3 Fun Fall Festivals in Alabama

After the oppressive heat and humidity of an Alabama summer, the fall provides comfortable temperatures that are perfect for an outside adventure. Luckily, there are several fall festivals throughout the state that offer family fun, food, and drink throughout Alabama. Here are just a few of the best.

National Shrimp Festival

2016 marks the 45th edition of the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, which brings over 250,000 visitors annually. The food offerings at this festival will undoubtedly remind you of Bubba’s list of ways to prepare shrimp from “Forrest Gump,” with everything from jambalaya to fried shrimp to barbecue. This year’s event takes place Oct. 13 through Oct. 16. Admission is free.

Thornsby Swedish Festival

Although Alabama doesn’t seem like a hotbed of Scandinavian immigrants, many moved to the state in the late 19th century to start a new life. Started in 1988, the Thornby Swedish Festival in Thornby, Alabama, honors the roots of many of the city’s citizens. Highlights at this festival include a beauty pageant, a parade, a car show, and the famed Viking 5k, where participants dress up like Vikings.

National Peanut Festival

Although Georgia is often regarded as the peanut capital of the country, Dothan, Alabama is the place of the National Peanut Festival, which attracts over 150,000 visitors annually. Taking place from Nov. 4 to Nov. 13, the festival celebrates everything peanut, including food, drink, carnival rides, games, and live entertainment.

If you’re a fan of festivals, don’t miss these events in Alabama this fall. Once you get there, you’re guaranteed to have an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

 

Image via Flickr by geese

 

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