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JULY
What: Kids Art – All About Talladega
Who: Heritage Hall Museum
When: June 14–Aug. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Friday
Where: Heritage Hall Museum, 200 South St. E, Talladega, AL
Why: Young artists celebrate Talladega through paintings, drawings and mixed-media works in this annual summer showcase of local student creativity.
What: Gadsden Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert
Who: Gadsden Symphony Orchestra & Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
When: July 2, 7 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: The orchestra’s free summer performance fills downtown Gadsden with orchestral favorites; coolers are welcome at the Hardin Center’s indoor courtyard.
What: Freedom Fest
Who: City of Gadsden & Downtown Gadsden Inc.
When: July 3–4; fireworks July 4, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Gadsden and Memorial Bridge area, Gadsden, AL
Why: Hot-air balloons, live music, food vendors and family activities fill downtown before the weekend culminates with Black Jacket Symphony and fireworks over Broad Street.
What: First Friday Downtown Gadsden
Who: Downtown Gadsden Inc.
When: July 3, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Broad St., downtown Gadsden, AL
Why: Classic cars line the street as live bands, food vendors and downtown shops create a monthly street party enjoyed by families and visitors.
What: Gadsden Museum of Art Open Late
Who: Gadsden Museum of Art
When: July 3, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: Gadsden Museum of Art, 515 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Extended hours invite visitors to explore rotating exhibits and the museum’s permanent collection before heading out to First Friday festivities.
What: Sensory Friendly First Saturdays
Who: Imagination Place Children’s Museum
When: July 4, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5, 8–10 a.m.
Where: Imagination Place, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Children with sensory sensitivities can explore the museum during a quieter early play period with dimmed lighting and limited sounds.
What: Comer Museum’s Patriotic Celebration
Who: Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center
When: July 4, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center, 711 N. Broadway Ave., Sylacauga, AL
Why: The museum honors America’s 250th with period attire, history exhibits and readings from the Declaration of Independence in a family-friendly setting.
What: Lights Over Logan Martin
Who: City of Pell City
When: July 4, fireworks 9 p.m.
Where: Pell City Sports Complex & Lakeside Park, 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd., Pell City, AL
Why: A lakeside Independence Day celebration lights up Logan Martin Lake with fireworks visible from shore and by boat.
What: Anniston Downtown Market
Who: Main Street Anniston & City of Anniston
When: Saturdays through Sept. 26, 8 a.m.–noon
Where: City Market, 126 W. 11th St., Anniston, AL
Why: Seasonal produce, baked goods, crafts and live music bring Saturday morning energy to downtown Anniston throughout the market season.
What: Spotlight Kids Summer Drama Camp
Who: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts
When: July 6–17, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; performances July 17–18
Where: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts, 25 Williamson Dr., Pell City, AL
Why: Children rehearse and perform a summer musical while building confidence and stage skills at CEPA’s two-week camp.
What: Heritage Hall Arts Camps for Kids
Who: Heritage Hall Museum
When: July 6–10 & July 20–24, 8 a.m.–noon
Where: Spring Street Recreation Center, 502 S. Spring St., Talladega, AL
Why: Youngsters explore drawing, painting, sculpture and music, ending each session with a performance at the Historic Ritz Theatre.
What: Summer Paleo Camp
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: July 8–10, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Anniston Museum of Natural History, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: Fossils, digging and dinosaur-themed activities teach budding paleontologists about prehistoric life in a hands-on camp.
What: Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: July 10, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The actor-musician and his band bring rootsy rock and American storytelling to the OPAC stage.
What: Gadsden Farmers Market
Who: City of Gadsden
When: July 10, 17 & 31, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Mort Glosser Amphitheater, 90 Walnut St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Local farmers, bakers and artisans sell fresh produce, baked goods and crafts in an open-air setting on select summer Fridays.
What: National Treasure Outdoor Movie
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: July 11, 8 p.m.
Where: OPAC Lawn, 200 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Families gather on blankets and chairs for a summer film night featuring the adventure film National Treasure; movies start at 8 p.m. and food trucks are on site.
What: Creature Feature at Anniston Museum
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: July 11 & Aug. 8, 1–2 p.m.
