April

April 2 Country Line Dancing: Back Forty Ballroom Pull on your boots and hit the dance floor! Back Forty Ballroom is hosting Country Line Dancing, and everyone is invited to join the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying it out for the first time, it’s a great way to move, laugh, and enjoy a night out with friends. 256-845-3380

April 2 Art Mingle: Boom Town Makers Market Art Mingle Bingo is coming back! Boom Town Makers Market will host the event again as part of their First Thursday gathering.  Friends, neighbors, visitors, and art lovers are invited to stop by for an evening celebrating community, creativity, and local artists. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in Boom Town Bingo, an interactive artist scavenger hunt designed to help attendees discover local makers, learn more about their work, and win fun prizes while exploring the market. 5 pm to 8 pm  324 Gault Avenue, Fort Payne AL

April 3 Hike with a Naturalist – Bridge Trail to Little Falls Come with us on an easy guided .75 mile hike on the Bridge Trail to little River Falls at the Little River National Preserve. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking. Bring water, sun protection and possibly a snack. As with all outdoor events, if it’s raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please check with the Canyon Center. Meet at the Little River Canyon Center – Fort Payne, Alabama on AL Hwy 35. Free and open to everyone! Registration appreciated. For details, contact 256-845-3548 (Canyon Center)

April 4 Wildflower Watercolors for Beginners – Spring Blooms Discover the beauty of native wildflowers through the art of watercolor in this beginner-friendly class. Designed for those who think they can’t draw a stick figure, this course focuses on easy-to-learn techniques to capture the delicate charm of local flora. Using simple brush strokes and basic color mixing, you’ll create vibrant, nature-inspired artworks while exploring the unique features of native wildflowers. No prior art experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment. By the end of the class, you’ll have a collection of small watercolor paintings and newfound confidence in your artistic abilities. 2:00 pm-5:00 pm: 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.  https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/springwildflowerwatercolors.html

April 4 Community Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival Join the Mentone and surrounding communities for an Easter celebration. Local churches have come together once again to create a massive egg hunt for the children in our area. There will also be carnival games, prizes, inflatables, cotton candy, sno-cones, popcorn, and lots of fun. Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends out for a day to remember!   Mentone Community Church

April 10 Movie Night – “Song Sung Blue” Grab your friends and family and save the dates for a series of new and classic films all summer long. – Concessions available. As always admission is FREE, but seating is limited. Call or text 256-996-2131 to reserve your seats. Let’s fill the theatre and celebrate a hometown legend together! Doors Open: 6:00 PM – Movie Starts: 7:00 PM.

April 11 Moon Lake Library Book Club Moon Lake Library Book Club meets the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM. While we occasionally read the same book, more often we talk about what we’ve read lately or discuss books on a particular theme, genre, or by a single author. For example, we’ve read works by Wendell Berry and Janisse Ray, mysteries, books about food, and horror (loosely defined). We look forward to a great discussion. We hope you can join in the fun!

April 11 RCG at The Pickin Post Rose Colored Glasses delivers a true classic country sound that feels like the golden days of the Grand Ole Opry—rich harmonies, honky-tonk heart, and songs that linger long after the last note. Blending time-honored originals with beloved country favorites, this is more than a show—it’s a memory you get to relive. If the music of Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Bob Wills still gives you chills, then Opry Nights is the show for you! Grab a ticket, bring a friend, and come hear country music the way it was meant to be played. 7 pm

April 11 The Essentials at the Back Forty Ballroom Come out to The Back Forty Ballroom in Fort Payne, AL to hear an evening of Classic Rock, Grunge, and Southern Rock favorites from the award-winning band, The Essentials. You’ll know every song. 8 pm to 11 pm

April 16 Country Line Dancing: Back Forty Ballroom Pull on your boots and hit the dance floor! Back Forty Ballroom is hosting Country Line Dancing, and everyone is invited to join the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying it out for the first time, it’s a great way to move, laugh, and enjoy a night out with friends. 256-845-3380

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 17 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. Doors open at 5:30 pm $5 per BINGO card per round. Cash Only

April 18 Hike with a Naturalis – Little Falls Trail Please join us on a guided 1.5-mile hike at the Little River National Preserve. We’ll hike from Little River Falls to the wonderful Little Falls, just downstream. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking. Bring water, sun protection and possibly a snack. Free event. Registration appreciated. This is a Moderate to difficult level hike with varying and uneven terrain. Children and dogs may find it challenging.  WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it’s raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please check with the Canyon Center. Meet at the Main Falls Parking Lot. Free and open to everyone! For details, call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548.

