65th Anniversary of the Freedom Riders
As the City of Anniston, we invite the community to join Freedom Riders National Monument, the City of Anniston, and community partners on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a day of remembrance, reflection, and education honoring the 65th Anniversary of the Freedom Riders in Anniston, Alabama.
This commemorative event will include multiple programs throughout the day:
Historic Greyhound Bus Depot & Mural Tours
📍 Historic Greyhound Bus Depot — 1031 Gurnee Ave, Anniston
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Park rangers will provide tours and historical interpretation at the depot. Guided walks to the Trailways Mural near 9th Street and Noble Street will begin at 10:00 AM.
Bus Burning Site Program
📍 AL Hwy 202 & Old Birmingham Hwy
🕛 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
A formal program will reflect on the events of Mother’s Day, May 14, 1961, and include information on future site plans, remarks from the National Park Service Superintendent and local/state leaders, a performance by We Shall Someday, and a commemorative bell ringing honoring the Freedom Riders.
Evening Community Program at Zinn Park
📍 Zinn Park — 101 W. 14th Street, Anniston
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The evening program will include music, remarks, vendors, food trucks, remarks from Jay Wozniak of Trust for Public Land and Freedom Riders Park Board representatives, and a performance by We Shall Someday.
Street Closure Notice — Saturday, May 9, 2026
Gurnee Avenue will be closed from 10th Street to 11th Street from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT. Streets around Zinn Park will be closed from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Please plan ahead and use caution when traveling in these areas.
Freedom Riders National Monument was established to preserve and commemorate the Freedom Riders, an interracial group who challenged segregated interstate travel in 1961. In Anniston, the riders were attacked and their bus was firebombed just outside the city.
For updates and additional information, please visit nps.gov/frri or scan the QR code on the flyer.
For questions and event information, please contact the local National Park Service team at kevin_chandler@nps.gov
GETUP Anniston – Free Business Classes!
GETUP Anniston is BACK – and we’re ready to help you turn your ideas into action. 🚀
If you’ve been thinking about starting a business, growing your side hustle, or finally taking that leap… this is your moment.
📅 Classes begin Thursday, May 14th at 5:30 PM
📍 Anniston Regional Training Center (5302 McClellan Blvd)
🗓 Held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month through August 27th
Through GETUP Anniston, you’ll explore the following topics:
✨ Business Concept & Planning – Turn your idea into a clear, actionable business plan
✨ Market Understanding – Identify opportunities and truly know your customer
✨ Business Tools, Structure & Insurance – Set your business up the right way and protect it
✨ Financial Literacy – Build real-world money skills, from budgeting to credit and investing
✨ Cash Flow & Financing – Learn how to manage money and fund your growth
✨ Accounting, Taxes & Financial Statements – Understand the numbers behind your success
✨ Location & Leasing – Choose the right space and navigate leasing with confidence
✨ Licenses, Permits & Zoning – Make sure your business is legally ready to operate
✨ Marketing & Social Media – Build your brand, reach your audience, and drive sales
✨ Local Resources & Civic Engagement – Plug into the network that helps you grow
This is more than a class – it’s a launchpad. You’ll be surrounded by support, guidance, and a community that wants to see you win.
⚠️ Space is limited, so don’t wait.
👉 Register today: https://shorturl.at/QfN8l
Let’s build something great—together.
Anniston Downtown Market 2026
Join us at the Anniston Downtown Market every Saturday from May 2nd through September 26, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT.
Located at the City Market (126 W 11th Street) in Historic Downtown Anniston, the market features a wide selection of fresh produce, honey, meats, dairy, baked goods, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
Each week also includes live music, cooking demonstrations, and special appearances by local chefs and artists. As a Certified Farmers Market, it offers a great opportunity to support and connect with local growers and producers.
For more information, call 256-848-1211 or email marketmanager@annistonal.gov
Interested in being a vendor? Visit: https://www.annistonmarket.com/vendors/
See you there!
Ward 1 Town Hall (3/26/26)
We’re taking time to hear from you — the neighbors who know this community best. If you’ve got questions, concerns, or ideas about our streets, parks, lighting, safety, or any everyday issues that matter to Ward 1, this is your space to speak up! Meet and chat with your elected ward representative, Councilman Downing!
Pump Track Grand Opening!
Get ready, Anniston — it’s time to get out and enjoy our newest recreational asset! Join city leadership as we celebrate the grand opening of the Chalk Line Pump Track on its new date: Monday, March 30 at 4:00 PM. Following the ribbon cutting, the track will be open to the public — so bring your bike, bring the family, and stick around for an afternoon of riding and fun as we showcase one of Anniston’s newest outdoor features. To help us properly celebrate National Trails Day in April, the Mayor’s Ride has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 AM! All ages and skill levels are welcome — come celebrate, ride, and enjoy the new pump track with us!
Ward 3 Town Hall (02/10/26)
💬🏛️ The City of Anniston, Alabama, is hosting a Ward 3 Town Hall, and we want to hear directly from the people who know this community best — you!
