66 must-see festivals and fairs in Alabama in fall 2022

Fall officially starts on Sept. 22, and organizers throughout Alabama have planned a wealth of fairs and festivals to celebrate the season. These events offer everything from folk art to German beer to Renaissance flavor and more. Here are 66 fairs and fests that made our must-do list, all happening from mid-September through mid-November.

What: Music lineup includes Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, Pieces of a Dream, Gerald Albright, Chante Moore, Ben Tankard, Kim Scott and more.

When: Sept. 16-17. Gates open at 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday.

Where: Riverwalk Stadium, 355 Commerce St., Montgomery.

Admission: $112.50 Friday, $125 Saturday, $179 weekend pass, $275 VIP.

What: Demos and presentations on pirate life in 1700s, flintlock pistol duels, pirate tug-o-war, swashbuckling swordplay, cannon firing, treasure hunt for kids. Presented by Fort Gaines Historic Site and 6th Alabama Cavalry Buccaneers.

When: Sept. 17-18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island.

Admission: $9, $5 kids ages 5-12, free for children younger than age 4.

What: Farmers market, food court, children’s activities, car show, pup strut and more.

When: Sept. 17, starting at 8 a.m.

Where: Trussville Entertainment District, 101 Beech St., to Veterans Memorial Park, 55 Parkway Drive, Trussville.

Admission: Free.

What: Dance performance, live music, food tastings, face painting, arts activities and more.

When: Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Wood Jr. Blvd., Birmingham.

Admission: Free.

What: Bacon competition, bacon tastings, food trucks, live music by bluesman Jock Webb and children’s activities.

When: Sept. 18, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Riverchase Galleria, Macy’s parking lot, 2600 Galleria Circle, Hoover.

Admission: $10 advance, plus $1.99 service fee, package of six tickets $50, available via Instagift; $15 at door. Proceeds benefit Heart Gallery Alabama, a nonprofit organization that “connects youth in foster care with caring adults who provide the stability and guidance they need to thrive.”

What: Wine tastings, charcuterie boards, artists, live music, grape stomping and more

When: Sept. 24, starting at 3 p.m. Partner events with food and spirits, Sept. 19-25.

Where: Sept. 24 festival at Big Spring Park, 200 Church St., Huntsville. Partner events at various locations, more info here.

Admission: $50-$2,500 for Saturday festival, $65-$400 for other events.

What: Middle Eastern favorites such as baked kibbe, stuffed grape leaves, Mediterranean-style chicken, falafel, meat pies, spinach pies and pastries. Plus live music, dancing, church tours, vendors selling crafts and more.

When: Sept. 22-24. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

Where: Saint George Melkite Greek Catholic Church, 425 16th Ave. South, Birmingham.

Admission: Free, menu items typically $1-$18. Proceeds benefit local charities. Food at event is prepared by church volunteers using old family recipes. Festival typically offers drive-thru and delivery service, along with takeout food and on-site dining.

What: Celebrity appearances, vendors, panel discussions, cosplay and more.

When: Sept. 23-24.

Where: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham.

Admission: $30 advance, $50 weekend advance, free for kids age 10 and younger. Prices increase at door.

What: Lineup of about 90 bands performs heavy rock, thrash, punk and metal. Acts include Thrice, Mastodon, Descendents, The Story So Far, New Found Glory, Alexisonfire, The Ghost Inside, Sunny Day Real Estate, Manchester Orchestra, Quicksand, Avail and In Flames.

When: Sept. 23-25. The daily music schedule is TBA. In 2021, gates opened at 10 a.m. daily for general admission, 9:30 a.m. for VIP and disabled ticketholders. Music started at noon daily and ended at 11 p.m.

Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. North, Birmingham.

Admission: $289 for three day general admission, plus $35.74 service fee; $109 per day GA, plus $16.68 service fee; available here. VIP upgrade costs $299.99 for three days, $149.99 daily via Sound Rink.

What: Arts & crafts vendors, food and more.

When: Sept. 23-25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m daily.

Where: 1161 Murphrees Valley Road, Springville.

Admission: $10 at the gate.

What: Fiesta touts itself as “Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage.” Event includes music, dance, performing arts, visual arts, children’s activities, soccer, cultural education, Latin food and more.

When: Sept. 24, 12-8 p.m.

Where: Linn Park, 710 20th St. North, Birmingham.

Admission: $12 general admission, plus $1.23 service fee, available at Instagift. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger. Proceeds help to fund to college scholarships for Latino students in Alabama. Details here.

What: Live music, DJ, corn-eating contest, arts and crafts, face painting, pumpkin painting and more. Hosted by Aww Shucks, a food truck based in Birmingham.

