Fort Payne has festivals honoring its heritage and history, celebrations of the seasons, and of course the always anticipated Fall County Fair. Music is always a major presence in these mountains and valleys and you can be sure to hear the strands of bluegrass, country, or gospel forming the backdrop of any major get-together. Grab a blanket or chair and relax to the sounds of bluegrass or browse the booths and artists for unique gifts, but come out and join the town as we celebrate our history, our country, and our music.
Boom Days Heritage Celebration
The Boom Days Heritage Celebration, Fort Payne’s annual art and music festival, displays citizens of Fort Payne taking a second look at their past and the heritage passed down to them through the arts and crafts of our area. It features dozens of the South’s finest visual artists and traditional craftsmen, as well as dozens of the area’s most talented musical groups.
Four blocks of the city’s downtown district are closed to traffic while art shows occupy Alabama Park and City Park, and a variety of music flows from four outdoor stages. Downtown merchants operate sidewalk sales, and cultural and historical displays are mounted at the Fort Payne Culture & Heritage Center and the Depot Museum.
Christmas in the Park & Parade
Christmas in the Park is an annual event held in City Park in downtown Fort Payne. This celebration is always popular even when temperatures dip into the teens. You can warm up next to the bonfire, grab a cup of complimentary hot cocoa or coffee and a bag of popcorn or peanuts, enjoy listening to the caroling, or simply enjoy the Christmas lights that shine throughout downtown including the huge tree of lights in the park.
Local businesses and organizations all enjoy participating in the annual Christmas Parade. The Fort Payne Wildcat Marching Band is always a highlight. And finally, last but not least, you can be sure to spot Santa Claus anchoring the parade.
Fourth of July Celebration
Fort Payne’s annual Independence Day celebration brings together the community for an evening of fellowship, great music, good food, and fireworks. The town gathers together at the FORT PAYNE SPORTS COMPLEX to enjoy complimentary peanuts, popcorn and drinks. Food and drinks will also be available from local vendors, for additional cost. As each person enters he is presented with a flag which gives the gathering a truly patriotic feeling.
As the evening turns to dusk the crowd is treated to a concert featuring our talented local musicians. The night culminates with ooh’s and ah’s as a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night.
Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In
The Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In is a family friendly event featuring live music, food vendors, downtown shops and over 200 classic cars and trucks on display in historic downtown Fort Payne. The event takes place from 5 pm to 9 pm during the Spring and Summer months.
Pete the Cat Day
Pete the Cat Day is the 1st Saturday in August every year. James Dean, the author of Pete the Cat and Fort Payne native, signs books and artwork. Downtown merchants offer specials for all to enjoy, all up and down Main Street. Pete is there for hugs and photos!
Dekalb County VFW Agricultural Fair
You truly feel like fall has arrived when the county fair comes to town. The lights of the midway, the smell of funnel cakes, the sound of the live music, and the many exhibits draw in thousands of visitors each year.
The DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair is known for its tradition of excellence. It has been voted the state’s top agricultural fair for many years. This event has vast community participation and features exhibits of handmade crafts, canned foods, photography, drawings, flower arrangements, quilts, as well as live animals such as cattle and chickens.
The midway is always popular and there are rides for all ages. Various nights of the week feature specials such as one price for unlimited rides. The vendors feature your fair favorites including funnel cakes, caramel apples, corn dogs, and cotton candy. And try your hand at the many games of chance that line the path.
And don’t forget to sit a spell and enjoy the live music performances that are on stage nightly. Whether it is bluegrass or gospel, these artists put on a great show.
