When September rolls around and it finally starts cooling off (even just a little bit) outside, we tend to get really excited here in the River Region. Here’s your guide to what’s going on in the River Region this fall- and every fall!
Alabama National Fair- Montgomery
The Alabama National Fair comes around to Montgomery each October. Staple attractions include exciting fair rides, live music, a family-friendly circus, and art and livestock exhibits. There are a variety of shows featured at the fair each year. This year, check out K9s in Flight and the Live Shark Encounter! Plus, catch live performances by John Anderson, JJ Weeks, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and more.
Autauga County Fair- Prattville
Mark your calendars for the 55th Annual Autauga County Fair! This cash-only family event features top notch carnival ride entertainment and classic fair food concessions. Kids and adults alike will love the Tickled Pink Petting Zoo with a wide variety of farm and exotic animals.
Spinners Pumpkin Patch Craft & Vendor Show- Prattville
Spinners Pumpkin Patch is a free event that’s held at Spinners Park in Prattville during one weekend each fall. This annual event has officially been running for 41 years! It typically features local vendors and artists, live music, fun for the kids, and more. The event is put on by the Prattville Spinners, a group that has been uniting local women while contributing to the community through volunteer work and financial support since 1951.
ZooBoo- Montgomery
ZooBoo is the Montgomery Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration. You’ll love taking the haunted train ride, interacting with costumed characters, and collecting lots of treats. There are also plenty of non-scary activities, like the Pumpkin Pull hayride and inflatable bounce houses. It’s so cool to visit the zoo after hours, so don’t miss out!
Parade of Pumpkins- Prattville
This year marks the 4th Annual Parade of Pumpkins in Prattville! Festive storefronts, seasonal displays, decorated pumpkins, and yummy local food trucks will transform Historic Downtown. This year there will even be a new Pumpkin Barrel Trail and an expanded GLOW Trail. Make sure to submit your very own decorated pumpkin for a chance to win prizes and share your creativity!
Riverwalk Wine Festival- Montgomery
Check out the 12th Annual Riverwalk Wine Festival this October! This annual event held in Downtown Montgomery is perfect for anyone looking for good food, great wine, and amazing performances from local musicians. Vineyards from across the state will have booths set up for tasting and purchasing. Anyone can go, but you must be 21 and over to sample the available wines. P.S. Your ticket comes with a souvenir wine glass and bag!
YMCA Wing Festival- Montgomery
Montgomery’s East Family YMCA’s Annual Wing Festival is held each fall and features great chicken wings from local competitors, refreshments, and plenty of family fun with activities for children. Fancy yourself a wing connoisseur? Sign up to enter the competition- you can even sign up with a whole team! Just love chicken wings? Come out and sample the best the River Region has to offer! The funds raised by this event go towards East Family YMCA’s Annual Campaign.
Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair- Pike Road
The Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair typically happens each November. Make plans to attend this year so you can enjoy diverse works of high-quality local artwork and craftwork, delicious treats and snacks, and tons of great shopping just in time for the holidays. Admission is cash only- so make sure to stop by the ATM on your way there!
Junior League of Montgomery’s Holiday Market- Montgomery
It’s never to early to start shopping for the holidays, right? Early October seems like the perfect time! The Junior League of Montgomery’s Annual Holiday Market is the perfect place to pick up something special for everyone on your list- plus a few things for yourself, of course! You will find beautiful clothing, incredible jewelry, children’s items, gourmet food, home & holiday décor, and lots more. Want to get in on the action a little early and be the first to shop with vendors? Make sure to buy tickets for the Preview Party!
Alabama Frontier Days- Wetumpka
Frontier Days at Ft.Toulouse-Ft.Jackson in Wetumpka are usually held each year in November. This event spans several days and will give you an idea of what life was really like on the Southern frontier during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Frontier crafts and trades are often demonstrated by specialists dressed in historic costumes- make sure to take plenty of pictures! You can always find good food, entertaining shows, and lots of cool little gifts at Frontier Days. P.S. Even when Frontier Days are over, you can still visit Ft.Toulouse-Ft.Jackson every day of the year for a little dose of history!
Turkey Day Classic- Montgomery
The Turkey Day Classic is held annually at ASU’s Dunn-Oliver Acadome on Thanksgiving Day and is one of the nation’s oldest HBCU football classics. There are several days filled with fun events like parades and concerts leading up to the game. Make sure you snag your tickets early— they usually go pretty fast!
Scarecrow Row- Wetumpka
Don’t miss out on Downtown Wetumpka’s Second Annual Scarecrow Row this October! Enter your own unique scarecrow for the contest or just enjoy seeing the creativity of your neighbors and community. This is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and show just how crafty you can get.
Holiday Open House- Wetumpka
Check out Downtown Wetumpka’s Annual Holiday Open House each November! This yearly shopping event typically includes extended business hours, amazing deals, and exclusive seasonal specials. Make sure to check with the individual businesses for their hours and promotions!