Even though COVID-19 has changed things, it’s important to still take time to enjoy the moment and be together with friends and family – even if it’s from six feet apart and with a mask. Here is our unofficial guide to some of Birmingham’s best Fall traditions that are still happening this year.
Día de los Muertos of Alabama
This year, Birmingham is having its 18th annual Día de los Muertos festival at Pepper Place. The celebration features alters, a public memorial wall, and art showcases to remember and honor those who have passed.
While the celebration typically has a large crowd, music, food vendors and art displays, things will look a little different this year due to COVID-19. Attendees are encouraged to walk through at their own pace and social distance instead of gathering in large crowds.
The event is hosted by Bare Hands Inc., a nonprofit arts organization. Due to support from sponsors and the community, this event is free to the public, and anyone is welcome to attend. The celebration will take place Nov. 1 through 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pepper Place.
Moss Magic Fall Fusion Festival
The Moss Rock Festival has been a Birmingham tradition for 15 years now, and this year the Magic City Art Connection has joined in to make it even more fun.
This event is full of fun activities for both kids and adults. There will be 125 featured artists on Artist Row, with many of the pieces being inspired by nature or made from recycled or natural materials. Designers, artisans and makers will also have their work on display. You can listen to local artists play live music while you wander through the displays, eat your fill from food trucks or drink up in the “Café by the Woods” with coffee, wine, beer and more.
One of the festival’s main events is “Smart Living,” where they feature products, services and business that promote healthy and eco-friendly life. There will be a beer tasting trail that guides you to local Alabama breweries where you can enjoy a flight of three to four samples at each location. They also have nature workshops for you or your kids to learn new skills and explore Moss Rock Preserve
In order to ensure safety with COVID-19, the festival has moved from its traditional location at The Preserve to the Hoover Met Complex. This was done in order to eliminate the need for shuttles and to allow for more distancing.
This festival will be live on Nov. 7 and 8, or you can attend virtually Nov. 9 through 16. Prices vary.
Medders Family Farm’s Christmas on the Farm
This one is a bit of a drive, but it’s so fun that it still made the list.
The Medders Farm is a fully operating, family-run farm in Montevallo, AL (about 40 minutes from Birmingham). They are opening their gates to the public to come in and enjoy a day on the farm for free.
Dozens of local vendors will have their goods on display, with flower arrangements, jams, succulents, bath bombs and soaps, jewelry and so much more. They will even have a gift-wrapping station for those who are getting their holiday shopping done a bit early.
There will also be food from the Street Bowlz food truck and treats from the local vendors. While you stroll through and get your shopping done, you can also enjoy live Christmas music.
This event takes place at the Medders Family Farm Nov. 7 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Open House in Homewood
This year could certainly use some extra cheer, so why not start celebrating the holidays a little early?
The open house in Homewood is when stores officially transition for the holiday season. That means Christmas trees, ornaments, fresh baked goods, and that warm, happy feeling that only comes this time of year.
More importantly, there will be deals, so get ready to start your holiday shopping early.
While social distancing will be enforced, there will still be live performances every day on 18th Street at 3 p.m. These stores are open year ’round, but this holiday event is happening Nov. 5 through 11.
The Great Pumpkin Patch
The Great Pumpkin Patch is much more than just a pumpkin patch. It has acres full of fun, with pony rides, a petting zoo, an inflatable park, slides and a covered wagon ride to pick out your own pumpkin. There is also a Halloween costume contest, live entertainment and a country store where you can purchase local goods.
Of course, you can’t forget the food. The Great Pumpkin Patch has several different food options, from southern home favorites to classic fair food. The have the Pie House and Red Barn Kitchen, which sell southern cooking like barbeque and homemade pies as well as fair favorites like burgers, hotdogs, corndogs and fries.
Located in Hayden, AL, the pumpkin patch is open every day from Sept. 23 to Nov. 15. Pricing varies based on what day you attend and what activities you want to participate in, so check out their website for more information.
Homestead Hollow’s Arts and Craft Festival
Homestead Hollow offers art festivals throughout the year, but there’s just something about the chilly air that makes it even better. Their website boasts “unique – one of a kind – handmade, hand-decorated arts/crafts and vintage/antique goods.”
Enjoy homemade southern food like bbq, funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, greens and more. You can sit and listen to live local entertainment while the kids go for wagon rides, bungee jump and get face paintings.
When you’re done taking in the hundreds of art pieces/goods and have eaten your fill, there’s still more to do! There are demonstrations about life on the farm in the old days. “You can see wood carving, blacksmithing, soap making, wood stove cooking and quilting,” according to their website. You can also visit their old, still-working whiskey still and see how it is made.
Masks must be worn, and social distancing will be monitored.
This festival takes place Nov. 13, 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Springville, AL. Adult tickets are $8, and children’s tickets are $4.
Ross Bridge Holiday Market
This is a one-day event to bring in the holiday season. The Ross Bridge Farmers Market is turning their regular market into a special holiday version. They will have treats, art, goods and fresh produce from dozens of different local farmers and artisans.
Enjoy the sounds of live local music and eat your fill from a variety of food trucks. There will also be activities for the kids to enjoy.
This winter wonderland is at the Ross Bride Farmers Market in Hoover Nov. 20 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
