Events Along the Lookout Mountain Parkway
MAY
May 15 – 18 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 17 Berries & Blooms Festival Town Creek Field is excited to announce their 2nd annual Berries & Blooms festival at the farm!! You will get the chance to pick berries, pick flowers and do bouquet making. There will be local music, vendors, yard games, and more!
May 17 Jeep Poker Run Calling all Jeeps! Join us for a day full of fun and adventure with the Little River Canyon Jeep Poker Run. Meet up at 10am (central time) at the Little River Canyon Center. Cards in by 1:30pm with awards at 2pm. There will be prizes, raffles, and more. Enjoy delicious food available for purchase Sally’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ food tuck. Bonus: The first 50 to register will receive a coupon for a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A! All proceeds will support the Friends of Little River Canyon National Preserve in their efforts to raise funds for various park projects. Come out, have fun, and support a great cause. Minimum age: 18 years old. $25 per jeep + $5 for each additional person.
No pre-registration required. Register the morning of at the event. Contact: Marsha Merrell – 804-564-4260. Sponsors: Friends of Little River Canyon National Preserve, Absolution Offroad, & Little River Canyon Jeep Outfitters
May 17 Folded Bark Basket Workshop Students will learn how bark is removed from trees, folded, and crafted into usable containers. This class is 6 hours of instruction, with time for lunch in between morning & afternoon. Logs & tools will be supplied, and students will learn how to remove, fold, & begin to dry a piece of bark. Students will take this unfinished piece and other supplies home to complete on their own, after the bark has dried. Students will also be supplied with a pre-dried folded bark basket to embellish with handle, rims, feathers, etc.
No prior experience or knowledge of basketry is necessary. 9:00-4:00 (CST). DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. $85-includes all supplies. Adults only. Class space is limited to 6, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class.
https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/barkbaskets.html
May 17 Big Art Pop-Up Show This fun event will showcase local artists & makers in a small-festival setting in beautiful Mentone, Alabama. Grab some good eats, enjoy art demonstrations, and browse through many original works of art on the grounds of the Mentone Inn. Hosted by Little River Arts Council & Mentone Inn 10 am to 3 pm
May 17 Hike with a Naturalist: DeSoto Scout Trail This hike is a challenging & steep 6.5 mile hike. The trail follows the West Fork of Little River and traverses a varied terrain of ridges, valleys, fern glades, rock formations, waterfalls, beside deep pools, riffles, through rhododendron tunnels, creek crossings, swimming holes, and sandy stretches. About the hike: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (CST) Meet at the DeSoto State Park Lodge. Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of hike.
May 17 Sand Mountain Miss Potato Pageant It is time again for our annual Sand Mountain Miss Potato Pageant! The pageant will be held on Saturday, May 17th, at Henagar Junior High School Gym. Pageant will begin at 3:00pm. Girls ages 0-18 years old are welcome to participate! Deadline to enter is May 9th. Entry fee will be $40 per contestant with siblings receiving a reduced rate of $30 each. Entry fees will cover Best Hair, Best Dress, and Prettiest Smile. An additional fee of $10 per contestant will be required to participate in Most Photogenic. You can fill out the form online by scanning the QR Code below or clicking the link below! Contact Sherry at City Hall at 256-657-6282 for any questions!
May 17 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 17 Dinner & Music Show The Pickin Post Presents 50 Taters Country Music”DINNER SHOW” with “CROSSROAD BAND”. Dinner starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $20. For more information you can call 256-657-3817 or 256-845-4115.
May 17 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Boom Town Opry will be pulling into the station for our 2025 season Doors open at 5pm Show is at 6 pm. See y’all there! Fort Payne Opera House For a suggested donation of $10, you can come and go throughout the performance. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic 1889 Opera House, so please give more if you can!
May 18 Primitive Skills-Natural Cordage & Pitch Glue Create glue and cordage using only simple, natural elements! Scientists have written that cordage (string) and glue were not merely for making the lives of traditional cultures easier; they literally held their world together. In this workshop students will learn two important skills: how to process plant fibers to create cordage, and how to combine natural elements to create glue. About the class: Part I is cordage, in which students will first learn how to refine the leaves and stalks from various plant species in order to expose the fibers. Next, students will be taught the reverse-twist method of creating actual cordage. Each student will take home the cordage strands they create, as well as extra material to process and twist on their own. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (CST) Where: DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. Country Store & Information Center on County Road 89 $85-includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/primitive-cordage…
May 18 May’s Gulf Songwriter Series This small-stage concert series celebrates the artistry of local and regional singer-songwriters, bringing their original music to life in a unique and personal setting. Join us from 3 PM to 5 PM at the beautiful Little River Canyon Center for an afternoon of extraordinary performances featuring Dylan Leblanc and Lindy Urban. Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door; Coolers welcome – Bring your favorite refreshments! Rain or shine – The show goes on no matter the weather! Don’t miss this chance to connect with the heart and soul of authentic songwriting. Secure your tickets now and be part of an unforgettable evening!
