For a small city, Dothan, Alabama, has always had an impact on the live music scene. Ask any longtime local and you’ll hear about the time a young Garth Brooks played the National Peanut Festival–or the countless acts that have taken the stage over the decades, from Jimmy Buffett and Bob Dylan to 3 Doors Down.
National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds
Celebrating the peanut’s pivotal role in Southern agriculture, the National Peanut Festival brings thousands together every fall for carnival rides, food, and some of the biggest live music performances in the region. Over the years, the festival has welcomed legendary acts like Garth Brooks, Lainey Wilson, the Charlie Daniel’s Band, and Eric Church. With a packed concert schedule and multiple stages, it’s the kind of setting where memories are made and big acts continue to captivate audiences.
What was once a Coca-Cola bottling plant is now one of the coolest music venues in town. The Plant hosts everyone from regional up-and-comers to national touring acts, with an intimate industrial setting that brings fans up close to the action. Artists like The Avett Brothers and Megan Maroney have performed at the venue, adding to its growing reputation as a can’t-miss stop. With food trucks and local brews often on hand, it’s a key part of Dothan’s downtown revival.
This outdoor concert series has become a beloved local favorite. Located in a tree-lined community park, Solomon Park concerts offer an easygoing way to enjoy local talent and family fun. With food trucks, a playground, and plenty of green space, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The recently renovated Dothan Opera House adds a touch of historic elegance to the music scene. Originally built in 1915, it now blends vintage charm with modern acoustics, making it an ideal place to experience live music, jazz, and classical performances. Whether it’s a singer-songwriter showcase or a full orchestral evening, the Opera House elevates every show.
If you aren’t into the live music crowds, spin some vinyl in the Record Room at Dothan Nurseries. Choose from an extensive collection of vinyl’s, have a complimentary beverage or popsicle, and nestle in amongst the plants. Let the greenery, photo op vignettes and music create lasting memories.
Start your weekend with dinner at KBC, a Southern-chic eatery run by James Beard semifinalist Kelsey Barnard Clark. Don’t miss the steak frites or the deviled eggs—they’re house favorites for a reason.
For something more casual, Hunt’s Seafood serves up Gulf Coast classics in a no-frills setting. Order a plate of their famous fried crab claws or their Cajun oysters and settle in for a relaxed evening with the best seafood in town.
If you need a morning pick-me-up or wind down, Mural City Coffee is a local gem with cozy vibes–perfect fuel for a day of exploring or a slow start before your next show. Select Sundays are reserved for Sunday Sips, a community hang with a DJ where you can catch up with friends over coffee, wine or baked goods.
In town, you’ll find familiar brands travelers find comfort in, all located near shopping, dining, and entertainment. For something more tucked away, Magnolia Creek Lodge in nearby Cottonwood offers rustic luxury in a peaceful setting, perfect for unwinding after a night of music at the Big Creek Amphitheater or Yellow Rose Theater also on the property.
With venues ranging from historic opera houses to outdoor park stages, Dothan is a town that lets you hear its heartbeat through its music. Whether you visit for a festival, a weekend getaway, or are just passing through, you’ll find a warm welcome with plenty to see, taste, and explore.
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama.
Each summer, Dothan, Alabama, springs to life as the Press Thornton Future Masters returns to Dothan Country Club, welcoming hundreds of the world’s top junior golfers. Now in its 76th year, the 2025 tournament took place from June 21 to June 28, continuing a tradition that began in 1950 and has become a cornerstone of junior golf in the U.S.
The tournament, revered for its high level of competition and family-friendly atmosphere, draws nearly 500 elite junior golfers from across the country and overseas. Participants from 37 states, Puerto Rico, and eight foreign countries competed in the 2025 edition.
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Founded by local businessman and golf enthusiast Press Thornton Sr., the event was built around the idea of creating a competitive, character-building space for young golfers. It has since become one of the nation’s most respected junior golf events, producing legends such as Scottie Scheffler and Bubba Watson (both two-time Masters winners).
This year’s tournament once again spotlighted the rising stars of junior golf. Warren Stiglitz of Denver, North Carolina, claimed the title in the 15 to 18 age division, showcasing a steady, high-pressure game that set him apart from the field. In the 13 to 14 division, Nate Horne of Fayetteville, North Carolina, emerged as the champion with a consistent performance across all rounds. Mason McCord, hailing from Spring, Texas, took home the trophy in the 11 to 12 division, while Ethan Li of Plain City, Ohio, secured the win in the 10-and-under category.
Notable alumni of the Future Masters include PGA Tour stars such as Harris English, Stewart Cink, and Trevor Immelman, all of whom honed their skills on Dothan’s fairways.
For today’s young players, the Future Masters represents one of the most prestigious stages of their junior careers. Competitors face elite peers, play under pressure, and take a vital step toward collegiate and professional opportunities. Recent participants like Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, have also emphasized the tournament’s role as a proving ground for the game’s next generation.
The Dothan Country Club, with its traditional layout, provides a worthy challenge across age divisions—from under-10 beginners to seasoned 15–18-year-olds—testing every aspect of a junior golfer’s game.
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Dothan has fully embraced the event’s legacy. In fall 2025, the city will unveil a mural marking the tournament’s 75th anniversary—a vibrant public tribute crafted by Art in Public Places that celebrates local pride and history.
While young golfers shine on the greens, families and visitors are welcomed with open arms and a vibrant lineup of local attractions. From unique dining spots and boutique shopping to museums, murals, and outdoor fun, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the charm of the Wiregrass.
As the 2025 edition concludes, the fairways continue to echo with determination, sportsmanship, and potential. For Luke Thornton, great-grandson of the tournament’s founder and a competitor in the 2024 event, it’s more than a competition—it’s family. “I’d love to make the cut or win something,” he shared, “but playing and honoring both my grandfathers is what I’m looking forward to the most.”
For hundreds of junior golfers, the Future Masters is more than a tournament—it’s a chance to belong to something bigger, follow in the footsteps of champions, and make their own mark on one of junior golf’s most prestigious stages.