11 art festivals happening this spring across Alabama

Magic City Art Connection
2022 Magic City Art Connection. (The Bama Buzz)

One of our favorite parts of springtime in Alabama is the big burst of color—both in nature and in the vibrant festivals throughout the state. From Huntsville to Gulf Shores, these 11 art festivals showcase the best of our state’s art scene in the beautiful months of March and April. Keep reading for all the details.

1. Ballyhoo Festival | Gulf Shores

Kicking off art festival season is Ballyhoo in Gulf Shores. This two-day festival is just as fun as its name, and it draws huge crowds each year. Along with incredible art, Ballyhoo features food vendors, live music and even a fiddle and banjo competition.

2. Orange Beach Festival of Art | Orange Beach

For decades, the Orange Beach Festival of Art has been a springtime staple on the Gulf Coast. This award-winning event features visual, performing, musical and culinary arts. One of the the best parts? It’s free to attend!

3. Annual Fairhope Arts + Crafts Festival | Fairhope

The charming, idyllic downtown Fairhope area is the perfect spot for a springtime festival. The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival is in its 72nd year this March, and this year’s theme is “Fairhope in Bloom.”

4. Druid City Arts Fest | Tuscaloosa

Druid City Arts Fest
Druid City Arts Fest. (City of Tuscaloosa – Government / Facebook)

Druid City Arts Fest in Tuscaloosa is family-friendly two-day event with something for all ages. Stroll through the art booths to see stunning art from all over the Southeast, let the kiddos enjoy the kids’ zone and head to the beer garden for some adult beverage to go along with food from local food trucks.

5. The Loop Music + Arts Festival | Dothan

While this festival isn’t quote as old as the others, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. The Loop Music + Arts Festival in Downtown Dothan is all about local, featuring only original fine art carefully selected by The Loop. It’s a must-attend for art lovers.

6. Patton Creek Art Festival | Hoover

The 5th annual Patton Creek Art Festival in Hoover features over 50 fine artists and master craftsmen, food trucks, free fun for the whole family and more.

7. Art on the Lake | Guntersville

If you’ve never been to Lake Guntersville, here’s a perfect reason to visit. Art on the Lake showcases some of the best of the Southeast’s art scene alongside one of Alabama’s most stunning natural beauties. This two-day event not only features fine art and craft, but also local food vendors, a bake shop and outdoor activities.

8. Bloomin’ Festival | Cullman

Now in its 40th year, the Bloomin’ Festival in Cullman is a juried arts festival supporting the St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the festival, located adjacent to the Ave Maria Grotto. If you want to visit the famous grotto during the Bloomin’ Festival, they offer special discounted rates to festival attendees.

9. Magic City Art Connection | Birmingham

Magic City Art Connection
Distinguished Artist Ann Trondson at 2022 Magic City Art Connection. (The Bama Buzz)

One of the most highly anticipated art festivals in Alabama celebrating its 41st year. Magic City Art Connection showcases work from incredible local artists, including mixed media, clay, drawing, fiber, furniture, jewelry, metalwork and just about every other kind of art you can imagine!

10. Panoply | Huntsville

Panoply
Panoply in Huntsville. (City of Huntsville, Alabama – Government / Facebook)

For three days each year, Big Spring Park and Downtown Huntsville are filled with excitement as artists, dancers, musicians, food trucks and festival-goers fill the streets and sidewalks. It’s one of the biggest, most highly anticipated events of the year for Huntsvillians.

11. TroyFest Art + Craft Festival | Troy

Wrapping up April is the TroyFest Art + Craft Festival, which draws over 10,000 attendees each year. This free-to-the-public event features food vendors, live entertainment and, of course, tons of incredible art.

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Sarah Gronberg
Sarah Gronberg
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