Florence Alabama

The Alabama Renaissance Faire has been a storied tradition in Florence for almost 40 years. The free event brings a piece of European history to life with sword fighting, medieval martial arts, high tea and more than 100 themed vendors. Former Renaissance Queen and lifetime medieval enthusiast, Darlene Freemon, explains the unique charm of the faire!

Hear ye, lords and ladies! Sir William of Lincolnshire, High Herald of the Alabama Renaissance Faire, dropped some wisdom --and history-- on Quickfire Quips with host Baillee Majors! The event in Florence this weekend promises exciting swordplay, glimpses of the monarch and Medieval dancing -- taught by the steward himself! Whether getting into character is your thing (or if you just want to enjoy a giant turkey leg), he invites you to part ways with your problems and come out to play!

Protesters dressed as Uncle Sam and the public television character “Bluey” gathered across from the Richard Shelby Federal Courthouse in Tuscaloosa, as part of the national “No Kings” protest across Alabama and the nation.

It’s tough to know where to start with singer/songwriter Jason Isbell. He has six Grammy awards. Variety Magazine once called him the “Poet Laureate of Rock.” Another critic compared Isbell’s writing style to William Faulkner and John Prine.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isbell got a part in director Martin Scorsese’s Oscar nominated film Killers of the Flower Moon.And of course, Isbell founded the annual ShoalsFest musical festival, which is returning to Florence next week.We’ll touch on all that on APR notebook

The ShoalsFest music festival returns to Florence next week. Six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell is the driving force behind the event. His musical roots in the Shoals run deep. One of Isbell’s mentors was David Hood. He’s a bass guitarist with the group known as the Swampers.

It’s tough to know where to start with singer/songwriter Jason Isbell. He has six Grammy awards. Variety Magazine once called him the “Poet Laureate of Rock.” Another critic compared Isbell’s writing style to William Faulkner and John Prine.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isbell got a part in director Martin Scorsese’s Oscar nominated film "Killers of the Flower Moon."And of course, Isbell founded the annual ShoalsFest musical festival, which is returning to Florence next week.We’ll touch on all that on APR notebook

Native American weapons and tools will be showcased in Florence this weekend as a part of a new, free program hosted by the Florence Indian Mound Museum. The event is set to take place on Sunday, Jan. 26.

The University of North Alabama Esports Team is the reigning victor of the Fall 2024 College Halo National Championship, capping off a season with an undefeated record. The Lions finished the season 10-0 in regular season play, 4-0 in the postseason and achieved an overall map count of 33-1.

Workshops aimed at drawing the connections between Native American cultures, Alabama plants and the products created by people rooted in early traditions are coming to North Alabama. The Alabama Plants Series is a set of six free workshops hosted at Pope’s Tavern Museum.

A day meant to focus on creativity and community is coming to North Alabama this week through a series of art workshops. The Shoals Art Collective is partnering with Florence Arts and Museums to present the inaugural Pope’s Tavern Family Art Day.