When: Sept. 25, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 Fifth Ave. South, Building C, Birmingham.

Admission: Free.

What: Workshops, boat tours, nature walks, kayak tours and more, presented by South Alabama Land Trust.

When: Sept. 28-Oct. 1. See full schedule here.

Where: Locations include Gulf State Park, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Meaher State Park.

Tickets: $15-$150, depending on the event, register through Sept. 19. “Since 2004, BirdFest has raised more than $100,000 to help preserve and protect vital coastal bird and wildlife habitat and increase the awareness of the great biological diversity of the Alabama Gulf Coast,” according to the Land Trust website.

What: Celebration of German heritage and culture, with food, beer, music, dancing, wiener dog race, 5K and 10K runs and more.

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

Where: 211 2nd Ave Northeast, Cullman.

Admission: Most events free, check festival website for more info.

What: Vendors, food booths, crafts tables, music, cooking contests, children’s activities, fireworks and more.

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Downtown Pinson, along Main Street, about 17 miles north of downtown Birmingham.

Admission: Free.

What: Music, arts and crafts, food vendors, car show, motorcycle and jeep parade, children’s activities, patriotic speakers and more.

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, schedule varies by day.

Where: Main Street at The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach.

Good to know: Includes Sept. 30 concert by ZZ Top and Jeff Beck. Oct. 2 concert by John Rich, both at the Wharf Amphitheater.

Admission: Free to most events, ZZ Top concert $20.50-$294.50 via Ticketmaster, John Rich concert $30-$35 via Ticketmaster.

What: Seasonal brews, German food, live music, food trucks and more.

When: Oct. 1, 5-10 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham.

Admission: $48, must be age 21 to attend.

What: Catfish cook-off, live music, food, games, photo booth, climbing wall and more. Benefit for Cahaba River Society.

When: Oct. 2, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 Fifth Ave. South, Building C, Birmingham.

Admission: $20, includes food from fry teams. Free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Music competitions, performances, old-time arts and crafts.

When: Oct. 6-8. Lineup includes Darin & Brooke Oct. 6, Balsam Range Oct. 7, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Oct. 8.

Where: Athens State University, Alabama Farmers Cooperative Stage near Founders Hall and other locations, 300 N Beaty St., Athens.

Tickets: Free Oct. 6, $20 daily Oct. 7-8, $25 for both days via Eventbrite.

What: Frog-jumping contest, music, fireworks, food vendors, crafts, cornhole tournament and classic car show.

When: Oct. 7-8

Where: Downtown Fayette, near Temple Avenue North and Second Avenue Northeast.

Admission: Free.

What: Arts & crafts, food, children’s activities, music, pumpkin contest, beauty pageant and more.

When: Oct. 7-8, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Downtown Boaz, near Main Street and Bartlett Avenue.

Admission: Free.

What: Arts and crafts, music, food vendors, flea market, parade, car show and more.

When: Oct. 1, starting at 7 a.m.

Where: Downtown Sulligent, Front Street off Alabama 17.

Admission: Free for most events.

What: Parade, arts and crafts, food, inflatables, fun run and more.

When: Oct. 1, 7 a.m.-1 p.m..

Where: 110 W. Main St., Centre.

Admission: Free.

What: Artworks by more than 100 makers, plus food trucks, music and more.

When: Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Hoover Met Complex, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover. (Note: Location changed from Bluff Park Community Center.)

Admission: Free.

What: Live music, food, vendors, children’s activities and more.

When: Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 301 20th St. South, Irondale.

Admission: Free.

What: Music by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Brittney Spencer, Drivin N Cryin, John Paul White, Amanda Shires and more.

When: Oct. 1-2, gates open at 2 p.m. daily.

Where: McFarland Park, 200 James M. Spain Drive, Florence.

Admission: $59.50 day pass, $99.50 two-day pass, $499.50 two-day VIP. Free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Food from area restaurants and caterers, plus wine, craft beer and live music.

When: Oct. 6, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

Tickets: $50, $45 for garden members, free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Live music, games, rides, food vendors, arts and crafts, car show and more.

When: Oct. 7-8.

Where: In and around city square, Main Street, Headland.

What: Motorcycle show, swap meet, vendors, seminars, fan gatherings and more, all celebrating vintage motorcycles.

When: Oct. 7-9.

Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham.

Tickets: $30-$65 general admission, $40 parade lap, $30-40 parking, $70-$130 camping, available at Barber website.

What: Concerts, midway rides, food vendors, livestock exhibits, choral festival, photography, flower show, scarecrow competition and more.

When: Oct. 7-16.

Where: Alabama Agricultural Center, Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery.

