Fort Payne, AL – The Little River Canyon Center (LRCC), owned and operated by Jacksonville State University, has announced the full lineup for its 2026 Canyon Concert Series, offering a year of live music performances overlooking the canyon in Fort Payne.
The series will begin February 20 with an evening jazz performance featuring TAD of Jazz. Organizers say the concert season will continue throughout the year with a mix of jazz, bluegrass, and songwriter showcases.
Returning to the lineup is the May’s Gulf Songwriter Series, which will open March 15 with songwriter Pierce Pettis and Aubrey Itson. Additional songwriter events are scheduled throughout the spring and summer, featuring a variety of regional artists and special guests.
Bluegrass on the Rim will take place June 13, featuring Three on a String and Foggy Hollow Review. The event brings traditional bluegrass music and humor to the outdoor stage.
The series will conclude October 24 with the May’s Gulf Music Fest, headlined by Alabama songwriter Adam Hood. Gage Cowart will open the event, with Mia Matthews appearing as a special guest.
T.C. McLemore, director of the Little River Canyon Center, said the concert series aims to connect audiences with both music and the natural surroundings of the canyon.
“Live music brings people together and strengthens their connection to a place,” McLemore said. “The Canyon Concert Series allows us to celebrate outstanding artists while showcasing one of Alabama’s most remarkable natural landscapes. We’re excited to welcome audiences back for another season on the mountain.”
A 2026 Canyon Concert Series Season Pass is currently available for $100 per person and includes admission to all Canyon Concert Series events throughout the season, excluding the February 20 jazz dinner show.
All concerts will be held at the Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne.
2026 Canyon Concert Series Schedule
-
February 20 | An Evening of Jazz | 6 p.m.
Featuring TAD of Jazz -
March 15 | May’s Gulf Songwriter Series | 2–4 p.m.
Featuring Pierce Pettis and Aubrey Itson -
May 17 | May’s Gulf Songwriter Series | 2–4 p.m.
Featuring Kelli Johnson and Reese Burke -
June 13 | Bluegrass on the Rim | 6 p.m.
Featuring Three on a String and Foggy Hollow Review -
July 12 | May’s Gulf Songwriter Circle | 2–4 p.m.
Featuring Wyatt Esplain, Mia Matthews, and special guests -
September 13 | May’s Gulf Songwriter Series | 2–4 p.m.
Featuring The Glass Hours and Kat Hunter -
October 24 | May’s Gulf Music Fest | 5 p.m.
Featuring Adam Hood, Gage Cowart, and Mia Matthews
Season passes and ticket information are available online through the Little River Canyon Center.
