10 fantastic late summer/early fall festivals in Alabama you’ll love

We’re in that weird transitional space between seasons—where you’re feeling the fall vibes, but it’s still almost 100 degrees outside. This liminal period as fall moves in can leave us feeling listless—like the summer festival lineup is in the rearview, but fall festivals have barely cleared the horizon.

Luckily, event organizers across the state are gearing up for some truly awesome late-summer/early-fall festivals—and we have the details.

Sidewalk Film Festival | Birmingham

• What to expect: An entire week of viewing award-winning films at one of the “best places to enter a film in 2024“. After-parties and Bham-foodie-approved dining options are sure to be a blast, too.
• When: August 19-25
• Where: Theatres + local businesses in Downtown Birmingham
• Admission: Day passes start at $45, weekend passes are available
• More info

Bonus: Check out a full write-up on Sidewalk by our friends over at Bham Now!

Smith Lake Sweet Tater Festival | Cullman

• What to expect: A two-day festival celebrating the sweet potato—complete with live music, a maker’s market + a car show
• When: September 1 + 2
• Where: Smith Lake Park | 403 Co Rd 386, Cullman, AL 35057
• Admission: $5 (one-time payment gets you into both days of the festival)
• More info

Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration | Cherokee

• What to expect: Bring some life back to a cemetery housing raccoon-hunting dogs from the 1940s. The celebration includes live music, vendor booths + kids’ activities.
• When: September 2
• Where: 4945 Coondog Cemetery Rd, Cherokee, AL 35616
• Admission: FREE
• More info

Birmingham Artwalk

• What to expect: A two-day art show extravaganza that turns Bham’s loft district into a funky artist’s haven. You’ll peruse art from 100+ local makers, live music, street performers + great food.
• When: September 6 + 7
• Where: Downtown Birmingham | 20th Street from 1st Avenue North to 5th Avenue North
• Admission: Free
• More info

Montevallo Tinglewood Festival

• What to expect: A one-day festival showcasing the artistry that can go into woodworking. Features a wood carving exhibition, whittling competition, car show + kids activities.
• When: September 7
• Where: Orr Park | 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115
• Admission: FREE
• More info

Foothills Festival | Jasper

• What to expect: Now in 27 years of rocking downtown Jasper, the Foothills Festival brings the town together for a weekend of live music, local eats + tons of local makers and artists showcasing their work.
• When: September 13 + 14
• Where: Downtown Jasper
• Admission: FREE
• More info

Yellowhammer Oktoberfest | Huntsville

• What to expect: Yellowhammer Brewing Company is getting you in the Oktoberfest spirit early, with their mid-September celebration of German-inspired brews. You’ll also find live music and vendor markets.
• When: September 14
• Where: 2600 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
• Admission: FREE
• More info

Leesburg Day

• What to expect: Celebrate the Town of Leesburg at this family festival with bouncy houses, face-painting, a petting zoo, an antique car show + vendor markets.
• When: September 14
• Where: Leesburg Park
• Admission: FREE
• More info

Smoke on the Water | Guntersville

• What to expect: A top-notch BBQ cookoff, with proceeds benefitting the Jr Fire League of Blount County.
• When: September 14
• Where: 1155 Lodge Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
• Admission: FREE
• More info

Trussville Dog Daze

• What to expect: A day of family fun—including fido! Expect a full-scale kid’s zone with tons of rides, vendor markets, tasty local food options + an art walk.
• When: September 14
• Where: Historic Trussville Mall | 225 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
• Admission: FREE
• More info

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