August 28–30, 2026

The Shoals, Alabama | Renaissance Shoals + Shoals Convention Center

 Festival Info 

Guests can expect:
  • Outdoor stage featuring legendary artists, rising talent, and once-in- a-lifetime collaborations - Lineup Link here.

  • Curated experiences inside the conference center including food, art and film

  • An assortment of food trucks alongside the savory southern offerings from the

  • Renaissance Shoals Hotel’s two restaurants for VIP guests

  • Late-night sessions, special guests, and surprise moments throughout the weekend
Lineup, schedule,and set times are subject to change.
festival-info-Skydog
SkyDog Shoals is an outdoor and indoor festival experience set against the iconic backdrop of Wilson Dam at the Renaissance Shoals Hotel & Shoals Convention Center celebrating the southern culture, music and hospitality that makes this part of the USA so special.
Renaissance Shoals Conference Center
10 Hightower Pl Florence, AL 35630
GOOGLE MAPS APPLE MAPS

 FAQ 

SkyDog takes place in Florence, Alabama at the Renaissance Shoals Hotel & Spa, located in the Shoals along the Tennessee River with Wilson Dam as the backdrop.

Whether you’re driving in or flying from across the country, getting here is straightforward.


Driving Directions

From Nashville (Approx. 2 hours)

Primary Route via Athens (Scenic / Easy Drive)

  • Take I-65 South to Exit 351 (Athens)
  • Head west on US-72 toward Florence
  • Continue into the Shoals area
  • Turn onto US-43 South and follow signs to the Renaissance Shoals Hotel

Alternate Route (US-43 Direct)

  • Take I-65 South to Exit 310 (US-43 South)
  • Follow US-43 South into Florence
  • Cross the Tennessee River and follow signs to the Renaissance Shoals Hotel

From Memphis (Approx. 2.5–3 hours)

  • Take I-40 East toward Nashville
  • Take Exit 126 to merge onto US-64 East toward Savannah
  • Follow US-64 East, then connect to US-72 East toward Florence
  • Continue into the Shoals area and follow signs to the Renaissance Shoals Hotel

From Birmingham (Approx. 2 hours)

  • Take I-65 North to Exit 310 (US-43 North)
  • Follow US-43 North into Florence
  • Follow signs to the Renaissance Shoals Hotel

From Huntsville (Approx. 1.5 hours)

  • Take US-72 West toward Florence
  • Follow signs into the Shoals area
  • Turn onto US-43 South and follow signs to the Renaissance Shoals Hotel

On-site parking and shuttle options will be available, with more details announced closer to the event.


Closest Airports

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL)

  • Just 10–15 minutes from the festival site
  • Limited commercial service, but the most convenient option

Huntsville International Airport (HSV)

  • About 1.5 hours away
  • Strong regional flight options and easy drive

Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)

  • About 2 hours away
  • Major airport with a wide range of domestic connections

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

  • About 2 hours away
  • Largest nearby airport with extensive national and international flights

Shuttle & Transportation

Festival shuttle routes from partner hotels and designated parking areas will be available throughout the weekend. Rideshare services and local transportation options will also be accessible.

More detailed transportation maps and schedules will be released soon.

Weather in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in late August is typically warm, humid, and perfect for long days and nights of music along the river. Expect daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and cooler evenings in the 70s.

SkyDog is a rain or shine event. Performances will continue in most weather conditions, so we recommend coming prepared for sun, heat, or the occasional summer shower.

What to Bring

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Rain gear such as a poncho or light jacket
  • Refillable water bottles (where permitted)

Severe Weather Plan

In the event of extreme weather conditions, SkyDog has a designated alternate location at the Florence Coliseum.

Festival organizers will monitor weather closely and communicate any changes in real time through the official app, on-site announcements, and festival channels.

Your safety is our top priority, and we are prepared to adapt quickly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

SkyDog is an all-ages event, and fans of every generation are welcome to join us.

For younger guests, we strongly recommend bringing hearing protection, as sound levels near the stages can be high.

Lost & Found is located at the Lost & Found Booth near the main festival entrance.

Post-show Lost & Found details will be shared on our official SkyDog social media channels throughout the weekend.

A full schedule with set times will be released approximately two weeks prior to the festival.

Be sure to follow SkyDog on social media for the latest updates and announcements.

Gate opening times will vary by day and will be announced closer to the festival.

We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking, entry, and getting settled before the first performances. Be sure to follow SkyDog on social media and check the official app for the latest updates on gate times and daily schedules.

Yes. Alcohol will be available for purchase throughout the festival grounds.

