A SAMPLING OF TRADITIONAL CULTURAL EVENTS IN ALABAMA.
For Fiddler's Conventions, click here.
The following calendar lists events that are either community traditions themselves, or feature examples of folk art and culture in Alabama.
First Monday
First Monday of each month and preceding Saturday and Sunday Courthouse Square, Scottsboro (Jackson County), Dawn to dusk
Contact: (256) 574-3100, ext. 237
A long-running tradition in Scottsboro, these trade days offer antiques, crafts, new and second hand items for sale.
Collinsville Trade Day
Every Saturday 1016 Hwy 11 S., Collinsville (Dekalb County) 4:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(256) 524-2536 or (256) 524-2127 www.collinsvilletradeday.com
At this 160-acre flea market, one can find art, collectibles, plants, produce, traditional foods, house wares, clothing and more.
Santuck Flea Market
First Saturday of each month (March through December)
7300 Central Plank Road, Hwy. 9, Santuck (Elmore County)
(334) 567-7400
Vendors and customers gather to trade on first Saturdays. An ever-changing variety of new and used merchandise is available.
FEBRUARY
Capitol Rotunda Singing
Saturday before the first Sunday in February
Rotunda of the State Capitol Building, Montgomery
Contact: (334) 242-3601
An all-day singing that uses four of the shaped-note books published in Alabama. These are: Sacred Harp (1991 Denson revision), Christian Harmony (1994 revision), Sacred Harp (1992 Cooper revision), and the Colored Sacred Harp.
Mardi Gras
Tuesday before Ash Wednesday Mobile
www.mobile.org/mardigras.html
According to legend, Mardi Gras in Mobile dates back to 1830 when a group of revelers paraded through the streets with cowbells and rakes. The Cowbellion de Rakin Society became the first of many mystic societies, who now hold masked balls and more than 25 parades during Carnival season. At this pre- Lenten celebration, parade goers are showered with candy, beads, Moon Pies and doubloons thrown from passing floats.
Heritage Arts Festival
Last Saturday in February
Old Courthouse, Downtown Square, Monroeville
Contact: (251) 743-3359
Cultural celebration of crafts, quilts, woodworking, soul food, dance performances, and gospel music.
MARCH
Rattlesnake Rodeo
First weekend in March Kiwanis Building and Covington County Arena, Andalusia
Saturday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission Charged
Contact: Tammy Weeks (334) 493-9559
The annual Opp Jaycees Rattlesnake Rodeo has been a crowd-pleasing event for more than 40 years. Snake shows, arts and crafts, food and music provide entertainment for all ages.
Jerry Brown Arts Festival, Hamilton, Alabama
First Weekend in March
Old Wal-Mart Building, 1500 Military Street South
Saturday: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
No charge for admission
Official festival website: www.jbaf.org
Contact: Marla Minter (205) 921-3632.
This indoor, juried arts festival is headlined by National Heritage Fellowship recipient, potter Jerry Brown and features folk artists from throughout the Southeastern United States.
Spring Farm Day
Third Saturday in March Landmark Park, Dothan
Admission Charged
Contact: (334) 794-3452 www.landmarkpark.com
The centerpiece of this event is the Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention, in which musicians compete for prizes. There are also demonstrations of traditional
springtime farming practices, such as sheep shearing and plowing and planting activities.
APRIL
Baldwin County Strawberry Festival
Second weekend in April
Municipal Park, Loxley (Baldwin County)
Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
No Admission Charged
Contact: Carolyn McDaniel (251) 964-5091ss or (251) 550-2003
Annual event includes food vendors, arts and crafts, strawberry shortcake, Battle of the Bands competition and other entertainment.
Crawfish Festival
Third weekend in April
Intersection of U.S. Hwy. 80 and Ala. 25, Faunsdale (Marengo County)
Admission Charged
Contact: John or Barbara Broussard (334) 628-3240
Annual festival features crawfish foods, arts and crafts. Live music presented until midnight (Cajun, country, and rock bands).
