Tourism Events
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- Limestone County Courthouse
Looking for something to do? Keep reading. There’s always something to do in Athens/Limestone County.
Calendar of Events
Art Marketing; An Artists Meet and Workshop
March 13 at 9:00 AM – noon
Art on the Square is pleased to offer this workshop which includes creating a marketing kit; proper presentation to galleries and shows; the importance of a web presence; finding the “right” market; grassroots marketing strategies and networking. Keynote speaker and facilitator will be Gina Hurst of Ascribing Artists and Trisha Black, Executive Director Spirit of Athens.
Athens Home and Garden Show
March 13 & 14
The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Home and Garden Show will be at the Athens Armory just off Hwy 31 on Armory Drive. This year vendors displaying all types of lawn and garden products will be available for purchase. Contact 256-232-2600 to reserve a booth or for more information.
Polk Sallet Follies
March 11, 12 & 13
The Athens Senior Center on Pryor Street will be full of life at the annual Polk Sallet Follies. This event offers a delicious dinner and outstanding live entertainment. Reserved seating required. Tickets go on sale Feb 15th. Purchase your tickets early – they go fast! Contact 256-233-6412.
Taste of Ardmore
March 19 at 11 AM – 2 PM
Ardmore restaurants will showcase their delicious food during the annual Taste of Ardmore at the Ardmore, TN Annex building. Purchase a $5.00 ticket and enjoy lunch sampling all the varieties offered. Contact 256-423-7588 for tickets or information.
Blast From the Past in Concert
March 20 at 7:00 PM – dinner at 6:00 PM
Yesterdays Event Center invites you to enjoy the oldies a’cappella group “Blast From the Past and national singer/impressionist Kevin Adams. Both groups just returned from the national O’Reilly’s World of Wheels auto expo and Kevin just opened for Billy Joe Royal and Percy Sledge. Admission is $10 each and dinner is $8.95 each. Reservations required by email halljd99@hiwaay.net. www.yesterdaysevents.com
Adult Corporate Spelling Bee
March 27 at 10:00 AM
The 15th annual event will be held at Athens High School cafeteria. All it takes to enter the contest is a three-person team, and an alternate. To register, make a donation, sponsor the bee or get more information on the Learn-to-Read Council, call 256-230-3050.
Easter Extravaganza
March 27 starting at 9:00 AM
The Spirit of Athens’ Easter Extravaganza will be a fun filled day for the children. Beginning with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at The Club House (Marion Street) at 9-11 AM. Advanced tickets are required – adults $15.00 and children $10.00. The Easter Egg Hunt will be at 11:30 AM on the lawn of the Limestone County Courthouse downtown Athens. Photos with the Easter Bunny will be from 11 AM – 1 PM. Fee for photo is $5.00. For more information call Trisha at 256-278-6436.
Blacksmithing Demonstration/Workshop
March 27 at 9:00 AM
Everyone is welcome to come and watch the demonstrations in the art of making tongs and candleholders throughout the day at Travis Fleming’s Shop located at 208 Commercial Drive, Athens. Contact Travis at 256-227-6216 or visit alaforge.org for more information.
Ardmore AL/TN Civitan Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 3 at 10:00 AM
Bring the children (ages 1 – 10) to the Ardmore, AL town park (located behind Rab Shelton Furniture) and let them enjoy the annual easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be there so be sure and bring your camera and get pictures of your children with the bunny. Free and everyone is welcome. For more information call Janet at 256-423-6850.
Athens Cruise In on the square
April 3 at 2:00 – 8:00 PM
Bring you antique vehicle and enjoy the fellowship of other antique vehicle owners. Everyone is welcome to walk around the square and enjoy the vehicles and our encourages to eat at our local restaurants and do a little shopping before you leave. Come and enjoy the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music. For more information call Bland at 256-603-1227.
40th Annual Ardmore Beauty Walk
April 9 at 7:00 PM (grades K-5th grades)
April 10th at 10:00 AM (preschool)
April 10 at 7:00 PM (grades 6th – 12th grades);
Hosted by the Ardmore Band Boosters, the annual beauty walk will be held at the Ardmore High School gym. Students from Cedar Hill and Johnson Elementary my enter the Miss Elementary Pageant. Students from Ardmore High may enter the Miss Ardmore Pageant. The Preschool pageant is open to all girls not enrolled in school. Registration forms are available at each school’s main office, on each school’s website, Lil’ Tigers Daycare and Wee Care Learning Center. The deadline for entry is March 12th.
