Does it feel like fall yet? As far as we're concerned, there's no better autumnal booster than a fair or festival in Alabama. Organizers throughout the state have scheduled a wealth of events over the next couple of months, offering everything from gourmet food to eco-conscious art to blacksmithing demos. Here are 45 events that made our don't-miss list for October and November 2018.
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Alabama National Fair
What: Concerts, midway rides, food vendors, livestock exhibits, choral festival, photography, flower show, scarecrow competition and more.
When: Through Oct. 8.
Where: Alabama Agricultural Center, Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery.
Tickets: $10, lower fees on some days with specials and promotions, midway wristbands $20-$30.
Website: www.alnationalfair.org
Moundville Archeological Park and Museum Facebook photo
Moundville Native American Festival
What: Celebration of Native American culture and tradition, via music, dancers, craftspeople, jewelry vendors and more. The park itself offers an entertaining history lesson, with the ancient remains of Mississippian culture on the Black Warrior River.
When: Oct. 3-6.
Where: Moundville Archaeological Park, 13075 Moundville Archaeological Park, Moundville.
Tickets: $10-$12.
Website: http://moundville.ua.edu
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Cullman Oktoberfest
What: Celebration of German heritage and culture, with food, beer, music, dancing, bed race, run and more.
When: Oct. 3-6.
Where: 211 2nd Ave Northeast, Cullman.
Admission: Most events free, check festival website for more info.
Website: www.cullmanoktoberfest.com
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Alabama Coastal BirdFest
What: Birding tours, workshops, speakers, hikes, nature cruises, expo and and more, for newcomers or experienced birders.
When: Oct. 3-6.
Where: Various locations on Alabama Gulf Coast; headquarters at 5 Rivers -- Alabama's Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort.
Admission: $20-$100 per event.
Website: https://weeksbay.org/events/alabama-coastal-birdfest/
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Wine Fest
What: Wine tastings, food from area restaurants, music and more; benefit for Catholic Social Services.
When: Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Where: Cotton Hall, 911 Dauphin St., Mobile.
Tickets: $75, $125 for couples.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WineFestforCSS/
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Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
What: Music competitions, performances, old-time arts and crafts. Lineup includes Flatt Lonesome Oct. 4, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage Oct. 5, Ricky Skaggs Oct. 6.
When: Oct. 4-6.
Where: Athens State University, Alabama Farmers Cooperative Stage near Founders Hall and other locations, 300 N Beaty St., Athens.
Tickets: Free Oct. 4, $15 daily Oct. 5-6, $20 for both days.
Website: http://www.tvotfc.org
Alabama Butterbean Festival Facebook photo
Alabama Butterbean Festival
What: Vendors, food booths, crafts tables, music, cooking contests, children's activities and more.
When: Oct. 5-6. Hours Friday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Main Street, downtown Pinson.
Admission: Free.
Website: http://alabamabutterbeanfestival.com
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Alabama Frog Level Festival and Cruise-In
What: Fog-jumping contest, music, art demos, food vendors, cornhole tournament and classic car show.
When: Oct. 5-6
Where: Downtown Fayette, near Temple Avenue North and Second Avenue Northeast.
Website: https://www.fayetteareachamber.org/froglevel.html
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Boaz Harvest Festival
What: Arts & crafts, food, children's activiites, classic car show, music, Miss Harvest Festival pageant and more.
When: Oct. 5-6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Boaz, near Main Street and Bartlett Avenue.
Website: https://www.cityofboaz.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=384
Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images
CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival
What: Music festival with an emphasis on jam bands, camping, hiking, rock climbing and more. Lineup includes Charlie Hunter Trio, New Orleans Suspects (pictured), The Fritz, Skydyed, Early James and the Latest, Eat a Peach and more.
When: Oct. 5-7.
Where: Horse Pens 40, off St. Clair County 42, Steele.
Tickets: $119 three-day general admission, $159 VIP.
Website: www.cukorakko.com
Photo by Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com
Barber Vintage Festival
What: Motorcycle Classics Show, swap meet, vendors, seminars, fan gatherings and more, all celebrating vintage motorcycles.
When: Oct. 5-7.
Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham.
Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $35-$90 with Ace Corner admission, $40 parade lap, $69-$109 upgrade for Paddock Club Sports Grille, $20 parking,
Website: https://barberracingevents.com
Alabama Festival of Flavor Facebook photo
Alabama Festival of Flavor
What: Food tastings from restaurants and businesses, food trucks, wine and beer tastings, music, football games on jumbo TV screen.
When: Oct. 6, noon- 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Foley.
Tickets: $10-$60.
Website: www.alabamafestivalofflavor.com
AL.com file photo/Bernard Troncale
Bluff Park Art Show
What: Artworks by more than 150 makers, plus food vendors and children's activities.
When: Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Bluff Park Community Center, 517 Cloudland Drive, Hoover.
Admission: Free.
Website: https://www.bluffparkartassociation.org/bluff-park-art-show/
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Old Fashion Day
What: Arts and crafts, music, food vendors, flea market and more.
When: Oct. 6, starting at 8 a.m.
