Things to Do in Tallassee, AL: Your Summer 2026 Community & Culture Guide

Easterling Carpenter • May 18, 2026

Tallassee's Community is Planning on a Big Summer

After an exciting celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the US, Tallassee continues building momentum in 2026. This as a number of summer events and live entertainment to outdoor recreation and major community investment show the growing community interest. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy everything from performances at the historic Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center to boating and recreation along the Tallapoosa River and Lake Talisi.


At the same time, the city is also looking ahead with plans for a new multi-million-dollar community center that will expand recreation, fitness, and gathering space for future generations. Plans indicate a hopeful start date within the next few months and project completion in mid to late 2027. Together, these events, projects, and community spaces reflect a Tallassee that continues investing in quality of life, local growth, and opportunities for families across the river region.


Explore Arts & Entertainment this Summer

The vintage Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center has a major summer schedule lined up this year. After a wildly successful showing of the play "Steel Magnolias" they have continued to fill our town with events ranging from plays to live music in Tallassee. You may wish to check their webpage for any updates at mtvernonpac.com.


The theater is located at 321 Barnett Blvd, Tallassee, AL 36078.

The Mount Vernon PAC Summer Lineup

List of Services

Activities for Families and Youth in Tallassee

From community service, educational programs, vacation bible school, Motocross competitions and so much more,  you will find plenty of family activities in Tallassee, AL has fantastic ways for children and youth to enjoy their summer with others. While specific summer dates are shifting, keep a close watch on the Mill Collective as they regularly host all kinds of events.


Tallassee Community Library Summer Program: Unearth a Story!

This year the Tallassee Community Library has set itself to be an absolute treasure trove of things for families to do in Tallassee. This program is highly recommended for families new to the Tallassee area. Their pre-historic theme is "Unearth a Story," centered on dinosaur-related games, readings, and crafts every Wednesday from June 3rd to July 29th. Programs have two class times at 10:30 AM or 2:00PM.


Children are encouraged to read throughout the summer and readers who hit 100 books by the end of July receive a special prize!


The big highlights of this year's program are an appearance from entertainer Bill Packard and a live animal show by Animal Tales!


Register at the library located at 99 Freeman Ave, Tallassee, AL 36078.


June 22nd-25th: The Party Palace @ The Pointed Toe Summer Camps

Designed with your little ones in mind, bring your 3-8 year olds for fun games, crafts and special appearances from their favorite characters! Themes include:  

  • June 22 – K-Pop Demon Hunters Camp
  • June 23 – Fairy Camp
  • June 24 – Wicked Camp
  • June 25 – Frozen Camp

Costs are $50 per day or $180 for the whole week with activities lasting from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.

Event will be held at 511 Burt Mill Rd, Tallassee, AL 36078.


Contact thepartypalaceal@gmail.com for reservations and more information.


July 9th-11th: Project 4:12 - Youth to Give Back to the Community

Project 4:12 is a local 501(c) built on the idea of from the community for the community where volunteers old and young will come together to help accomplish projects around residents' homes. They plan to assist with everything between yard cleanup and pressure washing, to constructing wheelchair ramps and other home repairs.


It represents an opportunity for youth and adults to live out the principles outlined in Timothy 4:12, "being an example of the believers" by volunteering time, serving food, praying, and supporting projects financially. You can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9_Tyl40T4ZY2Wi9W9vm7siMn_QVfkJbnYG7TFyJEseUf1pA/viewform?pli=1


Or contact event organizers at: project412tallassee@gmail.com


The event weekend is scheduled for July 9th-11th


Vacation Bible Schools in Tallassee

Tallassee churches are looking to be very active this year as several Vacation Bible Schools are being organized this year.


View of the Benjamin Fitzpatrick bridge from Big eddy on the Tallapoosa River

Outdoor Recreation on the Tallapoosa River

Tallassee boasts a major outdoor recreation presence with its combination of accessible boat launches and nature trails on Lake Talisi and the Tallapoosa River.


The Lake Talisi Boat Ramp is located just off of Gilmer Ave about 5 minutes from downtown and has access to a riverwalk and trail that winds about half a mile through the woods one-way. The riverwalk is a popular spot for people to enjoy the water, whether it be resting on the benches or fishing.

The Big Eddy and the Tallapoosa River

The "Big Eddy" Riverfront Park is an emerging treat for outdoors lovers in Tallassee, Alabama. It is almost literally a hidden gem so it takes some work to find it. It is located behind AES Industries down a dirt road. After driving past the boat ramp, you come to a small dirt parking area. From there, visitors walk down the path leading a covered picnic area with a fire pit. Visitors can enjoy sitting outdoors or going down the riverbank to enjoy fishing on the river. Behind the covered seating area is a mountain bike course complete with ramps and bridges for those looking for an adrenaline rush.


