Reviewed by: Pat Byington
8 unique festivals in Alabama this September
September is just around the corner, which means football season and (hopefully) cooler temperatures in Alabama. But it also means fall-time festivals are kicking off. Here are eight unique festivals in Alabama you need to check out this month.
1. Tinglewood Festival—Montevallo
In Montevallo’s Orr Park, you’ll find 50+ beautiful tree carvings that inspired the city’s annual Tinglewood Festival. This free event, celebrating its fifth year in 2023, features all things wood—live wood carving, woodworking vendors, a wooden boat race and a whittling contest. The creativity and skill will blow you away.
- When: Saturday, September 9, 9AM-5PM
- Where: Orr Park, 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115
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2. Boom Days—Fort Payne
Fort Payne’s annual Boom Days is one of the biggest events in North Alabama, and it was named the state of Alabama’s Event of the Year in 2015. At Boom Days, you’ll hear live music (from multiple stages), marvel at the exhibits, and enjoy wine tastings. Plus, there’s a children’s area and free train rides—the whole family is in for fun.
- When: Friday, September 15-Saturday, September 16
- Where: Downtown Fort Payne
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3. Foothills Festival—Jasper
For two days in September, downtown Jasper is flooded with festival-goers. The annual Foothills Festival is a free two-day event that brings the Jasper community together to enjoy local food and craft vendors, as well as live music. This year’s lineup includes The Marshall Tucker Band, Scott Stapp, Tonic, Vertical Horizon and many others.
- When: Friday, September 15-Saturday, September 16
- Where: Downtown Jasper
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4. Montgomery Oyster Festival
Oyster lovers, this one’s for you. While many festivals on this list have long histories, this will be the very first Montgomery Oyster Festival. There will be cooking demonstrations from local chefs, including Eric Riveria from Vintage Group, Jason McGarry from Central and Amber Bonds from Funky Forte.
P.S.—Did you know Alabama’s oyster industry just got a big boost?
- When: Saturday, September 16, 3-7PM
- Where: Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, AL 36104
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5. Depot Days Festival—Hartselle
Depot Days, which pays homage to the railroad industry’s impact on North Alabama, is Hartselle’s biggest event of the year. The free, family-friendly event features live music, a tractor engine show, children’s activities, food and craft vendors and a car, truck and motorcycle show.
- When: Saturday, September 16
- Where: Downtown Hartselle
- More Details
6. Crush Wine + Food Festival—Huntsville
Crush Wine + Food Festival is quickly becoming one of the most highly-anticipated events in North Alabama—especially for foodies. We’ve got the full scoop on this year’s festival, which will include wine + spirits, celebrity chef tastings, grape stomping, a silent disco and more.
- When: Saturday, September 23, Noon-5PM
- Where: Big Spring Park, Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
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7. Mule Day—Winfield
In 2023, the city of Winfield, Alabama, will celebrate the 49th Annual Mule Day—the first of which happened in September 1975. Headlining this event is a huge car show, but there’s lots more to Mule Day—live music, a parade, activities, vendors and more.
- When: Saturday, September 23
- Where: Winfield Middle School, 481 Apple Ave, Winfield, AL 35594
- More Details
8. Southeast Alabama Highland Games
The Southeast Alabama Highland Games is a Scottish and Celtic festival featuring family clans, food vendors, live music, athletic events, entertainment for the whole family and more. It’s an amazing experience.
- When: Saturday, September 23
- Where: Culpepper Field, 150 S Daleville Ave, Daleville, AL 36322
- More Details
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