Alabama's Best Fall 2015 Events: Your guide to 42 festivals, fairs & other things to do

Mary Colurso | [email protected]

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Photo by Kelsey Stein | [email protected]

Breakin' Bread, The Local Flavor Festival

What: Food and wine from independent restaurants with creative chefs.

When: Sept. 27.

Where: Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. North, Birmingham.

Website: www.birminghamoriginals.org

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Photos by Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

"Chocolate! The Exhibition"

What: Extensive touring exhibit from Field Museum of Chicago, explores history and culural impact of chocolate over 1,500 years.

When: Through Jan. 17, 2016.

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 66 Government St., Mobile.

Website: www.exploreum.com

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Al.com file photo by Kate Mercer/Press-Register

Alabama Coastal BirdFest

What: Birding tours, workshops, speakers, hikes, nature cruises, expo and and more, for newcomers or experienced birders.

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 3.

Where: Various locations on Alabama Gulf Coast; headquarters at 5 Rivers -- Alabama's Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort.

Website: www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com

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AL.com file photos by Joe Songer (top and bottom right), Michelle Campbell (bottom left), Jerry Ayres (bottom center)

Alabama Butterbean Festival

What: Vendors, food booths, crafts tables, music, cooking contests, children's activities and more.

When: Oct. 2-3.

Where: Main Street, downtown Pinson.

Website: www.albutterbeanfestival.org

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Photo courtesy of Boaz Facebook page

Boaz Harvest Festival

What: Arts & crafts, food, children's activiites, classic car show, music, Miss Harvest Festival pageant and more.

When: Oct. 2-3.

Where: Downtown Boaz, near Main Street and Bartlett Avenue.

Website: www.boazchamberofcommerce.com

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CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival

What: Three stages of music with an emphasis on jam bands, camping, hiking, rock climbing and more. Lineup includes Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express, Festival Expressions, Downright, Freekbass and Little Raine Band.

When: Oct. 2-4.

Where: Horse Pens 40, off St. Clair County 42, Steele.

Website: www.cukorakko.com

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Al.com file photo by Eric Schultz/The Huntsville Times

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

What: Music competitions, performances, old-time arts and crafts.

When: Oct. 2-3.

Where: Athens State University, Alabama Farmers Cooperative Stage near Founders Hall and other locations, 300 N Beaty St., Athens.

Website: www.athens.edu/fiddlers

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Photo by Tamika Moore | [email protected]

Fiesta

What: Celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage, via music, food, art and dance.

When: Oct. 3.

Where: Linn Park, 710 20th St. North, Birmingham.

Website: www.fiestabirmingham.com

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Photo by Brian Kelly | [email protected]

Alabama Festival of Flavor

What: Food tastings from restautants and businesses, food trucks, wine and beer tastings, music, football games on jumbo TV screen.

When: Oct. 3.

Where: Downtown Foley.

Website: www.alabamafestivalofflavor.com

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Photos by Tamika Moore | [email protected] and Eat Drink Read Write Facebook page

Eat Drink Read Write Festival

What: Series of dinners mixes food and literature; includes authors, spoken word, storytelling, book signings.

When: Oct. 6-9.

Where: Birmingham Public Library, Central Branch, 2100 Park Place, and Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham.

Website: www.bplonline.org

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The Birmingham News file photo/Jeremy Lyverse

Moundville Native American Festival

What: Celebration of the South's Native American heritage, via performers, artists, craftsmen and tradition bearers.

When: Oct. 7-10.

Where: Moundville Archaeological Park, 13075 Moundville Archaeological Park, Moundville.

Website: http://moundville.ua.edu

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Photo by Brian Kelly | [email protected]

National Shrimp Festival

What: Food vendors (including shrimp galore), music, fine arts, crafts, chidlren's activities, sand sculpture contest, run, golf tournament and more.

When: Oct. 8-11.

Where: Public beach area, intersection of Alabama 59 and Alabama 182, Gulf Shores.

Website: http://myshrimpfest.com

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Photo by Tamika Moore | [email protected]

Southern Women's Show

What: Exhibits, vendor booths, demos, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, health and beauty tips, food, shopping and more.

When: Oct. 8-11.

Where: BJCC Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham.

Website: https://southernshows.com/wbi

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AL.com file photo/Mark Almond

Barber Vintage Festival

What: Motorcycle Classics Show, swap meet, vendors, seminars, fan gatherings and more, all celebrating vintage motorcycles.

When: Oct. 9-11.

