W.C. Handy Music Festival

08/24/2026

We've almost finished putting Handy 2026 to rest...now on to 2027!
We need your input. We're looking at redesigning our website, but we need to know what you think is missing! Please comment below features or information that you'd like to see for next year! (Dog pic for tax...he's only begging a little!)

08/01/2026

UPDATE: The Swinging River Jazz Band will perform their postponed concert tonight at Trinity Episcopal Church. Due to expenses resulting from City of Florence requirements, this event has been relocated. Come out to listen -- rain or shine!

07/25/2026

RAIN UPDATES!
The Swinging River Jazz Band concert at Wilson Park has been postponed for a week due to rain.

The Party at Willie Green is on a 30 minute rain delay. It will begin at 6:30pm and will move inside if starts raining again.

07/25/2026

It may be raining, but it didn't rain on our parade! 2026 Street Strut

07/25/2026

Riverside Jamz at Riverfront Park

07/24/2026

WEATHER UPDATE! Saturday's Street Strut has been MOVED to Harvest Mitchell Gym at Burrell Slater due to the high chance of rain. Please join us there for a different kind of strut experience -- all the fun without the weather! :)

This page is an official W.C. Handy Music Festival Social Media site. Festival Dates: July 15-26, 2026 with events being held at sites throughout the Shoals area.

07/23/2026

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS! The Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa are making it possible to have a silent auction at our headliner concert FOR A 1-NIGHT STAY IN THE RICK HALL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE! (pictures below) and a DRAWING for a 1-Night stay in the RICK HALL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE! (Get your FREE tickets for the headliner now at Handy Headquarters, Counts Brothers Music, and online at west72ent.com because you have to be present to win!

07/23/2026

Lots of events on Handy Hump Day! :) We have photos from Amity Day (the weather cooperated until 8:30!) and from Rosie's Mexican Cantina. What did you do yesterday and who did you hear? Share your photos in the comments!

07/22/2026

LOST KEYS ALERT!

Someone lost their keys at Mobile Plaza on Friday night. If anyone finds them or has them, please bring them to Handy HQ on Tuscaloosa St. The owner NEEDS them!

Also, The Carriage has found a key fob with no key on it, so if anyone is missing a key fob, check with The Carriage!

07/22/2026

Another great day in the books for Handy 2026! Pix from Determined (thanks, Chynna Boddie!), the Listening Room at Cypress Moon, The Pine Hill Haints at St. Florian Park, and others!