May 21 Canyon Explorers Join us for hands-on adventure learning! Children ages 7 to 12 will love attending all of these exciting, hands-on adventures! They’ll creatively explore animals, plants, bugs, and more with the JSU Field School team. Parents are welcome to stay for the class, or sign-in your children and drop them off for the class. Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL
Time: 10:30 am – 12/Noon (Central Time) $8 per child per class or $25 per child when registering for entire spring semester. Registration required. Limited availability. Dress in layers for the weather. We plan to be outside as much as possible. For more details, email fieldschool@jsu.edu or call 256-845-3548.
May 23 Civilian Conservation Corps History Hike: The Unfinished Bridges Honor the anniversary of DeSoto State Park’s opening in 1939 with a moderate hike. Join DSP staff as we explore several unfinished bridges built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. Learn about the intriguing history behind why these bridges were left incomplete and get an up-close look at the original structures. About the hike: moderate hike on Gilliam Loop Trail & old CCC roadbed-Approx. 4.5 miles round trip. 2:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Gilliam Loop Trailhead (past the Lodge on cabin road) Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of hike. www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park/hiking Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks/lunch, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended) WEATHER: Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather. As with all outdoor events, if it is stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please call the park before you leave home to check if the hike is still on (256.845.0051)
May 23 – 24 Mary Ella Gabler Weekend at Andiamo Lodge Pop up shop and book signing, Conversations at the Andiamo Table and Breakfast in Bed with Mary Ella Gabler Peacock Alley Linens at the Gallery by Andiamo Lodge. Pop up shop with Mary Ella Gabler Peacock Alley Linens at the Gallery by Andiamo Lodge. Come Meet the founder of Peacock Alley Mary Ella Gabler and have the opportunity to purchase some Luxurious Linens. 2:00pm–4:00pm Free and open to the public
May 24 Possum Emporium Hosts Soft Opening in Mentone A new destination for lovers of antiques, vintage treasures, handmade goods, and quirky curiosities is opening its doors in the heart of Mentone. The Possum Emporium will hold its soft opening on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) at 1774 County Road 642, just 200 yards from the intersection of Alabama Highway 117.
May 27 Park Clean Up at Little River Canyon National Preserve We would love for you to join us to clean the park in common areas in preparation for our annual BioBlitz after Memorial weekend! There will be two separate opportunities to volunteer, and we can’t wait to see you there! 9 AM Little River Canyon Falls: We will meet in the parking lot, sign waivers, pick up our tools, and begin cleaning up. Plan to begin arriving around 8:45 to give yourself time to complete any forms and receive the safety brief. The areas we intend to clean are the parking lot, the boardwalk, the trail, and down into the hippie hole. We will break off into smaller groups to cover more area within our time allotment. We will wrap up by 11 AM or sooner as the mission completes.
12 PM Visitor Center: We will meet in the visitor center to sign waivers, pick up our tools, and begin cleaning up. Plan to begin arriving around 11:45 to give yourself time to complete any forms and receive the safety brief. The areas we intend to clean are the parking lots, around the visitor center, and the JSU field. We will break into smaller groups to achieve the mission quicker. We will wrap up the cleaning by 1 PM or sooner if we get done.
What to wear: You will wear pants or shorts with tennis shoes/ hiking shoes. We will provide a temporary brightly colored t shirt to wear while cleaning up. Once the event is over, we will collect the shirts back to wash and fold for the next event.
What to bring: You may choose to bring bug spray and sunscreen. You will need to bring water with you. We have a station to fill up your bottles as needed. Come volunteer to make our park beautiful!
May 30 Movie Night This month’s Friday Night at the Movies will be a very special one. Hank and Susan Van Apeldoorn of Mentone spent many years working in the film industry, based in Georgia. After the showing of “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius,” they’ll share stories about their experiences as part of the film crew. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear about the movie from people who helped make it possible. The movie begins at 6 PM sharp on Friday, May 30.
