8 food festivals in Alabama this November—Italian, German + more

Aww Shucks
Aww Shucks Street Corn. (Gabi Hembree-Lee / The Bama Buzz)

We hope you’re going into November hungry, Alabama. This month, several yummy food festivals are happening across the state, celebrating everything from peanuts to pasta. Let’s dig in.

1. National Peanut Festival—Dothan

Dothan Peanut Festival
The National Peanut Festival in Dothan is a highly anticipated annual event. (Callie Morrison / The Bama Buzz)

The National Peanut Festival in Dothan is so much more than just a food festival. With parades, pageants, contests, live music and, of course, lots of peanuts, this festival draws huge crowds each year over the span of several days.

2. German Food Fest—Madison

North Alabamians know that Huntsville has some fabulous German cuisine to offer, from Hildegard’s to Ol’ Heidelberg. In nearby Madison, Messiah Lutheran Church is bringing even more German fare to the table, with baked goods, German beer, live music, activities for kids and food specials from local eatery The Casual Pint.

3. Birmingham Vegan Fest

The Birmingham Vegan Fest is back and even bigger than previous years. Hosted at the popular Cahaba Brewing Company, this free event will bring together dozens of local vegan food trucks, popups and vegan-friendly vendors like CroixStreet Vegan Food Truck and Brown Sugar Vegan.

4. ChurchStreet Family Italian Food and Wine Festival

Mazzara'S
Mazzara’s Vinoteca is one of Huntsville’s culinary gems. (Sarah Gronberg / The Bama Buzz)

The ChurchStreet Family Restaurant and Hospitality Group in Huntsville is known for its quality, showcased at spots like Mazzara’s Vinoteca and Purveyor. This year, they’re hosting an Italian Food and Wine Festival in beautiful downtown Huntsville, featuring food tents, cooking demonstrations, wine samples and more.

Preceding the festival, ChurchStreet will also host a Celebrity Chef Dinner on Thursday at The Orion Amphitheater and a Pop-Up Meet and Greet with chefs on Friday.

5. Collard Green Festival 2023—Prichard

The North Mobile County Food Park is celebrating one of the South’s favorite greens this November—collards! With cooking contests, seafood, arts and crafts, a fashion show, dance performances, kids activities and more, this festival will be a family-friendly day of fun.

6. 2023 Alabama Food Truck + Craft Beer Festival—Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores’ food scene will be on full display at this festival. (City of Gulf Shores)

Food Truck Festivals of America is bringing their experience to the Alabama coast this year, showcasing some of Gulf Shores’ favorite food trucks and brews. There will be something for every taste, from Venezuelan food to fresh seafood and more.

7. 6th Annual Mac N’ Cheese Festival—Birmingham

Back Forty
Back Forty Beer Company is a popular spot in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / The Bama Buzz)

Any excuse to eat mac n’ cheese is a good one, and this festival most definitely is. Hosted by the popular local brewery Back Forty, proceeds from the festival will support Community Grief Support in Birmingham.

8. Chocolate + Cheese Festival—Foley

In the beautiful town of Foley, they know that the only thing better than a chocolate festival is a chocolate and cheese festival. Of course, there will be lots of both chocolate and cheese (did someone say chocolate martinis?), but there will also be live music, a huge kids’ zone, food trucks and even a Jimmy Buffett tribute.

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Sarah Gronberg
Sarah Gronberg
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