Inaugural Chick-fil-a 5K
April 10
256-777-3999
Singing on the Square
April 16 at 6-8:00 PM
This year’s free singings will begin with Miss Lacey Snider and Piney Creek band. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the outstanding music. Contact 256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
Kids Day in the Park
April 17
256-232-7207
“A Decade of Difference” – Athens Limestone Hospital Gala
April 17 at 7:00 PM until midnight
The annual gala, to benefit the Julia Ann Stacey Sweet Charity Fund, will be at the Westin at Bridge Street Town Centre, Huntsville. Make your reservations today. Contact 256-233-9236.
Administrative Professionals Luncheon
April 21
Hosted by Big Brother/Big Sisters, this luncheon honors our Administrative Professionals.
256-232-4650, www.bbbsna.com
5th Annual Best Buckin’ BBQ Cookoff
April 23-25
Think your barbecue is the best? Then you should enter this Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned cook-off which is held at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena at 17836 AL Hwy 99. Some $12,000 will be awarded in prize money and proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Limestone County. The event is free to the public, but amateur teams will be charged a $125 entry fee and professional teams will be charged $250. To sign up visit www.bestbuckinbbq.org. For more information call Jonathan 256-497-4887 or send an email to jhinton@limestonesheriff
Athens on the Square Car Show
April 24 at 8:00 AM
256-603-1227, www.carsonthesquare.com
Best Buckin’ BBQ Cookoff
April 23-25
Doggie Fun Fest
April 24
256-216-0945, www.hoplc.com
Taste of Home Cooking School
April 27 at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 4:30 PM
The Athens News Courier will host its annual “Taste of Home Cooking School” at Athens Middle School. Tickets are $8.00. Contact 256-232-2720.
Athens Ladies Civitan Blue Gold Charity Golf Classic
April 29 – registration 11:00 AM.
Golfers needed! Join us for a 4-Man Scramble Golf Tournament. Shotgun Start 1:00 p.m. This Golf Tournament is to help support the Civitan International Research Center and local organizations that helps with developmentally delayed children and adults. Contact: Mary Duncan 256-233-1257 or 256-337-6279 or email mduncan@hiwaay.net.
Athens Bible School Homespun Arts & Crafts Show/Plant Sale
May 7-8
The annual arts and crafts show has beautiful handmade items as well as plants for sale. For more information call 256-232-3525.
Limestone County Relay for Life
May 7-8
Mother Earth Day
May 7 at 10:00 M – 2:00 PM
Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful will host this event at Big Spring Park. This will be a day of fun for everyone. For more information call 256-233-8728.
Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo
May 14-15
256-232-0111, www.limestonesheriff.com
Doggie Fun Fest (Athens)
May 15
Man’s best friend will enjoy this festival, as well as their masters, with all the many games for them to play. Vendors will sell pet wares and offer information to pet owners. Bring your pet and support this wonderful cause. Location to be announced. Contact 256-216-0945 or www.hoplc.com for information.
Garden Tour hosted by Friends of the Library
May 16
256-232-1233
Singing on the Square
May 21 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM
This month the free singing will feature Southern Splendor Chorus and Dixie Bluegrass. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music. Contact 256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
Ardmore AL/TN Civitan Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 3 at 10:00 AM
Bring the children (ages 1 – 10) to the Ardmore, AL town park (located behind Rab Shelton Furniture) and let them enjoy the annual easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be there so be sure and bring your camera and get pictures of your children with the bunny. Free and everyone is welcome. For more information call Janet at 256-423-6850.
Saturday Walking Tours
June 5, 12, 19 & 26 – walks begin at 10:00 AM
Meet at the Athens Visitors’ Center located at the corner of Beaty and Market streets (Big Spring Park) at 9:45 AM. There will be 4 different walks to choose from including downtown Historic Walk, Washington Street-Old Cemetery Walk-Beaty Historic District, Athens State Historic District; Athens Cemetery Walk. Contact 256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions for information.
