The last weekend of July brings plenty of reasons to get out and explore Alabama. You can spend the day sampling yellow-meated watermelon in Ashland, test your speed at a statewide jigsaw championship, search for ghosts inside a historic Huntsville home or learn something new at a hands-on baking camp. With the start of a new school year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to squeeze in one more summer adventure.
Teen Baking Boot Camp-Auburn
July 28th-30th
Teens ages 13-19 can roll up their sleeves and sharpen their kitchen skills during the Teen Baking Boot Camp at Auburn University’s Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Over three days of hands-on instruction, participants will learn the fundamentals of baking while making breads, doughs and cakes, along with building confidence in techniques like pastry decorating, baking with yeast, knife skills and more. Best of all, they’ll leave with new skills they can recreate at home—and plenty of delicious treats they’ve made themselves.
Real Interactive Ghost Hunt at the Historic Lowry House-Huntsville
July 31st
If you love a good ghost story, spend an evening exploring one of Alabama’s most talked-about historic homes during the Real Interactive Ghost Hunt at Huntsville’s Historic Lowry House. Led by the Southern Ghost Girls paranormal investigation team, guests will tour the 1840s home, hear its Civil War-era history and legends, and use paranormal investigation equipment while searching for unexplained activity throughout the house and grounds.
162nd Battle of Mobile Bay Commemorative Day- Dauphin Island
August 1st
Step back into one of Alabama’s most significant moments in history during the 162nd Battle of Mobile Bay Commemorative Day at Fort Gaines. The annual event brings the Civil War era to life with living history demonstrations, artillery and musket firings, historical interpreters and programs that explore the famous 1864 battle, giving visitors of all ages an immersive look at the people and events that shaped the Gulf Coast.
Clay County Yellow Meated Watermelon Festival-Ashland
July 31st-August 1st
Celebrate one of Alabama’s sweetest summer traditions at the Clay County Yellow-Meated Watermelon Festival in Ashland. The two-day festival features live music, arts and crafts vendors, antique cars, family-friendly activities, cornhole tournaments, a splash zone for kids and plenty of delicious watermelon treats—including the festival’s signature yellow-meated variety. It’s a fun way to experience a unique piece of Alabama agriculture while enjoying small-town hospitality.
2026 Black Belt Birding Festival-Greensboro
July 31st-August 1st
Experience the natural beauty and rich history of Alabama’s Black Belt during the sixth annual Black Belt Birding Festival. With guided birding excursions, expert-led field trips and events spanning multiple counties, attendees can explore some of the Southeast’s most diverse habitats while spotting species like swallow-tailed kites, painted buntings and wood storks. The festival also highlights the region’s cultural and civil rights heritage, making it a one-of-a-kind weekend for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Alabama Jigsaw Championship 2026-Helena
August 2nd
Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at the Alabama Jigsaw Championship in Helena. Teams of two will race against the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle, with prizes awarded to the top three finishers. Whether you’re a seasoned speed puzzler or simply looking for a unique challenge, the competition promises a fun afternoon of teamwork, strategy and friendly rivalry—and every team gets to take home the official championship puzzle.
Summer may be winding down, but Alabama’s event lineup isn’t slowing down. The final weeks of the season are packed with festivals, history, food and outdoor adventures that are well worth adding to your plans. Before classrooms fill and routines return, there’s still time for one more weekend spent exploring what makes Alabama unique.
