20+ Can’t Miss Family-Friendly Events Happening in October
Fall is in full swing and there’s tons of ways to get in the spirit this October! We’ve rounded up more than 20 events to enjoy together this month and more than half of them are 100% FREE. Better yet, that doesn’t even include all of the trick or treat & trunk or treat events happening across town. Be sure to check out that list here for even more spooky and fall fun!
As always, there are MANY more events on our calendar so be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox each Thursday morning so you never miss out. No more scrolling on social media, fun is delivered directly to you.
Even More Family-Fun
🍬Trick or Treats & Trunk or Treats
🎃 North Alabama Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, & Hayrides
Where Witches Ride in Huntsville & North Alabama
Alabama Honey Festival
Time: October 1, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Alabama A&M University Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station
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This year's community event promises to have more educational programs, demos and of course, specialty vendors and food trucks. Bring your love to learn and go on a scavenger hunt.
BUG LOVE Nature Workshop
Time: October 4, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Hays Nature Preserve
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Join at the Hays Nature Preserve Natural Playground for some fun and learning about bugs and insects. Don’t know the difference between the two? You will after this workshop! Kids of all ages are invited to come enjoy hands-on-learning stations, including a Create Your Own Insect craft.
Hamburgers and Hayrides
Time: October 4, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
Cost: $15 – $27
Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden
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Enjoy a delicious Grilled Lunch before setting off on a hay-bound journey to the back of the Garden! Relax as you trundle along on your visit to the autumnal Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Moundville Native American Festival (Tuscaloosa)
Date/Time: October 4-7
Cost: $10
Location: Moundville Archaeological Park and Museum
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Join October 4-7 for the 35th annual Moundville Native American Festival! Moundville will be a “City of Life” as festival goers celebrate the cultures of Southeastern Native Americans, past and present. Bring your family and friends to meet Native American artisans, see traditional dances, listen to stories and music, and support local and Native American businesses at an ancient city on the Black Warrior River.
Brahan Spring Park Cleanup Day
Time: October 7, 2023 @ 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Brahan Spring Park
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Join Green Team at Brahan Spring Park to participate in a Cleanup Day on Saturday, October 7. Please meet west of 2017 Drake Avenue along the bank of Spring Branch Creek at Brahan Spring Park. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. All ages are welcome.
2023 Rocket City Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Time: October 7, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Sharon Johnston Park
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Welcome to the official Highland Games and Scottish Festival of North Alabama. There will be games, clan tents, and vendors. Be sure and stay for the gathering of the clans! Come join the fun!
Madison Street Festival
Time: October 7, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Madison
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Madison Street Festival is a FREE community event located in Historic Downtown Madison Alabama. Bring your family and help CELEBRATE! There will be entertainment, an area to showcase local business, arts and crafts, a children’s and teen area, exhibits, food, sponsor row, Midtown Madison Area showcasing the city and so much more.
Fall for All
Time: October 7, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Big Spring Park
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Enjoy a petting zoo, kids' crafts, mid-way style games and pumpkin bowling. Try out the (inflatable) mechanical bull, cheer on contestants in the celebrity pie-eating contest and enjoy live music with a touch of bluegrass. There will also be food trucks on-site, offering delicious drinks, eats & treats for sale.
Movies in the Park
Date/Time: Fridays October 13- November 3
Cost: Free
Location: Big Spring Park
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Movies in the Park, presented by Meta, is back this year at Big Spring Park East! Each night will have themed entertainment prior to the movie showing. Make sure to bring your own blanket and chairs, and come out to enjoy these Fall Friday Nights!
Lake City Fall Fest (Guntersville)
Date/Time: October 13-14
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Guntersville
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Join the annual Lake Guntersville Merchant Association FALL FEST 2023! Beginning Friday October 13 with the Witches and Wizards ride hosted by Stach then head over to shop with merchants and vendors downtown Guntersville. Yummy eats and sweets at Food Truck Alley and entertainment at Errol Allan Park. You won't want to miss it!
Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral Show
Date/Time: October 13-15
Cost: Free – $5
Location: Huntsville Jaycee’s Building
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The Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral Show will feature National and International exhibitors offering a full spectrum of precious and semiprecious stones, beads, fossils, minerals, jewelry and lapidary materials and equipment, and custom jewelry and art objects of every type and price. Something for everyone! Kids will have educational opportunities and hands-on activities and can look for treasures in the mining flume and opening geodes.
BBQ Festival (Scottsboro)
Time: October 14, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Scottsboro
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The 8th Annual Scottsboro BBQ Festival will be held Saturday, October 14th on the Downtown Square in Scottsboro. Vendors, Food, BBQ, Beer Garden, Backyard Contest, Cornhole Tournament, People's Choice Sampling/Voting, Car/Truck/Motorcycle Show, Dog Show, Kids Activities and more!
Venardos Circus
Date/Time: October 19-29
Cost: $19 – $31
Location: MidCity Huntsville
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Back by popular demand the fabulous Venardos Circus (veh-NARR-dos), a Broadway-style animal-free circus, is returning to Huntsville!
Whistlestop BBQ Festival
Date/Time: October 20-21
Cost: $15 – $25
Location: MidCity Huntsville
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Whistlestop BBQ Festival is BACK - REIMAGINED AND BETTER THAN EVER! WhistleStop, the Rocket City BBQ Festival, has been a beloved North Alabama tradition since 2001. As a primary fundraising event for the EarlyWorks Children's Museum, the festival raises funds allowing EarlyWorks to expand its offerings and better serve the community over the years.
The Jungle Book
Date/Time: October 20-22 & 27-29
Cost: $17 – $22
Location: Von Braun Center Playhouse
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Deep in the mysterious Jungle lives Mowgli, a curious young boy raised by wolves. When the mighty roar of a fearsome tiger forces Mowgli to leave the only home he’s ever known, the young boy sets off on a journey where he meets an array of jungle creatures. Mowgli must rely on the guidance of his new friends, a pragmatic panther and a big brother bear as he learns valuable life lessons through self-discovery, brave adventures, and the rules of the jungle
Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears
Date/Time: October 21
Cost: Free
Location: Trinity United Methodist Church
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Bring grandchildren, family, and friends and see Opera Huntsville present an operatic version of Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears.
International Festival of North Alabama
Time: October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Huntsville Jaycee’s Building
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The International Festival of North Alabama showcases the depth and breadth of North Alabama's vibrant international community. Stop by for a day of fun, food, open air markets and more!
Chalktoberfest
Time: October 21, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Bridge Street
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The event area will be located around the Belk Courtyard and throughout Bridge Street at participating retailers and restaurants. There will be live music, balloon artist, face painting and more!
STEAMfest 2023
Time: October 28, 2023 @ 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Von Braun Center
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Join STEAMfest 2023 for Alabama's best celebration of Science and Technology! Experience Science and Technology for ALL ages in our community like never before - fun, entertaining, and educational. A full day expo with demonstrations, performances, presentations, and free science kits in the name of science education. FREE and fun for everyone! Don’t miss it!
Fall Festival at Toyota Field
Time: October 28, 2023 @ 5:00 PM
Cost: Free – $15
Location: Toyota Field – Rocket City Trash Pandas
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On Saturday, October 28, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will be hosting a Fall Festival at Toyota Field, presented by Metro Diner. Trick-or-treating on the Bill Penney Toyota Concourse and the Toyota Outfield Experience will take place from 5-7 p.m. with a screening of The Haunted Mansion to follow on the videoboard at 7:15 p.m.
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