14 of the Best Fall Activities across Alabama!
By Sarah Baumann

Autumn in Alabama is one of the state's most exciting seasons. From thrilling college football games that will get you on your feet to festivals for the whole family to enjoy, this southern state will keep you entertained all throughout the season. So take advantage of the cooler weather and crimson foliage with this list of 14 fun things to do with your friends or family.

1. Kentuck Art Festival, Northport, AL

Recognized nationally and internationally, Kentuck Art Festival is one of Alabama's most fascinating fall events. The festival features prominent folk artists from across the country, featuring interactive demonstrations by expert artists-basket makers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, traditional potters, fiber and fabric artists, quilters, jewelers, and more. Kentuck also provides a free hands-on art making sites for children throughout the wood-havened festival.

2. Attend a college football game

One of the most essential elements to an Alabama fall is by enjoying one of the state's worthy treasures, college football. Whether you bleed Crimson & White for the University of Alabama or root for the Auburn Tigers, attending a collegiate football game will engulf you in a long-standing Alabama tradition that is unlike any other.

3. Cahawba Spirits Investigation, Orrville, AL

On this historical ghost tour, you don't have to believe in ghosts to feel the past calling to you. On this nightly tour, you will be carried away to Old Cahawba's most haunted sites by the light of the moon.

4. Fall bird migration at Dauphin Island

During the month of October, Dauphin Island serves as the last stop for over 347 species of birds as they travel back south to the Gulf and South America for the winter. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is the perfect place to catch these birds in action before leaving for the year.

5. Historic Quilt Show at Belle Mont, Tuscumbia, AL

The Belle Mont Quilt Show displays the rich quilt tradition of the region. The event features both historic and modern quilts from counties near and far, including a wide variety of quilting styles and techniques: the double wedding ring, Rose of Sharon, and the log cabin block. The show is held at the historic Belle Mont Mansion.

6. Columbiana Farmers' Market, Columbiana, AL

October and November are the last months to enjoy the farmers' market and trade day events in Shelby County, held every second Saturday of the month. Get out enjoy the crisp fall weather while enjoying what treasures and treats the markets have to offer with the family.

7. Zoo Boo at the Montgomery Zoo, Montgomery, AL

Enjoy 13 nights of Halloween fun at the Montgomery Zoo. Each night is full of hay rides (both haunted and traditional), bouncy castles, and a petting zoo fit for the whole family.

8. Annual Marshall County Christmas Show, Boaz, AL

Each year, Marshall County Craft Club hosts an annual Christmas show that features local artists. Find creative and traditional gift ideas for the ones you love, while also giving back to the community.

9. Heritage Alive, Birmingham, AL

During the month of October, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is hosting a series of free programs to engage young learners with the history of Alabama. A stellar learning-focused event for the kids.

10. Host a tailgate

Keeping in tune with the strong presence of college football in Alabama, host a tailgate on campus at either Auburn University or the University of Alabama. The extravagant and elegant tailgating scene sets Alabama apart from the rest of college football, and is a fun event for a large group of friends.

11. Guided Archaeology Tour of Cherokee & DeKalb Counties, Fort Payne, AL

Join archaeologist Dr. Harry Holstein for an unforgettable tour of sites throughout Cherokee and DeKalb counties. Guests will observe the 19th century Cornwall Iron Furnace, a Spanish contact site at Coosa village, a rock shelter in use as early as 3000 B.C., and much more. Transportation is provided for each tour.

12. Greenville Haunted Firehouse, Greenville, AL

Attend a night of frightful activities in the town of Greenville. Hosted every Friday and Saturday during the month of October, the proceeds to the Firehouse go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Cancer Society.

13. Peinhardt Living History Farm Day, Cullman, AL

Each year, Peinhardt Farm opens its venue to the public for a day of historical experience. The farm invites you to try your hand at "hands-on work" from the time period the farm was built. The event also features exhibits throughout their 40 acres of beautiful land, including old time woodworking, wagon rides, and the chance to ride an antique tractor.

14. Taste of Monroeville & Market, Monroeville, AL

Hosted in historic downtown Monroeville, the market features more than 30 vendors. The event hosts art, antiques, silver, apparel, jewelry, entertainment and, of course, refreshments tailored to the region.