Dog Gone Festival
June 5 at 8 AM – 4 PM
Ardmore AL/TN Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first “Dog Gone Festival” at the Ardmore, AL town park. The new festival welcomes everyone and their dogs to this fun event. Some activates of the day include live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, delicious festival food and games for adults, children and your dog. Dog events include a dog parade with awards for best dressed dog, best dog trick, dog and master that favor the most, training demonstrations. Human events include hot dog eating contest, women’s dog gone skillet throw, men’s dog gone wrench throw, and more. Kid’s events include dog collar throw, moon bounce, face painting, dog art and more. Dress up your dog and bring the entire family to the park. Contact 256-423-7588.
Indian Artifact Show
June 13
Athens State University, 256-232-0698, www.athens.edu
Singing on the Square
June 18 at 6-8:00 PM
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy The Servants and Diane Miller. Contact 256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
Ardmore AL/TN Civitan Club “Kids Day at the Park”
June 19
Each year the Civitan Club has this free event for local kids at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park. Kids may participate in activities, face painting, moon bounce, train rides, hotdogs, drinks and many more games. For more information call Mary at 931-427-5523.
Athens Lions Club Kiddi Carnival
June 24 – July 31
256-262-1983
Delmore Days Music Festival
June 26 – gates open at 9:00 AM
The festival honors Limestone County’s own famous Delmore Brothers (Rabon and Alton), two of the biggest music stars in the 1930s. They were on the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, TN from 1930 to 1937. Some of their honors include: posthumous induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1989, Country Music Association International Division (CMAID) Hall of Fame (in Germany), 2000; the Country Music Association Hall of Fame (Nashville), 2001; and the Grammy Hall of Fame for “Blues Stay Away From Me,” 2007. They also received the Artists of the 20th Century Award from the CMAID, 2000. The gates open at 9:00 AM. Admission is $7.00 and children under 12 years are $2.00. The festival will feature all day live entertainment, arts nd crafts, food vendors and other items. The event is planned as an “old-fashioned trade day”. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the tribute to the Delmore Brothers. Delmore family members will be present to talk with you and tell you about their father and uncle. Entertainment includes Lacey Snider and the Turkey Creek Ramblers, Dixie Bluegrass Boys, Hovis Family Band, Southern Heart Band, Just Down the Road, Piney Creek and more. Contact 256-232-5411, www.delmoredays.com.
Reliance Bank Fire Cracker Festival
July 4
256-233-8585, ext 4, www.reliancebanking.com
Ardmore Lions Club Tractor and Truck Pull
July 9-10
Come and join in the excitement of this annual tractor/truck pull at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park. For more information call 256-777-7904.
Singing on the Square
July 16 at 6-8:00 PM
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy Nedia Keel. Contact 256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
CASA Mud Volleyball Tournament
July 17
Approximately 75 teams compete for the championship. Free to spectators. Entry fee required per team. Contact 256-232-5751, www.casalimestonecounty.org to enter or to obtain information.
AL Championship Tractor & Truck Pull (Tanner)
July 30-31
One of the biggest and best tractor/truck pulls in the south is at Tanner, AL. Call 256-497-4309, 431-1292 or 256-233-7077 for more information.
Ardmore Police Reserve Rodeo
August 6-7
Everyone enyous the annual rodeo held at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park. For more information call 256-423-2146.
Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Farm Equipment Show
August 13-14
If you love antique tractors, farm equipment and more, you must attend this sow. Sponsored by the Piney Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, there is also a flea market area . For more info call 256-233-2300, www.pineychapelfire.org or Lance at 256-771-3287 or Michael at 256-206-5926.
Art on the Square Silent Auction
August 7
Athens Homecoming Celebration
August 20 & 21
Bring the entire family and enjoy the Athens State University Community at 6:30 PM followed by a street dance. Watch for more details. Contact 256-232-5411, 256-278-6436, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival
August 28 at 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The countdown is on for the 18th annual Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival to be held at the John Barnes City Park located on Ardmore Ridge Road. Hosted by the Ardmore AL/TN Chamber of Commerce, the festival offers a wide variety of arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, live entertainment and much more. Admission to the festival is free but donations will be accepted and are appreciated. For information contact 256-423-7588, www.ardmorealtnchamber.com.
