Festivals in Alabama aren’t just events—they’re family heirlooms, passed down like recipes and tall tales. Every year, parents pack coolers, grandparents grab lawn chairs, and kids beg for just one more funnel cake as entire towns come alive with music, food, and tradition. From Mardi Gras beads flying through Mobile’s streets to hot air balloons painting the skies over Decatur, these celebrations are stitched into the heartbeat of the state. They’re the weekends circled in red on calendars, the memories kids carry long after the rides and parades fade away.
So grab your crew, clear your weekend, and get ready. Here are seven Alabama festivals families never miss, year after year.
Mobile Mardi Gras — Mobile, AL
Mobile Mardi Gras, America’s oldest organized Carnival, is a season-long family celebration in Mobile, Alabama. Parades fill the streets with colorful floats, and children eagerly collect beads and trinkets. Families teach youngsters how to spot their favorite floats and which beads to save as keepsakes. Daytime parades are complemented by museum exhibits and community balls, adding a touch of local history.
The downtown routes offer family viewing zones with accessible rest areas, ensuring everyone enjoys the festivities comfortably. Local schools and civic groups build floats involving multiple generations, making it a true family affair.
National Shrimp Festival — Gulf Shores, AL
Held on the beachfront of Gulf Shores, the National Shrimp Festival is a fall event that blends fresh seafood, live music, and family zones. Children delight in carnival rides, supervised activity tents, and interactive cooking demos featuring Gulf shrimp. Parents relax in shaded picnic areas, while kids play safely nearby.
Evening concerts attract all ages, and daytime programming keeps families entertained on the beach. Local families exchange shrimp platter recommendations and cherish shared festival memories. The festival’s vibrant and lively atmosphere keeps families returning year after year.
National Peanut Festival — Dothan, AL
Dothan’s National Peanut Festival celebrates the Wiregrass region’s peanut harvest with parades, fair rides, and agricultural exhibits. Families enjoy livestock shows, youth competitions, and displays that educate children about peanut farming. Nightly concerts and talent showcases provide entertainment for all ages.
The festival features peanut-themed treats alongside classic fair foods like funnel cakes. Schools and 4-H clubs participate with floats and demonstrations, engaging children of all ages. Community parades and pancake breakfasts make this autumn tradition a must-visit for families.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic — Decatur, AL
Each spring, Point Mallard Park in Decatur hosts the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. Colorful balloons ascend at dawn, mesmerizing children and adults alike. Families bring blankets and picnics to enjoy the spectacle, especially the enchanting evening balloon glows.
The festival grounds offer kid-friendly activities, food trucks, and live music, creating a festive atmosphere for all. With accessible staging and short walkways, grandparents and toddlers can equally partake in the fun. Many families claim their favorite spots and return annually to enjoy the shared memories.
Panoply Arts Festival — Huntsville, AL
Huntsville’s Panoply Arts Festival is a spring weekend event featuring hands-on art stations and family concerts. Set in Big Spring Park, it offers an art market with regional makers and interactive craft areas for children. Parents explore art galleries while kids join scheduled workshops.
The festival layout encourages leisurely strolls, picnic breaks, and spontaneous performances. Local youth ensembles perform on kid-focused stages, making it a full family day out. Festival-goers often extend visits with museum trips and local tours, enhancing the experience with Huntsville’s cultural offerings.
Kentuck Festival of the Arts — Northport, AL
The Kentuck Festival in Northport showcases juried art booths, live music, and workshops for all ages. Families picnic on the lawns as kids engage in pottery demonstrations and painting stations. Vendors offer regional food and family-friendly performances all weekend.
Local educators lead workshops designed to spark creativity across generations. Families often plan multi-day weekends around the festival, enjoying park outings, riverfront activities, and local shopping. The festival’s blend of art and community makes it a cherished tradition.
Winfield Mule Day — Winfield, AL
Winfield’s Mule Day honors agricultural heritage with mule shows, trail rides, and parades. Children enjoy petting areas and craft booths, while older generations recall mule-driven farming traditions. Community breakfasts and historical demonstrations create a quaint, small-town atmosphere.
Competitions and storytelling link generations, preserving rural heritage. Families gather to celebrate the unique aspects of rural life, making it a beloved tradition in Winfield. The event offers hands-on agricultural exhibits and community storytelling, drawing generations together.