Spring Carnival & Music Fest at The Pioneer Museum of Alabama
April 1, 2006 9:30-5:00
Traditional games, rides, music and a Fiddle Competition.
Admission charged.
Contact: www.pioneer-museum.org or pioneer@troycable.net or 334 566-3597
Sucarnochee Folklife Festival
4th weekend in April
Courthouse House Square, Livingston, Alabama
Free Admission
Contact: Tina Jones (205) 652-3752
Annual festival features include live folk music (2006 will focus on Alabama Blues Women, particularly Sumter County native Vera Hall), live art demonstrations, including pottery, basket making, and metal works, plenty of folk foods - BBQ, catfish, and more.
Geneva Festival on the Rivers
Fourth weekend in April
Geneva (Geneva County) Robert Fowler Memorial Park
Admission Charged
Contact: Alice Faye Smith (334) 684-6582
Located on the Pea and Conecuh Rivers, Geneva celebrates its river heritage with contests such as sculling, worm fiddling and canoe races. A greasy pole climb, road race, arts and crafts vendors, food, music, and a gospel sing fill the weekend.
MAY
Poke Salat Festival
First weekend in May
Downtown Arab (Marshall County)
Free Admission
Contact: (256) 586-3138
Activities include poke salat cook-off, womanless beauty pageant, crafts, food and entertainment.
Huntsville Sacred Harp Singing
Saturday before the First Sunday in May
Burritt on the Mountain, Monte Sano Mountain, Huntsville
Contact: David Ivey, (256) 881-5291
All-day Sacred Harp (Denson book) singing is held in the Madison Church building. Visitors are welcome to share in this shape-note singing tradition.
Blessing of the Fleet
First Sunday in May
Bayou La Batre (Mobile County) St. Margaret Catholic Church, 13790 S. Wintzell Avenue
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact: (251) 824-2415
Festivities center on the annual custom of blessing the shrimp fleet for a season of safe fishing and a productive harvest. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the decorated boats as they parade up the bayou. On the church grounds are contests, food and activities that celebrate the local seafood industry.
Dixie Bluegrass Gospel Fest
Mother’s Day weekend
Sullivan Family Homeplace, St. Stephens (Washington County)
Admission Charged
Contact: Margie Sullivan, (251) 246-4553
The Sullivan Family band sponsors this annual bluegrass gospel event. Camper hook-ups and catfish suppers are available.
JUNE
Hank Williams Festival
First weekend in June
127 Rose Street, Georgiana (Butler County)
Friday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Contact: (334) 376-2396
A tribute to famous country singer and Butler County native Hank Williams, this festival features country music, crafts and food.
Freedom Creek Blues Festival
First Saturday in June, noon until sundown
Old Memphis, near Aliceville (Pickens County)
Admission Charged, Free Parking and Camping
Contact: The Alabama Blues Project (205) 554-1795 www.willie-king.com
This Blues festival is organized by blues musician and community activist Willie King and held on his Pickens County farm. Visitors come to hear favorite regional blues performers and to eat local barbecue.
National Sacred Harp Convention
Thursday, Friday and Saturday before the third Sunday in June
Unitarian Church, 4300 Hampton Heights Drive Birmingham (205945-8109)
Contact: Buell Cobb (205) 901-1715
Sacred Harp singers from across the nation gather annually for three days of singing and fellowship.
Alabama Blueberry Festival
Third Saturday in June
Jefferson Davis Community College, Brewton, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact: Judy Crane or Brande Agerton, (251) 867-3224
Annual outdoor festival features blueberries, blueberry foods and cookbooks, arts and crafts and entertainment.
Peach Festival
Fourth week of June
Clanton (Chilton County)
Contact: Richard Davis (205) 755-6740
Annual celebration of local peach growing industry includes beauty pageants, parade and peach auction.