Ardmore AL/TN Civitan Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 3 at 10:00 AM
Bring the children (ages 1 – 10) to the Ardmore, AL town park (located behind Rab Shelton Furniture) and let them enjoy the annual easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be there so be sure and bring your camera and get pictures of your children with the bunny. Free and everyone is welcome. For more information call Janet at 256-423-6850.
Art on the Square
September 11
Singing on the Square
September 17 at 6-8:00 PM
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the free concert featuring Just Down the Road and Piney Creek. Contact 256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
Trail of Tears annual ride
September 18
www.trailoftears-remembrance.org
Fiddlin’ on the Square
September 25
Bring your instruments to the Limestone County Courthouse lawn and participate in the “Shade Tree Picking”. Spectators will enjoy this “preview” of the TN Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Free to everyone. Contact 256-232-5411 or 256-278-6436, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions.
Founders Hall Jubilee
September 25
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the gospel music at Founders Hall, Athens State University. Contact 256-783-4876, www.foundershalljubilee.com.
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
October 1-2
Athens State University will host the 44th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at the school’s campus in Athens, Alabama. The musical competitions will be held on the steps of historic Founders Hall. A total of $11,870 in prize money will be awarded. The convention is sponsored annually by the Athens State University Foundation and the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the convention fund student scholarships and other university projects. The convention has historically attracted more than 15,000 people for the two-day event, with more than 200 musicians participating in the musical competition. The coup de gras for the convention is the naming of the “Fiddle Champion.” Competition for the crown is always fierce and this year will be no different. Contact 256-233-8261, www.athens.edu/fiddlers.
Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby
October 2 at 4:00 PM
Get your duck early for this fun and exciting race. The Derby is held at Big Spring Park, Athens, AL. Contact 256-233-8728, www.keepathenslimestonebeautiful.com.
Haunts Walks Historic Athens, AL
October 5, 7, 12, 15, 19 & 21 (Tentative dates)
256-232-5411, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions
Ardmore AL/TN Civitan Club Annual Bean Day
October 9 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
If you enjoy home cooked pinto or white beans, cole slaw, corn bread, drink, vidalia onions, relish and delicious desserts, this is the meal for you. Proceeds from the event go to help fund the annual Christmas Toy Chest project which provides Christmas gifts for the less fortunate. Contact 931-427-5523 or 256-233-4848.
Rails to Trails Fall Color Ride or Walk
October 23 & 24
256-732-4211, www.tourathens.com/events-attractions
Athens Storytelling Festival
29-30 October at 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The event features nationally acclaimed storytellers giving performances throughout the weekend. Up to 10,000 people plus are expected to attend the event(s). The performances will be held in a festival tent located on the historic, Limestone County Courthouse Square, in downtown Athens, AL. Businesses are open for shoppers and delicious food will be available at the downtown restaurants and food vendors. School children from all over the county and some adjoining counties attend this event. Contact 256-232-0400, www.athensstorytellingfestival.com.
Athens Veterans Day Parade
November 6 at 11:00 AM
256-374-2073 or 256-874-1033
Ardmore Veterans Day Ceremony and Stew
November 11 at 1:00 PM
256-423-7588, www.ardmorealtnchamber.com
Ardmore AL/TN Civitan Annual Turkey Shoot
November 13 at 8:00 AM – noon
The annual shoot offers hunters the opportunity show off their skills by winning one of the turkeys. Certificates are presented to each winner and may be redeemed at either Piggly Wiggly or L&S Food Market in Ardmore. For more information contact 931-427-5523.
Reliance Bank Christmas Parade (Athens)
December 2 at 6:00 PM
256-232-1944, www.reliancebanking.com
Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
December 4 at 1:00 PM
256-423-7588, www.ardmorealtnchamber.com
Elkmont Band Boosters Christmas Tour of Homes
December 4
Ardmore Christmas Tour of Homes
December 11 at 1-5 PM
256-423-7588, www.ardmorealtnchamber.com
Elkmont Lions Club Christmas Parade
December 11 at 2 PM
256-732-4211