Tickets: $12 online, $15 at box office for those age 5 and older, various discounts and special event days listed here. $33.50 mega-package with ride wristband via Ticketmaster.

What: Visit historic covered bridges on guided river hikes, surrounded by fall foliage. The fest includes arts and crafts, live music, food vendors and more.

When: Oct. 8, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Oneonta, near 225 Second Ave. East.

What: Arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food, children’s activities and more.

When: Oct. 8-9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 333 E. Broad St., Eufaula.

What: Outdoor marketplace with Greek food, church tours, choir concert, iconography lecture.

When: Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: St. Symeon Orthodox Church, 3101 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham.

What: Carnival rides, games, food, a livestock show, live music, arts and crafts, a Fairest of the Fair pageant, a petting zoo and more.

When: Oct. 11-15. Gates open 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon Saturday.

Where: Mac Gray Park, 1050 Martin Luther King Drive, Prattville.

Admission: $3, ride tickets extra.

What: Greek food, music, dancing and more.

When: Oct. 13-15, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Where: Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 307 19th St. South, Birmingham.

Admission: Free admission, menu items typically $2-$21.

What: Greek food, music and more.

When: Oct. 13-16.

Where: Annunciation Greek Church, 50 S. Ann St., Mobile.

Admission: Menu items typically $2-$15.50.

What: Music by Indigo Girls, Rickie Lee Jones, John Paul White, Shawn Mullins, Leigh Nash (formerly of Sixpence None the Richer), Paul McDonald, Adam Hood and more.

When: Oct. 14-16.

Where: Various venues in downtown Opelika.

Admission: $150 weekend pass, $275 weekend VIP, $55-$95 day pass, add-ons $25-$75. More info here.

What: Music festival with American Aquarium, Mike and the Moonpies, Vandoliers, Sarah Lee Langford & Will Stewart. With food vendors, artisans and more.

When: Oct. 15. Gates open at noon, music starts 2 p.m.

Where: Standard Deluxe, 1015 Mayberry, Waverly.

Tickets: $40 until Oct. 1, $50 thereafter, free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Food vendors, arts and crafts, live entertainment, car show, children’s activities and more.

When: Oct. 15, 9 am.-5 p.m.

Where: Evergreen Regional Airport, off U.S. 84 East near Pine Tree Road, Evergreen.

Admission: Free.

What: Crafts vendors, food trucks, music, children’s activities and more.

When: Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Downtown Enterprise, along Main and College streets.

Tickets: Free.

What: Crafts fair, food trucks, live music, inflatables and more.

When: Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Town center, 5 Mt. Laurel Ave., Mt. Laurel.

Admission: Free.

What: Food trucks on scene; music by Three on a String, Another Town, Justin and Angelica Branum.

When: Oct. 15, 2-8 p.m.

Where: Southside Park, 16159 Channey Thompson Road, Huntsville.

Admission: Free.

What: Visual arts festival with emphasis on folk artists; includes contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, crafts and more. Music, art demos, children’s activities, food and beverage vendors.

When: Oct. 15-16. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Kentuck Park, 3501 Fifth St., Northport.

Admission: $10 daily, $15 weekend pass, free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Arts and crafts show, music, food and more.

When: Oct. 15-16. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Brow Park, 200-286 N. Cool St., Mentone.

What: More than 140 arts and crafts vendors, food, children’s activities and more.

When: Oct. 15-16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Where: W.O. Lott Park, 2000 Main St., Daphne.

What: Wine tastings, wine for sale, food trucks, music and more.

When: Oct. 15-16, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Wills Creek Winery, 10522 Duck Springs Road, Attalla.

Admission: $40 advance Saturday, $35 advance Sunday, $60 advance for both days, $50 per day at gate, $70 for both days at gate. Designated driver tickets $10, include a $10 food voucher.

What: Professional and amateur storytellers perform, including Donald Davis, Josh Goforth, Dolores Hydock and Bill Lepp.

When: Oct. 18-22.

Where: Athens State University, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens.

Admission: $15-$90.

What: Celebration of German history and culture with food, beer and more,

When: Oct. 21-23.

Where: Uchee Creek Campground, Uchee Creek Road, Fort Mitchell.

Admission: Free.

What: Hay rides, bounce house, arts vendors, food trucks, pony rides, games, guided hikes and more.

When: Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

Admission: Park entry $5 adults, $2 seniors and kids ages 4-11, free for kids age 3 and younger.

What: More than 55 local and national artists display and sell works, plus food trucks, live music and more.

When: Oct. 22-23. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Decatur City Hall, 402 Lee Street Northeast, Decatur.

