The Most Epic Annual Events in Alabama: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Alabama is a state that loves to celebrate. From the jazz-filled streets of Mobile to the scenic foothills of the Appalachians, you’ll find festivals bursting with food, music, art, and Southern charm. Each season brings its own energy — whether it’s a coastal seafood extravaganza, a family-friendly fair, or a deep-rooted cultural tradition that’s been celebrated for generations.
If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences that define the spirit of the South, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s your guide to the Top 10 Must-Experience Annual Events in Alabama (currently open) — a journey through the state’s most iconic, lively, and heartwarming celebrations.
Mardi Gras in Mobile – America’s Original Carnival Celebration
When people think of Mardi Gras, they often picture New Orleans. But few realize that Mobile, Alabama, was the first city in America to host this grand celebration — back in 1703! That’s more than a century before Louisiana even joined the party.
Each February, Mobile transforms into a vibrant swirl of color, music, and magic. Dozens of parades roll through downtown, featuring dazzling floats, marching bands, and “mystic societies” tossing everything from moon pies and beads to toys and trinkets.
Highlights include:
The Order of Myths Parade, one of the oldest and most traditional krewes
The Joe Cain Procession, honoring the man who revived Mardi Gras after the Civil War
Elegant masked balls and family-friendly festivities throughout the city
Whether you’re catching beads along Dauphin Street or dancing to brass bands under the moonlight, Mardi Gras in Mobile is a historic and joyful explosion of Southern celebration.
Hangout Music Festival – Beachside Beats in Gulf Shores
Picture this: powdery white sand, turquoise Gulf waters, and world-class musicians performing steps from the shoreline. That’s the Hangout Music Festival, held every May in Gulf Shores.
This event draws music lovers from around the country with a mix of pop, rock, EDM, and indie performances. Past headliners have included Billie Eilish, Post Malone, The Killers, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Beyond the music, festival-goers can:
Swim or relax in the beachside hammocks
Enjoy coastal cuisine from local vendors
Take part in beach volleyball tournaments and interactive art installations
Hangout Fest isn’t just a concert — it’s a coastal experience that perfectly captures Alabama’s carefree beach culture.
National Peanut Festival – Dothan’s Homage to the Humble Peanut
In Dothan, the self-proclaimed “Peanut Capital of the World,” the National Peanut Festival celebrates one of Alabama’s most important crops. Every November, this massive 10-day event attracts over 200,000 visitors with its blend of agricultural pride and down-home fun.
Expect to find:
A grand parade through downtown Dothan
Livestock shows and agricultural exhibits
Carnival rides, concerts, and plenty of peanut-themed snacks (boiled, roasted, candied — you name it!)
Started in 1938, the festival honors the farmers whose hard work helped shape Alabama’s economy. Today, it’s also one of the state’s most family-friendly events, filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable smell of roasted peanuts in the air.
Shrimp Festival – Coastal Flavor in Gulf Shores
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Every October, the National Shrimp Festival brings more than 250,000 visitors to Gulf Shores for a weekend of music, art, and mouthwatering coastal cuisine.
Over 300 vendors serve up everything from fried shrimp baskets to seafood gumbo and crab cakes. You can also shop for handcrafted art, listen to live music from multiple stages, and watch sand sculpting competitions right on the beach.
With its laid-back vibe, ocean views, and endless plates of fresh Gulf shrimp, this festival is the ultimate fall getaway for foodies and beachgoers alike.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic – Skies Aglow in Decatur
Each Memorial Day weekend, Point Mallard Park in Decatur comes alive with color as dozens of hot air balloons fill the sky for the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic.
It’s one of the largest free ballooning events in the South, and it’s breathtaking to see the sunrise glow over the Tennessee River, dotted with vibrant balloons of all shapes and sizes.
What to expect:
Balloon races and “night glow” shows after dark
Arts and crafts vendors, live music, and kids’ activities
Opportunities for tethered balloon rides for a bird’s-eye view
It’s the kind of event that’s both relaxing and awe-inspiring — a picture-perfect family experience under Alabama’s open skies.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival – A Stage for the Ages in Montgomery
For lovers of the arts, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) in Montgomery is one of the nation’s top regional theaters and a cultural treasure. Running from spring through fall, the festival presents not only Shakespeare’s timeless works but also contemporary plays and Southern-themed productions.
Located in the Carolyn Blount Theatre, ASF is set within 250 acres of landscaped gardens and walking trails, offering a serene escape alongside world-class performances.
Visitors can:
Attend mainstage productions of Shakespearean classics like Hamlet and Macbeth
Enjoy modern dramas and comedies
Participate in educational workshops and outdoor events
ASF is more than theater — it’s a celebration of storytelling, language, and imagination that enriches Alabama’s cultural landscape year after year.
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention – The Sound of Tradition
Each October, the small town of Athens becomes the heartbeat of traditional Southern music during the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Known as the “Granddaddy of Midsouth Fiddlers Conventions,” this event draws musicians and fans from across the country.
Festival highlights include:
Fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar competitions
Artisan booths featuring handmade crafts
Live performances celebrating bluegrass and old-time Appalachian tunes
The event celebrates Alabama’s musical roots, keeping alive a tradition that has shaped generations of Southern artists. Whether you play or just listen, it’s an authentic slice of Alabama culture you won’t forget.
Alabama Butterbean Festival – A Hometown Favorite in Pinson
It might sound quirky, but that’s exactly what makes the Alabama Butterbean Festival so much fun. Held every October in Pinson, this charming small-town event has earned national attention for its world-record-breaking butterbean pot and community spirit.
Beyond the beans, visitors enjoy:
Live country and gospel music
A classic car show
Dozens of food and craft vendors
A carnival atmosphere with games and rides
It’s a true Southern gathering that celebrates friendship, local flavor, and small-town pride — proof that sometimes, the best festivals are the ones that keep it simple.
Kentuck Festival of the Arts – Creativity in Northport
In the charming city of Northport, near Tuscaloosa, the Kentuck Festival of the Arts has been delighting art lovers for more than five decades. Every October, over 270 artists from across the country showcase their work in this award-winning event.
You’ll find:
Folk art, pottery, sculpture, and jewelry
Live music, storytelling, and craft demonstrations
Interactive art activities for children
The festival’s laid-back vibe, creative energy, and community focus make it one of Alabama’s most beloved art events — perfect for collectors, families, and anyone who appreciates craftsmanship.
Bonus: Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo – Alabama’s Wildest Tradition
For something completely different, check out the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo in Opp, Alabama, every March. What started in the 1960s as a local gathering has evolved into a full-blown festival with a focus on education, conservation, and community.
Highlights include:
Live snake shows (handled safely by professionals)
Concerts, crafts, and amusement rides
Educational exhibits about Alabama’s native wildlife
It’s an event that blends curiosity, courage, and conservation — and yes, it’s as wild as it sounds!
Conclusion: Celebrate Alabama, One Festival at a Time
From the historic parades of Mobile’s Mardi Gras to the art-filled streets of Northport and the sky-high spectacle in Decatur, Alabama knows how to throw a celebration like no other. Each event brings together the state’s rich culture, music, and hospitality, offering experiences that connect locals and visitors in unforgettable ways.
Whether you’re chasing live music on the beach, tasting peanuts in Dothan, or watching balloons rise over the Tennessee Valley, these epic Alabama festivals capture the heart and soul of the South.
So mark your calendar, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience The Most Epic Annual Events in Alabama — because every celebration here tells a story, and every story is worth celebrating.