Where: Anniston Museum of Natural History, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: On the second Saturday each month, visitors meet a live animal ambassador and learn about its habits and habitat during this educational program.
What: PanAmerican Superbike Weekend
Who: PanAmerican Superbike
When: July 11–12
Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds, AL
Why: Racers and track-day riders converge for high-performance motorcycle action, blending competition and camaraderie on the 2.38-mile road course.
What: Straight No Chaser – Beach Bash
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: July 12, 7 p.m. (doors 6:15 p.m.)
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The renowned a cappella group delivers vocal harmonies and summery pop tunes in a beach-themed concert.
What: Medicare Educational Workshop
Who: Essential Healthcare Solutions / Cheryl Hidle, licensed health insurance agent
When: July 15, 10–11 a.m.
Where: Pell City Public Library, 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy., Pell City, AL
Why: Learn about the basics of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, when and how to enroll, and the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement coverage during a no-cost, no-obligation educational workshop.
What: Plant Sale
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: July 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens Greenhouses, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: Gardeners can shop trees, shrubs, natives, tropicals and other plants while supporting the growth of Longleaf Botanical Gardens.
What: Third Thursday – Simply Southern Sandwiches
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens & Longleaf Botanical Gardens
When: July 16, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Event Center – Rotary Room, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: The Third Thursday culinary workshop series explores Southern sandwich traditions in a relaxed class featuring tasting and recipes.
What: Maverick Lounge Series – John Lennon
Who: Historic Talladega Ritz Theatre
When: July 17, 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Talladega Ritz Theatre, 115 Court Sq. N, Talladega, AL
Why: This intimate concert salutes John Lennon’s music and legacy with live performances in the restored Ritz Theatre.
What: Jurassic Park
Outdoor Movie
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: July 18, 8 p.m.
Where: OPAC Lawn, 200 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Dinosaurs return to the big screen for a family-friendly outdoor showing of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster adventure.
What: ALSCCA Autocross
Who: Alabama Region SCCA
When: July 18, Aug. 15 & Sept. 5 (times vary)
Where: Barber Motorsports Park Proving Grounds, Leeds, AL
Why: Drivers test precision and handling on a cone course, competing for fastest times and seat-of-the-pants thrills.
What: Back to the Future Outdoor Movie
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: July 25, 8 p.m.
Where: OPAC Lawn, 200 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Marty McFly and Doc Brown bring their time-traveling DeLorean to a summer lawn screening of the 1985 classic.
What: Saturday Alive!
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: July 25, 2 p.m.
Where: Anniston Museum of Natural History, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: Live demonstrations and interactive activities immerse families in natural history topics and bring science to life.
What: Neely Henry Bass Club Summer Tournaments
Who: Neely Henry Bass Club
When: July 25 & Aug. 22, safe daylight–1 p.m.
Where: Southside Landing & Canoe Creek, Etowah County, AL
Why: Amateur anglers launch at daybreak to compete for big bass on the Coosa River; weigh-ins wrap up by early afternoon.
What: Talladega Short Track Cup Points Race #7 & Topless Outlaws
Who: Talladega Short Track
When: July 25, 6 p.m.
Where: Talladega Short Track, 4343 Speedway Blvd., Eastaboga, AL
Why: Local divisions battle for points and the Topless Outlaws Dirt Racing Series visits for an evening of high-banked dirt-track excitement.
AUGUST
What: FR Americas, F4 U.S. & Radical Cup Weekend
Who: FR Americas, F4 U.S. Championship, Radical Cup and Barber Motorsports Park
When: Aug. 1–2, gates open 8 a.m. daily
Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds, AL
Why: Formula regional cars, US F4 and prototype-style Radical racers share a packed schedule of open-wheel and sports-car competition.
What: Black Jacket Symphony Presents KISS: Destroyer
Who: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts
When: Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts, 25 Williamson Dr., Pell City, AL
Why: The tribute ensemble performs KISS’s classic album Destroyer note for note, then plays a second set of greatest hits.
What: Finding Nemo Outdoor Movie
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Aug. 1, 8 p.m.
