September a month of local fairs and festivals

Although it might still be a few weeks until the deep South will feel a true nip in the air, the calendar says that fall has officially begun.

Football is back, school is in session, and pumpkin spice season is upon us.

Small-town festivals and county fairs are popping up across the region and North Alabama is here for it.

This month is full of down-home entertainment everywhere you turn. Is there a better way to enjoy the impending crisp autumn air during this season change? We don’t think so.

Use the list below to fill your fall weekends with a different fair or festival throughout the month of September. 

Monte Sano Art Festival: Huntsville, this weekend

For over two decades, the Monte Sano Art Festival has been a community tradition in North Alabama. Featuring one-of-a-kind masterpieces, the festival is free to attend, but Monte Sano Park charges $10 per car or $5 per walk-in attendee each day, cash only. All funds go toward supporting the state park system. The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

North Alabama State Fair: Muscle Shoals, Sept. 12-17

From its debut in 1934 to present day, the North Alabama State Fair is one of the largest annual events in the region. The fair is described as a “family-oriented community event, complete with agriculture, industrial, cultural and commercial exhibits.” Parking at the North Alabama State Fair is free and kids six and under are admitted free. Ages seven and up are $8. Armbands, which are not included with admission, are $30 Monday-Thursday and $35, Friday-Saturday. Combination gate and armband packages, good for one day, are available online for $30.

Boom Days: Fort Payne, Sept. 16-18

Fort Payne Boom Days Heritage Celebration honors the town’s rich cultural history through clothing and artifacts at the Fort Payne Depot Museum and a miniature railroad system, as well as musical guests, including Billy Dean, Joe Nichols and Dad Company, a CCR tribute band. Admission is free.

Depot Days Festival: Hartselle, Sept. 17

Depot Days is Hartselle’s biggest event of the year and includes a tractor show, car show, live entertainment and many vendors, as well as an art competition. Admission is free for this family-friendly event.

Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfest: Huntsville, Sept. 16-18

Admission to the 25th Annual Oktoberfest is $15 for parking and live music, or $25 for parking, live music and unlimited rides. Sample the best craft beer from local and regional breweries at the 8th Annual Craft Biergarten. For the first time, Military Night will be held on Friday night, in which admission will be free for all active duty personnel. Check the website for more information. 

Eva Frontier Days: Eva, Sept. 18-24

Eva Frontier Days covers an entire week and features a beauty pageant, hayride, community singing, music on the square, all culminating in a large festival day on the last Saturday in downtown Eva, including games, a petting zoo, food vendors and more.

Marshall County Fall Fair: Boaz, Sept. 20-24

Held at the Boaz Fairgrounds, the Marshall County Fall Fair will open at 6 p.m. each night. Admission for ages six and up is $5. Armbands are $20 Tuesday-Thursday, and $25 Friday-Saturday. First responders, active duty military and military veterans with credentials will receive up to four complimentary armbands per family. 

Crush Wine & Food Festival: Huntsville, Sept. 19-25

Held in Big Spring Park East in downtown Huntsville, Crush Wine & Food Festival features events such as Single Barrel Sipping, the Secret Garden Soiree, and the Safari Supper Abroad. Partners of the festival will provide charcuterie boards, chocolatiers, gourmet sandwiches, private wine guru tours, local artists, live music, grape stomping and more. Check the website for times and pricing details.

Blountsville Harvest Festival: Blountsville, Sept. 24

Presented by the Blountsville Business Association, the annual festival includes a car show, bounce houses, food trucks, a parade, live music and vendors. 

Hokes Bluff City Fest: Hokes Bluff, Sept. 24

A free family event, Hokes Bluff City Fest is a full day of live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, local vendors, a kid zone and more. Lorrie Morgan headlines the list of musical guests. Bands start at 3 p.m., remember to bring your lawn chairs.

Cullman Oktoberfest Festival: Cullman, Sept. 29-Oct. 1

The 41st annual Cullman Oktoberfest Festival is a jam-packed celebration of the town’s German heritage. Run the Oktoberfest 5K or 10K, enter your furry friend in the Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Race, check out the live entertainment, including both modern and German music, sip on a pint of locally brewed beer or enjoy a traditional German brat. Meet this year’s Bergermeister, who is elected by the community and honored as the host of the festival.