Free things to do in Florence, AL

There are 86 free events coming up in Florence, AL, including Trade Days in Cherokee, Thanksgiving In The Park, and Celebrate the birthday of W.C. Handy.

Friday Today

November 13
  • 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM LifeSouth Bloodmobile - Sheffield High SchoolSheffield High School
    LifeSouth bloodmobile at Sheffield High School; donors welcome during the scheduled hours.
  • 9:30 AM Joints in Motion (chair exercise, self-led)The Club · 450 Country Club Drive, Florence, AL
    Self-led chair exercise class at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays. No fee to participate.
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDBA Dissertation Defense – Chris SmithUniversity of North Alabama · 1 Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL
    Public defense of an EDBA dissertation by Chris Smith on predicting small-firm success in craft breweries using a sector-specific Lussier extension.
  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM BabytimeMuscle Shoals Public Library
    Weekly baby storytime for infants up to 18 months with songs, simple books and caregiver interaction.
  • 4:00 PM Stuffie SleepoverFLPL Youth Services
    Bring a stuffed animal for a short drop-off sleepover. Registration required; pick up next day starting at 10:30 AM.
  • 5:00 PM Sheffield Senior Center live dance bandSheffield Senior Center · 303 2nd street, Sheffield, AL
    The senior center hosts a live dance band Fridays at 5pm, plus daily games, meals, outings, and transportation for local seniors. Meals are free with an optional $1 donation.
  • 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM The Little Ryman — live music and open micThe Little Ryman · 18210 Hwy. 72 W., Tuscumbia, AL
    Gospel, bluegrass, country, oldies and an open mic every Friday evening. No dancing or alcohol; free admission.
  • 7:00 PM Back Alley String BandChampy's Shoals · 120 2nd St, Muscle Shoals, AL
    Blues and string bands on the patio at the Muscle Shoals fried-chicken joint, from touring harp players to local pickers.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Live Music at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Bryson Bishop & Chandler BrewerSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    Late weekend sets at Swampers, the hotel bar named for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Local players, no cover.

Saturday

November 14
  • 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM Refine Dance Studio Yard SaleWalgreens Florence · 620 North Crown Street, Florence, AL
    A fundraising yard sale with books, clothes, games, furniture and baked goods to support the dance company’s trip to a Christian Dance Conference.
  • Headliner 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Trade Days in CherokeeMain Street
    Holiday trade days on Main Street with local vendors selling crafts, gifts and food, plus a visit from Santa. Free admission.
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 24th Annual Walk of LifeTuscumbia Landing · 141 Blackwell Rd, Sheffield, AL
    Free 2-mile memorial walk on the Trail of Tears removal route, from Tuscumbia Landing to Spring Park, welcoming tribes home.
  • 11:00 AM Saturday ScreeningsHelen Keller Public Library
    A community screening at the library beginning at 11:00 a.m. Suitable for viewers who enjoy library film programs.
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Saturday StoriesFlorence-Lauderdale Public Library · 350 N Wood Ave, Florence, AL
    Weekly half-hour of stories and crafts for families every Saturday morning.
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Storytime Atop the Mound - NovemberThe Florence Mound and Museum · 1028 S Court St, Florence, AL
    Read-aloud of Keepunumuk, Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story and a gratitude quilt activity. Free; best for families with kids 5–12.
  • 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Paint and Create!- Guided Community Painting Event at the UNA Honors CollegeCoby Hall 459 N. Court Street Florence
    Guided outdoor painting and brief historic tour at Coby Hall. Art materials and refreshments provided; free but registration required for 18 spots.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Eli HannonSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    Late weekend sets at Swampers, the hotel bar named for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Local players, no cover.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Live Music at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).

Sunday

November 15
  • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM LifeSouth Bloodmobile - Walmart - Cloverdale (Florence)Walmart - Cloverdale
    A LifeSouth bloodmobile will be on site accepting donations during the posted hours.
  • Headliner 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Thanksgiving In The ParkWilson Park, Downtown Florence
    An afternoon in the park with food, music and family-friendly activities. Free and open to the community.
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Live music with Trey NicholsThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Brett CarlisleSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.