April 18 Third Saturday Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In will be an afternoon of family fun activities in the Main Street District of Fort Payne. This public event will include food, live music, motorcycles, antique car show, and much more. 5 pm to 9 pm

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 19 Fly Fishing 101 Join Dr. Tim Lindblom at the Little River Canyon Center for Fly Fishing 101! Learn the basics to get started on your own fly fishing adventures! We discuss gear selection, knots, fly selection, and casting instructions. Participants will get hands-on experience and the opportunity to make that first catch! Ages 14 and over are welcome. Register today! Spots are extremely limited!  Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL.  $50 per participant. Please call the Little River Canyon Center, 256-845-3548, or email fieldschool@jsu.edu for promo codes. No refunds after April 6. Please bring water, sun protection and a snack. All equipment will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

April 20 – 21  2026 Postvention Training Join the SAM Foundation and Fort Payne City Schools for a two-day Alabama Postvention Training Program in Fort Payne, presented in partnership with the nationally recognized NAMI Connect Program. This training equips community leaders, educators, first responders, faith leaders, and service providers with tools to respond compassionately after a suicide loss, strengthen community support systems, and help prevent future tragedies.

April 24 Boys in the Band at the Back Forty Ballroom Bring your dancing boots and your best pair of hometown socks and join us for a Back Forty Ballroom BASH! Tickets on sale this FRIDAY 2/27 at 9 am. Held at the Back Forty Ballroom. Doors open 6:30.  Table seating is first-come, first served or you can call Vintage 1889 to reserve you a table . Click HERE for tickets

April 25 To Kill a Mockingbird To Kill a Mockingbird is a 1960 Southern Gothic novel by American author Harper Lee. It became instantly successful after its release; in the United States, it is widely read in high schools and middle schools.Doors open at 5pm, Movie starts at 6pm. No Admission
Concessions available for purchase.

April 29 Hiring Day Event DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools would like to invite your business to participate in ourHiring Day event. This event is designed for our high school juniors and seniorswho are seeking part-time, summer, or full-time employment opportunities. Hiring Day will provide your organization with the opportunity to set up a booth and connect directly with motivated students who are ready to enter the workforce. Students will rotate through the event during the morning, allowing them to learn about your company, ask questions, and potentially apply for open positions. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. DeKalb County Schools Coliseum  8:00 AM- 12:00PM

May

May 1 Hike with a Naturalist Lower Two Mile Trail Join the JSU Field School on the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday of each month (with occasional additional dates) for a guided hike through the Little River National Preserve. As we explore the trails, we’ll discuss local plants, animals, and the natural history of the area. Join JSU Field School staff on a beautiful outdoor adventure hike to Lower Two-Mile. Don’t let this hike fool you. It may be short, but it’s steep. This hike is a challenging, arduous and steep 1/2 mile hike. Please bring plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended). Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather.  Meet at the Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne, Alabama (AL Hwy 35). Please arrive by 10:00 a.m. CT, and we will caravan to the trail head. Registration appreciated. For details, call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548 or email FieldSchool@jsu.edu.

May 1 Concet at The Cricket Theatre Come join us at The Cricket Theatre for a great night of music with Jeff Tolbert & Primitive Road along with The Soul Reedemers. Tickets are $20 cash or check, $23 using Paypal. Or you can purchase tickets at www.collinsvillehistoricalassociation.org. All proceeds go toward purchase of new theatre seats. 6 pm

May 2 Meet a Machine Join us for a Meet a Machine event on May 2 from 9:00–12:00!
Kids will have the chance to get up close with some amazing machines and learn all about how they work. All proceeds go to DeKalb Children’s Advocacy Center!

May 2 Dixieland Delight Sale Join us for our 43rd Annual Dixieland Delight Red, White & Black Production Sale featuring our top Hereford and Angus genetics. 12 pm

May 9 Moon Lake Library Book Club Moon Lake Library Book Club meets the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM. While we occasionally read the same book, more often we talk about what we’ve read lately or discuss books on a particular theme, genre, or by a single author. For example, we’ve read works by Wendell Berry and Janisse Ray, mysteries, books about food, and horror (loosely defined). We look forward to a great discussion. We hope you can join in the fun!

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

May 16 Berries and Bloom Festival Join us at Town Creek Field and Farm for our 3rd ANNUAL Berries and Blooms Festival! There will be you-pick flowers, strawberries, live music, local vendors, coffee truck, food truck, and more! Be sure to come see us at the farm on Saturday, May 16th from 10am-4pm! $5 entry fee per vehicle! 

