May

May 12  Steve Brandon at Moon lake Library Photographer Steve Brandon of Tennessee will share a program entitled “Around the World in 40 Minutes: Wildlife Photography From All Seven Continents” at 6:30 PM. Steve has been to each continent multiple times, and his work reflects a fascination with wildlife. Join us for a trip around the world with a focus on the amazing creatures who share our planet. Additional parking is available on the grass beside the library and also in the Moon Lake Campus lot off East River Road.

May 12 Mother’s Day Paint & Sip at Enthusiast Wine Bar Join us for a curated Paint & Sip experience designed for connection, creativity, and slowing down to enjoy the moment together. Whether you’re celebrating your mom, gathering with friends, or simply taking time for yourself, this is your invitation to unwind and create something meaningful. $40/per person. Tickets include paint supplies, wine bottle for painting, voucher for (1) glass of wine or slushy & light bites to enjoy while you create. Additional wine and slushies will be available for purchase (selections will be limited during the event) Spaces are limited. Tickets required. 6:00 PM. For more information and to reserve your spot visit: https://enthusiast-wine-bar.square.site/upcoming-events

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 15 Summer Music Series Summer nights + live music = perfection! Join us for the 2026 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 Will Dowley and Parker Thomas under the stars with friends & family. 6 pm to 9 pm

May 15- May 16 The Rustic Terrace Vendor Market Vendors No fee, free setup, and a great chance to sell your items—grab your spot today!! If interested please call me are text 2566010690. 8am-4pm

May 16 Rally for Our Veterans Car Show Come join us as we celebrate our Veterans. All proceeds go to help Veterans! Special door prices for all the ladies who hate car shows but love their husbands. Games prizes for all the kids and there will be food and drinks, For more information call 256-601-6146. 9 am to 2 pm

May 16 Big Art Pop-Up Show10AM–3 PM for a day filled with creativity, community, and fun in beautiful Mentone, Alabama. Hosted by the Little River Arts Council & Mentone Inn, this small-festival-style event brings together talented local artists & makers all in one place. Browse original artwork and grab some delicious food while you explore the grounds of the Mentone Inn. Come discover something unique—and maybe take a piece of Mentone home with you.

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 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Fort Payne Railroad is pulling into the Depot for a great new season at the historic Fort Payne Opera House. Landmarks of DeKalb County, Inc. is pleased to bring back the Boom Town Opry, its 2026 Summer Series. Each performance will take place during the Third Saturday Cruise-in, so come in and cool off after you check out the sights and sounds downtown. 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! Doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/1015292061173286

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 21 Breakfast Biz and Bites 500 Gault Ave N 7:30AM-8:30AM SERVPRO Our next Breakfast Biz & Bites is on the calendar, as always this will be a great time to network and connect with your community. More details to come- THANK YOU to our sponsor, SERVPRO of DeKalb & Jackson County! RSVP not required but greatly appreciated for food count

May 22 Campfire Talks: Strange, Slimy, and Spectacular: Alabama Fungi Trivia Join us for a fun campfire talk in the Great Outdoors! Campfire Talks are a series of educational & entertaining programs located outside in DeSoto State Park. Campfire programs are held many Friday & Saturday evening (June –October) in our large campfire ring inside the improved campground. Talks are for all ages, & open to everyone!  Let’s talk fungi! Discover the fascinating world of Alabama fungi with guest naturalist Jamie Hart. This program explores the diversity of mushrooms and other fungi found across the state, where they grow, how they live, and the vital role they play in Alabama’s ecosystems. Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish.  8:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Campfire Ring in the Improved Campground (In case of inclement weather will be located in the CCC Pavilion in picnic area) Campground gates will open 30 minutes before program. Free and open to everyone, no pre-registration required; For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

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 22 – 25 Echoes of Freedom Festival We are so excited to share that our neighbors on Untamed Mountain, Untamed Acres Campground and Festival Area, will be hosting their Echoes of Freedom Memorial Day Weekend Festival as they celebrate their grand opening — and it is all benefiting Tigers for Tomorrow. This four day festival is going to be packed with fun, featuring live music, campfires, hillbilly Olympics, vendors, and so much more for the whole community to enjoy. https://www.tigersfortomorrow.org/memorial-day-festival…/  We are helping support this event by hosting ticket sales, RV reservations, vendor opportunities, and sponsorship opportunities right on our website.  Learn more and get your tickets at tigersfortomorrow.org. And do not forget… when you purchase a weekend pass, it includes: Primitive camping and admission to Tigers for Tomorrow. There are so many exciting things happening, and we are absolutely roaring with excitement about it all. Do not miss out. This is going to be an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend on the mountain

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

May 23 Possum Emporium’s 1st Anniversary! Join us for an Aloha Community Cookout filled with Fun games, live music by the Mentone Ukes, delicious food, at noon, Grillbilly’s BBQ will be serving up a slow-roasted whole pig with three tasty sides—just $10 a plate! 10 AM – 4 PM 1774 CR 642, Mentone, AL. Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

May 23 2026 Miss Potato Pageant The time is finally here to sign up for the! The pageant will be held at Henagar Jr. High School on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Applications can be picked up at Henagar City Hall or you can scan the QR Code to register. Registration is $40 with Most Photogenic optional for an addition $10 fee. Pictures for Most Photogenic must be 5×7 or 8×10 and can be turned in with the application or the day of the pageant. For more information contact Henagar City Hall at 256-657-6282 and ask for Sherry. Deadline to enter the pageant is May 8, 2026.