Have questions, concerns, or ideas about streets, parks, lighting, safety, or everyday quality-of-life issues? This is your chance to speak up and have a conversation with your elected representative, Ward 3 Councilman Joe Harrington!
🗓 Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
⏰ Starts at 5:30 PM CT
📍 South Highland Community Center (229 S Allen Ave, Anniston, AL 36207)
To search a Ward Map, click here: https://annistonal.gov/city-council.
To view the Ward boundaries, follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/53cr6kjd.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you!
#Anniston #TownHall #Ward3 #JoeHarrington #SouthAnniston #SouthHighland
New Year’s Eve Disco Ball!
NYE Disco Ball – AM&G Fundraiser to Ring in the New Year!
You’re Invited to the New Year’s Eve Disco Ball!
Ring in 2026 with sparkle and soul at the NYE Disco Ball, a dazzling fundraiser benefiting the Anniston Museums and Gardens.
✨ Date & Time:
December 31, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM (January 1, 2026)
Location: Longleaf Event Center, 920 Museum Drive, Anniston, AL
Celebrate into the New Year with live music by Emerald Empire, one of Birmingham’s hottest bands, serving up high-energy hits all night long.
🎟️ Tickets: $75 per person
Includes:
Three drink tickets
Midnight champagne toast
Heavy hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening
The vibe is bold, glam, and vintage-inspired with a modern twist — lots of sequins, shimmer, and a touch of disco luxe. Dress in your best to dance the night away in support of local culture, education, and conservation. Proceeds directly benefit the Anniston Museums and Gardens.
Let’s light up the dance floor—and the future of our museums!
NYE Disco Ball is a 21+ fundraiser. IDs will be checked upon arrival.
https://www.exploreamag.org/events/nye-disco-ball-amg-fundraiser-to-ring-in-the-new-year/
Annual Anniston Police Thanksgiving Food Drive!
📣 Thanksgiving Food Drive | Anniston Police Department
The Anniston Police Department needs your help this holiday season! 🧡 Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we want to make sure every family in our community has a good meal to enjoy.
📍 Drop-off Location:
Anniston Police Department
174 W 13th St, Anniston, AL 36201
📅 Donation Deadline: November 25, 2025
We’re collecting non-perishable food items to help local families in need. A donation box will be available in the station lobby.
🍽 Examples of Items to Donate:
• Canned Goods: yams, green beans, corn, soups, gravy, pasta sauce, fruit, pie filling, etc.
• Dry Goods: beans, rice, pasta noodles, stuffing mix, cake or brownie mix, instant mashed potatoes, and more.
Every can, box, and bag makes a difference — thank you for helping make Thanksgiving brighter for others!
#AnnistonPolice #AnnistonAL #FoodDrive #Thanksgiving #CommunityFirst
2025 Fall Youth Sports Registration
City of Anniston Youth Sports Programs: Fall 2025
Get ready for another exciting season of youth sports in Anniston! From soccer to football and cheerleading, our Parks & Recreation Department is offering a wide variety of programs to keep kids active, learning, and having fun.
Registration Information
No refunds
Birth certificate required for all athletes
Register online: https://annistonal.gov/parks-recreation/pard_registration
Call for more info: 256-820-3860
For questions or more information, please contact our city athletic director at: 256-820-3860 or dspruill@annistonal.gov.
Fall 2025 Sports Programs
Cheerleading
Cost: $70 per athlete (includes t-shirt, shorts, cheer socks, and pom-poms; optional uniform fee may apply)
Schedule: Practices on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Games on Saturdays. Jamboree in August.
Youth Football
Cost: $120 per athlete (includes jersey, padded pants, helmet, and shoulder pad rental)
Schedule:
Summer training begins July 1
Practices on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Season starts in September
Jamboree in August
Games on Saturdays
Registration Deadline: June 26, 2025
T.O.T. Soccer (Ages 1–3)
Cost: $50 per player (includes t-shirt, ball, and 6 sessions)
Additional Shirts: Available for $10 each
Schedule: Meets once a week in the evenings
Youth Soccer (Ages U6, U8, U10, U12)
Cost: $85 per athlete (includes jersey, shorts, and socks; players must bring cleats and shin guards)
Schedule:
Games take place during the week
Skills Evaluation/Draft: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Fall Registration Deadline: August 22, 2025
2025 Youth Summer Sports Registration
City of Anniston Youth Sports Programs: Summer 2025
Get ready for another exciting season of youth sports in Anniston! From soccer to football and cheerleading, our Parks & Recreation Department is offering a wide variety of programs to keep kids active, learning, and having fun.
Registration Information
No refunds
Birth certificate required for all athletes
Register online: https://annistonal.gov/parks-recreation/pard_registration
Call for more info: 256-820-3860
For questions or more information, please contact our city athletic director at: 256-820-3860 or dspruill@annistonal.gov.
Summer 2025 Sports Programs
NFL Flag Football
Cost: $60 per athlete (includes a reversible NFL jersey)
Schedule: Games held Mondays and Thursdays in June & July at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM
MLS GO Soccer
Cost: $60 per athlete (includes a reversible MLS GO jersey)
Schedule: Games held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM
Summer Registration Deadline: May 23, 2025