5 exciting festivals happening in Alabama this January

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Sandhill Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. (The Bama Buzz)

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.

2. Birmingham Comedy Festival

Bjcc
BJCC in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

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.

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.

4. OWA Arts + Crafts Festival in Foley

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.

5. Mardi Gras in Mobile

Bnb
Mardi Gras in Mobile. (City of 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.

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

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Sarah Gronberg
Sarah Gronberg
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