Free events in Florence, AL

In the Watermelon Capital of Alabama, the 45th annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival celebrates all things melon with two days of entertainment and community activities. The festival features live music, watermelon contests, a 5K run, an antique car and truck showcase, festival food, arts and crafts vendors, and complimentary watermelon slices. During the opening ceremony, the Watermelon Pageant Queens are introduced, and the 2026 Watermelon Festival Queen cuts the first melon and presents awards to the contest winners. Admission is free.

Maggie Baugh takes the stage for a live performance at the 45th Franklin County Watermelon Festival in Downtown Russellville, celebrating Alabama’s Watermelon Capital. The show is free to attend, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating.

This monthly volunteer day, organized with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, focuses on practical projects that support The Village School. Activities can include tidying, painting, scraping, yard work, and organizing materials, along with similar tasks as needed. Supplies and guidance are provided, so no prior experience is required. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothes that can get dirty, such as jeans and closed-toe shoes, and to bring work gloves if available. Participants may stay for the full session or make a quick visit to see the work in progress. Those interested in registering or sharing specialized skills can contact the organizers by email or through social media.

Tracy Byrd performs live at the 45th Franklin County Watermelon Festival in the Watermelon Capital of Alabama. The concert takes place in Downtown Russellville, Alabama. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.