Fall in Huntsville is a season filled with vibrant colors, festive events, and exciting celebrations of the season. Whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of autumn foliage, experience the thrill of a haunted tour, or enjoy a fun-fueled family day at a pumpkin patch, you’ll find everything you’re searching for this fall in Huntsville, Alabama.
FestiFall at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
Throughout September and October, Huntsville Botanical Garden hosts one of the best fall festivals in Huntsville. During FestiFall, you can marvel at creative pumpkin displays and stroll the Scarecrow Trail filled with artful, straw-filled masterpieces that offer the ultimate photo opportunity.
Be sure to join the family-friendly Little Monsters Mash event on Oct. 11, as well as Pooches and Pupkins on Sept. 18 and the kitty-centric Meow-o-ween feline costume contest on Oct. 27 for a hair-raising good time. Looking for more grown-up Huntsville fall events? Then, make a date for Spellbound Oct. 16-19, where you can enjoy spooky lights and drinks while you stroll the garden.
Pumpkin Patch at Tate Farms
Hayrides. Pumpkin picking. Fun on the farm. You can find all this and so much more during the fall season at Tate Farms. Beginning in late September, bring the whole family to enjoy the barnyard playground, hay maze, farm animals, photo ops, and barnyard animals.
Then, watch as unclaimed pumpkins meet a dramatic post-Halloween demise during the farm’s Pumpkin Destruction Day. Featuring monster trucks and gourd-fueled explosions, it’s one of the most fun things to do in the fall around Huntsville.
Fall at Hubert Family Farms
Sunflowers are an iconic symbol of fall in Huntsville, and beginning in late September, you can pick your favorites to bring home from Hubert Family Farms. In October, the farm hosts The Haunting, a spooky corn maze and creepy Halloween characters.
Huntsville Ghost Walks
If spooky season is your vibe, you’ll want to embark on a specter-themed tour with Huntsville Ghost Walk. Explore downtown as you hear creepy stories about spirits that haunt the city and learn the chilling side of Huntsville’s history.
North Alabama Railroad Museum Fall Color Special
In fall, northern Alabama’s trees come alive with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. You can take in the best of the region’s foliage during special train rides on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. The Fall Color Special is a scenic, ten-mile trip on the Mercury & Chase Railroad that embodies fall in Huntsville.
Be sure to also check out the railroad’s annual Punkin’ Pickin’ Extravaganza on Oct. 11, but be warned, tickets sell out fast.
Whistlestop BBQ Festival
WhistleStop, the Rocket City BBQ Festival, has been a beloved Huntsville tradition since 2001. Come enjoy local food vendors, signature WhistleStop cocktails and brews, a tailgate zone to watch your favorite football team, a kid zone, curated market vendors, and live music throughout the event, taking place Oct. 17-18.
Scott’s Orchard Apple Picking
Imagine feeling the crisp autumn air as you experience the thrill of filling your basket with juicy apples straight from the tree. All this, plus a giant bouncy pad for kids, can be yours each Thursday to Sunday from Labor Day through mid-October at Scott’s Orchard. Secure your spot, then grab your loved ones and get picking.
Fall Events and Festivals at Burritt on the Mountain
When it comes to the top things to do in the fall, the stunning scenery and rich activity lineup found at Burritt on the Mountain make it one of the best autumn attractions around. Start with Music on the Mountain in mid-September, where you can listen to old-time favorites as you wander through the Historic Park. Then, get in the groove for the final event of the City Lights & Stars Concert Series later in the month. Enjoy a perfect Huntsville fall evening you won’t forget with concerts and local eats from onsite food trucks.
Fall craft workshops are also in season, including classes in weaving, quilting, and blacksmithing throughout October. Or, head up the mountain to Fall on the Farm for old-fashioned games, costumed interpreters, and barnyard animals.
Rounding out the autumn season is one of the most spooktacular fall events in town. Step inside Dr. Burritt’s chilling estate for a Haunted Mansion Dinner, taking place Oct. 10, 17, 24, and 28. Sample fine wines and cuisine as you dine alongside creepy crawlies, ghostly dinner companions, and strange noises at this electrifying affair.