Masonic Celebration
Fourth week of June
Florala
(334) 858-6430.
Promoted as the oldest Masonic Celebration in the U.S. Week of events includes a horseshoe tournament, fishing tournament, 5K run, antique car show, parade, street dance, arts and crafts and fire department water battle.
JULY
World Championship Domino Tournament
Second weekend in July
Andalusia, Kiwanis Community Center, So. Bypass
8 a.m. until completion
Contact: David Darby, (334) 222-8825
Capital City Shape Note Singing
Third Thursday of July
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 113 Madison Avenue, Montgomery
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Contact: (334) 242-3601
This event bring singers together from four of the hymn book traditions in Alabama: Christian Harmony, The Colored Sacred Harp, and the Denson and Cooper Revisions of The Sacred Harp.
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Third weekend in July
Dauphin Island
5 a.m. Friday – 5 p.m. Sunday
Admission Charged (participants only)
Contact: Mobile Jaycees (251) 471-0025
The Mobile Jaycees sponsor this annual event, reported as the nation’s largest saltwater fishing tournament.
W.C. Handy Music Festival
Last week of July
Florence
Contact: (256) 766-7642 or 1-800-472-5897
Weeklong celebration of the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama honoring Florence native W.C. Handy, known as “Father of the Blues.” Free events are scheduled throughout the Shoals area.
AUGUST
Black Belt Folk Roots Festival
Fourth weekend in August
Courthouse Square, Eutaw (Greene County)
Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday 2 – 7 p.m.
No Admission Charged
Contact: Carol Zippert (205) 372-0525
Annual community festival highlights traditional crafts, foods, and music from west Alabama. Fine examples of African-American quilting, pine needle basketry, and more, are for sale. Music stage presents blues on Saturday and gospel on Sunday.
Okra Festival
Last Saturday in August
Burkeville (Lowndes County)
Annie Mae’s Art Place, 278 Harriet Tubman Road
No Admission Charged
Contact: (334) 324-7222
Annual Community Festival features gumbo, okra and other regional foods. Local blues musician Sonny King performs. Gospel and freedom songs are also presented. Local vendors and artists.
SEPTEMBER
Festival on the Farm
weekend after Labor Day
Friday 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m.
Home of Gary Waldrep, Kilpatrick (Dekalb County)
Admission Charged
Contact: Gary Waldrep (256) 561-3908
Award-winning banjo player and Grammy nominee Gary Waldrep hosts his annual bluegrass festival in early September on his 80-acre farm. A native of Sand Mountain, Waldrep hopes to preserve and promote the musical heritage of his region. Waldrep turns his front porch into a stage where a number of bluegrass
and gospel bands perform at this two-day event.
Ider Mule Days
Labor Day Monday
Ider Town Park (Dekalb County)
Free Admission
Contact: (256) 657-4184
Ider’s rural heritage is on display at this community festival. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, a mule pull, horse pull, antique tractors and farm equipment, entertainment and food.
Leeds Downtown Folk Festival and John Henry Celebration
Third weekend in September
Downtown Leeds, Alabama
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 12 noon - 6 p.m.
No charge for admission or parking
Official festival website: www.leedsfolkfestival.com
Contact: Regina Arnold (205) 699-1892
The family-oriented event in historic downtown Leeds includes exhibits and demonstrations by 50 fine artists and folk artisans, two days of folk music and entertainment, activities for children, down-home Southern food and a farmers market, along with an outdoor play to celebrate of the life of local legend John Henry, the "steel drivin'" man.
Silverhill Heritage Festival
Third Saturday in September,
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Silverhill (Baldwin County) Intersection of State Hwy.104 and Baldwin Co. Hwy. 55
No Admission Charged
Contact: (251) 945-5198
This celebration of the community’s Czech and Swedish heritage features ethnic foods, arts and crafts, pony and train rides, and other entertainment.
