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2014 Summer Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals in North Alabama

2014 Summer Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals in North Alabama

Many of you have already planned your summer within an inch of its life, but we’d like to encourage you to take a few days to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. Stroll down a fairway, ride the ferris wheel, enjoy a game of cornhole, or just soak up some tunes while eating your weight in cotton candy. Below is a listing of area festivals, fairs, and carnivals happening this summer. Enjoy!

[themify_box ]For even more FREE family-fun this summer, check out 2014 Summer Fun Guide. Filled with information on free outdoor concerts, free indoor and outdoor children’s activities, free summer movies, pools and splashpads, and so much more!  Your children will not be bored this summer! [/themify_box]

Rocket City Fair

Location: Joe Davis Stadium (map)
Date(s)/Times: May 22-May 26
Cost: $7 (adults), $5 (5-12), 4 and under FREE
More Info: Website 

In addition to the carnival rides and games, there will be a petting zoo and lots of various shows and attractions including a “Lady Houdini”, motorcycle acts and a “Stunt and Thrill Show”.

Daikin Festival

Location: Morgan Co. Fairgrounds, Decatur (map)
Date(s)/Times: May 23, 6:30-9:30PM
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook

This free Japanese festival includes music, children’s activities, hot air balloons and food. Special Performances by Ed Jones Orchestra, Lee Benoit Cajun Music, and several door prizes including a special grand prize.

Alabama Jubilee

©Alabama Jubilee Inc.
©Alabama Jubilee Inc.

Location: Point Mallard, Decatur (map)
Date(s)/Times: May 24-25
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

A Memorial Weekend staple, the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is the largest balloon race in Alabama. Now in it’s 37th year, it features 60 balloons from around the country flying 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). Alabama Jubilee also features: food & merchandise vendors, live music, arts & crafts show, classic car show, tractor show. MOM TIPParking is free but can be far away so bring a few dollars to ride the shuttle ($1 per person).

Babypalooza

babypalooza_hsvLocation: VBC South Hall (map)
Date(s)/Times: Sat. May 31, 9:30AM-2:30PM
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

First there’s the Bridal Show and then there’s Babypalooza! Babypalooza will help you connect to all of the wonderful resources, services, and boutiques in your area to help you with the newest member of your family. From health services to childcare centers you will be able to find everything you need under one roof in one day! Be sure to stop by the Rocket City Mom booth and get your picture taken on the red carpet and be entered to win a great Summer Fun Pack!

Florence Frontier Days

Location: Pope’s Tavern Museum, Florence (map)
Date(s)/Times: June 7 & 8th
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

Step back in time on the grounds of historic Pope’s Tavern Museum and see basket weaving, woodcarving, wool spinning, broom making, pottery making, quilting, chair caning and much more – all by artisans in costumes typical of the frontier period. Listen to local dulcimer players and walk through the museum free to complete your journey to the past. Pope’s Tavern Museum once served as a stagecoach stop, tavern and inn during the early years of Florence, It also served as a hospital during the Civil War. Hours are Saturday 10AM-4PM and Sunday 1-4PM.

DittoFest

Location: Ditto Landing (map)
Date(s)/Times: Sat. June 14, 11AM-9PM
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

This benefit for UCP Huntsville includes live entertainment, a cornhole tournament ($10 per entry), inflatables and activities for the kids, and a boat, bike, or hike poker run ($25 per person).

NASA on the Square

June 21st, 11AM-4PM
June 21st, 11AM-4PM

Location: Courthouse Square, Huntsville (map)
Date(s)/Times: Sat. June 21, 11AM-4PM
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

“NASA Day on the Square” will be a celebration of the amazing past, present, and future programs and missions that NASA has, is, and will conduct in Huntsville.  Live music, themed food, free activities (for all ages), chats with astronauts, and even some unique “surprises” (how about a 30ft. inflatable NASA’s Space Launch System rocket?).

Family Fun Festival and Expo

Location: VBC South Hall (map)
Date(s)/Times: Sat. June 21, 10AM-8PM
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

This brand new family festival will feature a full day of facepainting, inflatables and kids activities as well as many area businesses that cater to families. There will be live performances and free health screenings in addition to the children’s activities.

Athens Kiddie Carnival

Location: 309 E Forrest St., Athens (map)
Date(s)/Times: June 26-August 2 (Th,Fri,Sat) from 6:30-9:30PM
Cost: $.50 per ride
More Info: Website

A carnival just for kids? Yes, you heard us right and it is NOT TO BE MISSED. Seriously, read our review and you’ll be lining up. Tokens to ride are just $.50 each and all monies go to local charities. A North Alabama tradition that needs to become your family’s summer tradition.

kiddiecarnival_love

Spirit of America Festival

spiritofamerica
Location: Point Mallard, Decatur (map)
Date(s)/Times: July 4, 8PM
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook

Now in it’s 47th year, this event will begin with a 45 minute video presentation followed by the largest fireworks celebration ever seen in the city of Decatur, Alabama. For years, the festival staff has heard the requests for the fireworks to be presented earlier in the evening. At 9:00PM, the inspirational program will conclude with the Spirit of America Fireworks Display. This spectacular show will delight and dazzle as the night sky is illuminated and the embers are reflected over the beautiful Tennessee River. The fireworks display soundtrack will be simulcast with the ClearChannel Radio (WDRM and WQRV the River).

WC Handy Music Festival

Location:  Varies (Florence/Muscle Shoals Area)
Date(s)/Times: July 18-27
Cost: Many events are FREE or cheap ($5 or less)
More Info: Website

This 10-day long series of primarily music events occurs in and around the Shoals and honors William Christopher “W.C.” Handy.  The Festival is presented by the Music Preservation Society and is intended as part of the Music Preservation Society effort to preserve, promote, and present the musical heritage of the Shoals in Northwest Alabama. There are many events designed specifically with children in mind, such as ABC’s of Blues, Jazz & Beyond; Kidz Jamm; GeoBlues; End of Summer Reading Program; Blues-N-Bread Pudding; Musical Jazz Spelling Bee; events at the Children’s Museum and libraries; and the Youth Conference.  

Main Street Music Festival

Location:  Main Street, Albertville (map)
Date(s)/Times: August 8-9
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website

Billed as the premier music festival in North Alabama, this event includes notable acts such as Jo Dee Messina, Gin Blossoms and the Bellamy Brothers. Previous years have included a children’s inflatable water park, dog show, petting zoo, cooking competitions and demonstrations in addition to the music.

 


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