For anyone looking to get on the water, you can expect rapids that make for an dynamic whitewater kayaking experience. Just make sure to check Alabama Shores for the Thurlow Dam release schedule.


Trails continue past the seating area for about four-tenths of a mile. This is a continuing project of the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority and the City of Tallassee as we look for an opportunity to establish a mile-long loop. Better signage and access is anticipated as time moves on.

  • the tallapoosa river beneath tallassee looks gorgeous from the big eddy riverfront park

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  • mountain bikers can enjoy a small training area with ramps near the tallapoosa river

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  • The Big Eddy in Tallassee has covered picnic table seating

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Monster Mountain MX

International sensation Monster Mountain MX has some high-octane events after just finishing their Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier last month with group training sessions scheduled throughout the month of June. Join this world class motocross track that has a long-running history of quality competition and training facilities located at 3170 Burt Mill Rd, Tallassee, AL 36078.

Local Dining & Community Growth

Tallasse simply continues to grow. Mayor Joey Wiginton confirmed just recently that the the old Pizza Hut location on Gilmer Ave will soon give way to a new Japanese restaurant. With this new growth, we still have plenty of veteran dining and downtown businesses.


In downtown, you can always enjoy a good lunch or dinner at the Talisi Old Towne Grille right on Barnett Blvd, or something to start your morning at the Restoration 49 cafe. Towards the end of the week, you can expect fantastic barbecue options from Bootleg Brothers BBQ. After a good meal, you might check out other downtown favorites such as a smoothie from Tallassee Nutrition, unique finds at the Mill Collective indoor flea market, select stones from Tallassee Jewelers or maybe some antique furniture and decor from The Gallery(open only on Saturdays).

The old Pizza hut gets a new coat of paint as it becomes a Japanese restaurant in Tallassee, AL

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Michael Bird

By Kristina Pendergrass • July 12, 2026
Though he grew up in Montgomery, Michael Bird was introduced to Tallassee on family excursions to the Hotel Talisi for Sunday lunch and remembers falling in love with the town’s Mayberry-like charm and laid-back lifestyle. After being offered a job as Southside Middle School Band Director, Michael moved his family to Tallassee and knew he would stay here the rest of his life. His 20 years of service at SMS were followed by 8 years as THS Choral Director, during which time he was heavily involved in the creation and promotion of music education, including the Capital City Classic show choir competition and Tallassee Jazz Festival. In 2024, “Mr. Bird” retired from Tallassee City Schools to become Assistant Professor of Music at Faulkner University in Montgomery. A ready fixture in Tallassee, you have likely encountered Michael in Super Foods (where he has been employed since college), heard his voice as a radio host on WACQ (15 years), or read his weekly column in the Tallassee Tribune (over 20 years). In his free time (!), he has also served our community in various capacities: City Council representative, McCraney Cottle Arts Council member, and now as Tallassee Redevelopment Authority Board member. For many years, Michael has felt we are sitting on a gold mine. Tallassee is halfway between Montgomery and Auburn, close to Lake Martin, and located partly in one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama (Elmore). Our town can boast of a rich history, including being the site of Tukabatchee, capital of the Creek Nation in the 1800s. What Michael feels is Tallassee’s greatest treasure, however, is its picturesque setting on the Tallapoosa River and its two lakes, which have huge potential for recreational development. Michael hopes that his work with the TRA will help promote Tallassee’s assets, highlighting the many retail opportunities available to prospective businesses and drawing visitors from throughout the state and region to our town. Michael and his wife Sena, a professional musician, have seven children and two--soon three!—grandchildren, and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Abe Rigsby

By Kristina Pendergrass • July 5, 2026
Having lived in Tallassee for over 40 years, Abe Rigsby is deeply rooted in the community he proudly calls home. For the past 21 years, he has served as a Customer Success Manager at Neptune Technology Group, building strong relationships and helping customers succeed. His long-standing commitment to both his profession and his hometown reflects a genuine passion for service and growth. Abe is actively involved in several Tallassee-based organizations, including the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, Tallassee Kiwanis Club, Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, and Project 4:12 Tallassee. His decision to serve on the TRA Board stems from a lifelong desire to make Tallassee an even better place to live and raise a family. Inspired by the positive momentum in the community, he is especially excited about opportunities to enhance the downtown area and further utilize the Tallapoosa River—one of the city’s greatest treasures. He values Tallassee’s small-town feel and the strong partnership between the school system and the community, which together create a meaningful experience for families. In his spare time, he enjoys supporting his children’s activities and staying active. Abe and his wife, Brooke—who owns Studio B Dance Center—will celebrate 22 years of marriage in June. Together, they have three children: Bryson, Braylon, and Hamilton. In addition to the dance studio, they also own The Corner Room, an event space that serves and supports the Tallassee community.
Dr Brown expresses the Auburn University Archives' interest in Tallassee

Movement at the West Side Mill: Auburn Archives Shows Continued Interest in Tallassee History

By Easterling Carpenter • July 2, 2026
Auburn University Archives continues its interest in the historic Tallassee Mill as preservation efforts advance at the West Side Mill site and THPS discusses plans.

