2015 Fall Festivals, Carnivals, and Special Events in Huntsville

Nothing quite says fall to us here at Rocket City Mom like a caramel apple, a little kettle corn, and a pumpkin carving contest or two. You’re sure to find all that and a whole lot more in this long list of area fall festivals, carnivals and special events. Do you know of one we missed? We’d love to add it, just send us a note at [email protected] and be sure to include the information listed here (e.g. Date/Time, Cost, URL, Location).

To get the full 411 about all that is happening in and around the Tennessee Valley this fall including information on Fall Break Camps, Trick/Trunk or Treating options, Halloween Parties, and more why not mosey on over to the full 2015 Fall Activity Guide. Then be sure to share the scoop with your friends so you’ll see familiar faces when you are out and about this fall season.

September

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Downtown Huntsville Cornhole Trail

Located around the downtown square, Jefferson Street and Washington Street over 20 cornholes from different area businesses. Open 11 AM – 11PM and free to play.

Date(s): Sept. 17-20
Cost: FREE
Location: Downtown Huntsville (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook

Hartselle Depot Days

Hartselle, AL, is celebrating it’s 35th Annual Depot Days Festival this year and this is town that celebrates come rain or shine! Start the day with the Hartselle Kiwanis Club 2nd Annual Hartselle Half Marathon. Then enjoy the Adult Art Show, Children’s Art Show, Crafts, Tractor & Gasoline Engine Show, Live Entertainment, Children’s Area, Food and much more! You definitely don’t want to miss The Great Bank Robbery re-enactment by the College Street Players held at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

Date/Time: Sept. 19
Cost: FREE
Location: Downtown Hartselle, AL (map)
More Info: Website

Sparkman Arts Festival

Held at Sparkman High School in Harvest, this is the very first Sparkman Arts Festival. Billed as an art festival meets music festival meets book festival meets craft fair, this event is sure to be fun. Food Trucks, Local artists, musicians, authors, and crafters will be selling their handmade / personally created products. Items for sale include handmade wooden signs, jewelry, cards, cigar box guitars, monogrammed items, art work, and more. Performances by Adonai School of Ballet and Fine Arts, Alexander Martial Arts, and Valley Conservatory.

Date/Time: Sept. 19 | 10AM-2PM
Cost: $5 parking fee
Location: 2616 Jeff Road, Harvest (map)
More Info: Facebook 

Monte Sano Art Festival

Featuring more than 140 visual artists and local music and food, this festival is the perfect way to kick off Fall and the holiday shopping season. The event is FREE with a $5 parking fee to benefit the park. For more info – including a full artist list – visit www.artshuntsville.org.

Date/Time: September 19 from 9AM-5PM
Cost: FREE to attend, $5 parking
Location: Monte Sano State Park (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook

Huntsville Hospital Fun Run

This one-mile fun run is open to any child, preschool through 8th grade. There is no registration fee, but donations to Huntsville Hospital Foundation are appreciated and will benefit pediatric oncology at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. Food will be available onsite (hot dogs, hamburgers and more at Buffalo Rock concessions). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit pediatric oncology at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. Children who run will receive a t-shirt. Parents may run with smaller children, but adults do not receive t-shirts.

Date/Time: Thurs. Sept. 24 | 3:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 2180 Airport Rd (map)
More Info: Website | Register (by Sept. 21) or onsite day of event.

Eva Frontier Days

This week long celebration of Eva, AL history and community kicks off with Miss Eva Frontier Days pageant and includes a bluegrass festival, the worlds largest hayride (Tuesday, Sept. 22), community signing (Thursday, Sept.24) and concludes with “The Big Day” on Saturday, September 26th. Activities on the 26th include an antique tractor show and car show, parade at 11am, craft show, baking contest and live entertainment. On this day there will also be a pig calling contest, frog jumping contest and pig chase!  Games for all ages, rides, trains, food vendors and much more! 

Date/Time: Sept. 26
Cost: Varies although many activities are FREE
Location: Eva, AL (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook

International Festival of North Alabama

A ONE-day International Festival featuring a wealth of global performances and music, international comfort foods, over 30 country cultural displays, FREE children’s activities, and more!

Date/Time: Sept. 26 | 9:30AM-5PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 500 John Wright Dr. NW (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook

Buckhorn Middle School Craft Show and Festival

School-wide fundraiser with food and fun for all families. Craft Show will feature BMS Art sale, hand turned wooden bowls and pens, homemade soap, jewelry and door hangers, and more.

