Day –  Follow the scenic U.S. Highway 11 from Meridian, MS to Bristol, VA for more than 500-miles of yard sales! Explore charming historic communities and downtown districts like the 1889 boom town district of Fort Payne, Alabama. 888-805-4740 & 877-871-1386 www.visitlookoutmountain.com