17 October festivals across Alabama to see this fall

Alabama, we did it. Monday, Sept. 22 was the first day of fall – and as the weather cools down, the fun events come out.

From art festivals to funky food weekends, below are 17 of our favorite spots to hit each year.

Birmingham Greek Food Festival

• What to expect: The 52nd Annual Birmingham Greek Festival offers a variety of joys- from delicious Greek entrees and pastries to live music, and dancing. Take a self-guided tour during the festival of the Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral downtown – an over 100 year old building showcasing Byzantine-style architecture and iconography.
• When: October 2-4
• Where: 307 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Admission: Free
• More info

Boaz Harvest Festival

• What to expect: The 61st Annual Harvest Festival will include over 250 art vendors, food trucks, live music and more. Put your seasonal skills to the test with a cornhole tournament, check out the beauty at the Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant.
• When: October 3-4
• Where: Downtown Boaz | 100 East Bartlett Ave, Boaz, AL 35957
• Admission: Free
• More info

Alabama Butterbean Festival in Pinson

Furnace Fest in Birmingham

• What to expect: Furnace Fest is back for its third rebranded iteration! Check out big names like Jimmy Eat World, Dropkick Murphys, Knocked Loose and more at the three-day punk, hardcore and metal festival. Check out this story to learn more about its history!
• When: October 3-5
• Where: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark | 20 32nd St, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Admission: 3-day GA Pass: $264.35 | Single Day GA Pass: $122.38
• More info

Barber Vintage Festival

• What to expect: Check out the largest vintage motorcycle festival in the country with stunt shows and vintage motorcycle racing!
• When: October 3-5
• Where: Barber Motorsports Park | 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35094
• Admission: 3-Day GA Pass: $70 | Single Day GA Pass (Fri-Sat): $50 | Single Day GA Pass (Sun): $30
• More info

Bluff Park Art Show

• What to expect: Drawing in art lovers from across the South, the 62nd annual show offers more than just an opportunity to see beautiful pieces. Enjoy interactive hands-on activities, listen to fabulous local musicians, and get a taste of food from the greater Birmingham area.
• When: October 4 | 9AM-5PM
• Where: Bluff Park Community Park | 517 Cloudland Dr, Hoover, AL 35226
• Admission: Free
• More info

Cahaba River Frydown

• What to expect: The 16th Annual Cahaba River Frydown supports the preservation and restoration of Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, the Cahaba. Birmingham’s only fish fry competition features tastings, celebrity judges, face painting, and plenty of family fun.
• When: October 5 | Noon-4PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company | 4500 5th Ave S Bldg C, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Admission: Adults: $25 | Children ages 6-12: $5 | Kids 5 and under: Free
• More info

Alabama Honey Festival in Hazel Green

• What to expect: The 7th Annual Alabama Honey Festival promotes sustainable agriculture through fun education! Meet experienced beekeepers, watch honey be extracted from the comb, and try your hand at bottling it!
• When: October 5 | 1-5PM
• Where: 372 Walker Ln, Hazel Green, AL 35750
• Admission: Free
• More info

Moundville Native American Festival

• What to expect: The 37th Annual Native American Festival celebrates the vibrant cultures and histories of the tribes that call Alabama home. Visitors can experience traditional dances, storytelling, crafts, and food, making it a meaningful way to learn and connect with Native American heritage.
• When: October 9-11
• Where: Moundville Archaeological Park | 634 Mound State Pkwy, Moundville, AL 35474
• Admission: $10 per person 5 and up
• More info

National Shrimp Festival

• What to expect: 250,000 people nationwide gather in South Alabama for the Shrimp Festival. For over 50 years, the festival has collected live music, delicious food, art vendors + more for an unforgettable weekend.
• When: October 9-12
• Where: 101 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
• Admission: Free
• More info

Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Tuscaloosa

• What to expect: The 54th annual festival attracts over 15,000 visitors from across the nation to enjoy 270+ artists, kids’ activities, food trucks and local craft beer!
• When: October 11-12, 2025
• Where: Snow Hinton Park | 21 Street East entrance, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
• Admission: $15 Single Day Pass | $25 Weekend Pass | Kids 12 & under get in free
• More info

ShoalsFest in Florence

Scottsboro BBQ Festival in Scottsboro

• What to expect: Join over 175 vendors and 30 backyard contestant cook teams to see just what Scottsboro brings to the BBQ table. As the cook teams battle for more than $9,000 in cash prizes, check out the car show, merchandise booths, and food trucks!
• When: October 11 | 9AM-4PM
• Where: Scottsboro Downtown Square | 316 S Broad St, Scottsboro, AL 35768
• Admission: Free
• More info

Foothills Book Fest in Jasper

• What to expect: Previously known as the Sumiton Book Fest, the Foothills Book Fest includes new perks such as an indoor setting and indoor plumbing! The independent book festival has drawn thousands of visitors each year since its inception in 2023!
• When: October 11 | 10AM-3PM
• Where: Jasper Civic Center | 204 19th St E #100, Jasper, AL 35501
• Admission: Free
• More info

Alabama Gourd Festival in Hartselle

• What to expect: Hey, gourd looking! Let the gourd times roll at the 27th annual festival in Hartselle, with unique art pieces, great food, and technique demos.
• When: October 17-18
• Where: Sparkman Civic Center | 406 Nance Ford Rd SW, Hartselle, AL 35640
• Admission: Free
• More info

WhistleStop Weekend in Huntsville

• What to expect: This beloved North Alabama event will find its home at MidCity for the 24th year in the Rocket City. Not only will there be delicious BBQ, check out local musical legends such as the Dawn Osborne Band and Juice
• When: October 17-18
• Where: MidCity District | 5909 University Dr, Huntsville, AL 35806
• Admission: Weekend Pass: $25 | Single Day Pass: $15
• More info

Alabama Fried Pickle Festival

• What to expect: This festival is a really big dill! Shop more than 200 vendors and enjoy a petting zoo, food vendors, pony rides, and all of the iterations of fried pickles you could dream!
• When: October 25-26
• Where: Garrett Coliseum | 1555 Federal Dr, Montgomery, AL 36107
• Admission: $10 GA | Kids 5 and under: Free
• More info

Did we miss your favorite October event? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.