Monday

November 16
  • 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM EDBA Dissertation Defense – Sonji WillinghamUniversity of North Alabama · 1 Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL
    Public defense of an Executive DBA dissertation by Sonji Willingham, followed by audience questions.
  • 9:30 AM Joints in Motion chair exercise (self-led)The Club · 450 Country Club Drive, Florence, AL
    Self-led Joints in Motion chair exercise at 9:30 AM, open to the public and no fee.
  • 10:30 AM Baby & MeHelen Keller Public Library
    A morning program for caregivers and babies with songs, stories and social time. Held Monday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Headliner 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Celebrate the birthday of W.C. Handythe museum
    Birthday celebration for the Father of the Blues with a musical performance, refreshments, and free museum admission.
  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Chess ClubSheffield Public Library Conference Room · 316 N. Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, AL
    Play chess Monday afternoons; all ages and skill levels are welcome.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Trey NicholsSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.
  • Sheffield Senior Center KaraokeSheffield Senior Center · 303 2nd street, Sheffield, AL
    Sheffield Senior Center invites residents 60+ for meals, free bingo several days a week, games, karaoke, dances and senior outings.
  • Art ExpressionsKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts
    An annual exhibition of works by Shoals Artists Guild members runs through November 16 at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts.

Tuesday

November 17
  • 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM Dr. Lana Israel Conversation with Alumnus John BriggsMane Room · 310 N. Pine Street, Florence, AL
    A conversation between Dr. Lana Israel and alumnus John Briggs, hosted by UNA’s David and John Briggs Family Department of Entertainment Industry. The event is free.
  • 4:00 PM Anime ClubHelen Keller Public Library
    A weekly anime club meeting for fans to watch and discuss anime at the library.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Preston WattsSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.
  • Toddlertime Storytime (Ages 18-36 months)Muscle Shoals Public Library
    Songs, stories, and age-appropriate activities for toddlers ages 18–36 months at the Muscle Shoals Public Library.

Wednesday

November 18
  • 10:30 AM ABCs Under the TreesFLPL Youth Services
    Children’s storytime focused on the letter H today. Activities include songs and early literacy play.
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Karaoke Night at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Midweek karaoke with pizza, pasta and craft cocktails.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Live Music at Champy'sChampy's Shoals · 120 2nd St, Muscle Shoals, AL
    Blues and string bands on the patio at the Muscle Shoals fried-chicken joint, from touring harp players to local pickers.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Live Music at SwampersSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Christian TurnerSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.
  • 8:00 PM Trivia Night at North Wood SocialNorth Wood Social · 1121 N Wood Ave, Florence, AL
    Team trivia (often themed) at the North Wood Avenue gastropub. Bring a crew; dinner and drinks until 10.

Thursday

November 19
  • 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM LifeSouth Bloodmobile - Alabama Department of Transportation (Tuscumbia)Alabama Department of Transportation · Tuscumbia
    LifeSouth Bloodmobile at the Alabama Department of Transportation in Tuscumbia. Local blood drive hours listed.
  • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Kaffee und KuchenMemorial Ampitheater
    Free German coffee and traditional cakes, with T-shirts, hot chocolate, and stickers.
  • 6:00 PM Karaoke at Rattlesnake SaloonRattlesnake Saloon · 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL
    Sing under the rock overhang at the Shoals' famous cave saloon on Seven Springs Lodge land. Burgers and cold beer; open Thursday–Saturday through November.
  • 6:00 PM Karaoke w/ ColeRattlesnake Saloon · 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL
    Sing under the rock overhang at the Shoals' famous cave saloon on Seven Springs Lodge land. Burgers and cold beer; open Thursday–Saturday through November.
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Live Music at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Barry BillingsSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.
  • Live performances by local artistsSwampers Bar & Grille
    Evening live performances by local artists at Swampers Bar & Grille. Nightly music in a venue with Muscle Shoals recording history.

Friday

November 20
  • 7:00 AM Dr. James Ryerson free dentistry for Veterans
    Free dental care for veterans, offered first-come, first-served; doors open at 7:00 AM.
  • 9:30 AM Joints in Motion chair exercise (self-led)The Club · 450 Country Club Drive, Florence, AL
    Self-led chair exercise class open to the public with no fee.
  • 12:30 PM Book ClubFlorence Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism
    Discuss The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in a relaxed, drop-in book club. No registration required.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Live Music at Champy'sChampy's Shoals · 120 2nd St, Muscle Shoals, AL
    Blues and string bands on the patio at the Muscle Shoals fried-chicken joint, from touring harp players to local pickers.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Laura LaneSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    Late weekend sets at Swampers, the hotel bar named for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Local players, no cover.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Live Music at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • 8:00 PM Swamper's - Florence, AL - Martin LaneSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    Late weekend sets at Swampers, the hotel bar named for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Local players, no cover.
  • Sheffield Senior Center BingoSheffield Senior Center · 303 2nd street, Sheffield, AL
    Meals, bingo, games, karaoke, a live dance band, shuttle service and outings for Sheffield seniors aged 60+.

