Alabama is getting ready for a fantastic year of celebrations, and 2025 brings some of the most can't-miss festivals and events hosted all over Alabama. The Heart of Dixie is full of exciting local happenings, from the sun-shining beaches of Gulf Shores to the enchanting historic streets of Mobile, where you can experience a little bit of local culture, eat delicious and abundant food and drink, and witness some of the finest entertainment in the world. Whatever you desire, whether you want to spend time with your family, are a music buff, love good food, are an art appreciator, or love local fun in general, Alabama's annual celebrations have you covered.
Some of the best experiences in Alabama are hearing the energized beats at the Hangout Music Festival, savoring the delicious smoky goodness at the WhistleStop BBQ Fest, or stepping back in time at the Alabama Renaissance Faire. With festivals celebrated across Alabama in 2025, whether music festivals, arts and crafts fairs, or community gatherings, Alabama will be booming with excitement. These annual celebrations and festivals are not just events or parties but traditions that pull together the community to create lasting memories year after year. So grab a calendar and prepare to plan; Alabama is gearing up for a festival in 2025!
The Ultimate Beachside Music Extravaganza
Topping our list of the best music festivals is the iconic Hangout Music Festival, one of the most exciting festivals in the country. Located on the gorgeous beaches of Gulf Shores, the three-day music festival features top-rated artists in rock, pop, hip hop, and EDM.
A Nutty Celebration of Alabama’s Favorite Crop
Peanuts are big business in Alabama, and the National Peanut Festival in Dothan celebrates this treasured legume. This family-oriented festival features rides and games, live entertainment, and, of course, free peanuts and peanut products
Where Creativity Meets Community
For art lovers, Magic City Art Connection is an event not to be missed in Birmingham. The arts and crafts festival features works from 150+ artists, live music, food vendors, and hands-on opportunities to learn about art.
A Fusion of Music, Food, and Southern Hospitality
Montgomery's Jubilee CityFest is a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. This is a must-attend annual event in Alabama featuring numerous entertainers on multiple stages. The sights and sounds include country, rock, and R&B.
Celebrating Folk Art and Authentic Creativity
Named one of the top arts festivals in the nation, the Kentucky Festival in Northport is a haven for folk and outsider art. With over 270 artists, live demonstrations, and storytelling sessions, it’s a deep dive into Alabama’s creative soul.
A BBQ Lover’s Dream Come True
If you love barbecue, the WhistleStop Festival in Huntsville is your paradise. This smoky, savory event features pitmasters from across the South competing for the title of best BBQ.
America’s Original Mardi Gras Celebration*
Did you know Mobile, not New Orleans, hosted the first Mardi Gras in the U.S.? The city’s Mardi Gras is a dazzling spectacle of parades, masquerade balls, and bead-throwing fun.
Step Back in Time for a Weekend of Medieval Magic
For a whimsical escape, the Alabama Renaissance Faire transports visitors to the 16th century with jousting tournaments, artisan markets, and period costumes.
Three Days of Nonstop Music and Entertainment
Mobile’s BayFest is a high-energy music festival featuring rock, country, jazz, and hip-hop acts across multiple stages.
A Holiday Wonderland for All Ages*
Ending the year on a festive note, Christmas Village in Birmingham is a magical holiday market with over 200 vendors selling unique gifts, decorations, and treats.
Start the year off with Mobile's extravagant Mardi Gras (February) celebration, where moon pies are abundant and parades light up the streets. Spring is enjoyable because it brings the abundance of festivals such as Birmingham's Magic City Art Connection (April), taking over the city with an open-air art gallery, and Florence's Shoals Strawberry Festival (May) with tons of strawberries and music.
Summer includes Gulf Shores' Hangout Music Festival (May), featuring some of the most prominent artists in the music industry, only steps away from the ocean waves. In Huntsville, BBQ lovers enjoy championship BBQ and the Southern hospitality atmosphere at the WhistleStop Festival (May). Fall is celebrated at Northport's Kentucky Festival of the Arts (October), displaying extraordinary folk art, and Dothan's National Peanut Festival (November), featuring carnival rides, peanut butter everything, and, of course, peanuts to do justice to Alabama's favorite crop.
Holidays are becoming more popular due to experience-based events and festivals such as Birmingham's Christmas Village (November–December), displaying twinkling lights and local handmade gifts. The Alabama 2025 festival calendar will usher in the new year and the promise of celebration within all of these music, food, arts, and family-friendly events.
As we conclude our overview of the can't-miss festivals and events happening throughout Alabama this year, you can bet that one thing is sure: 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for events. From energetic music festivals such as BayFest and Hangout to more quaint arts and crafts celebrations such as Kentuck Festival, Alabama's events are alive with tradition and excitement. These annual celebrations embrace Alabama's culture and celebrate our communities uniting through delicious food, music, and artistic creativity.
Whether it be peanuts at the National Peanut Festival, dancing in the streets with Mobile's Mardi Gras, or some holiday cheer at Birmingham’s Christmas Village, they will all have every family member smiling and laughing. Do not let this year go by without catching Alabama's best festivals of 2025—so mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to celebrate a lifetime of memories. These events represent the people of Alabama's warmth, hospitality, and spirit—so be a part of it!
This content was created by AI