Grits, smoked sausage, and sweet potatoes set the table for a unique lineup of October public gatherings this fall in central and south Alabama that celebrate food and drink. The Alabama Mushroom Society’s first-ever festival will feed budding interests in the fruiting fungi that’s not only essential to nature’s cycle, but mighty tasty as well. Sample beers and ciders in Tuscaloosa and wine in Opelika. Classic Alabama foods—grits, Conecuh sausage, and sweet potatoes—all get their moments in the sun. (October, after all, historically brings the least amount of rain to Alabama).  Here’s what to look for in October across central and south Alabama. 

There’s a little something for all tastes at October food and drink festivals in Alabama’s coastal counties. Many of the gatherings also symbolize how the port at Mobile was the entry point for immigrants who would find the American Dream here. Festivals set for October celebrate cultural and culinary contributions from Alabamians with roots in Germany, Greece, Mexico, and countries across both Central and South America. 

Florence, Alabama doesn’t lack for exciting breakfast dining options year-round, but during ShoalsFest music festival happening October 1st and 2nd, it’s not unusual to find yourself sharing the morning meal across from rock stars. Hazy ShoalsFest mornings bring local love and Nashville star power together at welcoming breakfast tables dotted around the sleepy college town.

A fun array of festivals built around food and drink are on the menu this fall across northern Alabama. Bacchus, barbecue, and butterbeans are the themes at September and October fêtes in Huntsville, Attalla, Jasper, Madison, and Cullman. Hit ’em all and you’ll be as busy as bees—especially at the fourth Alabama Honeybee Festival outside Huntsville the first Saturday in October. Here are six events where food shares a plate with musical acts, arts and crafts vendors, and runners. 

Mariachi music swells, salsa dancers twirl in brightly colored skirts, and the smell of freshly griddled corn tortillas wafts through the air. These are the sights, sounds, and smells of Fiesta, Birmingham’s long-running festival celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage. Each year, Linn Park comes alive for the giant party with thousands of locals gathering for the celebration that includes music, arts, dance, food, activities, and education for the entire family. And this year, the festivities will be even grander because Fiesta is celebrating its 20th birthday. 

Birmingham’s demographics go way beyond Black and White, including the Lebanese, Greek, Italian and other European and Middle Eastern immigrants who settled during the city’s early years as a steel boom town, to more recent arrivals with Asian and Latin-American roots. This colorful tapestry is reflected in several food and beverage festivals scheduled this fall in the greater Birmingham area.

Although it might still be a few weeks until the Deep South will feel a true nip in the air, the calendar says that fall has officially begun. Football is back, school is in session, and pumpkin spice season is upon us. Small-town festivals and county fairs are popping up across the region, and North Alabama is here for it. This month is full of down-home entertainment everywhere you turn. Is there a better way to enjoy the impending crisp autumn air during this season change? We don’t think so. Use the list below to fill your fall weekends with a different fair or festival throughout the month of September.