Trail of Tears Commemoration Festival, Motorcycle Ride and Pow Wow
Third weekend in September
Waterloo (Lauderdale County)
Free Admission
Contact: 1-888-FLO-TOUR or (256) 764-3237 www.al-tn-trailoftears.org
Billed as the “Largest Motorcycle Ride of the South” an estimated 100,000 or more bikers gather to remember the removal of southeastern tribes to the West. The ride, which starts in Chattanooga, stops in the Northwest Alabama town of Waterloo for a Native American Pow Wow.
Foggy Hollow Bluegrass Gathering
Fourth weekend in September
Webster’s Chapel
Friday 6 p.m. until,
Saturday noon until.
Admission Charged
Contact: David Boley (256) 492-9080
Semi annual event. Both national and local bluegrass bands perform on stage at this farm halfway between Gadsden and Anniston off Highway 431. Camping and RV hookups are available.
Maharrey Homecoming
Fourth weekend in September
St. Stephens Historical Park, St. Stephens
4 – 10 p.m.
Admission Charged
Contact: Jean Parnell (251) 247-2622
An annual bluegrass gospel singing featuring the hometown Maharrey Family bluegrass band and other musical guests
Mule Day
Fourth Saturday in September
Winfield
Downtown
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact: (205) 487-4281
Annual event includes mule and horse judging, a parade, a reenactment of the battle at Mule Crossing, arts and crafts, music, flea market and food.
Collinsville Annual Quilt Walk
Fourth weekend in September
U.S. Hwy 11, Collinsville
Admission Charged
Contact: Vanessa Chambers (256) 524-2788 or (256) 524-3296 www.collinsvillequiltwalk.com
Vintage and contemporary quilts are on display during this annual tour of historic homes and churches.
Old Alabama Town Storytelling Festival
Fourth Saturday in September
Old Alabama Town, Kiwanis Park,
Montgomery
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Contact: (334) 240-4617
Hear noted storytellers from around the state. Festival also features arts and crafts, children’s activities and food.
OCTOBER
Tale Tellin’ Festival
Second weekend in October
Pickard Auditorium, Selma
Admission Charged
(334) 875-7241 or 1-800-45-SELMA
Selma, home of Alabama storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham, is the location for this event, which presents ghost stories and other tales by nationally-known story tellers.
Sullivan Family Homecoming
Third weekend in October
Sullivan Family homeplace, St. Stephens (Washington County)
Admission Charged
Contact: Margie Sullivan (251) 246-4553
The Sullivan Family hosts this annual gathering of bluegrass gospel performers, food and fun. Camper hook-ups are available.
George Washington Carver Sweet Potato Growers Association Arts and Crafts Festival
Third Saturday in October
Town Square, Tuskegee
Contact: V.A. Kahn (334) 727-8320 or (334)727-4551 Call to confirm
Event features a sweet potato competition (all sweet potatoes entered must be grown, not purchased), arts and crafts competition, music, sweet potato pies and sweet potato ice cream.
Kentuck Festival
Third weekend in October
Saturday and Sunday
Kentuck Park, Northport
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission Charged
Contact: Kentuck Museum Association, (205) 758-1257 www.kentuck.org.
Annual festival features 300 artists and craftspeople, including traditional, self-taught, and contemporary. Two music stages.
Alabama Gourd Festival
Third weekend in October
Civic Center, Cullman
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Charged
Contact: Shirley McEwen (256)737-5006 Call to confirm shirley@alabamagourdsociety.org
Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. Dulcimer band performs.
German Sausage Festival
Fourth Saturday in October,
Elberta (Baldwin County) Town Park
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
No Admission Charged
Contact: David McWatters or Charlie Haupt (251) 986-5805 www.elbertafiredepartment.com
This semi-annual event celebrates the town’s German heritage, especially its German sausage and sauerkraut. Other offerings include entertainment,
arts and crafts booths, petting zoo and carnival rides.
