Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
9 unique spring festivals + events all over Alabama
We all know the festival “heavy hitters” in Alabama: Fairhope Arts + Crafts, Magic City Art Connection + Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival, to name a few. But what about those smaller festivals? The ones you stumble upon + vow to attend again next year. We wanted to find those festivals and highlight them for you. So, while some of these may be more well-known than others, we’ve rounded up 9 festivals from now until June that you might not have heard of.
1. Rooster Day in Demopolis
- What makes it unique: In 1919, Demopolis hosted a rooster auction to raise money to build a bridge between Marengo + Sumter Counties—and they’re still celebrating its success! They’re not auctioning chickens anymore, but you can still have a ton of fun at the 5K, art market or listening to some live music.
- When: April 13, 9AM-4PM
- Where: 201 N Walnut Ave, Demopolis, AL 36732
- Admission: FREE
- More info: Website | Facebook
2. Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville
- What makes it unique: Okay—so this one’s pretty big. But still worth mentioning! A huge, three-day art market in downtown Huntsville complete with STEAM street for kids, two live music stages + more than 100 artists
- When: April 26-28 | Fri: 5-9PM, Sat: 10AM-9PM, Sun: 11AM-6PM
- Where: Big Spring Park, Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Admission: $15 day passes, $20 weekend passes, free for kids 12 + under
- More info: Website | Facebook | Tickets
3. Dragon Boat Festival in Montgomery
- What makes it unique: Modern-day rowing meets medieval boat craftsmanship at this exciting boat race. And anyone can register; just put together your team but April 12.
- When: April 27, 8:30AM-3:30PM
- Where: Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Admission: FREE for spectators, $1,000 per team to register
- More info: Website | Facebook | Register your team
4. Smoke on the Water Festival + BBQ Competition in Florence
- What makes it unique: A barbecue showdown turned family fun day, complete with live entertainment, kid’s corner + food trucks.
- When: April 27, 9AM-5PM
- Where: 200 James M Spain Dr, Florence, AL 35630
- Admission: $5, another $5 for BBQ tasting
- More info: Website | Facebook
5. Moulton Strawberry Festival
- What makes it unique: Includes a HUGE vintage/antique market, a car show, the “Lawrence County’s Got Talent” competition + a cornhole tournament
- When: May 3-4 | Fri: 9AM-8PM, Sat: 9AM-5PM
- Where: 455 School St, Moulton, AL 35650
- Admission: $1
- More info: Website | Facebook
6. Blessing of the Fleet in Bayou la Batre
- What makes it unique: Blessing the boats used by local fishermen to honor those who passed at sea + protect those still casting nets. Has blossomed into a two-day festival complete with fresh-caught Gulf seafood, a land parade, a gumbo cookoff + so much more.
- When: May 4-5, 10AM-4PM each day
- Where: 13790 S Wintzell Ave, Bayou La Batre, AL, 36509
- Admission: FREE
- More info: Facebook
7. Recall LaGrange’s Distillery Raid on the Mountain
- What makes it unique: Step back in time to the Civil War + experience a prohibition-era raid on a suspected moonshine distillery. Once the skirmish is over, enjoy live music, arts + crafts demonstrations, real artifacts on display + so much more
- When: May 4, 10AM-4PM
- Where: 1491 LaGrange College Road, Leighton, AL 35676
- Admission: FREE, donations will go to park upkeep
- More info: Website | Facebook
8. Belle Mont Mansion’s Celebration of Celtic Culture in Tuscumbia
- What makes it unique: A celebration of Scottish + Celtic culture in the middle of Alabama—including Highland Cows (the fluffy ones!), authentic Scottish bands, arts + crafts vendors and plenty of folks in kilts!
- When: May 11, 10AM-6PM
- Where: 1569 Cook Ln, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
- Admission: $5 if purchased online, $10 at the gate
- More info: Website | Facebook | Tickets
9. 29th Annual Creek Bank Festival in Leeds
- What makes it unique: Almost 30 years of a fun-filled day for the whole family. Proceeds benefit businesses right here in Leeds.
- When: May 18, 10AM-4PM
- Where: 1159 Montevallo Rd SW, Leeds, AL 35094
- Admission: FREE
- More info: Website | Facebook
Did we miss your favorite festival in this round-up? We’ve done a couple of other stories on spring festivals you might want to check out:
- 14 awesome festivals happening in Alabama this spring
- Much-anticipated June Jam 2024 lineup + week-long festivities released
- 5 Music festivals + concert series around Mobile Bay
Which of these festivals are you attending this year? Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn and let us know. And make sure you subscribe to our newsletter before you go, we’ll bring more like this straight to your inbox.
