10 unique upcoming festivals to mark your calendars for in Alabama—July-September

There’s always a lot of fun to be had at festivals and events across Alabama every month. But some of them have a little more than your typical entertainment. From celebrating yellow-meated watermelon to okra, check out these unique festivals coming up across the state now through September.

1. W.C Handy Festival—The Shoals | July 21-30

• What: Honor the history and heritage of Northwest Alabama and the impact that Florence-born musician William Christopher Handy, AKA “Father of Blues”, had on music at this weeklong fest. There will be plenty of food, fun, music and gathering through special events.
• When: July 21-30
• View official schedule of events
• Price: Varies by event
• Details

2. Clay County Yellow Meated Watermelon Festival—Ashland | August 4-5

• What: Celebrate a special variation of the fruit of summertime in a special festival with arts + crafts, food, live performances, antique car show and of course, plenty of yellow meated watermelon.
• When: Friday, August 4, 5:30PM | Saturday, August 5, 8AM-3PM
• Price: Free
• Details

3. Black Belt Birding Festival—Various locations | August 4-5

• What: Take this opportunity to catch a glimpse at rare species of birds in a natural environment at the third annual Black Belt Birding Festival. The best part? You can build a custom event schedule based on the birds you want to see and where you’d like to go.
• When: Friday, August 4-Saturday, August 5 | Build your own event schedule
• Price: Varies by event
• Details

4. Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Festival—Birmingham | August 19

• What: You can choose to participate or cheer on dragon boats as they race through the water led by rhythmic drum beats, all to raise money for an amazing cause—Mitchell’s Place.
• When: Saturday, August 19 | 8AM-2PM
  Where: East Lake Park, 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL
  Price: Festival – free admission
• Details

5. Fyffe UFO Day—Fyffe | August 26

• What: Watch hot air balloons soar through the sky (and even ride one!), plus enjoy arts and crafts vendors, children’s games, food vendors, antique tractors, live entertainment, dancing and much more.
• When: Saturday, August 26, 9AM-10PM
• Where: Fyffe Town Park, 398 Paul Benefield Ln, Fyffe, AL 35971
• Price: Free
• Details

6. Okra Festival—Burkeville August 29

• What: Gather with community, enjoy tons of local food vendors, arts and crafts, live music and plenty of okra at this long-standing Alabama festival.
• When: August 29-30
• Where: Burkeville, Alabama
• Price: Free
• Details

7. SugarFest—Arab | September 2

• What: Get ready for a sugar rush with 150 craft vendors, 20+ food trucks, a 5k race, kid’s area, fireworks show and more. Expect all the sweet treats you can handle.
• When: September 2nd, 8AM-8:30 PM
• Where: Arab City Park
• Price: Free
• Details

8. Sweet Tater Festival—Cullman | September 4

• What: The 26th Annual Sweet Tater Festival returns on Labor Day weekend with live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and sweet taters.
• When: Sunday, September 3, 9AM-6PM | Monday, September 4, 9AM-4PM
• Where: Smith Lake Park
• Price: $5
• Details

9. Montgomery Oyster Festival—Montgomery | September 16

• What: Get ready to shuck some oysters at Montgomery’s first Oyster Festival, with Alabama gulf oysters prepared by your favorite chefs in the most unique setting. More details to come.
• When: Saturday, September 16 | 3-7PM
• Where: Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104
• Price: Tickets go on sale soon
• Details

10. Mule Day—Winfield | September 22-23

• What: This two-day event is centered on mules and their role in rural farming, with a flea market, arts & crafts and food vendors, local merchant sales, a fireworks show, a 5K midnight run, parade and so much more.
• When: September 22-23
• Where: 194 Bankhead Hwy, Winfield, AL 35594
• Price: Free
• Details

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