If you’re searching for new homes in Prattville, AL, you might want to know what’s buzzing in the state. Every year, Alabama hosts a variety of unique events that not only bring out the locals but also attract tourists from around the globe. Here are ten annual events in Alabama that will make you want to pack your bags and move!
1. Mardi Gras in Mobile
Mobile boasts the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, tracing its origins back to 1703. Year after year, this immersive event transforms the city streets into a parade of colorful floats, marching bands, and masked revelers. In addition to world-class entertainment, indulge in delicious King Cake and collect unique “throws” from parade participants.
2. Panoply Arts Festival
Held annually in Huntsville during April, the Panoply Arts Festival is an interactive art experience for all ages. It showcases over 100 visual artists from across the country, displaying various art forms like printmaking, photography, painting, sculpture, and glasswork. The event also features live performances from local musicians and hands-on workshops.
3. National Shrimp Festival
Taking place along the beautiful Gulf Shores beaches every October, the National Shrimp Festival attracts thousands of seafood lovers annually. Enjoy more than 300 vendors serving up delicious shrimp-based dishes while exploring local artwork and handmade crafts. Complete your experience with live music spanning a variety of genres.
4. Hangout Music Festival
Thousands flock to Gulf Shores annually for the three-day Hangout Music Festival in May, featuring various popular and emerging artists across multiple stages on the beachfront. Find everything from rock to indie to electronic dance music while engaging in beach volleyball or yoga on-site activities.
5. The Miracle Worker Play in Ivy Green
Performed on the grounds of Helen Keller’s childhood home, Ivy Green, in Tuscumbia, The Miracle Worker play depicts the inspiring story of this extraordinary woman and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The captivating drama runs on weekends from June through July, inviting visitors to explore history and the triumph of adversity.
6. W.C. Handy Music Festival
Florence hosts this week-long festival in July, which pays tribute to the Blues “Father” and Florence native W.C. Handy. It features more than 200 events scattered across the Shoals area, including live performances from both local and national musicians, storytelling, poetry reading, jam sessions, and a parade.
7. Barber Vintage Festival
Every October, motorcycle enthusiasts congregate at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham to admire an impressive array of classic bikes spanning various eras. This three-day festival highlights rare motorcycle collections, thrilling races, stunt shows, swap meets, and the renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
8. Alabama Shakespeare Festival
As one of the largest professional theatres in Alabama, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival runs from February to May each year in Montgomery. Featuring well-known plays such as Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream alongside contemporary works like Little Shop of Horrors and Ruby: The Story of Ruby Bridges.
9. Peanut Boil Festival
In Luverne, Alabama, you’ll find one of the largest peanut boils in the world! Celebrate Alabama’s agricultural history with this fun-filled event which includes live concerts, cook-offs featuring unique peanut dishes, arts & crafts shops, street performers, a parade, and other activities for all ages.
10. Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention
This three-day celebration in Athens encourages visitors to experience the tradition of fiddling and bluegrass performances by both professional and amateur musicians. With a lively atmosphere, impromptu jam sessions, dance-offs, and food concessions, this event is perfect for a family-friendly weekend.