Where: OPAC Lawn, 200 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Pixar’s ocean adventure delights kids and adults alike during an outdoor screening with food trucks and family fun.
What: The Tyn Tymes Annual Party
Who: The Tyn Tymes & Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
When: Aug. 1, doors open 6 p.m.; show 7 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Gadsden’s indoor beach party welcomes the beloved Tyn Tymes band; guests decorate tables, bring coolers and dance to beach-music classics.
What: Fan Appreciation Night at Talladega Short Track
Who: Talladega Short Track
When: Aug. 1, 6 p.m.
Where: Talladega Short Track, 4343 Speedway Blvd., Eastaboga, AL
Why: Fans get a special night at the track as local divisions return for another TST Cup points race.
What: World’s Longest Yard Sale
Who: Noccalula Falls Park
When: Aug. 6–9 (hours vary)
Where: Noccalula Falls Park, 1500 Noccalula Rd., Gadsden, AL
Why: The 690-mile yard sale begins at Noccalula Falls, drawing bargain hunters and roadside treasure seekers from across the country.
What: The Lion King Outdoor Movie
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Aug. 8, 8 p.m.
Where: OPAC Lawn, 200 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Disney’s animated epic about Simba’s journey comes to life during a summer movie night under the stars.
What: New South Anniversary XI
Who: New South Pro Wrestling
When: Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, 201 George Wallace Dr., Gadsden, AL
Why: Regional wrestlers celebrate the promotion’s anniversary with high-flying bouts, fan interactions and a lively atmosphere.
What: Annual Low Country Shrimp Boil & Draw Down
Who: Historic Talladega Ritz Theatre
When: Aug. 8, 5 p.m.
Where: International Motorsports Hall of Fame, 3366 Speedway Blvd., Talladega, AL
Why: A fundraiser pairs a shrimp boil and live music with a draw-down raffle benefiting the Ritz’s restoration projects.
What: I Do Too Bridal Show
Who: The Venue at Coosa Landing
When: Aug. 9, 1–4 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, 201 George Wallace Dr., Gadsden, AL
Why: Couples meet local wedding vendors, explore décor ideas and gather inspiration for their big day in one convenient location.
What: Parag Mishra Exhibition
Who: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
When: Aug. 11–Sept. 6, gallery hours
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: The Hardin Center features work by contemporary artist Parag Mishra, bringing new visual arts to downtown Gadsden.
What: Down by the Sea Pageant
Who: Down by the Sea Pageant organizers
When: Aug. 15 (time per event schedule)
Where: 210 at the Tracks, 210 Locust St., Gadsden, AL
Why: A sea-themed pageant brings contestants and families to downtown Gadsden for age-division competition, crowns, awards and a full day of pageant activities.
What: Back to School Bash – Tour of Destruction
Who: Talladega Short Track
When: Aug. 15, 6 p.m.
Where: Talladega Short Track, 4343 Speedway Blvd., Eastaboga, AL
Why: Figure-8 racing, demolition derbies and stunt acts add chaos and crowd-pleasing thrills to a late-summer race night.
What: Museum Day
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: Aug. 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Anniston Museums and Gardens, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: Admission is free across the museum campus, inviting visitors to explore natural history, world cultures, botanical gardens and hands-on exhibits.
What: Show Me Reptile and Exotics Show
Who: Show Me Reptile and Exotics Show
When: Aug. 22, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, 201 George Wallace Dr., Gadsden, AL
Why: Reptile and exotic-animal vendors, displays and family-friendly attractions bring a hands-on animal experience to one of Gadsden’s main event venues.
What: Sports Car Club of America Race Weekend
Who: SCCA & Barber Motorsports Park
When: Aug. 29–30
Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds, AL
Why: Regional sports-car racers compete in multiple classes on Labor Day weekend, offering spectators road-racing excitement.
SEPTEMBER
What: USCS Labor Day Bash
Who: Talladega Short Track & United Sprint Car Series
When: Sept. 6, gates 5 p.m.; racing 7 p.m.
Where: Talladega Short Track, 4343 Speedway Blvd., Eastaboga, AL
Why: Winged sprint cars join local divisions for a Labor Day race night, featuring high-speed sprint action and TST Cup points racing.
