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SEPTEMBER
What: September First Friday
Who: Downtown Gadsden Inc.
When: Sept. 4, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Broad Street, downtown Gadsden, AL
Why: Classic cars, food vendors, live bands and late-open shops create a free monthly street party.
What: Anniston Downtown Market
Who: Anniston Downtown Market
When: Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 7–11 a.m.
Where: City Market, 126 W. 11th St., Anniston, AL
Why: Shoppers browse seasonal produce, baked goods, crafts and locally made finds downtown.
What: Sensory Friendly First Saturdays
Who: Imagination Place Children’s Museum
When: Sept. 5, Oct. 3 and Nov. 7, 8–10 a.m.
Where: Imagination Place, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Dimmed lights and reduced sound create a quieter play period for children with sensory sensitivities.
What: USCS Labor Day Bash
Who: Talladega Short Track and 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 high-speed holiday-weekend dirt-track racing.
What: Kings of Swing Free Concert
Who: Kings of Swing and Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation
When: Sept. 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: The ensemble fills the Hardin Center with swing, jazz, big-band favorites and standards.
What: Them Dirty Roses at The Amp
Who: The Amp
When: Sept. 10, 7–10 p.m.
Where: Mort Glosser Amphitheater, 90 Walnut St., Gadsden, AL
Why: The Gadsden-rooted Southern rock band returns home for an outdoor concert with gritty guitars and road-tested energy.
What: Spotlight on Local Arts Exhibit
Who: Heritage Hall Museum & Art Center
When: Sept. 15–Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; reception Oct. 15, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall Museum & Art Center, 200 South St. E., Talladega, AL
Why: A juried display showcases area artists, with a public reception and awards presentation Oct. 15.
What: Plant Sale
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: Sept. 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens Greenhouses, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: Gardeners shop trees, shrubs, native plants and tropicals while supporting Longleaf Botanical Gardens.
What: Growing & Drying Flowers to Enjoy All Year
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: Sept. 17, noon
Where: Longleaf Event Center, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: The Third Thursday program shares practical ways to grow, harvest and preserve flowers for arrangements beyond the garden season.
What: Gadsden Symphony Orchestra Chamber Concerts
Who: Gadsden Symphony Orchestra and Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
When: Sept. 17 and Oct. 8, 7 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Two free chamber-format performances bring orchestral music downtown, with seating provided and coolers welcome.
What: Black Jacket Symphony Presents Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon
Who: Black Jacket Symphony and The Amp
When: Sept. 17, 7–10 p.m.
Where: Mort Glosser Amphitheater, 90 Walnut St., Gadsden, AL
Why: The tribute ensemble recreates Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” note for note before a second set of hits.
What: Wine & Dine in the Gardens
Who: Alabama Wine Festival and Noccalula Falls Park
When: Sept. 18, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Noccalula Falls Park, 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL
Why: A welcome reception, five-course wine-paired dinner, live entertainment and fireworks open the festival weekend in the Botanical Gardens.
What: Lakeside Live Musicfest
Who: Five16 Foundation
When: Sept. 19, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Lakeside Park, 2801 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City, AL
Why: Live music, a car show, Battle of the Badges, food trucks, vendors and children’s activities fill a day by Logan Martin Lake.
What: Melissa Etheridge: RISE
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter brings her unmistakable voice, guitar work and deeply personal rock songs to Oxford.
What: Lonestar
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Sept. 24, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The country group performs harmony-rich favorites including “Amazed,” “No News” and “I’m Already There.”
What: UAB Medicine GT World Alabama
Who: SRO Motorsports America and Barber Motorsports Park
When: Sept. 25–27; sessions begin 8:45 a.m. Friday and 8:05 a.m. Saturday–Sunday
Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds, AL
Why: World-class drivers and high-performance GT3 machines headline a spectator weekend that also benefits Teal Wings of Hope.
What: Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival
Who: Homestead Hollow
When: Sept. 25–27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Homestead Hollow, 1161 Murphrees Valley Road, Springville, AL
Why: Handmade arts, pioneer demonstrations, historic cabins, local entertainment and festival food celebrate old-time skills and creativity.
What: Downtown After Dark
Who: Main Street Anniston
When: Sept. 25, 7–9 p.m.
Where: Noble Street Park, 1102 Noble St., Anniston, AL
Why: Free live music closes the outdoor series in Anniston’s Arts and Entertainment District.
What: Coosa River Team Trail
Who: Coosa River Team Trail
When: Sept. 26, 5 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Coosa Landing, 200 Lake St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Angling teams launch before sunrise for a full day of competitive bass fishing on the Coosa River and Neely Henry Lake.
What: Hokes Bluff City Fest and Cruise-In Car Show
Who: City of Hokes Bluff
When: Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Hokes Bluff City Hall, 3301 Alford Bend Road, Hokes Bluff, AL
Why: Music, children’s rides, vendors, food and a cruise-in culminate with a Motown and soul revue.
What: Wildlife Workshop: Animal Tracks & Sign
Who: Anniston Museums and Gardens
When: Sept. 26, 2 p.m.
Where: Anniston Museum of Natural History, 800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL
Why: Participants learn to recognize footprints, trails, markings and other animal signs during an interactive natural-history workshop.
What: Lightwire’s Tortoise & The Hare
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Sept. 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Glowing electroluminescent puppetry gives the familiar fable a visually inventive, family-friendly stage treatment.