Where: Barber Motorsports Park, 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham.

Website: www.barbermotorsports.com

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Fall Boogie #4

What: Music festival with artists such as Pine Hill Haints, Larry Mitchell Band and Natural Child;  food vendors; T-shirt and poster sale.

When: Oct. 10.

Where: Standard Deluxe, 1015 Mayberry, Waverly.

Website: http://standarddeluxe.com

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Mary Colurso | [email protected]

Rocket City Lit Fest

What: Storytelling, readings, speakers, workshops, book signings, costume contest and more.

When: Oct. 10-11.

Where: Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St. Southwest, Huntsville.

Website: www.rocketcitylitfest.com

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AL.com file photo/Michelle Campbell

Cullman Oktoberfest

What: Celebration of German heritage and culture, with food, beer, music, dancing, bed race, run and more.

When: Oct. 7-11

Where: 211 2nd Ave Northeast, Cullman.

Website: www.cullmanoktoberfest.com

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Wine Festival at 5 Rivers Facebook photo

Wine Festival at 5 Rivers

What: Wine tastings, food from area restaurants, auction and more; benefit for Catholic Social Services.

When: Oct. 15.

Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort.

Website: www.wineat5rivers.com

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Press-Register file photo/Mike Kittrell

Greek Fest

What: Greek food, marketplace, music, dancing, children's activities, church tour.

When: Oct. 15-17.

Where: Annunciation Greek Church, 50 S. Ann St., Mobile.

Website: www.greekfestmobile.org

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Mary Colurso | [email protected]

Bluegrass on the Blackwater

What: Eight music acts including Lonesome River Band, Larry Sparks, Larry Cordle & Carl Jackson, Band of Ruhks and Lard Bucket Bluegrass Band. With camping and concessions.

When: Oct. 16-17.

Where: Blackwater Park, 148 Bluegrass Lane, Jasper.

Website: Bluegrass on the Blackwater Facebook page

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Cask & Drum Facebook photos

Cask & Drum

What: Music festival with wine and beer tasting, food trucks and more. Lineup includes Warren Haynes, Green River Ordinance, Perpetual Groove and Great Peacock.

When: Oct. 17.

Where: Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St. South.

Website: www.caskanddrum.com

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The Birmingham News file photo/Beverly Taylor

Kentuck Festival of the Arts

What: Visual arts festival with emphasis on folk artists; includes contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, crafts and more. Two music stages, demos, children's activities, food and beverage vendors.

When: Oct. 17-18.

Where: Kentuck Park, 3501 Fifth St., Northport.

Website: www.kentuck.org/the-festival/

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Mentone Colorfest

What: Arts and crafts show, bonfires, music, foods, boutique shopping, scarecrow building, run, children's activities and more.

When: Oct. 17-18.

Where: Town of Mentone, off Alabama 117.

Website: Mentone festivals Facebook page.

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Photo courtesy of Athens Storytelling Festival

Athens Storytelling Festival

What: Professional and amateur storytellers perform, including Andy Offut Irwin, Donald Davis, Carmen Deedy and Michael Reno Harrell.

When: Oct. 20-24

Where: Courthouse square, Jefferson Street near North Washington Street, Athens.

Website: www.athensstorytellingfestival.com

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Photo courtesy of Fort Benning's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Fort Benning's Oktoberfest

What: Celebration of German history and culture with food, beer, music, dancing, children's activities and more.

When: Oct. 23-25.

Where: Uchee Creek Campground, Uchee Creek Road, Fort Mitchell.

Website: www.benningmwr.com/oktoberfest-2015/

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Rocket City NerdCon Facebook photo

Rocket City NerdCon

What: Science fiction and fantasy convention, with panel discussions, vendors, celebrity appearances, masquerade ball, contests, cosplay and more.

When: Oct. 23-25.

Where: Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St., Huntsville.

Website: http://hmcpl.org/rocketcitynerdcon

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International Heritage Festival

What: Celebration of various countries and cultures, via music, food, dance, crafts and artifacts.

When: Oct. 24.

Where: Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive Southeast, Huntsville

Website: www.burrittonthemountain.com

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Alabama Renaissance Faire

What: Celebration of culture and history of Renaissance in Europe, with vendors, music, feasting, costumes, contests and more.

When: Oct. 24-25.

Where: Wilson Park, near North Seminary and East Tuscaloosa streets, downtown Florence.

