Jazzed Up in July for Handy Fest!
If your summer plans are feeling a little... flat, Florence has just the thing to bring the energy back up to tempo. From July 16 – 27 the Shoals will be alive with the sounds of saxophones, soul, and Southern swagger as the W.C. Handy Music Festival returns for another jam-packed run.
That’s right—ten full days, nearly 200 events, and one riverfront city that knows how to throw a party! Whether you're planning a weekend visit or clearing your calendar for the whole stretch, there's something playing on every corner—and it’s all tuned to the rhythm of the Shoals.
Come for the Sound, Stay for the Soul
This year’s festival spills across Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, transforming parks, breweries, churches, and even libraries into makeshift venues! There’s no central stage—and that’s the point. The music moves with you.
Some of the can’t-miss moments include:
- Sax in the City (July 18 at Wilson Park) — a beloved crowd-pleaser with The Midnighters under the stars
- Shoals Mom Prom (also July 18 at Singing River Brewery) — a fundraiser turned full-blown dance party, tulle optional
- Handy Car & Truck Show (July 19 at McFarland Park) — vintage rides and blues classics, together at last
- Riverside Jamz (July 25) — a multi-genre blowout with jazz, soul, and free hot air balloon rides
The event is presented by the Music Preservation Society and backed by dozens of local sponsors, restaurants, artists, and civic groups. Whether you’re in it for the music, the history, or just the vibe, Handy Fest hits all the right notes.
The Legacy Behind the Music
Born in Florence in 1873, William Christopher Handy—yes, that W.C. Handy—grew up surrounded by sound! His love for music started with bird calls and riverboats and grew into something much bigger: an entire genre. Handy is often credited with defining the structure of blues music, blending African American folk traditions with formal composition to create something wholly original.
The festival that honors him began in 1982, kicked off by a weekend performance with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Since then, it’s evolved into a nationally recognized celebration, drawing thousands since 1986.
A Legacy That Keeps Playing
Today, Handy Fest doesn’t just honor the past—it amplifies the present. It brings generations together, supports local business, and keeps Florence on the map as one of Alabama’s most soulful spots.
Because around here, the music doesn’t fade when the set ends—it lingers, hums, and settles in. Just the way W.C. Handy would’ve wanted…
Get jazzy and find more fun near your neck of the woods at www.guidetoalabama.com/arts-entertainment!