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Loud music, quaint community: Exploring Dothan’s overlooked music scene

Where to listen

National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds

Each fall, the National Peanut Festival draws thousands to celebrate peanuts’ importance in southern agriculture. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, food, and an impressive live music lineup. The festival has hosted iconic performances from artists like Garth Brooks, Rainey Wilson, and Eric Church. With multiple stages and a packed concert schedule, it’s a place where unforgettable memories are made.

Plant

Once a Coca-Cola bottling factory, the Plant has transformed into a vibrant music venue, hosting everyone from local talents to nationally recognized acts. Its industrial charm enhances the experience, allowing fans to feel close to the music. Performers like the Avett Brothers and Megan Maroney are gaining popularity here, while food trucks and local breweries contribute to the lively atmosphere, showcasing Dothan’s downtown revival.

Solomon Park Series

This outdoor concert series is a treasure among locals. With its tree-lined paths and community park setting, it provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy local talent and family fun. A food truck, playground, and plenty of green space make it a hit with families and visitors alike.

Dothan Opera House

The Dothan Opera House, a recently updated historic venue from 1915, adds elegance to the local music scene. With its vintage ambiance and modern acoustics, it’s perfect for everything from jazz to classical performances. Whether attending a singer-songwriter showcase or a full orchestra night, every show here feels elevated.

Dothan Nursery Record Room

If live music isn’t your scene, the Dothan Nursery Record Room offers a cozy space to explore an extensive vinyl collection. Patrons can enjoy free drinks and popsicles, surrounded by lush greenery—perfect for creating lasting memories.

Where to eat

KBC

Kick off your weekend with dinner at KBC, a Southern eatery helmed by James Beard semi-finalist Kelsey Barnard Clark. It’s a local favorite for a reason—don’t skip the steak frits and deviled eggs.

Hunt’s Seafood

If you’re in the mood for something more casual, Hunt’s Seafood serves up Gulf classics in a laid-back atmosphere. Sample their acclaimed fried crab claws and Cajun oysters, perfect for a relaxing evening out.

Coffee in the Mural

For morning pick-me-ups or afternoon wind-downs, Mural City Coffee Company is a cozy local spot that’s hard to beat. Ideal for fueling a day of exploration or a leisurely start before a show, they have Sunday Sips with a DJ and an inviting community vibe.

Where to stay

Visitors will find familiar hotel brands offering comfort close to shopping and entertainment. If you’re looking for something more unique, Magnolia Cree Lodge, located nearby in Cottonwood, presents rustic luxury in a tranquil setting.

Dothan, with its variety of venues—from the historic opera house to the outdoor park stage—offers a musical heartbeat for those who visit. Whether attending a festival, enjoying a weekend getaway, or just passing through, you’ll discover a warm atmosphere inviting you to see, taste, and explore.

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