Date/Time: Sept. 26 | 9AM-4PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 4185 Winchester Road, New Market (map)
More Info: Facebook

River Clay Fine Arts Festival

This festival will feature artists from North Alabama, the Southeast region and across the country and is held in historic Downtown Decatur as a celebration of the visual arts in all its forms. Held on the 4th weekend in September of each year, River Clay Fine Arts Festival offers participating artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work, to network and socialize with other artists, and to meet arts patrons from across the region. In addition to visiting with outstanding artists, arts patrons and other attendees will enjoy art demonstrations, musical performances, children’s activities and much, much more. River Clay Fine Arts Festival will truly offer something for everyone!

Date/Time: Sept. 26-27 | Sat. 9-5 | Sun. 10-4
Cost: $3/day or $5/weekend; ages 12 and under FREE
Location: 402 Lee Street NE, Decatur (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook

MBC Fall Festival

Morningside Baptist Church is hosting this Fall Festival and Craft Fair and invites the public to join in the fun. There will be games for the kids, food and vendor booths with all kinds of crafts and goodies. Join us for a fun and unique shopping experience while the kids play.

Date/Time: Sept. 26 | 9AM-2PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 15001 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville (map)
More Info: Facebook

October

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Wizard of Oz Movie Night

For a fun family outing, watch this all-time favorite under the stars. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or lawn chairs, come out to the Boeing-Toyota Amphitheatre, and claim your spot. Gates open at 6 and movie will start at dusk. A concession stand will be available and a bag of popcorn is included with each ticket.

Date/Time: Oct. 2 | 6-10PM
Cost: $5 each with family cap of $20
Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
More Info: Website

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Bring the family and enjoy a uniquely American experience whose roots are buried deep in the Appalachian mountains and beyond. It’s a musical and cultural experience that will thrust you into a simpler time where families were bound by the music they created and the stories they told. 

Date/Time: Oct. 2 & 3
Cost: $10/day or $15 for weekend (under 12 free)
Location: Athens, AL (map)
More Info: Website

Boaz Harvest Festival

Come join the fall fun in beautiful, historic downtown Boaz. This is the 51st celebration of Boaz’s harvest festival and the organizers have some special treats planned to celebrate. Bring the kids and enjoy the children’s area with fun for all ages. The antique car show and harvest moon 5K are just some of the activities this year.

Date/Time: Oct. 2 & 3 | 8AM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Boaz (map)
More Info: Website

Cullman Ocktoberfest

Where German Heritage is greeted with a Southern Style! 8 days of traditional German Music, food, dancing, Classic car show, arts & crafts, Hundfest, Bratwurst Eating contest, Miss Oktoberfest, the Burgermeister Ball, Stein Hoisting contest and our very own Cullman Comnunity Lion’s Club Bed Race are just a few events that you can enjoy while visiting our Craft Beer Garden located in our entertainment district. Authentic German Dinners hosted throughout our downtown, along with guided walking tours, shopping, music and fun, bring Cullman’s German History to life! 1st Saturday through the 2nd Saturday of October!

Date/Time: Oct. 3 – 11
Cost: Most events are FREE
Location: 211 Second Ave NE, Cullman (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook | Schedule

Madison Street Festival

The day kicks off with a parade at 9:00 AM. This festival has grown into one of the largest in North Alabama and if last year is any indication, you can expect a pretty large crowd. But there is more than enough to do and thanks to generous support from the local community, almost all of it is entirely FREE including everything at the children’s section (pony rides, games, crafts and more). Live music, arts & crafts, performances, and food!

Date/Time: Oct. 3 from 9AM-5PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Downtown Madison, AL (map)
Website: www.madisonstreetfestival.org

Owens X Roads Craft Fair and Bake Sale

This annual craft fair and bake sale sponsored by the Owens Cross Roads Homemakers club is sure to have lots of lovely trinkets and goodies. Great holiday decor and gift items. A $500 visa gift card will be raffled off as well.

Date/Time: Oct. 3 | 9AM-3PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 161 Wilson Mann Road, OXR (map)
More Info: Facebook

Rocket City LitFest

Celebrate storytelling in all forms with the Rocket City Lit Fest at the VBC South Hall. This is a family-oriented literary festival and a program filled with activities for all ages including: Workshops/Panels; NYT and USA Today Bestselling Authors; Book Signings/Readings; Raffles/Prizes; FREE One-on-One Writing Sessions for Ages 12-17 (limited availability); Costume Contest; Kids’ Storytime with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library.

Date/Time: Oct. 10 & 11
Cost: $8, adults | under 12 FREE
Location: VBC South Hall (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook | Schedule

Blossomwood Elementary Fall Festival

Fun for the whole family! Activities include inflatables, facepainting, bake sale and art sale. All monies raised go toward improving the school. Tickets for games available at the gate.