May 30 – 31 Bio Blitz 2025 Have you ever wondered what kind of cool plants and animals can be found in Alabama? Do you love Little River Canyon? This event is for you! Join us to help us document the flora and fauna of the park. We will be exploring the park with scientists, naturalists, students, and professors (oh my!) and the public is encouraged to join us. This initiative is a chance to inspire and engage a new generation of stewards of our fantastic natural resources, all while taking a vast snapshot of the biodiversity that is protected by our nation’s parks. You can choose to join us for an organized event, hike an easy trail or challenge yourself on a canyon trail. We are lining up specialists to help discover fish, amphibians and reptiles, birds or any creature or plant that call this place home. So come out, get involved, and help us document the richness of Little River Canyon National Preserve! It will be a weekend of fun! More details to come for BioBlitz 2025! Call 256-845-3548 for more details. All outdoor activities are weather dependent. Snorkel Survey is dependent on water level of Little River.
May 31 Song Writers Contest The Pickin Post presents a Song Writer Contest. There will be some great prizes to be given away and this is a great opportunity for our local song writers. For more information call 256-657-3817. Show starts at 6 pm
June
June 6 Hike with a Naturalist: Powell Trail Join us for Hike with a Naturalist! We will be hiking Powell Trail. This is 2 mile trail in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. This hike is a strenuous 2 mile journey with varying and steep terrain into the canyon. Cell phones may have little to no reception. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking, dress in layers, bring water, hiking poles, sun protection and a snack! Meet at the Little River Canyon Center, and we will caravan to the trailhead. Free and open to everyone! Registration appreciated. WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it’s raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. If the weather is questionable, please check with the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548.
June 6 First Friday Art Nights! Join us for First Friday Art Nights at Moon Lake Village and participating businesses throughout Mentone. Enjoy an evening of art, live music, food, and community — every first Friday, May through November. Sponsored by the Little River Arts Council. Come be part of something new and beautiful in Mentone! 4 pm to 7 pm
June 6 Congo Night Swim Come out for an epic evening of swimming, music and fun. Congo Falls will be lit up with lights for a safe fun environment. There will be a splash deck for extra fun and enjoyment. Reservations are Required. Limit of 40 People per Night Swim. Private Groups of 20 or more have the option to requested specific dates to reserve a Night Swim for your group. 7 pm to 10 pm 256-996-0562
June 7 Rainsville Freedom Run Rainsville Freedom Run will have runners from across the country that will descend upon Rainsville for the 17TH 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 7 Southern Ceramic Solutions Food, Music, door prizes and more. Held at Southern Ceramic Solutions (1595 Main Street) in Fyffe. Everyone is invited and event is free for spectators. There will be a $20 entry fee for bringing a car. All proceeds go to Children’s Hospital. For more information call 256.440.1520 10 am to 2 pm
June 7 Geraldine Picnic in the Park Picnic in the Park will feature Damon Johnson along with special performances by Leah Seawright and the Average Joe Band. We have so many new additions to this year’s event and we are so excited to see our community come together. 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 7 Outdoor Event at The Pickin Post The Picking Post will be hosting an outdoor event to start the summer off right. There will be live music that starts at 6 pm and a cruise in starts at 4 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information call 256-657-3817 or 256-845-4115
June 7 Summer Music Series Summer nights + live music = perfection! Join us for the 2025 Summer Music Series, a free outdoor concert series at the Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion — brought to you by the Little River Arts Council! Grab some good eats, bring your favorite drink, and settle in for unforgettable evenings of music with Black Sedan Band under the stars with friends & family. 6 pm to 9 pm
June 8 Weaving a Reed Egg Basket Join artist Brittney Hughes to discover how to weave a reed egg basket; learning how to set up & form the basket, weave & twine techniques, and how to add ribs as you go. Materials 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) 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. $130 supply fee. Pre-registration required by May 25th. 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.
