Family-friendly things to do in Alabama this fall
The Alabama Tourism Department has compiled a list of free things to
do across Alabama this fall. From the mountains to the north to the
Gulf Coast and all the places in between, you will find something for
everyone to enjoy.
Gulf Coast
37th Annual National Shrimp Festival — Oct. 9-12
This
four-day event attracts more than 300,000 people. Peruse through the
wares of 300-plus vendors showcasing arts and crafts, a children’s
activity village and two musical stages featuring major national
recording artists and local favorites. Main Public Beach, Gulf Shores,
251-968-4237, www.nationalshrimpfestival.com.
Black Belt Region
Evergreen Sausage Festival — Oct. 11
Arts
and crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment, DooDaa pet
parade and food, including famous Conecuh Sausage dogs. Downtown
Evergreen, 251-578-1707, www.alabama.travel
Huntsville
Old Fashioned Trade Day on the Square — Sept. 6
Just
like the old days, Huntsville residents gather to trade, barter, sell,
eat, have fun and share fellowship. Music and dancing are also part of
the festivities. 256-536-3631, www.huntsville.org
Troy
Troy’s Johnson Center for the Arts grand opening — Sept. 14
Take
part in the grand opening ceremonies starting at 2 p.m. and see the
“The Prints of Andy Warhol,” exhibit. The exhibit includes 35 original
silk-screen prints. 334-268-9982, 334-670-2287, www.tpcac.org
Dothan
Scarecrows in the Garden — Oct. 1-31
This scarecrow building contest at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens results
in over 30 scarecrows on display for the month of October. For more
information call the DABG at 334-793-3224, www.dothancvb.com
Auburn
Syrup Soppin’ Day at Loachapoka — Oct. 20
Every autumn since 1972, local civic organizations have organized a syrup
sopping and historical fair. In addition to demonstrations of this
traditional mule-driven method of creating syrup, you’ll find delicious
food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. www.aotoruism.com or www.soppin.org
Montgomery
Cotton Classic Dog Show — Nov. 21-23
See all breeds of pooches strut their stuff at Garrett Coliseum at this AKC sponsored dog show. 334-567-3061, www.montgomerykennelclub.org (parking is $2.00)
Selma Scavenger Hunt — All fall
Want to test your memory? Visit the Old Live Oak Cemetery in the heart of
downtown Selma. Take the tour of this beautiful moss-draped cemetery,
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, then accept the
challenge. The Scavenger Hunt in Old Live Cemetery is not your ordinary
scavenger hunt; this one will test your wits. See if you remember the
name of Alabama’s only vice president of the United States, or
Alabama’s first U.S. congressman. 334-875-7241, www.selmaalabama.com
Jackson County
Old Timer’s Festival — Sept. 6
Take a few steps back into the past and experience quilting, corn grinding,
blacksmithing, broom making, whittling, shingle making, Native American
demonstrations, and period musical entertainment. Rosalie, Jay
Thornhill, 256-451-3640, www.jacksoncountychamber.com
Dekalb County The 26th Annual Mentone Colorfest – Oct. 17-19
This event kicks off with its traditional bonfire and storytelling in the heart of downtown Mentone.
Arts, crafts, great food and live entertainment fills Mentone Brow Park Saturday and Sunday. 256-634-9031, www.discoverlookoutmountain.com
Visitors are encouraged to check Web sites to verify event times and dates, as information is subject to change.