Where: Downtown Sulligent, Front Street off Alabama 17.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Old-Fashion-Day-Sulligent-Alabama-932204423585254/
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Centre Fall Festival
What: Parade, arts and crafts, food, inflatables, fun run and more.
When: Oct. 6, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: 110 W. Main St., Centre.
Admission: Free.
Website: http://www.cityofcentre.com/41st-annual-centre-fall-festival/
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Taste of Hoover
What: Food from area restaurants and caterers, plus wine, craft beer and live music.
When: Oct. 11, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.
Tickets: $45, free for kids age 12 and younger.
Website: http://aldridgegardens.com
Autauga County Fair Facebook photo
Autauga County Fair
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. 9-13. Gates open 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon Saturday.
Where: Mac Gray Park, 1050 Martin Luther King Drive, Prattville.
Admission: $3, ride tickets extra.
Website: http://www.autaugacountyfair.com
National Shrimp Festival Facebook photo
National Shrimp Festival
What: Food vendors (including shrimp galore), music, fine arts, crafts, chidlren's activities, sand sculpture contest, run, golf tournament and more.
When: Oct. 11-14, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Public beach area, intersection of Alabama 59 and Alabama 182, Gulf Shores.
Admission: Free.
Website: http://myshrimpfest.com
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Butler Fest
What: Barbecue competition for professionals and backyard barbecue teams, a 5K run, arts and crafts, food vendors, hog calling, carnival rides, live entertainment and more.
When: Oct. 12-13..
Where: In and around courthouse square, Mulberry Avenue between Pushmataha and Church streets, Butler.
Website: https://www.butleralabama.org/butler-fest.html
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Indian Summer Festival
What: Family-friendly event with arts and crafts booths, food, children's activities, car show, petting zoo and more.
When: Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Near Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, 333 E. Broad St., Eufaula.
Admission: Free, $10 for children's activities wristband.
Website: http://eufaulachamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/indian-summer-festival-1473
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Breakin' Bread
What: Food, wine and beer from independent restaurants with creative chefs.
When: Oct. 14, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Pepper Place, 2829 Second Ave, South, Birmingham.
Tickets: $35 general admission, $99 VIP, free for kids age 12 and younger.
Website: http://www.breakinbreadbham.com
AL.com file photo/Mike Brantley
Greek Fest
What: Greek food, marketplace, music, dancing, children's activities, church tour.
When: Oct. 18-20, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Annunciation Greek Church, 50 S. Ann St., Mobile.
Admission: $5 daily, $12 weekend pass.
Website: www.greekfestmobile.org
Conecuh Sausage Festival Facebook photo
Conecuh Sausage Festival
What: Food vendors, barbecue cook-off, arts and crafts, live music, children's activities and more.
When: Oct. 18-21.
Where: 100 Depot Square, Evergreen.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/EvergreenSausageFestival/
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Fort Benning Oktoberfest
What: Celebration of German history and culture with food, beer, music, dancing, children's activities and more.
When: Oct. 19-21. Hours 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Uchee Creek Campground, Uchee Creek Road, Fort Mitchell.
Admission: $5, free for those age 18 and younger.
Website: https://benning.armymwr.com/programs/oktoberfest
Photo by Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com
Kentuck Festival of the Arts
What: Visual arts festival with emphasis on folk artists; includes contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, crafts and more. Two music stages, demos, children's activities, food and beverage vendors.
When: Oct. 20-21. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Kentuck Park, 3501 Fifth St., Northport.
Tickets: $10 daily, $15 weekend pass, free for kids age 12 and younger.
Website: https://www.kentuck.org
Mentone Colorfest Facebook photo
Mentone Colorfest
What: Arts and crafts show, bonfires, music, foods, boutique shopping, scarecrow building, run, children's activities and more.
When: Oct. 20-21. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Town of Mentone, off Alabama 117.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MentoneAlabamaFestivals
Tim Lowry YouTube video
Athens Storytelling Festival
What: Professional and amateur storytellers perform, including Tim Lowry, Donald Davis, Carmen Deedy and Bill Lepp.
When: Oct. 23-27.
Where: Courthouse square, Jefferson Street near North Washington Street, Athens.
Tickets: $8-$65 adults, $4-$35 kids.
Website: www.athensstorytellingfestival.com
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Gatalop 35: Jubilee
What: Renaissance fair hosted by Society of Creative Anachronism, with combat, feasting, costume revel and more.
When: Oct. 26-28.
Where: Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin island.
Admission: $15-$30, free for those age 17 and younger.
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/gatalop2018/
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Cotton Pickin' Celebration
What: Living history festival with arts and crafts, Civil War re-enactment, corn maze, bluegrass and gospel music, hayrides and more.
When: Oct. 27-28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville.
Admission: $10.
Website: http://www.oldbakerfarm.com/fallfestival.php
Photo by Karen Waite | Mlive.com
Alabama Renaissance Faire
What: Celebration of culture and history of Renaissance in Europe, with vendors, music, feasting, costumes, contests and more.
When: Oct. 27-28. Hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Wilson Park, near North Seminary and East Tuscaloosa streets, downtown Florence.
Admission: Free.
