Fall is one of my favorite times of the year to be in Huntsville. As the temperatures drop and the leaves start to turn, the event calendar fills up fast with outdoor art festivals, free concerts, spooky history tours, and neighborhood street fairs that have been drawing crowds for decades.
Whether you're planning a visit around a specific festival or just want to make the most of the season, there's something happening every weekend from September into November. Here's a look at some of the best fall events in Huntsville to put on your radar.
Jazz in the Park
Dates: Sundays in September
The perfect way to celebrate Huntsville Music Month, Jazz in the Park brings four weekends of free concerts to Big Spring Park downtown. The lineup features three different acts each Sunday evening throughout September. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to kick back and enjoy the tunes.
Monte Sano Art Festival
Date: September 19-20, 2026
More than 140 artists from around the country gather at Monte Sano State Park for the annual Monte Sano Art Festival each year. Held in mid-September, the event kicks off the fall season, with live music, food trucks, and art vendors stationed outdoors under the park’s shady trees.
Huntsville Ghost Walks
Dates: Weekends in September and October
Spooky vibes and history lessons mix during the downtown Huntsville Ghost Walks. Scheduled on weekends from September through Halloween, the tours highlight the Twickenham, Old Town, or Downtown neighborhoods.
Oktoberfest at Redstone Arsenal
Dates: September 25-27, 2026
Brews and brats are on the menu at Oktoberfest on the Redstone Arsenal. The annual event in late September offers a family-friendly atmosphere, with carnival rides, live polka tunes, and a special tent for tastings. Even though it’s on the Arsenal, Oktoberfest is open to the general public.
FestiFALL and Scarecrow Trail
Dates: September and October
Throughout September and October, the Huntsville Botanical Garden transforms into an autumn wonderland. The star of FestiFALL is the Scarecrow Trail, with displays decorated by local businesses, schools, and organizations. Keep an eye out for other special events at the garden, like an Autumn Equinox Concert and Harvest Tea in September and Meow-o-ween and the Spellbound night experience in October.
Madison Street Festival
Date: October 3, 2026
An annual tradition for over 40 years, the Madison Street Festival transforms Historic Downtown Madison into a buzzing zone of food and family fun. The event kicks off with a parade in the morning, followed by a full day of games and crafts for kids, food truck bites, live entertainment, art tents, and so much more.
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll
Date: October 18, 2026
One of the highlights of Huntsville History Month in October, the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll is a long-standing tradition. Put on by the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association, the event takes place in the historic Maple Hill Cemetery, where costumed interpreters tell tales of the notable residents buried there.
Movies in the Park
Dates: Fridays in October
As the weather cools in October, locals gather in Big Spring Park for free movie nights each Friday. The Movies in the Park lineup usually features a blend of family films and seasonal flicks. Bring a lawn chair and an appetite for the on-site food trucks and popcorn.
Orion Night Markets
Dates: September 15, October 27, and November 10, 2026
Monthly Night Markets at the Orion are the perfect way to enjoy those dark fall evenings, as the sun starts setting way too early. The events are held once a month, each with a different theme that corresponds to the month, like Spooky Spirits in October and Harvest Hoe Down in November.
A Ray of Hope Festival
Date: November 1, 2026
Part culture festival, part fundraiser, A Ray of Hope Festival is hosted by the AshaKiran Foundation. Held at the Orion Amphitheater, the fest includes multicultural music and dance performances, food trucks with global cuisine, and an international marketplace for art and craft vendors.
Round Top Folk Festival
Date: November 7, 2026
Round Top Folk Festival brings a celebration of art and music to Burritt on the Mountain. The event starts with a brunch (make sure to reserve this in advance), followed by a day of live music, craft demonstrations, food carts, and hot toddies. It’s a great way to enjoy the fall colors on the mountain while immersed in history and culture.
Fall Events in Huntsville
While Huntsville has a full slate of annual events throughout the fall, new festivals are always popping up. The best way to stay in the know is by checking the Huntsville events calendar throughout the season to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
