5 exciting festivals happening in Alabama this January

While January is a cold and dark month for Alabama, there’s still plenty going on while we wait for the next big holiday—Mardi Gras. Let’s see what’s on the calendar for the first weeks of 2024.

1. Festival of the Cranes in Decatur

Every year, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge welcomes hundreds of nature enthusiasts for the annual Festival of the Cranes. This festival’s three-day lineup includes early morning birding, photography workshops, live raptor shows and more.

• When: January 12-14, 2024
• Where: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, 3121 Visitors Center Rd, Decatur, AL 35603
• More Details

2. Birmingham Comedy Festival

Get ready for tons of laughs to fill up the BJCC Concert Hall during the Birmingham Comedy Festival. Featuring five top-notch comedians—Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Bruce Bruce, Bill Bellamy and Tony Roberts—this night is sure to be a fun one.

• When: January 12, 2024, 8PM
• Where: BJCC, 1001 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• More Details

3. Trumpet Festival of the Southeast

Featuring concerts, master classes, new music sessions and industry vendors, the Trumpet Festival of the Southeast brings together trumpet enthusiasts from all over. Each year, the festival goes to a new college campus and this year, it’s at Jacksonville State University.

• When: January 12-14, 2024
• Where: Jacksonville State University, 1602, 700 Pelham Rd N, Jacksonville, AL 36265
• More Details

4. OWA Arts + Crafts Festival in Foley

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OWA Parks and Resort’s Arts + Crafts Festival is back again in 2024! This family-friendly event features local art, live music and craft showcases.

• When: January 27, 2024, noon-6PM
• Where: OWA Parks + Resort, 101 S Owa Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
• More Details

5. Mardi Gras in Mobile

Though Mardi Gras isn’t until February, leave it to Mobile to get the party started in January. The festivities begin January 26 with the Conde Cavaliers Parade, followed by many more parades.

• When: January 26-February 13, 2024
• Where: Downtown Mobile
• More Details

BONUS: If you’re looking for something to do in Mobile right before January hits, check out Moonpie Over Mobile.

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