Enjoy Fall Festivals in Alabama
Alabamians are ready to welcome fall with open arms, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a fall festival. Cooler weather makes the outdoors more enjoyable (and tolerable), providing the perfect backdrop for pumpkin picking, apple bobbing, hayrides, and other fun fall activities. Catch all the family-friendly action at the best fall festivals in Alabama.
Cullman Oktoberfest, Cullman, AL
It just isn’t fall without Oktoberfest, and Cullman hosts one of the best in the state. Each year, thousands of guests visit the multi-day event, getting their fill of German beer and cuisine while enjoying live music. The event also includes the Miss Oktoberfest pageant, car show, 5K and 10K races, and dozens of crafts and food vendors to complete the experience. It’s the perfect way to say “Guten tag!” to fall!
Alabama Renaissance Faire, Florence, AL
This multi-day event is a step back in time—actually, make that several steps back in time. For over 30 years, this festival has delighted its attendees with medieval flair. Guests can purchase tickets to a round table feast, complete with entertainment befitting of the time period. Flashy costumes and fancy masks are encouraged, but not required.
Boaz Harvest Festival, Boaz, AL
A Boaz tradition for six decades, this weekend-long festival is full of traditional festival delights, including an antique car show, Miss Harvest Festival pageant, rides and inflatables for kids, and plenty of vendors to ensure you won't leave empty-handed. There's also a Moon Pie eating contest that is not to be missed.
Birmingham Greek Festival, Birmingham, AL
Can you say “Opa!”? As one of the city’s oldest food festivals, this highly anticipated three-day event will leave you filled with food, culture, and knowledge. Admission is free, and guests can purchase individual food plates and souvenirs. If you can’t hang out at the festival, you’ll be glad to know they offer a “drive through” service that lets you place your order and have it delivered to your car.
Auburn Oktoberfest, Auburn, AL
Auburn Oktoberfest is brimming with tradition and is no exception. This two-day event gives visitors a taste of the best beer and food alongside live music. Also, on-site, there will be many brews from local craft breweries—if you love beer, your day will be made!
Alabama Cotton Festival, Eclectic, AL
This festival combines all the fan favorites into a single event: delicious food, live music, car show, contests, bake offs, dancers, and a friendly competition to see who will be crowned the next Cotton Queen. It’s laid back, family-friendly, and best of all, you can enjoy free admission!
National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, AL
As one of the state’s largest annual events, there’s always much to look forward to here. Four days and three stages of live music await visitors, in addition to a sand sculpture contest, art exhibits, and shrimp cooked just about any way you want it.
Conecuh Sausage Festival, Evergreen, AL
This delectable festival offers something for the whole family. In addition to featuring some of the tastiest sausage and barbecue in the state, the festival also offers plenty of attractions: arts and crafts vendors, car shows, and live entertainment!
Elberta German Sausage Festival, Elberta, AL
The only downside of this one-day event is that it only lasts one day. Once you taste the scrumptious German sauerkraut and sausage, you’ll wish you had more time to enjoy it. The festival is a fundraiser for the volunteer fire department, which means you’ll be contributing to a good cause while you enjoy the attractions.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Cullman Oktoberfest is a popular event with German beer and cuisine
- Alabama Renaissance Faire in Florence offers traditional festival delights
- Boaz Harvest Festival features an antique car show and Moon Pie eating contest
- Birmingham Greek Festival offers Greek food and culture
- Auburn Oktoberfest features beer, food, and live music
- Alabama Cotton Festival in Eclectic is a large annual event with live music and shrimp dishes
- National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores offers sausage and barbecue, arts and crafts, and live entertainment
- Conecuh Sausage Festival in Evergreen features German sauerkraut and sausage
- Elberta German Sausage Festival is a one-day event that supports the volunteer fire department