OCTOBER
What: Anniston Downtown Market Fall Markets
Who: Anniston Downtown Market
When: Oct. 1, 15 and 29, 4–7 p.m.
Where: City Market, 126 W. 11th St., Anniston, AL
Why: Twilight markets extend the season with produce, baked goods, crafts and downtown shopping.
What: Dionne Warwick With the ATL Pops Strings Ensemble
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The six-time Grammy winner revisits her timeless catalog with lush accompaniment from the Atlanta Pops String Ensemble.
What: October First Friday
Who: Downtown Gadsden Inc.
When: Oct. 2, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Broad Street, downtown Gadsden, AL
Why: Classic cars, live bands, food vendors and late shopping bring the 2026 First Friday season to a festive close.
What: Barn Quilt Painting Classes
Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Alabama Barn Quilt Trail
When: Oct. 2 and 3, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall Museum & Art Center, 200 South St. E., Talladega, AL
Why: Participants design and paint a 2-by-2-foot barn quilt during a full-day workshop led by trail founder Regina Painter.
What: Oxfordfest
Who: Oxfordfest Committee
When: Oct. 3, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Main Street, historic downtown Oxford, AL
Why: Hundreds of arts, crafts and food vendors join live music, prize drawings and all-ages activities at the free annual festival.
What: Jersey Boys: The Broadway Musical
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The Tony Award-winning musical traces Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ rise through their harmonies, hits and backstage story.
What: An Evening With Amy Grant and Mac McAnally
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Two acclaimed singer-songwriters share an intimate evening spanning pop, gospel, country and stories from decades of hitmaking.
What: Noccalula Falls Duathlon
Who: Noccalula Falls Park
When: Oct. 10, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Noccalula Falls Campground, 1600 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL
Why: Athletes tackle a true run-bike-run challenge built around the park’s rugged trails, climbs and dramatic gorge scenery.
What: Downtown Gadsden Ghost Tour
Who: Etowah County Historical Society
When: Oct. 11, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Meet at Clover on Court, 124 Court St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Guided stops pair eerie legends with local history while ticket proceeds support preservation work in Etowah County.
What: Old Crow Medicine Show: Union Made Tour
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The Grammy-winning string band brings old-time roots, folk storytelling and high-energy Americana, with Palmyra opening.
What: Smokey Robinson
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 15 and 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The Motown legend performs enduring songs including “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooo Baby Baby” and “The Tears of a Clown.”
What: Odenville Car Show
Who: Odenville Area Chamber of Commerce
When: Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: St. Clair County Arena & Event Center, 100 Arena Dr., Odenville, AL
Why: Restored classics, custom builds and community fellowship make this annual showcase a favorite for auto fans and families.
What: Harvest Howls Fall Fest
Who: Untamed Mountain and Tigers for Tomorrow
When: Oct. 17–18; hours to be announced
Where: Tigers for Tomorrow, 708 County Road 345, Attalla, AL
Why: Keeper talks, animal ambassadors, pumpkin carving, children’s activities, music and a tortoise race create a wildlife-centered fall weekend.
What: A Walk Through Time
Who: A Walk Through Time Inc.
When: Oct. 18, 2–4:30 p.m.; rain date Oct. 25
Where: Forrest Cemetery, 700 S. 15th St., Gadsden, AL
Why: Period-costumed portrayers bring notable Etowah County residents and stories to life while donations support cemetery preservation.
What: Jay Leno
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The longtime late-night host brings observational humor, road stories and polished stand-up to the Oxford stage.
What: Sunset Sips
Who: Downtown Gadsden Inc.
When: Oct. 20, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Memorial Bridge, downtown Gadsden, AL
Why: Guests enjoy wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres and sunset views over the Coosa River from a bridge transformed for the evening.
What: Talladega Fall NASCAR Weekend
Who: NASCAR and Talladega Superspeedway
When: Oct. 23, 3 p.m.; Oct. 24, 2:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, 1 p.m.
Where: Talladega Superspeedway, 3366 Speedway Blvd., Talladega, AL
Why: Truck, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Cup series races deliver three days of playoff drama and close-pack superspeedway action.
What: Bill Engvall
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The veteran comedian brings relatable stories, Southern timing and the everyman humor that made him a household name.
What: Neewollah on Noble
Who: Main Street Anniston and City of Anniston
When: Oct. 25, noon–4 p.m.
Where: 12th and Noble streets, Anniston, AL
Why: Candy, costume contests, inflatables, local vendors and family activities fill downtown for a free Halloween street party.
What: Mrs. Doubtfire: The Broadway Musical
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: The screen comedy becomes a warmhearted stage musical about family, reinvention and one father’s spectacular disguise.
NOVEMBER
What: Puppy Pals
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Nov. 2, 6 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Trained rescue dogs jump, spin, fetch and perform comic tricks in an energetic show designed for children and dog lovers.
What: Wynonna: The Hard Truth Tour
Who: Oxford Performing Arts Center
When: Nov. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Oxford Performing Arts Center, 100 Choccolocco St., Oxford, AL
Why: Wynonna pairs classics from The Judds and her solo career with songs from “The Hard Truth,” with Troubadour Blue opening.
What: GPL’s Prom at the Pitman
Who: Gadsden Public Library
When: Nov. 6, 7–10 p.m.
Where: Pitman Theater, 629 Broad St., Gadsden, AL
Why: The library revives its 2008 prom fundraiser for a celebratory evening in the restored downtown theater.
