From a state fair finale to a weekend packed with art, barbecue and small-town charm, Alabama’s calendar is full as fall hits its stride. Whether you’re chasing smoky ribs in Huntsville, browsing artists’ booths in Tuscaloosa, or catching a night of live theater in Birmingham, there’s something happening in every corner of the state. Here’s what’s on tap across Alabama this week.
Alabama National Fair — Montgomery
OCTOBER 8TH–18TH
The Alabama National Fair wraps up its 11-day run at the fairgrounds near Garrett Coliseum, so this is the last week to catch it. The fair brings midway rides, food, main stage entertainment and a kids’ area, along with commercial booths and the livestock competitions that anchor its agricultural roots, including cattle, swine, goat and rabbit divisions. Check the fair’s mobile app for each day’s schedule before you go.
Boll Weevil Fall Festival — Enterprise
OCTOBER 17TH
Downtown Enterprise fills up for the Boll Weevil Fall Festival, a beloved community tradition inspired by the city’s iconic Boll Weevil Monument. Hosted by the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, the outdoor festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and draws thousands of residents and visitors for a day of shopping, food and family-friendly fun. Browse arts and crafts vendors, local merchants and nonprofit booths, grab a bite from the food trucks, and catch live music and entertainment, with interactive activities for all ages. Before you head home, wander Main Street’s boutiques and restaurants, stop by the Downtown Entertainment District, and take in the murals and landmarks that tell the story of the City of Progress.
Alabama Gourd Show — Hartselle
OCTOBER 16TH–17TH
The 28th Alabama Gourd Show returns to the Sparkman Civic Center in Hartselle with art made from gourds, from carved and painted pieces to crafted keepsakes. Gourd artists demonstrate their techniques, raw gourds, tools and supplies are for sale, and hands-on classes are available for a fee. Past shows have run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
WhistleStop BBQ Festival — Huntsville
OCTOBER 16TH–17TH
The WhistleStop BBQ Festival fires up again at MidCity District, with more than 40 barbecue teams from across the Southeast vying for over $6,000 in cash prizes. Cheer on your favorite team at Saturday’s 5 p.m. awards ceremony, and in the meantime help pick the winners yourself through the People’s Choice tastings, with wings on Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and pulled pork on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. (while supplies last). Live music fills the MainStage all weekend, with Travis Bowlin, Milltowne and The Brooklines on Friday and The Grasstronauts, Josh Allison, Lana White & the Heights and Buck’d Up on Saturday. Between sets, browse the food and local goods in Sizzle Alley, settle into the Picnic Zone to catch the big games, or send the kids to the Pigpen for bounce houses and STEM activities.
Harvest Festival — Montgomery
OCTOBER 17TH
The City of Montgomery’s Harvest Festival takes over Riverfront Park from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, and admission is free. Browse the Harvest Junction Marketplace for handmade goods and local treats, then let the kids decorate a free pumpkin, get their faces painted and visit the petting zoo. City departments go head-to-head in a decoration competition with a surprise theme, and food trucks and a festival DJ keep the afternoon moving.
Kentuck Festival of the Arts — Tuscaloosa
OCTOBER 17TH–18TH
The 55th Kentuck Festival of the Arts brings more than 270 artists to Snow Hinton Park for a weekend of folk and contemporary art. Alongside the booths, you’ll find food trucks, craft beer, art demonstrations, a kids’ area, and both a music stage and a spoken word stage. The festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine, with tickets running $15 to $25.
Tannehill Fall Trade Days — McCalla
OCTOBER 17TH–18TH
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park hosts its monthly trade days with vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, vintage finds and more. Kids can enjoy the inflatables and petting zoo while the grown-ups hunt for treasures, and food trucks are on site. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Whether you’re headed to the fairgrounds, the barbecue pits, or the art tents, Alabama’s got a little bit of everything this week to keep the fall momentum going.
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