ATTRACTIONS/EVENTS

The Alabama Renaissance Faire

Held annually during the fourth weekend in October at Wilson Park in Downtown Florence. Are you in Florence, Alabama in the 21st century, or Florence, Italy in the Middle Ages? This educational event recreates the atmosphere of an authentic medieval renaissance faire. Participants dress in authentic, period costumes.  Arts & crafts, wandering minstrels, magicians and chamber singers are also part of the festivities as you step back in time.

Arts Alive

Arts Alive is a project of the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts Volunteers, and was started in 1986. Arts Alive attracts hundreds of art and craft lovers from a three-state region and beyond. Wilson Park in Downtown Florence is packed with people for two days as they stroll, meet the artists and purchase. Arts Alive is a family event, and families flock to the Park to participate!

First Fridays Florence

Join friends, family or co-workers to experience the wonderfully festive atmosphere of First Fridays in Downtown Florence! On the first Friday of each month from March through December, Historic Downtown Florence comes alive with art, music, shopping and entertainment for the whole family! Enjoy the sights and sounds around every corner – dine in one of our fine restaurants – shop at our galleries and stores – or take a leisurely stroll to enjoy one-of-a-kind arts and the finest live music around! Hours: 5-8pm • Admission: Free.             

The Frank Lloyd Wright/Rosenbaum House

This home, designed and built in 1939-40, is the only structure in the South designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is an example of his Usonian style. Open for tours, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm. This is a National Historic Property. It was completely restored in 2001.

Indian Mound and Museum

The Florence Indian Mound is the Tennessee Valley area's largest domiciliary mound. It is typical workmanship of the Indians who lived in this area before the Cherokees, Chickasaws and Creeks. Early settlers found steps on one side of the mound and discovered that it had been enclosed by an earthen wall. The museum contains Native American artifacts dating back over 10,000 years. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. 1028 South Court Street. (256) 760-6427.

Pope’s Tavern Museum

At one time, a stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn, Pope's Tavern is one of the oldest structures in Florence. It was used as a hospital for both Union and Confederate wounded during the Civil War. The museum houses artifacts and beautiful antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries, Civil War artifacts and items of local history. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. 203 Hermitage Drive.
(256) 760-6439.

The Spirit of Freedom Celebration

Held annually on July 4th at McFarland Park in Florence.  Thousands of people gather each year to enjoy live music from some of the biggest names in the music business, family fun, and various other activities. The celebration concludes with an impressive fireworks show illuminating the beautiful Tennessee River.  The fireworks show is one of the largest in the Tennessee Valley.

Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride

The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride is held annually on the third Saturday of September.  The ride begins in Chattanooga, Tennessee and ends in Waterloo, Alabama. The event includes the "Largest Organized Motorcycle Ride in the South", with as many as 10,000 participants in this historic event to honor the many Native Americans who perished and suffered as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

W.C. Handy Home, Museum and Library

 W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” was born in a small log cabin in Florence on November 16, 1873. Handy became famous for his blues compositions such as "Memphis Blues" & "St. Louis Blues". He was also a musician, band conductor, and author. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia, musical instruments, personal papers and original sheet music. Handy's famous trumpet and his personal piano are just a few of the items on display. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. 620 West College Street. (256) 760-6434.

Wilson Lock & Dam

Completed in 1925, Wilson Dam was once used as a power supply center for munitions plants in World War l. The completion of the dam allowed a once un-navigable stretch of the Tennessee River, the "Muscle Shoals", to become a major transportation resource for the Shoals area. Later, Wilson Dam became the cornerstone of the Tennessee Valley Authority.