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Dylan Carr

By Kristina Pendergrass • June 28, 2026
My name is Dylan Carr. I am a lifelong citizen of Tallassee. I am married with 3 children (7 yo, 15 yo, and 19 yo). I own my own technology business in Tallassee (inTouch Home Technology, LLC). We do everything from low voltage wiring, electronic security, cameras, wireless network solutions, and anything media related including audio, video, and automation for homes and businesses. I am a very passionate and on-the-go outdoorsman in my free time and enjoy activities like whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and camping. I'm extremely active in the whitewater community and travel often to explore different parts of the southeast, and the rivers and creeks the area has to offer. I think Tallassee has a lot to offer to people who also enjoy outdoor activities and would love to help bring those activities to Tallassee as I think it would be great for our community and economy. We have an incredible river that runs through our city that I would love to see more people take advantage of, and the natural landscape we have here would also support trail systems for hiking and biking. My goal for being a part of the TRA is to help bring these types of activities to Tallassee.

Tallassee Tigers Football '26

By Michael Bird • June 20, 2026
Support the Tallassee Tigers under the Friday night lights

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Leigh Anne Butler

By Kristina Pendergrass • June 20, 2026
Leigh Anne Butler, a native of Tallassee and a Tallassee High School graduate, received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Alabama. While attending college, she was named the top student in Interior Design her senior year and was awarded first place in the American Society of Interior Design state student design competition. She has served on the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, Tallassee Redevelopment Authority and is an active member of First Methodist Church, Tallassee, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She and her husband, Michael own and operate Tallassee Times and WTLS radio, the 2025 Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. WTLS is a former winner of the Alabama Broadcasters Association Station of the Year. Leigh Anne and Michael have three children, Georgia Anne, Jack and Daniel. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, decorating, reading, painting, photography and bird watching.

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Dylan Daniel

By Kristina Pendergrass • June 12, 2026
By Kristina Pendergrass Though he’s only lived in Tallassee for 10 years, Dylan Daniel has already accomplished a great deal to support this town and help foster its economic growth. Originally from Opelika, Dylan found himself seeking spiritual renewal and decided to attend some revival services held by Living Water Worship Center. He quickly fell in love with the congregation and decided to call Tallassee home. He and his wife Haley--a Tallassee native--built upon that idea of revival and renewal, completely renovating a vacant building and turning it into a thriving coffee shop, Restoration 49. Their vision was to create an inviting place for people to hang out and connect, where community-building can take root and flourish. The business has proven so successful, the Daniels have since opened a second location in Wetumpka. But their journey hasn’t been easy. What should have been the most joyful time in any expectant parents’ lives turned to heartache when their son, Samson David, was stillborn at 32 weeks. Through the love of community and the support and strength of their faith, the Daniels resolved to turn their tragedy into hope for others, establishing the Samson Strong Foundation. Along with outpourings of love and prayer, money raised through the Foundation and its annual Samson Strong 5K & Fun Run is used to financially support others in the community who have experienced the loss of a child. Dylan’s business acumen, experience, and drive led to his being asked to serve on the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority’s Board as Vice-Chair. His passion, vision, and love of community led him to accept. He hopes his work with the TRA will see the mill properties and riverfront area developed into a place for Tallassee residents and visitors alike to enjoy. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys restoring old cars behind Restoration 49, and Haley oversees both coffee shops while staying home with their adopted son. They both continue to be active members of Living Water Worship Center.

America 250: Tallassee Style

By Michael Bird • April 3, 2026
Tallassee celebrates America 250
Tallassee AL shows off downtown beauty in time for Red White and Blue Fest

Tallassee, Alabama Redevelopment: A Community Reborn for America’s 250th Anniversary

By Easterling Carpenter • March 31, 2026
Celebrate the US 250th in Tallassee, AL! Join the Red, White, and Blue Fest April 24-25 for the Samson Strong 5K, Ronnie McDowell live, and fireworks. Discover the Source.
Auburn university and developers show interest in opportunities in Tallassee, AL

Why Auburn University Is Studying Tallassee’s Historic Mill District — And Why Developers Are Taking Notice

By Easterling Carpenter • March 23, 2026
Auburn University studies Tallassee's Historic Mill District for redevelopment. Learn how TRA supports local businesses and community growth.