7 amazing fall festivals happening around Huntsville this month

As fall weather arrives, so does festival season. After the Crush Wine and Food Festival at Big Spring Park last month, we were inspired by the tons of unique gatherings happening across Alabama. We found seven festivals around Huntsville where you can spend a weekend.

1. Alabama Gourd Festival

Experience the joy of gourd art at the Alabama Gourd Festival in Hartselle. At this unique festival for all ages, you can buy handmade gourd art or the tools to create it yourself. You can even take classes from gourd art experts.

• Where: Sparkman Civic Center, 406 Nance Road, Hartselle, AL 35640
• When: Friday, Oct. 20, 9AM-5PM; Saturday, Oct. 21, 9AM-5PM.
• More details

2. Bluegrass + BBQ Festival

An afternoon of live bluegrass music will feature one of Alabama’s most beloved bluegrass bands, Three on a String. Make sure to bring blankets and chairs for this afternoon of music in South Huntsville.

• Where: 16159 Chaney Thompson Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
• When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2PM-8PM.
• More details

3. River Clay Fine Arts Festival

Meet outside Decatur City Hall to celebrate the 8th annual River Clay Fine Arts Festival. Shop for handmade goods at the artists’ market, peruse the student art exhibit and enjoy children’s art activities at this juried fine art festival.

• Where: 402 Lee St NE, Decatur, AL 35601
• When: Friday, Oct. 20, 5PM-9PM; Saturday, Oct. 21, 9AM-5PM; Sunday, Oct. 22, 10AM-4PM.
• More details

4. Outlaw Music Festival

Outlaw Music Festival celebrates Willie Nelson’s legacy in the year of his 90th birthday. This is the largest Outlaw tour to date with 32 shows.

Can’t make it to the Orion? Catch Outlaw Music Festival at Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Pelham on Oct. 15.

• Where: The Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
• When: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 4:30PM.
• More details

5. The 56th Annual Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Musical entertainment, craft and food vendors, fiddling competitions, workshops and a trade show are all a part of the 56th Annual Old Time Fiddlers Convention taking place at Athens State University.

• Where: Athens State University, 300 N Beaty St, Athens, AL 35611
• When: Now-Saturday, Oct. 7 (full schedule)
• More details

6. Lake City Fallfest

Looking to make a trip to the lake? Stop by Downtown Guntersville for Lake City Fallfest. Activities include live music, local vendors, a candy corn trail and costume contest.

• Where: Downtown Guntersville
• When: Friday, Oct. 13, 10AM-6PM; Saturday, Oct. 14, 10AM-6PM.
• More details

7. Hauntsville, Alabama: A Horror Film Festival

Watch a horror flick to get you in the Halloween spirit. Head out to the Orion for a double feature of “Black Swan” and “Suspiria” on Friday night.

Then, come back Saturday for the premiere of “The Third Saturday in October Part V” and “The Third Saturday in October,”–two slasher films shot entirely in North Alabama.

• Where: The Orion Amphitheather, 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
• When: Friday, Oct. 20 at 5PM; Saturday, Oct. 21, 5PM
• More details

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