Admission: $5 weekend pass, free for children age 12 and younger accompanied by adult.

What: Living history festival with arts and crafts, Civil War re-enactment, corn maze, bluegrass and gospel music, hayrides and more.

When: Oct. 22-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville.

Admission: $11, free for kids age 1 and younger.

What: Celebration of culture and history of Renaissance in Europe, with vendors, music, feasting, costumes and more.

When: Oct. 22-23. Hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 12-6 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Wilson Park, near North Seminary and East Tuscaloosa streets, downtown Florence.

Admission: Free.

What: Renaissance fair presented by Barony of the Osprey, a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, with combat, feasting and more.

When: Oct. 28-30.

Where: Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin island.

Admission: $17 per day, $25 weekend through Oct. 1, $22 daily, $30 weekend thereafter.

What: More than 30 re-enactors showcasing life in the early 1800s. Demos have included syrup making, butter churning, flint knapping, basket making, storytelling, horse shoeing and salt making. There’s also live music, a petting zoo, campfire cooking, old-time games and an antique car show.

When: Oct. 29.

Where: Clarke County Historical Museum, 116 W. Cobb St., Grove Hill.

Admission: Free.

What: Dog-friendly activities, food trucks, vendors, hay rides, children’s activities, microchip clinic and more.

When: Oct. 30.

Where: Helena Amphitheater Park, 4151 Helena Road, Helena.

Admission: $5, free for those younger than age 18.

What: Music lineup includes Jake Brake, DeeOhGee, Grizzly Goat and more. BYOB, food trucks on scene.

When: Oct. 29, 1-11:30 p.m.

Where: Williams Farm, 85 Macon Quarter Lane, Ohatchee.

Admission: $45, $100 VIP, free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Commemorative altars, art installation, memorial roll call, food trucks, beer garden, music and more. Festival is inspired by traditions in Mexico, paying tribute to loved ones who’ve passed away. Hosted by Bare Hands Inc., a nonprofit organization.

When: Nov. 2, 4-10 p.m.

Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. North, Birmingham.

Admission: $15 advance, $20 at gate, free for kids age 12 and younger.

What: Hundreds of colorful, four-foot-long cascades of chrysanthemums are displayed on bridges and balconies and in baskets and containers throughout the gardens.

When: Throughout November.

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore.

Admission: $8-$22.

What: Veterans and newcomers perform original songs at several venues on the Gulf Coast. Festival is dedicated to longtime night watchman at the Flora-Bama.

When: Nov. 3-13.

Where: Nightclubs and restaurants in Orange Beach Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key and more.

What: Arts and crafts, food and more.

When: Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Marks House, 890 Old Carter Hill Road, Pike Road.

Admission: $5, free for kids age 8 and younger.

What: Live music by Shoals songwriters, lineup TBA.

When: Nov. 4-5.

Where: Various venues in the Shoals.

Admission: $45 daily general admission, $111.38 GA weekend pass, $133.58 VIP weekend pass.

What: Food (including the event’s famed pecan pies), carnival rides, music, crafts, contests, children’s activities and more.

When: Nov. 4-6. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Where: W.C. Griggs Elementary School, 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile.

Admission: Free.

What: “Peanut Capital of the World” celebrates with food, carnival rides, animal attractions, agricultural displays, concerts, livestock shows, pageants, a parade and more. Music lineup includes Dylan Scott, Jordan Davis, Lainey Wilson at amphitheater.

When: Nov. 4-13.

Where: Fairgrounds at 5622 U.S. 231 South, Dothan.

Tickets: $7-$30 gate admission, $10-$20 seating at amphitheater concerts, ride armbands extra.

What: Live music, traditional craft demos, food, arts and crafts vendors and more.

When: Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Nov. 6, 12-4 p.m. Concert by Fireball Mail at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Isenberg Gazebo.

Where: Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive Southeast, Huntsville

Admission: $20 day pass adults, $8 day pass children; $25 Fireball Mail concert, $10 kids ages 3-12.

What: Artworks, live music, beer garden, food vendors, tips for environmental living and more.

When: Nov. 5-6. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Hoover Met Complex, 5500 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover.

Admission: $10 daily advance, $12 daily at gate, free for those age 15 and younger. Beer garden tickets (including festival entry) $30 advance, $40 at gate.

What: Tastings of mac and cheese dishes from Birmingham restaurants, food trucks, caterers, corporate teams and home chefs. Music, children’s activities, other food and beverages.

When: Nov. 13, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Back Forty Beer Company, 3201 First Ave. North, Birmingham.

Admission: $15 advance, $20 day of event, $5 for children 12-6, free for kids age 5 and younger. Proceeds benefit Community Grief Support.