Website: www.alarenfaire.org

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Bellingrath Gardens and Home Facebook page photo

Balloon Glow in the Gardens

What: Hot air balloons, Halloween and fall-themed inflatables, trick-or-treating, food trucks, music and more.

When: Oct. 24.

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore.

Website: http://bellingrath.org/experiences/events/balloon-glow-in-the-gardens/

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The Birmingham News file photo/Jeff Roberts

Cotton Pickin' Celebration

What: Living history festival with arts and crafts, Civil War re-enactment, corn maze, bluegrass and gospel music, hayrides and more.

When: Oct. 24-25

Where: Old Baker Farm, Harpersville.

Website: www.oldbakerfarm.com

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Photo by Joe Songer | [email protected]

CampingWorld.com 500

What: Fall race in NASCAR Sprint Cup series, centerpiece of weekend at track that includes camping, tailgating, infield concerts, driver appearances and more.

When: Oct. 24.

Where: Talladega Superspeedway, 3366 Superspeedway Drive, Lincoln.

Website: www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

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Press-Register file photo/Kate Mercer

Woofstock

What: Pet festival celebrating dogs and the people who love them, via weiner races, costume contest, music, food, vendors, children's activities and more.

When: Oct. 25.

Where: Bienville Square, 150 Dauphin St., Mobile.

Website: http://woofstockmobile.com

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Photos by Julie Bennett | [email protected]

Alabama National Fair

What: Concerts, midway rides, food vendors, livestock exhibits, choral festival, photography, flower show, scarecrow competition and more.

When: Oct. 30-Nov. 8.

Where: Alabama Agricultural Center, Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery

Website: www.alnationalfair.org

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Photo by Tamika Moore | [email protected]

Magic City Classic

What: Historic football match-up between Alabama A&M and Alabama State universities, surrounded by several days of events that include a parade, tailgates, concerts, comedy shows, marching band performances, nightclub parties, a scholarship breakfast and more.

When: Oct. 31.

Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave. West, Birmingham.

Website: http://www.themagiccityclassic.com

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Press-Register file photo/Chip English

GATALOP 32

What: Renaissance fair from The Barony of the Osprey, with combat, feasting, costume revel and more.

When: Oct. 30-Nov. 1.

Where: Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin island<

Website: www.baronyosprey.org/Gatalop32/

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Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Facebook photo

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival,

What: Veterans and newcomers perform original songs at several venues on the Gulf Coast. Festival is dedicated to longtime night watchman at the Flora-Bama.

When: Nov. 5-15.

Where: Nightclubs and restaurants in Orange Beach Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key and more.

Website: http://frankbrownsongwriters.com

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Photo by Brian Kelly | [email protected]

Hangout Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend

What: Oyster tastings, cooking demos, shucking contest, craft beer festival, football viewing, music and more.

When: Nov. 6-7.

Where: 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores.

Website: http://hangoutcookoff.com

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Photo by Brian Kelly | [email protected]

Alabama Soccer Festival

What: Soccer matches, skills challenges and workshops for athletes of all ages. With block party, guest speakers and more.

When: Nov. 6-8.

Where: Orange Beach Sportsplex, Gulf Shores Sportsplex and Foley Sportsplex, Orange Beach.

Website: http://alabamasoccerfestival.com

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National Peanut Festival Facebook photo

National Peanut Festival

What: "Peanut Capitol of the World" celebrates with food, carnival rides, animal attractions, agricultural displays, concerts, livestock shows, pageants, a parade and more.

When: Nov. 6-15.

Where: Fairgrounds at 5622 U.S. 31, Dothan.

Website: http://nationalpeanutfestival.com

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Stockton Sawmill Days Facebook photo

Stockton Sawmill Days

What: Celebration of lumberjacks, logging and sawmill history, with demos, food, folk art, music, wagon rides and more.

When: Nov 7.

Where: Bicentennial Park, 51233 Alabama 225, Stockton.

Website: http://www.stocktonsawmilldays.org

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Press-Register file photo/Kate Mercer

Alabama Pecan Festival

What: Food (including the event's famed pecan pies), carnival rides, music, crafts, contests, children's activities and more.

When: Nov. 6-8.

Where: Tillman's Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile.

Website: www.alabamapecanfestival.com

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Thanksgiving Pow Wow

What: Celebration of Native American culture, history and traditions, with dancing, ceremonies, contests, food, vendors and more.

When: Nov. 26-27.

Where: Poarch Creek Indian Reservation, 6477 Jack Springs Road, Atmore.

Website: Poarch Creek Annual Indian Pow Wow Facebook page

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