June 12 Guardians of Hope Gala and Auction Come join Guardian of Hope for a special night! There will be a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner and live auction. Terrapin Hills Country Club. All proceeds go to DeKalb Co CAC. 5:30 pm Call Tracy Jones at 256-630-0688 or Neil Colbert at 256-899-3810
June 13 Lunch & Learn Join the SAM Foundation for a Lunch & Learn event in Fort Payne featuring a QPR Training! Lunch is at 11:30 am at the Coal & Iron Building. Everyone is invited to attend but please register at:
June 14 Bluegrass on the Rim Join us for the 12th Annual Bluegrass on the Rim concert. This year’s concert featuring Kristy Cox & Grasstime 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 21 Hike with a Naturalist: Lower two-mile Trail 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. This hike is extremely steep and not recommended for pets or people who have difficulty climbing stairs and steep terrain. Meet at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center-Fort Payne, Alabama on AL Hwy 35. We will caravan to the trail head. Time: Meet at Canyon Center at 10:30 am (CST). Fee: Free and open to everyone! Registration appreciated. For details, contact 256-845-3548 (Canyon Center)
June 21 Watercolors for Beginners Watercolors for Beginners – Discover the Beauty of Native Bugs & Insects Dive into the vibrant world of watercolors as you explore the fascinating details of native bugs and insects! 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 fauna. Using simple brush strokes and basic color mixing, you’ll create vibrant, nature-inspired artworks while exploring the unique features of Mother Nature. 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 (CST) 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.
Pre-registration below: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/insectwatercolors…
June 21 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 21 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Boom Town Opry will be pulling into the station for our 2025 season Doors open at 5pm Show is at 6 pm. See y’all there! Fort Payne Opera House For a suggested donation of $10, you can come and go throughout the performance. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic 1889 Opera House, so please give more if you can!
June 24 – 27 Canyon Camp Join us for Canyon Camp! This unique summer experience offers hands-on environmental education, outdoor fun, creative arts, and exploration of the natural world. Campers will enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming and more while exploring the JSU Canyon Center, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. Designed for curious minds ages 8 to 12, Canyon Camp is limited to just 12 participants to ensure a safe, engaging, and personalized experience. Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL. 9am to 3pm (Central Time). Drop off begins at 8:30am. Fee: $150/student. Registration required. Limited availability.
JSU Students and Teachers Receive 20% with Promo Code! (Must show with School ID)
June 26 – 28 Alabama Fan Appreciation Week Fan Appreciation Weekend (June 26-28, 2025) will continue and will feature a number of events this year: The Teddy Gentry “Singing with the Stars” contest, the award-winning Songwriters Concert, “Fandemonium on the Farm” at Randy Owen’s property, as well as various events held at the ALABAMA world headquarters in Fort Payne.
June 26 Teddy Gentry’s Singing with the Stars Teddy Gentry’s Singing with the Stars. Listen to local Student Singers in a competition and see Teddy Gentry perform with the students! Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium. Proceeds got to the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center. 6 pm
June 27 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided morning paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Learn about this outstanding water source with its clear water, plant & animal life, and about the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. What to know: This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, under your own power & spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period. Includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water. 7:00 am-10:00 am DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) Fee: $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00 email to check availability)
June 27 Cook Castle Brunch Benefiting the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation Cook Castle Brunch is hosted by Lisa Coo and features a silent auction. Cook Castle at 10 am
June 27 Buffalo Nickle Coin Show The Buffalo Nickle will be hosting a Coin Show at the Alabama Fan Club. Fan Club Members admission is free. For all others, it is $1 donation. Proceeds benefit the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center. 12 pm to 3 pm
June 27 – 28 June Jam Songwriters Showcase The Alabama Band June Jam Song Writers Showcase will be the Fort Payne City Auditorium and there will be 2 shows. Tickets are on sale at the Alabama Fan Club. All seats are reserved, and capacity is limited. There will be different lineup of songwriters scheduled for each evening. To purchase tickets call the Fan Club at 256-845-1646
June 27 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided morning paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Learn about this outstanding water source with its clear water, plant & animal life, and about the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. What to know: This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, under your own power & spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period. Includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water. 7:00 am-10:00 am DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) Fee: $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00 email to check availability) Pre-registration: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Daybreak-Paddle
June 27 Miss Freedom Festival The City of Rainsville will be hosting the 1st Annual Miss Freedom Festival. Contestants ages 0 to 12th grade are welcome. All age groups are open to the public. Applications & fees must be turned into Rainsville City Hall no later than June 9th. Entry fee is $40 for the first child and $30 for each additional sibling. Held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center in Rainsville. Pageant starts at 4 pm. For more information send email to kaliedavis7@gmail.com
June 28 Randy Owen’s Fandemonium at the Farm Join Randy at the farm for food and musical entertainment. Gates open at 9 am. Get tickets a GOFAN
June 28 Rainsville Freedom Fest Come and have some fun! There will be lots of free kids activities from 1 pm to 9 pm. The entertainment this year will be Sawyer Brown. And then we will end the night with some awesome FIREWORKS that start at 9pm
July
July 4 Sand Mountain Potato Festival Sand Mountain is well known for its rich diversity of agricultural products, including potatoes. Celebrate our heritage with live music, arts and crafts, entertainment, games and fireworks. Event begins at 10 a.m. and culminates with a beautiful fireworks display. 256-657-6282
July 4 Congo Night Swim Come out for an epic evening of swimming, music and fun. Congo Falls will be lit up with lights for a safe fun environment. There will be a splash deck for extra fun and enjoyment. Reservations are Required. Limit of 40 People per Night Swim. Private Groups of 20 or more have the option to requested specific dates to reserve a Night Swim for your group. 7 pm to 10 pm 256-996-0562
July 4 – 5 Annual Independence Day at DeSoto State Park This annual event is fun for both children & adults! Celebrate Independence Day and enjoy good ol’ fashioned fun at DeSoto State Park. Participate in the flag making contest & eat ice cream at the annual ice cream social. Free to everyone; Great for all ages!
