ShoalsFest, Fiddler’s Convention + more fantastic events this weekend [Oct, 2-4]

The first weekend of October is upon us, and while we may end up seeing some rainy weather off and on over the next few days (45% chance of rain Saturday, 70% chance on Sunday), we do have plenty of cool stuff to do in and around the Rocket City.

We have three pretty big festivals happening this weekend in North Alabama—Rock the South in Decatur, ShoalsFest in Florence + The Fiddlers Convention in Athens—and tons of other fun stuff to do.

Live music

Rock the South @ The Fields at Decatur

• What: Some of music’s biggest stars are coming to Decatur to bring a long weekend of music and fun to Decatur. The festival features Jason Aldean, Riley Green, Zach Top, Jessie Murph, Brantley Gilbert + more.
• When: Thursday, Oct. 1-Sunday,Oct. 4, 2PM
• Cost: Single day tickets, $99; Weekend pass, $199
• Details

Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series @ VBC Playhouse

• What: Music lovers in Huntsville take notice: If you have never been to any of these shows, you’re missing out. This month’s guests will be Helene Cronin, Austin Cunningham and Lisa Carver.
• When: Friday, October 2, 6:30PM
• Cost: $35
• Details

Zach Williams @ Mark C. Smith Concert Hall

• What: Zach Williams is coming to Huntsville with Cochren & Co. + Christian Hohn as part of the “Revival Nights Tour.”
• When: Friday, October 2, 7PM
• Cost: $30
• Details

ShoalsFest @ McFarland Park

• What: What has become one of the best music festivals in the South is back in Florence this year featuring Jason Isbell, Drive-By Truckers, Jeff Tweedy and more!
• When: Saturday, October 3 + Sunday, October 4, 3PM
• Cost: Single day, $100, weekend pass $150, kids under 12 free
• Details

Gorrio @ Stovehouse

• What: We have some of the most talented bunch of musicians in the state right here in the Rocket City, and Gorrio is one of them!
• When: Saturday, October 3, 7PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Shows + expos

WARHOL: Film, Fashion + Photography @ Huntsville Museum of Art

• What: HMA’s Andy Warhol exhibit features more than 150 works by the iconic artist. This exhibit ends October 18, so if you haven’t seen it, you need to!
• When: Thursday, October 1-Saturday, October 3, 10AM-5PM; Sunday, October 4, 12-5PM
• Cost: $10 for students; $18 for seniors; $20 for adults
• Details

Scarecrow Trail @ Huntsville Botanical Garden

• What: Guests can stroll along a photo-worthy trail filled with imaginative scarecrow creations designed by local families, schools, businesses and organizations. 
• When: Friday + Saturday, 9AM-6PM; Sunday 11AM-6PM
• Cost: Free for members, $13+ for non-members
• Details

Anime Town @ VBC South Hall

• What: Enjoy a star-studded celebrity voice actor guest list, an amazing artist alley, a packed vendor hall filled with your favorite anime figures and merch + a packed schedule full of panels, celebrity Q&A’s + more.
• When: Friday, October 2 3-8PM; Saturday, October 3, 10AM-7PM; Sunday, October 4, 11AM-4PM
• Cost: Friday pass $22.55; Saturday pass $33.18; Sunday pass $22.45; weekend pass $53.38; VIP pass $108.18; Kids 4-15 $5.40
• Details

Festivals + parties

59th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention @ Athens State

• What: In what has become one of the Tennessee Valley’s most popular music events, the Old Time Fiddlers Convention brings roughly 200 contestants and an estimated 10,000+ folk music fans to the grounds of historic Athens State University.
• When: Thursday, September 30-Saturday, October 3
• Cost: $20 day passes; $30 for 3-day pass
• Details

Fall for All @ Big Spring Park

• What: From classic carnival-style games to festive activities for the whole family, Fall for All is designed to bring the community together for a day of seasonal fun.
• When: Saturday, October 3, 10AM-1PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Madison Street Festival @ Downtown Madison

• What: For 40+ years, this festival has featured the local food, music and art that defines Madison. This free event features food, live music, children’s events, a parade and more.
• When: Saturday, October 3, 9AM-4PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Markets

Madison County Farmers Market @ Cook Avenue

• What: One of the oldest farmers markets in North Alabama, this market features tons of local produce—fresh greens, beans, field peas, tomatoes, fresh fruits + more.
• When: Saturday, October 3, 8AM-12PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Huntsville Flea Market @ Cherries

• What: Browse vintage clothing, records, artwork, home goods and more from local vendors.
• When: Saturday, October 3, 11AM-4PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Outdoor Market @ Lowe Mill

• What: Vendors from all over the area will present their finest products at this fun outdoor market. You will find one-of-a-kind items here sold by unique makers.
• When: Saturday, October 3, 11AM-4PM
• Cost:
• Details

Records + Retro @ The Orion Amphitheater

• What: Presented by Vertical House Records, visitors are invited to shop a multitude of vendors featuring LPs, 45s, retro music equipment, cassettes, CDs, VHS, video games, books, clothing, furniture, collectibles + more.
• When: Sunday, October 4, 11AM-5PM
• Cost: Free
• Details

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