Best events in
Florence

Events and things to do in Florence, AL are rooted in the city's legendary Shoals music legacy and its lively, walkable downtown. The energy of the University of North Alabama blends with a friendly, small-city pace, creating a calendar filled with community-focused gatherings. Live music is a constant, found in dedicated halls and restaurants, while monthly and annual festivals transform the city's parks and streets.

Downtown Florence serves as the central hub for activity, especially during the monthly First Fridays festival, offering walkable access to venues like Shoals Theatre and FloBama Music Hall.
The area's rich musical heritage is celebrated at the annual W.C. Handy Music Festival and with nightly performances at spots like Swampers Bar & Grille.
Family-friendly fun includes annual traditions like the Alabama Renaissance Faire in Wilson Park and the juried Arts Alive festival.

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Popular in Florence

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Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

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Wilson Park

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Thu, Dec 10 • 7:00 PM

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Sat, Dec 19 • 6:00 PM + 2 more

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The Unknown Tour COMEDY NIGHT 2027 - Florence, AL

Fri, Sep 10 • 7:00 PM

Norton Auditorium

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Foodies + New Friends: Florence, AL | Dinner with Strangers

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

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Check ticket price on event

Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 AM

802 Veterans Dr

Check ticket price on event

Right at Home Ribbon Cutting

Fri, Nov 20 • 10:00 AM

727 E Tennessee St

Check ticket price on event

Florence Festival of Trees - Reserve a Tree

Fri, Dec 4 • 6:00 PM

Wilson Park

Check ticket price on event

2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

Thu, Dec 10 • 7:00 PM

Historic Downtown Florence

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Christmas at Norton

Sat, Dec 19 • 6:00 PM + 2 more

Norton Auditorium

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The Unknown Tour COMEDY NIGHT 2027 - Florence, AL

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Wed, Nov 11 • 7:30 PM GMT

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Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Saturday • 10:00 AM GMT

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Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

Tuesday • 7:00 PM GMT

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wed, Nov 11 • 7:30 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Friday the 13th Exclusive Ghost Hunt, Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

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Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 AM

802 Veterans Dr

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Florence Festival of Trees - Reserve a Tree

Fri, Dec 4 • 6:00 PM

Wilson Park

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Sat, Dec 5 • 9:00 AM

Northwest-Shoals Community College

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2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

Thu, Dec 10 • 7:00 PM

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Mon, Jan 25 • 6:00 PM

Cypress Creek Indoor Range

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Luis Alas – The Sax of the South Live in Florence

Sat, Mar 20 • 7:00 PM

Shoals Community Theatre

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The Unknown Tour COMEDY NIGHT 2027 - Florence, AL

Fri, Sep 10 • 7:00 PM

Norton Auditorium

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Friday the 13th Exclusive Ghost Hunt, Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 PM

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Check ticket price on event

Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

Fri, Nov 20 • 9:00 AM

802 Veterans Dr

Check ticket price on event

Florence Festival of Trees - Reserve a Tree

Fri, Dec 4 • 6:00 PM

Wilson Park

Check ticket price on event

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Sat, Dec 5 • 9:00 AM

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Check ticket price on event

2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

Thu, Dec 10 • 7:00 PM

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Check ticket price on event

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Mon, Jan 25 • 6:00 PM

Cypress Creek Indoor Range

Check ticket price on event

Luis Alas – The Sax of the South Live in Florence

Sat, Mar 20 • 7:00 PM

Shoals Community Theatre

Check ticket price on event

The Unknown Tour COMEDY NIGHT 2027 - Florence, AL

Fri, Sep 10 • 7:00 PM

Norton Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Frequently asked questions about Florence

What are some popular venues for live music events in Florence?

Downtown Florence offers several popular spots for live music events. For The Record Music Hall hosts bands on weekends, while FloBama Music Hall features a wider variety of local and touring acts. For nightly acoustic sets, check out Swampers Bar & Grille.

Are there many family-friendly events in Florence, AL?

Yes, Florence hosts several annual family-friendly events. The Alabama Renaissance Faire brings history to life in Wilson Park each fall, and the Shoals Theatre presents stage productions and concerts suitable for all ages throughout the year.

How can I find free events to attend in Florence?

Many free community events take place in downtown Florence. First Fridays, held monthly from spring through fall, is a free street festival with music and art. Wilson Park also hosts public events like the Alabama Renaissance Faire and Arts Alive.

What's a good plan for a date night event in Florence?

A classic Florence date night could involve seeing a show or concert. The historic Shoals Theatre hosts a variety of performances, and nearby restaurants in the walkable downtown area provide a great atmosphere for dinner before or after an event.

Where can I find art events or exhibits in the city?

The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is a key venue for visual arts. The center features changing exhibits and juried shows in its galleries. For a larger art event, the annual Arts Alive festival gathers regional and national artists in Wilson Park.

Is there a central area for nightlife events in Florence?

Downtown Florence is the main district for nightlife events. The area is walkable and concentrated with bars and music halls like FloBama Music Hall and For The Record Music Hall, which feature regular performances and an energetic atmosphere.

Besides restaurants, what food events happen in the Florence area?

The Lauderdale Farmers' Market is a regular source for local food. It operates at the Florence Exposition Center on Saturdays during spring and fall, with expanded days during the summer. Major festivals like First Fridays also feature food trucks.

Does Florence have a venue for comedy shows or theater?

Yes, the historic Shoals Theatre is a primary destination for performing arts. In addition to concerts and community events, its schedule often includes comedy shows and theatrical productions. The Ritz Theatre in nearby Sheffield also hosts similar performances.

Popular in Florence

Foodies + New Friends: Florence, AL | Dinner with Strangers

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Florence Festival of Trees - Reserve a Tree

2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

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Foodies + New Friends: Florence, AL | Dinner with Strangers

Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

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Online Events

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Lean Global Connection 2026

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

From nearby cities

Friday the 13th Exclusive Ghost Hunt, Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

Florence Festival of Trees - Reserve a Tree

NWSCC Breakfast With Santa 2026

2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

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Luis Alas – The Sax of the South Live in Florence

The Unknown Tour COMEDY NIGHT 2027 - Florence, AL

Friday the 13th Exclusive Ghost Hunt, Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Florence Barn Quilt Ladder Painting Class - Friday, November 20

Florence Festival of Trees - Reserve a Tree

NWSCC Breakfast With Santa 2026

2026 FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADE presented by BANK INDEPENDENT

S.N.A.P.-Starting New At Pistols

Luis Alas – The Sax of the South Live in Florence

The Unknown Tour COMEDY NIGHT 2027 - Florence, AL

Points of Interest near Florence

What are some popular venues for live music events in Florence?

Are there many family-friendly events in Florence, AL?

How can I find free events to attend in Florence?

What's a good plan for a date night event in Florence?

Where can I find art events or exhibits in the city?

Is there a central area for nightlife events in Florence?

Besides restaurants, what food events happen in the Florence area?

Does Florence have a venue for comedy shows or theater?