Oneonta Covered Bridge Festival
Fourth weekend in October
Palisades Park and downtown Oneonta (Blount County)
Contact: (205) 274-2153
This festival, which celebrates architectural landmarks in the county, features a golf tournament, quilt
show, art and crafts, music and food.
Wiregrass Heritage Festival
Fourth weekend in October
Landmark Park, Dothan
Admission Charged
Contact: (334) 794-3452
Demonstrations of traditional farming practices, such as cane syrup making, wood carving, split-oak basket making, broom making, quilting, herbal lore, working with oxen and mules, peanut stacking and picking. A music stage features a variety of local and regional talent including bluegrass, country and gospel music. Also featured are an antique engine show and visits to the two-acre pumpkin patch.
Williams Station Day
Fourth weekend in October
Atmore (Escambia County)
Atmore Community Center
No Admission Charged
Contact: Emilie Mims (251) 368-3305
Visitors to this annual heritage festival can take in logging and mule pulling demonstrations, folk arts demonstrations, a juried art show and non-juried
craft show, entertainment and food.
Syrup Soppin’ Days
Last Saturday in October, Loachapoka Park, Loachapoka
(Lee County)
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No Admission Charged
Contact: Larry Justice (334) 887-7683
The trademark of this community festival is its cane syrup made the oldfashioned way, by mule-powered cane mill. In addition, live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of biscuits round out the event.
Lee County Historical Fair
Last Saturday in October from 8am to 4pm
Location: Lee County Historical Society Museum and grounds in Loachapoka, AL
Admission: $3.00
Contact Information: Charles Mitchell (334)887-2255
The Fair is an annual folklife festival featuring demonstrations of
early crafts: blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, fireplace cooking,
outdoor cooking, corn grinding, pottery making, cloth dying, quilting,
tatting, chair caning, and basket weaving. Includes historical
exhibits about the Creek Indians, early farm equipment, and much more.
Sweet potato biscuits are hot out of the oven and collards, pinto
beans, and camp stew are cooked in cast iron pots over open fire.
NOVEMBER
National Peanut Festival
Late October through mid November
U.S. Hwy 231 S., Dothan
Admission Charged
Contact: (334) 793-4323
Annual fair presenting agriculture of the region, which includes livestock and horticultural exhibits and competitions, recipe contests, crafts, carnival rides, pageants and peanut-themed parade.
Thanksgiving Pow Wow
Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday
Poarch Creek Indian Reservation
(Escambia County)
opens 9 a.m
Contact: (251) 368-9136, ext. 2216, community relations
Annual event, sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians includes dance competitions, intertribal dancing, the crowning of the princess, traditional foods and crafts.
DECEMBER
Christmas on the River
First weekend of December
Public Square and City Landing, Demopolis
No Admission Charged
Contact: Chamber of Commerce (334) 289-0270
A week-long celebration that culminates in a nautical, parade of boats decorated with lights and a fireworks display.
Christmas on the Coosa
Second Saturday in December
Gold Star Park, Downtown Wetumpka
Contact: (334) 567-1313
Christmas-themed celebration of arts and crafts, food, quilt show, street parade (day), lighted boat parade on the Coosa (evening) followed by a fireworks display.
Guntersville Boat Parade of Lights
First Saturday in December
Lurleen Wallace Drive, Guntersville
6 p.m.
Contact: (256) 582-3625
At this annual event, spectators watch from shore as boats decorated with Christmas lights parade by on the lake.
Las Posada Festival Internacional
Second Saturday in December
Alabama Museum of Natural History, Tuscaloosa
Free Admission
Contact: (205) 348-7550
A Latin American festival dramatizing Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem. The celebration includes Latin foods, music and dance.
For more information on these and other cultural events, contact the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel at 1-800-ALA-BAMA or www.800alabama.com.
To suggest other events for this list email the AFA