8 August festivals in Alabama—okra, watermelon, BBQ and more

Welcome to August, Alabama! Get ready for some fun (and out-of-the-box) celebrations this month. Here are 8 festivals you need to know about—make sure to have your calendar handy.

1. Smoke in the Outfield BBQ Festival in Madison

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What’s more summery than barbecue on a baseball field? Toyota Field (home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas) is hosting a a two-day festival, Smoke in the Outfield, with music, mechanical bull rides, games, activities for the kids and, of course, barbecue.

• When: Friday, August 4, 5:30-9PM | Saturday, August 5, noon-5PM
• Where: Toyota Field, 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison, AL 35758
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2. Clay County Yellow-Meated Watermelon Festival in Ashland

Summertime in Alabama certainly calls for watermelon. But in Clay County, summertime means yellow-meated watermelon. The Clay County Alabama Yellow Meated Watermelon Festival is an annual celebration of the unique melon species, complete with antique cars, music, historic exhibits and activities for kids.

• When: Friday, August 4, 5:30PM | Saturday, August 5 8AM-3PM
• Where: Ashland City Park, 327 1st St N, Ashland, AL 36251
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3. 3rd Annual Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race + Festival

At this year’s Mitchell Place Dragon Boat Race + Festival, 25 teams will compete for titles like Best Drummer and Most Team Spirit—and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, of course. Each 46-foot-long dragon boat holds 20 paddlers and one drummer (in costume!). There will also be a Bloody Mary contest and local vendors for a fun-filled day benefiting an impactful local nonprofit, Mitchell’s Place.

• When: Saturday, August 19, 8AM-2PM
• Where: East Lake Park, 8101 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL
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4. Franklin County Watermelon Festival

A long-time favorite is back again this year—the 42nd Annual (yes, 42nd) Franklin County Watermelon Festival! It’s a celebration in Downtown Russellville that goes all-out to celebrate watermelon, with live music, a 5k, watermelon contests, free watermelon and a presentation of the Watermelon Pageant Queens.

• When: Friday, August 18, 5:45PM-10PM | Saturday, August 19, 10AM-10PM
• Where: Downtown Russellville, AL
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5. Dauphin Street Beer Fest in Mobile

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The 25th Annual Dauphin Street Beer Festival is happening at the end of this month, featuring 42 beers from all over the world. This festival brings together 14 different Mobile venues—from saloons to Irish pubs—for one incredible evening

• When: Saturday, August 26, 6-9PM
• Where: These 14 locations
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6. UFO Days Festival in Fyffe

With all the talk about UFOs these days, this festival’s name sure does garner some attention. Don’t worry—there won’t be any actual UFOs. Instead, the 18th Annual UFO Days Festival will feature vendors, local entertainment, antique cars and tractors, kids’ activities and hot air balloons—the main event.

• When: Saturday, August 26, 9AM-10PM
• Where: Fyffe Town Park, 398 Paul Benefield Ln, Fyffe, AL 35971
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7. Hog Days of Summer BBQ + Music Festival in Montgomery

Not only does this festival feature incredible barbecue, it also brings together some show-stopping musicians. This year, Daniel Donato, Delvon Lamarr, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ and Souther Avenue will take the stage while the crowd enjoy all kinds of barbecue and the exciting atmosphere inside Union Station.

• When: Saturday, August 26, 2PM
• Where: Union Station Train Shed, 210 Water St, Montgomery, AL 36104
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8. Okra Festival in Lowndes County

Every year in the little town of Lowndesboro, okra lovers from around the state come to enjoy both the art and okra of the Okra Festival. This annual event was founded to celebrate the history and culture of Lowndes County, and it has grown to become a significant event featuring area artists and farmers.

• When: Tuesday, August 29-Wednesday, August 30
• Where: Lowndesboro, AL
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