Website: http://www.alrenfaire.org
Photo by Ben Flanagan | bflanagan@al.com
Fall Boogie #7
What: Music festival with artists such as Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires, John Moreland, Lilly Hiatt, Lonnie Holley and The Brook and The Bluff. With food vendors; T-shirt and poster sale.
When: Oct. 27. Gates open at 10 a.m., music starts at 11 a.m.
Where: Standard Deluxe, 1015 Mayberry, Waverly.
Tickets: $30 advance, $40 at gate.
Website: http://standarddeluxe.com
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Woofstock
What: Pet festival celebrating dogs and the people who love them, via weiner races, costume contest, music, food, vendors, children's activities and more. Benefit for Animal Rescue Foundation.
When: Oct. 27, 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Serda Brewing, 600 Government St., Mobile.
Tickets: $10, $5 kids ages 4-12, free for kids younger than age 4.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1677464102366435/
Photo by Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com
Covered Bridge Arts & Music Festival
What: Visit historic covered bridges on guided river hikes, surrounded by fall foliage. The fest includes arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, children's activities, a car show, a pancake breakfast, a quilt show and more.
When: Oct. 27
Where: Downtown Oneonta, near 225 Second Ave. East.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CoveredBridgeFest/
Clarke County Historical Museum website photo
Pioneer Day
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. 27.
Where: Clarke County Historical Museum, 116 W. Cobb St., Grove Hill.
Admission: Free.
Website: http://www.clarkemuseum.com
AL.com file photo/Brian Kelly
Hangout Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend
What: Oyster tastings, cooking demos, shucking contest, craft beer festival, football viewing, music and more.
When: Nov. 2-3. Hours are Friday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores.
Tickets: $10-$150.
Website: http://hangoutcookoff.com
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Alabama Pecan Festival
What: Food (including the event's famed pecan pies), carnival rides, music, crafts, contests, children's activities and more.
When: Nov. 2-4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Tillman's Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile.
Admission: Free.
Website: www.alabamapecanfestival.com
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National Peanut Festival
What: "Peanut Capitol of the World" celebrates with food, carnival rides, animal attractions, agricultural displays, concerts, livestock shows, pageants, a parade and more.
When: Nov. 2-11.
Where: Fairgrounds at 5622 U.S. 31, Dothan.
Tickets: $7 gate admission, $5-$15 for seating at amphitheater concerts, ride armbands extra.
Website: http://nationalpeanutfestival.com
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Rocket City Nerdcon
What: Science fiction and fantasy convention, with panel discussions, vendors, celebrity appearances, masquerade ball, contests, cosplay and more.
When: Nov. 3-4. Hours 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St., Huntsville.
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at door, free for kids age 10 and younger.
Website: http://hmcpl.org/rocketcitynerdcon
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Folklife Festival
What: Craftspeople, artists and presenters share knowledge about traditions, skills, handicrafts and arts of region during 1800s and early 1900s.
When: Nov. 3-4. Hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive Southeast, Huntsville
Tickets: Included with regular admission, $8-$10, free for children age 2 and younger.
Website: https://burrittonthemountain.com/featured-events/#featured
Photo by Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com
Moss Rock Festival
What: Artworks, live music, beer garden, food vendors, outdoor activities, tips for environmental living and more.
When: Nov. 3-4. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Preserve, 616 Preserve Parkway, Hoover.
Tickets: $7 daily, $10 weekend, $5 seniors and students, free for those age 15 and younger.
Website: http://www.mossrockfestival.com
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St. Nicholas Russian/Slavic Food Festival
What: Food and pastries made by parishioners, including boiled dumplings, meat pies, cabbage soup and kielbasa.
When: Nov. 3-4. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 105 Park Ave., Brookside.
Website: https://www.stnicholasbrookside.org/foodfestivalmenu.html
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Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival
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. 8-18.
Where: Nightclubs and restaurants in Orange Beach Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key and more.
Website: http://frankbrownsongwriters.com
Photo by Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com
Homestead Hollow
What: Arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, children's activities, tours of settlers' cabins and pioneer demos.
When: Nov. 9-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 1161 Murphrees Valley Road, Springville.
Admission: $8, $4 kids ages 3-12, free for kids age 2 and younger.
Website: http://homesteadhollow.com
AL.com file photo/Kate Mercer
Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums
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: Nov. 10-21.
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore.
Website: https://bellingrath.org/experiences/events/cascading-mum-display/
Poarch Creek Indian Annual Pow Wow Facebook photo
Thanksgiving Pow Wow
What: Celebration of Native American culture, history and traditions, with dancing, ceremonies, contests, food, vendors and more.
When: Nov. 22-23. Gates open at 10 a.m.
Where: Poarch Creek Indian Reservation, 6477 Jack Springs Road, Atmore.
Tickets: $5, free for those age 10 and younger.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PCIPowWow/
More on entertainment in Alabama:
75 must-see concerts coming to Alabama in fall 2018
21 Halloween haunted houses to make you scream in 2018
17 Birmingham food festivals to put on your fall calendar
The best festival in every county in Alabama
44 kid-tastic places to go in Alabama
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