Alabama is brimming with talent worth celebrating. It’s in the chefs who work tirelessly to create a space of community and care, in the makers shaping beauty out of raw material, in the architects and designers building the spaces we live in.
We marvel at the farmers and conservationists tending our land like an inheritance, and the artists and entertainers, who carry our story out into the world.
Soul of the South exists to put a spotlight on that talent, and this year, we’re doing it bigger and better than ever.
For the first time, you can see the winners announced in person. Soul of the South is opening its doors to the public, with winners revealed live at our celebration on Thursday, October 22.
And for the first time in the award’s four-year history, we are sharing with you our nominees ahead of the event, rather than revealing winners alone. Tickets are limited, so mark your calendar and secure your seat before they’re gone.
Nominated by a lineup of Alabama icons and honored guests across nine categories, the 2026 Soul of the South nominees represent the best of what our state has to offer: in food, design, architecture, music, art, sport, service, and the land itself.
The Nominees
Food & Beverage
- Candace Foster
- Blake Hartley
- Qadeem Hassan
Interior Design
- Ryan Mills
- Mary Tynes Flake
- Bella Rizzo
Architecture
- Anna Evans
- Will Hall
- Michael Lewandowski
Music & Entertainment
- Wax Monkey
- Taylor Hunnicutt
- Myles Morgan
Artists & Makers
- Kristin Pettway
- Francesca Pettway Charley
- Angel Pettway
Sports & Outdoors
- David Hawley
- Andrew Maxwell & Jacob Myers
Philanthropy
- Lane Hagan
- Anthony Terling
- Timothy “Timmy” Walley
Farming & Agriculture
- Jennifer Dunbar
- Sidney & Sheryl McKathan
- Jackie Wilson
Conservation
- Christopher Joe
- Kyle Lybarger
- Hunter & Jessica Vick
The 2026 list of nominees has been compiled by the following list of industry experts and Alabama legends:
- Alabama
- Children’s Hospital
- Gee’s Bend
- Jeffrey Dungan
- Chef Kristen Hall
- Louis Nequette
- Mark Kennamer
- Chef Rob McDaniel
- Sweet Grown Alabama
- Thomas Harris
- Toxey Haas
2026 Schedule
4:30 PM — Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour features live music, a raw bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, photo opportunities, and social hour.
5:30 PM — Awards Ceremony
A special musical performance and guest speaker, followed by the presentation of the 2026 Soul of the South Award winners.
6:00 PM — Exhibits & Desserts
Enjoy special exhibits featuring award winners, live music, and desserts, plus a self-guided private tour of the Barber Motorsports Museum, available until 8 PM.
Guest speaker and special musical performance will be announced soon.
Join Us
SoulGrown was founded on the belief that Alabama is the Soul of the South, and within our state lines are gifted human beings who cultivate their craft from home, creating the best of our state’s culture. This exclusive celebration brings together industry leaders, honored guests, and a new wave of talent—and for the first time, we’re inviting the public to be part of it.
Join us on October 22 at Barber Motorsports Museum as we celebrate these nominees and reveal the 4th Annual Soul of the South Award winners live. Tickets are limited; click here to get yours today.
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama.
