Lake Guntersville’s Bama Bash returns this month, bringing award-winning barbecue, creators and vendors to Civitan Park on Sunset Drive.
What to expect at Bama Bash
The festival opens to the public at noon on Saturday, Sept. 12. Admission is $10 per person, with tickets available both online in advance and at the gate. Children aged 4 and under are admitted free. Attendees can expect barbecue competitions, opportunities to sample foods, a range of vendors and appearances by popular content creators. For more information organisers point people to the event’s social media pages and TheBamaBash.com.
Lit pick: Scottsboro Book Club discusses Allison Larkin
The Scottsboro Book Club meets at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Scottsboro Public Library, 1002 S. Broad St., and everyone is welcome. The group will discuss The People We Keep by American author Allison Larkin. Published in 2021, the novel centres on a young musician who leaves a small New York town in search of independence. The plot’s mid-1990s setting has been noted for its evocative nostalgia.
“Larkin has created a memorable character in April, whose journey toward belonging and self-acceptance will resonate with readers. The depiction of the mid-1990s is pitch-perfect and will invoke feelings of nostalgia, especially in Gen Xers who came of age during this era.” — Nanette Donohue, Booklist
Family-friendly art: Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition
On Saturday, Sept. 19, The Mountain Valley Playhouse will host its First Annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition as part of the Full Moon Art Fest on the courthouse square at 102 E. Laurel St., Scottsboro. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and registration opens at 9 a.m. at the Mountain Valley Playhouse tents. Entry is $5 per person, and proceeds benefit the community theatre.
- Competition age categories: 10 and under; 11–17; and 18 and older.
- Competitors must bring their own art supplies, chalk, and plastic sheeting to protect work in case of rain.
These local events illustrate how small festivals and community arts programming can offer accessible, intergenerational activities that support local organisations and creators. For travellers or regional readers planning a weekend visit, they provide low-cost entertainment and a chance to engage with local culture.
| Event | Date | Time | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bama Bash (Lake Guntersville) | Saturday, Sept. 12 | Noon onwards | $10 (children 4 & under free) |
| Scottsboro Book Club — The People We Keep | Thursday, Sept. 17 | 5 p.m. | Free (library event) |
| Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | $5 registration |
Practical tips for attendees:
- Buy Bama Bash tickets online in advance to avoid lines at the gate.
- Bring cash for vendors and small purchases; confirm whether vendors accept cards.
- If entering the chalk competition, pack extra chalk and a tarp or plastic to protect your artwork from rain.
- For the book club, bring a copy of The People We Keep ahead of the meeting to join the conversation.
All events are organised by local groups; for the most up-to-date information and any last-minute changes check the hosts’ official pages or the venues listed above.
