Fun things to do in Alabama

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Alabama.

McGee Farm Pumpkin Patch

FREE! Through October 31 This farm attracts thousands to its pumpkin patch each year to celebrate the beginning of fall. Visitors can pick pumpkins from the vine or choose from pre-picked piles of the seasonal gourd. For a small fee, folks can participate in farm activities like visiting the on-site goats and chickens or hay play. McGee Farm, Florence. 

Auburn Oktoberfest

October 19 Live music, stein hoisting, wiener dog races, food trucks, and brews from top breweries round out one of the Southeast’s largest beer festivals. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite central Alabama homebrewer. Packages start at $50 per person. Heritage Park, Auburn.

Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll

FREE! October 20 This living history event features more than 75 costumed characters, traditional music, special exhibits, an expanded antique auto display, and student scavenger hunts. This year introduces a dozen new characters, and exhibits highlight the cemetery’s history and restoration projects. Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville. 

Hey Day Holiday

FREE! Mid-November through January Get festive on the green space outside Hey Day Market. Lace up your ice skates and take a spin on the skating rink or admire the giant 24-foot Christmas tree every day from noon to 8:30 p.m. Auburn.

Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

November 7–17 More than 200 musicians from around the world play various venues at this annual event. Festival attendees can enjoy intimate concert experiences while learning the stories behind the tunes. Many of the performances are free; some have a modest cover charge. Various locations, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. 

Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

FREE! November 9–10 This third annual festival brings food trucks, craft beers, lawn games, and family fun. Admission is free and beer packages start at $18. Town Green, Gulf Shores.

Galaxy of Lights

November 15–December 31 This cherished holiday tradition offers a magical walking or driving experience with dazzling lights and animated displays. Adult walking tickets start at $13; driving admission starts at $25. Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville. 

Wonderland Under Warrior

Wednesdays–Sundays late November through December 30 Walk among stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations adorned with 100,000 sparkling lights for a unique winter celebration. Gifts, ornaments, snacks, and hot cocoa will be available for purchase. Admission, $12 per person. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Rickwood Caverns State Park, Warrior. 

Tinsel Trail

FREE! November 29–January 1, 2025 Big Spring International Park hosts a display of live Christmas trees decorated by businesses, nonprofits, and other groups or individuals. Families can peruse more than 400 trees on the trail. Huntsville. 

Dickens Downtown

FREE! December 3 Immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas on the first Tuesday of December. Enjoy performances of scenes from A Christmas Carol along with local choirs, carolers, Father Christmas, an English town crier, and festive shopping. Downtown Northport. 

Always Patsy Cline

December 5–8 Based on Cline’s relationship with fan and pen pal Louise Seger, this musical play recounts the friendship through 27 of the singer’s biggest hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walking After Midnight.” Tickets, $20. Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. 

Victorian Front Porch Tour

FREE! December 13–17 Drive or walk through Opelika’s historic district, where Victorian homes are adorned with festive decorations. On December 14, enjoy carolers, costumed residents, and a palpable holiday spirit. Don’t miss this annual celebration that has taken place for more than 30 years. Opelika. 

Historic Decatur Christmas Tour

December 14 Take a stroll through history this holiday season with a self-guided tour that showcases festive homes, churches, and landmarks. Sip on refreshments and take in the beauty of the Albany and Old Decatur districts. Tickets, $30. Decatur.