Independence Day Flag-Making Contest – Make your own homemade flag to be judged in this fun contest. All ages are welcome to participate. Materials & flag-making rules will be available at the campground pavilion in the Improved Campground starting Thursday, July 3rd if needed (Flags are made on white foam boards, participants use natural materials). Flags can be turned in any day that week but MUST be turned in no later than 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th to be judged. (Turn in flags at DeSoto’s Nature Center) Winners will be announced on DeSoto’s facebook page on Saturday July the 5th (Winners will be contacted) Open to everyone-Be sure to join in the fun- Free to participate and open to all ages!
Splish & Splash Pool Party – Join the fun at our 12th Annual Splish & Splash Pool Party! Cool off in our Olympic-size pool, eat ice cream, & enter for door prizes! $1.00 per person-admission fee. Friday, July 4, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Subject to cancellation if inclement weather
Ice Cream Social – Social starts at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5th, located at the Campground Pavilion in DeSoto’s Improved Campground. Sit around & relax, eat ice cream, & meet your fellow guests at DeSoto State Park. Flag-Making Contest winners will be announced at the Ice Cream Social. You are welcome to bring your own favorite homemade ice cream recipe or other desserts to share with your fellow guests. Bring your own comfortable camp chair as seating is limited. Free to participate, & open to everyone! Campground gate will be open for you. Subject to cancellation if inclement weather Program Host: DeSoto State Park Contact Email: Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov
July 5 Congo Rappel Adventure Come experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone gems in Congo Nature Preserve. No previous experience necessary. Each trip includes all the gear, plus basic instruction and the time of your life as you Experience the beautiful view of Congo Falls rappelling down a cliff with instruction. Most Experiences include two trips down the mountain per person. Meet at True Adventure Sports 2 pm
July 11 Talent Show Dekalb County Residents! We are wanting to hold a community Talent Show for those in our area to show off their hidden or not so hidden talents! We are now taking applications for our show via the Microsoft form linked below. We are going to have age groups for this friendly competition and prizes for the winners in each category. Follow this event for more information on the prizes. Age Groups: 12 and Under (child), 13-18 (teen), and 19 and up (adult). If you’re interested please use the link below to register for your spot in our event and show off what makes you shine! Thank you for your participation!