May 23 Flower arranging at 210 Orbix is back! We are beyond excited to have Emily Jones from @gatherkitchenandhome here to teach flower arranging once again. After the demo, choose one of the two different vessels to create your own arrangement from an assortment of flowers, shrubs and other native plants Emily has gathered from our area. The showstopper flowers will be provided by one of our organic growers in the area. Light refreshments are provided. Saturday, May 23rd: 3-4:30pm Sign up on our website: https://orbixhotglass.com/classes/ We look forward to seeing the arrangements that are made!

May 23 Hot Rods in the Valley Come help support our small businesses here on the square in Valley Head. 50’s Music and HotRods are our theme. But anything with wheels is welcome. We want to continue to get better and grow. So, your input is welcome. This year we will be adding speakers on the end of the streets. Cash money and door prizes. 4 pm to 8 pm

May 25 Happy Memorial Day

May 26 The Healing Power of the Pen: A Journaling Workshop at Moon Lake deJoly LaBrier is offering a guided journaling workshop at the local library, centered around the healing power of the pen. This space was created with intention and care, inspired by deJoly’s own healing journey that included writing for clarity and release. This workshop is open to anyone who feels the pull to write—whether you are navigating loss or life transitions, seeking clarity or emotional release, wanting to reconnect with yourself, or simply curious about where writing might lead. Participants are asked to bring a picture of themselves as a child 5 years old or younger. Also pen and paper. 2pm Because of a limited number of seats, we ask that you preregister by emailing books@moonlakelibrary.org, with the subject line “Journal Workshop.

May 30 Dough Dash 5K Please join us in supporting Bread Of Life, a local organization aka “ the soup kitchen”, at our first 5K run. Your participation will contribute to the soup kitchen’s new flooring, meals, and neighborly assistance programs.  Register online https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-dough-dash-5k-run   or click the QR code on flyer. Online recognition, one shirt, logo on shirt, one race entry Email info@breadoflifefp.org or call 256-997-7450 for more info

May 31 Weaving a Round Market Basket Join artist Brittney Hughes to discover how to weave a reed basket with wooden handles; learning how to set up & form the basket, stop and start weaving techniques, and how to add a rim and handles. Completed basket measures 12 inches in diameter.  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.  JSU’s Little River Canyon Center-Fort Payne, Alabama.  $150 supply fee. Pre-registration required by May 24th. Space is limited to 5 participants. Payment is required before the day of the class. Pre-registration link: Weaving a Round Market Basket https://shorturl.at/sy0qk 9am-4pm

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 Geraldine 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 and fireworks to end the day. There will be a car show from 2 pm to 4 pm and other festivities are from 2 pm to 8 pm. There will be a fireworks display at the end of the night! Held at Geraldine Town Park!

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 Summer Music Series Summer nights + live music = perfection! Join us for the 2026 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 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 Serious Skills Series: Become a Nature Sleuth We’ll try nature journaling—using words, drawings, and numbers to capture what we notice, wonder about, and discover in nature. It’s all about slowing down, paying attention, and getting curious about the amazing details around us. This isn’t about making perfect drawings—it’s about exploring, asking questions, and recording what you find. Kids will learn age-appropriate ways to journal while using all their senses, asking great questions, and keeping notes like true nature sleuths!  10:00-12:00 a.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at Benefield Interpretive Center next to Country Store on County Road 89. $35-includes all supplies. Ages 6-12. Class space is limited to 8, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class.

June 13 Artful Entomology: A Lifelike Insect Workshop Learn how to layer felt, sculpt expressive body shapes, blend rich color variations, and add delicate textures that make your creations feel wonderfully alive. We’ll transform simple materials into charming, display-worthy creatures full of personality and detail.. No experience needed—just a love of making and a sense of wonder. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors. 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (CST)
DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, AL. Meeting place to be disclosed at registration. $65.00 -includes all supplies. Ages 12 to adult. Class space is limited to 10, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration link: https://forms.office.com/g/BBi3m6G83w

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 16-19 Canyon Camp for Middle Schoolers Students grades 6th – 8th, join us for this one-of-a-kind summer adventure that blends hands-on environmental education with outdoor exploration, creative arts, and plenty of fun. This day-camp takes place at the Little River Canyon Center, with explorations into Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park Canyon Camp offers a safe, engaging, and personalized experience with limited spots available. 9am to 3pm Drop off at 8:30am. $150/student. Registration required. Limited availability.

