Reviewed by: Patience Itson
10 unique upcoming festivals to mark your calendars for in Alabama—July-September
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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
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- 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
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- 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:Â Friday, August 4, 5:30PM | Saturday, August 5, 8AM-3PM
- Price: Free
- Details
3. Black Belt Birding Festival—Various locations | August 4-5
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- 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
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- 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
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- What:Â 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:Â 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
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- 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
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- 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:Â Sunday, September 3, 9AM-6PM | Monday, September 4, 9AM-4PM
- Where: Smith Lake Park
- Price: $5
- Details
9. Montgomery Oyster Festival—Montgomery | September 16
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- 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:Â Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Price: Tickets go on sale soon
- Details
10. Mule Day—Winfield | September 22-23
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- 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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