Savor the Flavors of Alabama's Autumn Festivals

As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, Alabama's food lovers are in for a treat. From barbecue to butterbean celebrations, the state is abuzz with a lineup of festivals showcasing the best of its culinary delights. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a shrimp enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the sweet nectar of local honey, there's an event to tantalize your taste buds this fall.

Indulge in the Sizzle and Smoke of Decatur's Steak Grilling Competition

Sizzle and Smoke (Decatur)

September 27-28 at Ingalls Harbor, 802 Wilson Street, Decatur, ALSteak lovers, prepare your palates for the Sizzle and Smoke event in Decatur. This two-day competition pits contestants against each other in a high-stakes steak-grilling challenge, with the winner earning a coveted spot at the 2025 SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) World Foods Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. The fundraiser for the Decatur-based Mosaic Mentoring program provides the competition steaks, and even the younger generation can get in on the action with a pork chop challenge. Beyond the sizzling steaks, the event also features the Real Steel Garage Charity Car Show, showcasing the latest automotive creations and offering a diverse array of arts, crafts, and food trucks for attendees to explore.

Explore the Flavors of Downtown Opelika's Wine and Cheese Tour

On The Tracks (Opelika)

September 27 in Downtown Opelika, ALWine and cheese enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the On The Tracks event in Opelika. This tour of the downtown area offers a unique opportunity to sample a variety of wines and cheeses at nearly 20 different stops. As you sip and savor, you'll also have the chance to indulge in some late-evening shopping, with local merchants opening their doors to welcome visitors. To add to the festive atmosphere, the event will feature a lineup of live entertainment and delectable food trucks, creating a truly immersive experience for the senses.

Savor the Diverse Culinary Offerings at Hoover's Taste of Hoover

Taste of Hoover (Hoover)

October 3 at Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, ALFoodies, prepare to be dazzled at the Taste of Hoover event. This annual celebration showcases the city's vibrant culinary scene, with nearly two dozen restaurants, food trucks, and caterers coming together to offer a tantalizing array of samples. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Aldridge Gardens, the event promises an evening under the stars filled with delectable bites, refreshing drinks, and lively musical entertainment. Limited onsite parking is available, but a convenient shuttle service will run from the Bed Bath and Beyond parking lot in the Riverchase Shopping Center, ensuring easy access for all attendees.

Celebrate the Humble Butterbean at the Alabama Butterbean Festival

Alabama Butterbean Festival (Pinson)

October 4-5 on Main Street, Pinson, ALGet ready to embrace the humble yet beloved butterbean at the Alabama Butterbean Festival in Pinson. This fall carnival and celebration of one of Alabama's favorite legumes promises a weekend of fun, food, and entertainment. The C&M Entertainment Carnival sets up shop starting Wednesday, October 3, and runs through Sunday, offering thrilling rides and games for all ages. The Butterbean Festival itself takes place on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a delectable array of butterbean-inspired dishes, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Admission to the festival is free, while the carnival offers armbands for $20 and individual ride tickets for $1 each or 12 for $10.

Discover the Sweet Wonders of Alabama's Honey at the Alabama Honey Festival

Alabama Honey Festival (Hazel Green)

October 6 at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Station, 372 Walker Lane, Hazel Green, AL 35750Honey enthusiasts, prepare to be captivated by the Alabama Honey Festival in Hazel Green. Presented by Alchemy Farm and Plants, this sixth annual event celebrates the sweet nectar produced by the hardworking bees that pollinate our edible plants and flowers. In a new location this year, the festival promises a delightful afternoon filled with baked goods, fresh produce, and an array of arts and crafts, all complemented by the star of the show – raw honey and honey-made products. Admission to this celebration of nature's golden treasure is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.

Savor the Flavors of the Gulf at the National Shrimp Festival

National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores)

October 10-13 at 101 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, ALAlabama's coastal region is renowned for its access to fresh-caught shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, and the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is the ultimate celebration of this crustacean delight. For over 50 years, this volunteer-run festival has been the go-to destination for shrimp enthusiasts, offering an "action-packed weekend with nearly 250,000 of your closest friends." In addition to the mouthwatering shrimp dishes, the festival also features a diverse array of crafts, live music ranging from country to classic rock, and a shuttle service to accommodate the limited onsite parking. Admission to this seafood extravaganza is free, making it an accessible and irresistible event for all.

Indulge in the Smoky Delights of the Scottsboro BBQ Festival

Scottsboro BBQ Festival (Scottsboro)

October 12 on the Downtown Square, Scottsboro, ALBarbecue aficionados, prepare your taste buds for the Scottsboro BBQ Festival. This event, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the Alabama Barbecue Association, pits teams against each other in a fierce competition for cash prizes in the categories of chicken and ribs. The festival is the culmination of the Backyard Battle Royale, a cook-off that has spanned five barbecue festivals across North Alabama and South Tennessee. Beyond the mouthwatering competition, the Scottsboro BBQ Festival offers a diverse lineup of activities, including a kids' burger competition, a dog show and parade, a cornhole tournament, a motor-vehicle show, a kids' fun area, and live music. With nearly 200 vendors expected, this festival promises to be a true celebration of the smoky, savory delights that make Alabama's barbecue scene so renowned.