June 19 3rd ANNUAL Toast Fore the Jam Invitational We’re Back for more fun…ALABAMA style! Looking for something fun…something different…something outside the box? Play a few holes the old fashioned way…and play a few holes in a whole new way.  We’ll have a DJ spinning hits again this year as we hit the links…maybe a little KARAOKE at the end?!? Remember:  Serious golfers need not apply…unless you’re willing to let loose & go with the flow!  Motto: Lotsa fun…Notso fancy. 4-person teams include cart, greens fees, lunch, and TFTJ swag. This is a rain or shine event. All ages are welcome! Questions? Contact us at Alison@DixielandDelight.com

June 19 – 20 Songwriters Showcase: The Alabama Fan Club & Museum is bringing back the June Jam Songwriters Showcase in Fort Payne. Enjoy two nights of live music and the stories behind the songs, hosted by Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.  Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium Limited reserved seating.   Ticket Info: • $𝟕𝟓 𝐅𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 Only available April 1–5 • $𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬: On sale beginning April 6 for both Fan Club Members and the General Public • 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 & 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 For more information, call (256) 845-1646. 7 PM

June 20 Miss Freedom Fest Get ready for a day full of sparkle, smiles, and hometown pride! Join us for the Miss Freedom Fest Pageant, where we’ll be celebrating confidence, beauty, and community as our contestants take the stage for their chance to shine! This is more than just a pageant—it’s a fun, welcoming experience for every girl to feel special, make memories, and shine bright in front of family and friends. We would LOVE to have you join us! Whether you’re competing or coming to cheer on these amazing contestants, it’s going to be an unforgettable part of Freedom Fest! 3pm

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 20 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Fort Payne Railroad is pulling into the Depot for a great new season at the historic Fort Payne Opera House. Each performance will take place during the Third Saturday Cruise-in, so come in and cool off after you check out the sights and sounds downtown. 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. Doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm.

June 20 Serious Skills Series: Bark Basket Workshop Serious Skills Series: Bark Basket 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. 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. 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. $95-includes all supplies. Adults only. Class space is limited to 6, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration closes June 1st. Pre-registration:

June 23- 26 Canyon Camp Week 1 Students ages 8 – 12 years old join us for this one-of-a-kind summer adventure that blends hands-on environmental education with outdoor exploration, creative arts, and plenty of fun. This day-camp takes place at the Little River Canyon Center, with explorations into Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park Canyon Camp offers a safe, engaging, and personalized experience with limited spots available. Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL 9am to 3pm Drop off at 8:30am. $150/student. Registration required. Limited availability.

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

June 27 Flower arranging at 210 Orbix is back! We are beyond excited to have Emily Jones from @gatherkitchenandhome here to teach flower arranging once again. After the demo, choose one of the two different vessels to create your own arrangement from an assortment of flowers, shrubs and other native plants Emily has gathered from our area. The showstopper flowers will be provided by one of our organic growers in the area. Light refreshments are provided. Saturday, June 27th, 3-4:30pm Sign up on our website: https://orbixhotglass.com/classes/ We look forward to seeing the arrangements that are made!

July

July 3 Flower arranging at 210 Orbix is back! We are beyond excited to have Emily Jones from @gatherkitchenandhome here to teach flower arranging once again. After the demo, choose one of the two different vessels to create your own arrangement from an assortment of flowers, shrubs and other native plants Emily has gathered from our area. The showstopper flowers will be provided by one of our organic growers in the area. Light refreshments are provided. Friday, July 3rd, 4-5:30pm
Sign up on our website: https://orbixhotglass.com/classes/ We look forward to seeing the arrangements that are made!

July 3 – 4 DeSoto State Park’s Annual Independence Day Events

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 2nd 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 13th 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 3, 2026 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 4th, 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

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 7- July 10 Canyon Camp Weel II Students ages 8 – 12 years old, join us for this one-of-a-kind summer adventure that blends hands-on environmental education with outdoor exploration, creative arts, and plenty of fun. This day-camp takes place at the Little River Canyon Center, with explorations into Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park. Canyon Camp offers a safe, engaging, and personalized experience with limited spots available.9am to 3pm Drop off at 8:30am. $150/student. Registration required. Limited availability.

July 11 Watercolors for Beginners – Discover the Beauty of Nature 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.

July 11 Summer Music Series Summer nights + live music = perfection! Join us for the 2026 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 Dennis Parker & Friends under the stars with friends & family. 6 pm to 9 pm

July 12 May’s Gulf Songwriter Circle Join us for the May’s Gulf Songwriter Circle from 2 pm til 4 pm at Little River Canyon Center featuring Wyatt Espalin – Mia Matthews & Special Guest. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 the day of the show. Coolers welcome.

July 17 Movie Night – “Toy Story 5” 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.

July 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

July 18 Boom Town Opry ALL ABOARD! The Fort Payne Railroad is pulling into the Depot for a great new season at the historic Fort Payne Opera House. Each performance will take place during the Third Saturday Cruise-in, so come in and cool off after you check out the sights and sounds downtown. 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
Doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm.

July 19 Weaving a Reed Curvy Autumn 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) Approx basket size: 9″L x 7″W x 10 1/2″T 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. $150 supply fee. Pre-registration required by July 12th. Space is limited to 5 participants. Payment is required before the day of the class.
Pre-registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/eDntDBTf2x Little River Canyon Center