Saturday

November 21
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Saturday StoriesFlorence-Lauderdale Public Library · 350 N Wood Ave, Florence, AL
    Stories and crafts for all ages every Saturday morning at the library.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Matt PraterSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    Late weekend sets at Swampers, the hotel bar named for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Local players, no cover.
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Band VictoriaThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Live Music at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • Shoals After Dark — Get SidewaysMobile Plaza · Downtown Florence
    Free concert series after UNA home football games; this season’s final band is Get Sideways.

Sunday

November 22
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Quad Cities Photography Club Member ExhibitionKennedy-Douglass Center · 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, AL
    Opening reception for a photography club exhibition with works available to view and purchase. The art center is free and open to the public; call for details.
  • 2:00 PM Quad Cities Photography Club Members Exhibition ReceptionFlorence Arts and Museums
    Reception opens the Quad Cities Photography Club exhibition. The art center is free and open to the public; call for information.
  • Headliner 5:00 PM North Court Street Tree LightingNorth Court Street · Downtown Florence
    An evening of holiday cheer featuring Christmas carols and UNA Culinary; bring family and friends to help light up Florence.
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Live Music at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Local bands four nights a week over pizza and craft cocktails: rock, blues and Shoals soul (Tu Blu Cats, The Midnighters, Tim Cannon, Trey Nichols).
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Tim CannonSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.

Monday

November 23
  • 9:30 AM Joints in Motion chair exercise (self-led)The Club · 450 Country Club Drive, Florence, AL
    Self-led chair exercise held Mondays and Fridays; no fee to attend.
  • 2:00 PM Author event: Catherine Petree BeckSheffield Public Library
    Author Catherine Petree Beck discusses her recently released novel The Canary Contract. Contact the library for more details.
  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Chess ClubSheffield Public Library Conference Room · 316 N. Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, AL
    Weekly chess sessions for players from beginners to advanced. All ages welcome.
  • 7:00 PM Washington Masonic Lodge No. 36 meetingsWashington Masonic Lodge No. 36 · 207 W. Fifth St., Tuscumbia, AL
    Lodge meets on the second and fourth Mondays at 7pm; practice meets Thursdays at 7pm.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Bailey WhiteSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.
  • Sheffield Senior Center BingoSheffield Senior Center · 303 2nd street, Sheffield, AL
    Senior center open weekdays with a free meal program, daily games and free bingo on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Transportation and outings available.

Tuesday

November 24
  • Headliner 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Open Mic NightFlorence Arts and Museums · 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, AL
    An evening of poetry and photography featuring Jake Berry and Wayne Sides, followed by an open mic for other poets.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Bay SimpsonSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.

Wednesday

November 25
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Karaoke Night at The Rising CrustThe Rising Crust
    Midweek karaoke with pizza, pasta and craft cocktails.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Live Music at Champy'sChampy's Shoals · 120 2nd St, Muscle Shoals, AL
    Blues and string bands on the patio at the Muscle Shoals fried-chicken joint, from touring harp players to local pickers.
  • 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Mitch MannSwampers Bar & Grille · 800 Cox Creek Pkwy S, Florence, AL
    The Shoals' every-night music bar, inside the Renaissance Shoals Resort and lined with Muscle Shoals recording history. A different local singer-songwriter takes the stage each night.
  • 8:00 PM Karaoke Night at Lava RoomLava Room · 116 W Mobile St, Florence, AL
    Downtown Florence karaoke four nights a week at the Lava Room's dining and entertainment space.
  • 8:00 PM Trivia Night at North Wood SocialNorth Wood Social · 1121 N Wood Ave, Florence, AL
    Team trivia (often themed) at the North Wood Avenue gastropub. Bring a crew; dinner and drinks until 10.

Thursday

December 10
  • Headliner 7:00 PM Florence Christmas ParadeHistoric Downtown Florence · Court St to Tennessee St and Seminary St, ending at Wilson Park
    The Shoals' big downtown Christmas parade, presented by Bank Independent. 2026 theme: A Storybook Christmas.

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