July 12 Barn Quilt Creations 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. Barn quilts serve as a blend of art, history, and community spirit! Join artist Bailey Mitchell for a fun and creative barn quilt workshop, where you’ll learn the art of painting stunning quilt patterns on 24×24 wooden panels. Take home a beautiful, one-of-a-kind barn quilt to display on your home, barn, or garden shed! Participants have 2 designs to pick from that are pre-drafted, with the option of drawing their own simple design during class. 10:00 AM-1:00 PM (CST) DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. (Location disclosed at pre-registration)
Fee: $55-includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class by July 1st. Ages 13 to adult. Pre-registration: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/barnquilts.html
July 12 Scuba Diving Experience – Little River Canyon Area – 2-4 hours Come enjoy a Scuba Diving Experience in one of our beautiful Rivers or Creeks. We always choose the more clean or clear pools of the day that often have up to a 25 foot visibility. This experience will start with important safety instruction and tips for underwater operations, followed by gear and area awareness. From there we will work to get comfortable with breathing compressed air above water before you try it under water. You may also have a short time of snorkeling to understand the area and continue learning to breath from a mouthpiece. Then we will begin to discovery of the underworld and the many fish our Rivers and Creeks have to offer for a fun full experience. Most Scuba Experiences include a bit of snorkeling then two trips under water. Meet at True Adventure Sports $125.00/person
July 12 Summer Music Series Summer nights + live music = perfection! Join us for the 2025 Summer Music Series, a free outdoor concert series at the Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion — brought to you by the Little River Arts Council! Grab some good eats, bring your favorite drink, and settle in for unforgettable evenings of music with The Locals under the stars with friends & family. 6 pm to 9 pm
July 19 Cow Paper Piecing Quilt Block Create Your Own Adorable Cow Quilt Block! Love farm animals and quilting? This charming paper-pieced cow pattern is perfect for pillows, wall hangings, and more! Please bring a variety of fabrics to complete your cow pillow. The cost is $50 and the class will be held at The Locale, located at 996 Main St Fyffe Al 35971. For more information or to sign up, please call 256-630-1916
July 19 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
July 19 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Boom Town Opry will be pulling into the station for our 2025 season Doors open at 5pm Show is at 6 pm. See y’all there! Fort Payne Opera House For a suggested donation of $10, you can come and go throughout the performance. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic 1889 Opera House, so please give more if you can!
July 26 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided morning paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Learn about this outstanding water source with its clear water, plant & animal life, and about the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. What to know: This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, under your own power & spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period. Includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water. 7:00 am-10:00 am DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) Fee: $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00 email to check availability) Pre-registration: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Daybreak-Paddle
August 1 Congo Night Swim Come out for an epic evening of swimming, music and fun. Congo Falls will be lit up with lights for a safe fun environment. There will be a splash deck for extra fun and enjoyment. Reservations are Required. Limit of 40 People per Night Swim. Private Groups of 20 or more have the option to requested specific dates to reserve a Night Swim for your group. 7 pm to 10 pm 256-996-0562
August 3 Matt Stone as Elvis The Greatest Elvis concert experience in America is returning to ROCK The Fort Payne Opera House. Internationally recognized by Graceland and the Elvis Presley Estate, the show’s star, Matt Stone, performs the closest thing to the King in history! Matt portrays the King in his prime… the way he should be remembered! Fort Payne Opera House 3 pm to 4:30 pm
August 7 – 10 World’s Longest Yard Sale – 1st Thursday thru Sunday – Travel the scenic byways of America for more than 450-miles of yard sales and unique treasure finds. Follow the Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden, Alabama to Chattanooga, TN for the southern portion of the sale. Connect with the U.S. Highway 127 in Chattanooga for the remainder of the route to Hudson, MI. 888-805-4740
August 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
August 16 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Boom Town Opry will be pulling into the station for our 2025 season Doors open at 5pm Show is at 6 pm. See y’all there! Fort Payne Opera House For a suggested donation of $10, you can come and go throughout the performance. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic 1889 Opera House, so please give more if you can!
August 16 Summer Music Series Summer nights + live music = perfection! Join us for the 2025 Summer Music Series, a free outdoor concert series at the Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion — brought to you by the Little River Arts Council! Grab some good eats, bring your favorite drink, and settle in for unforgettable evenings of music with NACC String Band & NACC Theatre under the stars with friends & family. 6 pm to 9 pm
August 23 Fyffe UFO Day – 4th Saturday – Hot Air Balloon Rides showcase this unique family outing! Arts and crafts, children’s games, food vendors, antique tractors, live entertainment, street dance and much more make this event fun for the whole family. Gates open at 9 a.m. and music starts at 10 a.m. 256-623-2222
August 28 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided morning paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Learn about this outstanding water source with its clear water, plant & animal life, and about the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. What to know: This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, under your own power & spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period. Includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water. 7:00 am-10:00 am DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) Fee: $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00 email to check availability) Pre-registration: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Daybreak-Paddle
August 30 Follow Your Art Mentone’s Sweetest Little Festival is back and bursting with creativity! Coming this fall — don’t miss: Judged Art Show ($900 in prizes!) Emerging Artists Showcase, Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Live Music, Storytelling, Kids’ Art Activities, Food Trucks & Festival Fun. Enter the Chalk Art Contest: https://forms.gle/h1wuweDWvYVgonqeA Booth Fees: $20 (Members) | $35 (Non-Members) Can’t wait to see you there