A variety of beer, wine, and select cocktails will be offered at designated bars and vendor locations. Valid ID is required for all alcohol purchases, and all local and state laws will be strictly enforced.

At this time, the lineup for SkyDog is fully booked and we are not accepting artist submissions.

We appreciate your interest and encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities.

SkyDog Vendor Village Application

Thank you for your interest in being part of the SkyDog Vendor Village. We’re curating a high-quality mix of food, retail, art, and experiential vendors that reflect the spirit of Muscle Shoals and the broader Southern culture. Please complete the application form. Submissions will be reviewed, and selected vendors will be contacted with next steps. Please note that we are working from a curated list of vendors and not all applications will be accepted. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVF_WwqTyalYrLDBCHrtU8LjAbmRjFtn_F1opMom3HLE4ZTQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109209965115887024611
We’re always looking for great people to help bring SkyDog to life. Volunteers play an important role in creating an unforgettable experience for our artists and guests. If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the application form here. Our team will review submissions and reach out with next steps as we get closer to the event. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd93Bopb5gwei36LhrKbcpgV8qKCpsDYqAOAmCc1CY-wwUckA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109209965115887024611

Please be advised that SkyDog will have enhanced security measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. We strongly encourage you to review the list of permitted and prohibited items prior to arrival and plan accordingly.

All entrances will include security screening and metal detectors. Please arrive early to allow sufficient time for entry.

SkyDog does not provide on-site storage for prohibited items.

A full list of allowed and not allowed items will be shared closer to the festival.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not allowed inside SkyDog:

  • Weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives, pepper spray, or any item deemed dangerous)
  • Fireworks, explosives, or flammable materials
  • Illegal substances or drug paraphernalia
  • Outside food or beverages (except approved medical or dietary needs)
  • Glass containers of any kind
  • Large bags, backpacks, or coolers (size limits will be specified)
  • Umbrellas (large or golf-style; small personal umbrellas may be restricted)
  • Professional cameras, video cameras, or recording equipment (without proper credentials)
  • Drones or any remote-controlled flying devices
  • Laser pointers
  • Chairs or seating devices not approved by the festival
  • Tents, canopies, or shade structures
  • Banners, signs, or flags larger than approved size limits
  • Air horns, megaphones, or amplified sound devices
  • Pets (except registered service animals)
  • Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles
  • Unauthorized vending, solicitation, or promotional materials

To enhance safety and speed up entry, SkyDog has implemented a clear bag policy for all guests.

Allowed Bags

  • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12”
  • Small clutch bags or purses not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” (do not have to be clear)
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags

Medical & Parenting Exceptions

Medically necessary items and diaper bags are permitted but must be screened and approved at entry. We recommend using a clear bag whenever possible to expedite the process.

Not Allowed

  • Backpacks, large purses, or opaque bags exceeding the approved size
  • Camera bags, printed or tinted bags that obstruct visibility
  • Any bag deemed unsafe or inappropriate by security

All bags are subject to inspection upon entry.

Guests are encouraged to travel light and arrive early to allow extra time for screening.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside SkyDog. However, if you have a medical or dietary restriction, you may bring a reasonable amount of food for personal use for the day.

Guests are allowed to bring medically necessary items and prescription medications into the festival, provided that all medications are in their original packaging with a prescription label matching the guest’s ID. Medicines that need to be inhaled, vaporized, or administered are permitted only if medically prescribed (such as inhalers).

Please note that illegal substances of any kind are strictly prohibited.

All medically necessary items are subject to inspection at the entry gates. For the safety of our staff and guests, please dispose of any medical waste, including sharps, in designated containers located at the medical tent. Do not place these items in standard trash bins.

For additional questions or accommodations, please contact our team in advance or visit the medical tent on-site during the festival.

Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring empty refillable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the festival.

Free water refill stations will be available on-site. All bottles must be empty upon entry and are subject to inspection at the gates. Glass containers and oversized containers are not permitted.

Staying hydrated is important, especially in the summer heat, so we highly recommend taking advantage of the refill stations throughout the day.

Yes. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs into the festival.

Please note that lawn chairs are not permitted in VIP areas and may be restricted in certain high-traffic or reserved sections near the stages. All chairs are subject to inspection at entry.

Single, collapsible lawn chairs are permitted inside SkyDog.

Large or oversized chairs with rockers, footrests, side tables, or extended features are not allowed. Lawn chairs are not permitted in VIP areas and may be restricted in certain high-traffic zones.

Please note: if your chair comes with a carrying bag, it must be removed from the bag prior to security screening at entry.