15 festivals across Alabama to explore this summer
Reading time: 5 minutes
While the summer solstice isn’t technically until June 20, here in Alabama we know the unofficial start to the season is almost here.
Whether you rely on the heat, the school schedule or just a feeling to tell you when summer is, our state is ready to celebrate. And Memorial Day weekend is as good a time as any to get started.
We’ve gathered up some of the biggest + most unique festivals across the state between now and Labor Day.
So grab the sunscreen, fill up your water bottle + pick which festivals you want to attend this summer!
Alabama Jubilee in Decatur
- What: This festival is all about hot-air balloons. It draws about 60 pilots from 20 states for two days of competition and serves as a showcase for the City of Decatur + a must-attend community event that draws visitors for all over the country.
- When: May 24-25, 2025
- Where: Point Mallard Park | Decatur, AL
- Facebook | Website
CoalFest in Brilliant
- What: A car show, a horseshoe tournament + plenty of arts and crafts will be featured along with live music throughout the weekend.
- When: May 23-24, 2025
- Where: 1275 Main Street, Brilliant, AL 35548
Cigar Box Guitar Festival in Huntsville
- What: Home to the World’s Longest-Running Cigar Box Guitar Festival, this celebration of music, creativity, and community brings together seasoned musicians for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, while raising funds for the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation.
- When: May 30-June 1, 2025
- Where: 1833 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Facebook | Website
Hellen Keller Festival in Tuscumbia
Mule Day/Chickenfest in Gordo
- What: The annual street festival in west Alabama offers live entertainment, food trucks, a variety of street vendors, children’s activities, homemade ice cream, and a 5k Run.
- When: June 6, 2025
- Where: Main Street, Gordo, AL
- Facebook | Website
9-1-1 Festival in Haleyville
- What: A celebration of the first ever 9-1-1 call features plenty of vendors + food options along Main Street in the small town of Haleyville.
- When: June 6-7, 2025
- Where: 911 21st Street, Haleyville, AL 35565
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
Hank Williams Festival in Georgiana
- What: This annual festival pays tribute to Hank Williams, Sr., with live county music, arts, crafts, and food. Just bring a lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the fun!
- When: June 6-7, 2025
- Where: 127 Rose Street Georgiana, AL 36033
- Facebook | Website
North Alabama African Heritage Festival in Tuscumbia
- What: The event features traditional drumming and dance demonstrations, live music with rhythm & blues, gospel choirs, folk storytelling, craft and food vendors.
- When: June 6-7, 2025
- Where: Willie Green Recreation Park
- Website
Peach Jam Jubilee in Clanton
- What: This free outdoor festival featuring live music from country’s greatest artists along with arts and craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, hot air balloon rides and so much more.
- When: June 13-14, 2025
- Where: Clanton City Park | Clanton, AL
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
Rock the South in Cullman
- What: Hank Williams Jr., Kid Rock + Nickleback headline this 3-day music festival that features a mix of new country + rock music.
- When: June 19-21, 2025
- Where: 1872 County Road 469, Cullman, AL
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
Blueberry Festival in Brewton
- What: Blueberry-themed arts, crafts, food, ice cream and so much more + an antique car show.
- When: June 21, 2025
- Where: Jennings Park
- Facebook | Website
W.C. Handy Music Festival in The Shoals
- What: The W.C. Handy Music Festival is a weeklong celebration of the musical heritage of northwest Alabama, honoring Florence native, W. C. Handy, “Father of the Blues.”
- When: July 20-27, 2025
- Where: Several venues across the Shoals
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
Tomato Jamboree in Slocomb
- What: A free event combining music, a beauty pageant, a parade + more in the heart of this small town.
- When: June 28, 2025
- Where: 123 W Bateman Ave, Slocomb, AL
- Facebook | Website
Lake Martin Songwriters Festival in Alexander City
- When: July 24-27, 2025
- Where: 175 Aliant Parkway, Alexander City, AL 35010
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham
- What: The annual festival has it all for movie lovers including screenings, keynote speakers, parties and much more.
- When: August 18-24, 2025
- Where: 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
Did we miss your favorite summer festival? Let us know about it by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
