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.
North Alabama State Fair (September 12–17)
Location: Muscle Shoals
From its debut in 1934 to present day, the North Alabama State Fair is one of the largest annual events in the region. The fair is described as a “family-oriented community event, complete with agriculture, industrial, cultural and commercial exhibits.” Parking at the North Alabama State Fair is free and kids six and under are also free. Ages seven and up are $8. Armbands, which are not included with admission, are $30 Monday-Thursday, or $35 Friday-Saturday. Combination gate and armband packages, good for one day, are available online for $30.
Boom Days (September 16–18)
Location: Fort Payne
Fort Payne Boom Days Heritage Celebration honors the town’s rich cultural history through clothing and artifacts at the Fort Payne Depot Museum and a miniature railroad system, as well as musical guests, including Billy Dean, Joe Nichols and “Dad Company,” a CCR tribute band. Admission is free.
Depot Days Festival (September 17)
Location: Hartselle
Depot Days is Hartselle’s biggest event of the year and includes a tractor show, car show, live entertainment and many vendors, as well as an art competition. Admission is free for this family-friendly event.
Eva Frontier Days (September 18–24)
Location: Eva
Eva Frontier Days covers an entire week and features a beauty pageant, hayride, community singing, music on the square, all culminating in a large festival day on the last Saturday in downtown Eva, including games, a petting zoo, food vendors and more.
Marshall County Fall Fair (September 20-24)
Location: Boaz
Located at the Boaz Fairgrounds, the Marshall County Fall Fair will open at 6 p.m. each night. Admission for ages six and up is $5. Armbands are $20 Tuesday-Thursday, and $25 Friday-Saturday. First responders, active duty military and military veterans with credentials will receive up to four complimentary armbands per family.
Crush Wine & Food Festival (September 19-25)
Location: Huntsville
Held in Big Spring Park East in Downtown Huntsville, Crush Wine & Food Festival features events like the Single Barrel Sipping, the Secret Garden Soiree, and the Safari Supper Abroad. Partners of the festival will provide charcuterie boards, chocolatiers, gourmet sandwiches, private wine guru tours, local artists, live music, grape stomping and more. Check the website for times and pricing details.
Blountsville Harvest Festival (September 24)
Location: Blountsville
Presented by the Blountsville Business Association, the annual festival includes a car show, bounce houses, food trucks, a parade, live music and vendors.
Hokes Bluff City Fest (September 24)
Location: Hokes Bluff
A free family event, Hokes Bluff City Fest is a full day of live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, local vendors, a kid zone and more. Lorrie Morgan will headline the list of musical guests. Bands start at 3 p.m.; remember to bring your lawn chairs.
Cullman Oktoberfest Festival (September 29-October 1)
Location: Cullman
The 41st annual Cullman Oktoberfest Festival is a jam-packed celebration of the town’s German heritage. Run the Oktoberfest 5K or 10K, enter your furry friend in the Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Race, check out the live entertainment, including both modern and German music, sip on a pint of locally brewed beer or enjoy a traditional German brat. Meet this year’s Bergermeister, who is elected by the community and honored as the host of the festival.
(Courtesy of SoulGrown)
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