May 16 Bloom Fest in Mentone Join us for a beautiful spring day at the Log Cabin Village filled with shopping, handmade goods, and sweet treats. Spend the day exploring and supporting amazing local shops like: Little River Soap, The Spinning Wheels, The Rustic Boho, Boutique Adhana, The 4 Four Bears, The Ice Cream Shoppe and more vendors joining us!  Whether you’re looking for unique finds, gifts, or just a great way to enjoy spring in Mentone — this is the place to be. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

May 16 May on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Henagar Get ready to kick off May with a mountain of fun at the May on the Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Henagar, located on Sand Mountain! Hosted by the Henagar Park Board, this finger-lickin’ and guitar-pickin’ event promises a toe-tappin’ good time for all. Bring your lawn chair, bring a friend, and get ready to groove to the sweet sounds of bluegrass beneath the open sky!

May 16 Third Saturday Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In will be an afternoon of family fun activities in the Main Street District of Fort Payne. This public event will include food, live music, motorcycles, antique car show, and much more. 5 pm to 9 pm

May 16 – 17 Rails & Roots Festival The Town of Valley Head will be hosting a two day event for family and friends! Fabulous music line-up all weekend, music and more fun than can be named. Held in the downtown square of Valley Head. Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday Noon to 4 pm Call Town Hall for more information 256-635-6814

May 17 May’s Gulf Songwriter Series XIII Join us for the May’s Gulf Songwriter Series Sunday, May 17 from 2 pm til 4 pm at Little River Canyon Center featuring Kelli Johnson | Reese Burke. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 the day of the show. Coolers welcome.

May 22 Movie Night – “Zootopia 2” Grab your friends and family and save the dates for a series of new and classic films all summer long. – Concessions available. As always admission is FREE, but seating is limited. Call or text 256-996-2131 to reserve your seats. Let’s fill the theatre and celebrate a hometown legend together! Doors Open: 6:00 PM – Movie Starts: 7:00 PM.

May 23 Strawberry Jam Festival Come join the fun at Over Easy Acres at our Strawberry Jam Festival! The festival will be packed with fun for everyone — fresh-picked strawberries, homemade treats, local vendors, music, and family-friendly activities you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate strawberry season with us! 10 am to 2 pm

June

June 6 Rainsville Freedom Run Rainsville Freedom Run will have runners from across the country that will descend upon Rainsville for the 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAINSVILLE FREEDOM RUN 10K AND 5K, “The Best Small Race in America”. The event is for runners and walkers of all ages. The race will begin and end at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum located at 1504 Main St E Dekalb County Schools Coliseum 8 AM – 11 AM

June 6 Serious Skills Series: Willow Frame Baskets Learn to weave with willow! Whether you’re new to basket-making or seeking to expand your skills, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to create functional art with natural materials. The instructor will also be sharing some of her personal journey of healing through foraging and handcrafts. 10:00-4:00 CST with a lunch break from 12:30-1:30: DeSoto State Park   $125 – includes all supplies. Class space is limited , pre-registration is required for attendance. Pre-register here: www.littleriverartscouncil.org/willowbasket.html

June 6 Picnic in the Park Live Music by many local artist, Face Painting, Food Vendors, Craft vendors, Kiddie Train, Balloon Art by Moons Balloons, Inflatables, and Pony Rides by Jesse Tatum and fireworks to end the day. There will be a car show from 4 pm to 6 pm and other festivities are start at 5 pm. Held at Geraldine Town Park!

June 12 Movie Night – “I Can Only Imagine 2” Grab your friends and family and save the dates for a series of new and classic films all summer long. – Concessions available. As always admission is FREE, but seating is limited. Call or text 256-996-2131 to reserve your seats. Let’s fill the theatre and celebrate a hometown legend together! Doors Open: 6:00 PM – Movie Starts: 7:00 PM.

June 13 Bluegrass on the Rim Featuring Three on a String | Foggy Hollow 6 pm Join us for the 13th Annual Bluegrass on the Rim concert.  This year’s concert featuring Three on a String and Foggy Hollow Review. This is an outdoor venue so bring folding chairs or blankets. Leashed pets and coolers are welcome. BBQ and other vendors on site. Come out and enjoy some of the south’s best BBQ & Bluegrass under the stars. Adult tickets $25 in advance or $30 the day of the show. Student discounted tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 the day of. Kids 10 and under free.

June 20 Third Saturday Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In will be an afternoon of family fun activities in the Main Street District of Fort Payne. This public event will include food, live music, motorcycles, antique car show, and much more. 5 pm to 9 pm

June 27 Rainsville Freedom Fest A big fun for the entire family including a big car show, live music, food, arts & crafts, and inflatables. Featuring Country music group favorites Confederate Railroad and Exile. There will be a big fireworks show at the end! Admission is free. Festivities are at the Field of Dreams in Rainsville.  Fireworks will be at 9 pm