Date/Time: Sat. October 17 | 10AM-1PM
Cost: TBD
Location: 1321 Woodmont Ave, Huntsville (map)
More Info: Facebook | Email

Columbia Elementary Fall Festival

Join us for the first annual Columbia Elementary Fall Festival. There will be live music, great food, bounce houses, carnival games, arts/craft vendors, face painting, silent auctions, pumpkin carving contest, pet costume contest. Lots of fun and much, much more! *Skip the lines and pre‐order your Fall Festival tickets, enter the pet parade, pumpkin decorating contest or make a donation here.

Date/Time: Oct. 17 | 10AM-5:30PM
Cost: FREE, game tickets start at $1
Location: 667 Balch Road, Madison (map)
Website: Facebook | Tickets

Mentone Colorfest

For more than 30 years, Colorfest has drawn thousands of visitors to the quiet little mountain village of Mentone to drink in the cool, crisp mountain air, admire the glory of the fall foliage, and enjoy the festivities of Colorfest. Always held the third weekend in October, the festival combines nightly bonfires, live music, fabulous foods, boutique shopping and, of course, the incredibly talented artists and craftsmen who display their wares along Mentone Brow Park.

Date/Time: Oct. 17-18
Cost: Free
Location: Mentone, AL (map)
Website: Website | Facebook

Children’s Museum of the Shoals Fall Carnival

This fundraiser for the Children’s Museum of the Shoals will have games, character meet & greets, tasty treats, and an afternoon of family fun! There will be a silent auction and each item has been produced, painted, crafted or made locally from the Shoals. The Silent Auction Winners will be announced at 4pm as well as a drawing for a 50” Flat Screen TV. We welcome everyone to dress in their favorite super hero and princess attire. Tickets for games will be $1 each. You will receive 2 free tickets for bringing warming items for homeless that will be donated to Room in the Inn Shoals.

Date/Time: Sun. October 18 | 2-4PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 2810 Darby Drive, Florence (map)
More Info: Facebook

Rocket City NerdCon

Rocket City NerdCon 2015 is a three-day convention for individuals to celebrate all things nerdy. NerdCon will feature programs for all ages and vendors. The idea behind this event is to create a local convention similar to other fan and industry conventions around the country right here in one of the smartest places in the South. Rather than limit ourselves to a particular group or genre, we are seeking to include as many different representations of fan communities as possible. Basically, if people can geek out about it, we want to celebrate it.

Date/Time: Oct. 23-25
Cost: $15/day or $35/weekend (10 and under free with adult)
Location: Huntsville Public Library (map)
Website: Website | NerdCon on Facebook

Alabama Renaissance Faire

The Alabama Renaissance Faire is a non-profit community event celebrating the history and culture of the Renaissance in Europe. It is run solely by volunteers and serves the community through education and entertainment. The opening ceremony at 12:30PM on Saturday will include speeches and a parade around the faire site concluding with the current King and Queen holding court.

Date/Time: Oct. 24 & 25 | 10-6PM & 12-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Wilson Park, Florence, AL (map)
More Info: Website

International Heritage Festival @ Burritt

This annual festival will include cultures from many different countries, Native Americans and early settlers. This is an opportunity for your family to experience diverse cultures through music, dance, food, crafts, and history. Activities include shows by ethnic dancers, musicians, and crafts, artifacts and displays from different countries. International foods will be sold for lunch from 12:00-2:00.

Date/Time: Oct. 24 | 10AM-4PM
Cost: General Admission
Location: Burritt on the Mountain (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook

St. Mark’s Fall Festival

All ages are welcome for this family friendly day of fun, games, face painting, and of course – candy! Come in costume and enjoy everything from apple bobbing, pumpkin pounding, cake walk, to hotdogs and popcorn.

Date/Time: Oct. 31 from 2-5PM
Cost: FREE
Location: 200 Longwood Drive, Huntsville (map)
More Info: Call 256-539-4361 or Website

November

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Central Elementary Fall Festival & Craft Show

Make plans to attend this Fall Festival and Craft Show filled with games, Bingo, a basket auction, a cake walk and more. Perfect time for early Christmas shopping.

Date/Time: Nov. 7 | 1-5PM
Cost: FREE
Address: 990 Ryland Pike, Huntsville (map)
More Info: Facebook

Hilltop Arts Festival

This festival has a large variety of art forms for viewing and for sale. All items will be locally handmade/ hand painted arts and crafts by members of the Tennessee Valley. Local musical acts will perform during the day to entertain the crowd.

Date/Time: Nov. 7 from 9AM-6PM
Location: Elkmont, AL (map)
Cost: FREE
Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

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