Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Explore Alabama’s vibrant downtown Summer events
Reading time: 3 minutes
Local businesses and downtown activities are crucial to the economic success of Alabama’s cities.
Here’s a few events to keep on eye on this summer to enjoy the warm weather while contributing to your local community.
Florence’s First Friday
Florence dedicates the first Friday of every summer and fall month to increasing visibility of local artists and promoting its downtown shopping district.
Running from May through November, the event features a variety of booths:
- Handmade crafts vendors
- Non-profits
- Food trucks
- Downtown businesses
First Friday Florence takes place regardless of weather. The only summer month that will not feature a First Friday this year is July, as the event would fall on July 4th.
Remaining dates:
- August 1, 5:30-9PM
- September 5, 5:30-8:30PM
- October 3, 5:30-8:30PM
- November 7, 5:30-8:30PM
Learn more here.
Cullman’s 2nd Fridays
Like Florence, Cullman dedicates one Friday each month to its downtown businesses.
2nd Fridays Cullman is hosted each year by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and includes Chamber members from all over the community
The event features local food, fun and entertainment and runs through June, July and August.
Remaining dates:
- July 11
- August 8
Learn more here.
Montgomery’s Arts, eats and beats
Continuing the Friday trend, you’ll want to go to Montgomery for the third one of each month.
From 4-8PM on the third Friday of each month, Montgomery transforms a portion of its downtown into a walkable neighborhood entertainment district.
Named “Arts, Eats and Beats,” locals and visitors can swing by to enjoy a local art exhibition, hear outdoor music or enjoy a special refreshment while strolling the streets in the downtown area.
Multiple local businesses also offer 3rd Friday specials, including discounts, live music and special menus.
Next dates: June 20.
Mobile’s Sidewalk Sessions
In Mobile, downtown transforms into a hub of live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Through a partnership between Visit Mobile and the Dowtown Mobile Alliance, the city welcomes all types of musicians and performers from October through July.
The event takes place on Dauphin Street from 5:30-8:30PM Thursday-Saturday and 1:30-4:30PM Sundays. The final Sidewalk Session this summer will be on Thursday, July 31.
Interested musicians can apply here.
Anniston’s Downtown After Dark
In Anniston, music is also being celebrated this summer.
After a successful run in 2024, the city is bringing back its Downtown After Dark summer music series. The monthly event welcomes free live music from 7-9PM in Noble Street Park.
This year’s lineup:
- June 27, Blues Deluxe
- July 25, Melanin Magic
- August 22, Briarsweet
- September 26, Hour Kind
Did we forget your city? Tell us how your community is spending the summer by tagging us @thebamabuzz on socials.
