Check out our full list of happenings close to you this month.
1. Pumpkin Patch
Sept. 25-Oct. 31
Old Baker Farm
Come out to this historic U-pick farm to find pumpkins ripe for harvest, and you can take a hayride, get on a train ride, meet animals at the petting farm and explore the corn maze while you are there. Pumpkins are $11, and you must purchase one to enter. The farm is open weekdays 3-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. There’s also a festival weekend scheduled for Oct. 23-24 and a Halloween Park Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m. Learn more at oldbakerfarm.com.
2. The Patch
Saturdays & Sundays in October | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Helena Hollow
It’s pumpkin season! Have some fun while you are at it with 15 different agri-entertainment attractions including slides, swings and animals. You can take a hayride to pick a pumpkin in the patch pumpkin patch too. The cost is $10 admission for everyone over age 2, and pumpkins are $2. Find more information at helenahollow.com/the-patch.
3. Shelby Iron Works Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 9 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shelby Iron Works Park
10268 County Road 42, Shelby
Old-time traditions like sorghum syrup making and blacksmithing will be just a few of the interesting things to see at tis festival. Their Country Store will be open, so come prepared to do some shopping. You can also grab a bite to eat from a food trucks and listen to live music from the Ain’t Misbehavin’ Big Band while taking time to soak in some history by visiting the park’s museum, schoolhouse and farmhouse. Admission is free.
4. Farm to Table Dinner
Friday, Oct. 15 | 6 p.m.
The Grande Hall at Old Mill Square
Reconnect with the land and celebrate the hardworking hands that feed us at this Columbiana Main Street fundraiser. Tickets, $50 each, include hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a silent auction. Purchase them online here or at the Columbiana Main Street Office inside the Senior Center at 110 Mildred Street. For more information, call 205-669-3969.
5. Barktoberfest
Sunday, Oct. 17 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Helena Ampitheater Park
Come out for food and beverage vendors, shopping, dog-friendly activities and kid-approved fun to benefit Two by Two Rescue’s foster and adoption services for pets in the Greater Birmingham area.
6. Fall Give and Gather Dinner
Tuesday, Oct. 19 | 6 p.m.
Inverness County Club
Enjoy dinner with music, an open bar, live auction, wine and bourbon pull to benefit King’s Home. Get your tickets at gather.givesmart.com.
7. Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
Come out to see fall colors in our favorite state park with special festivities too. You can meet snakes and turtles at the Interpretive Center and/or take guided hikes along the Tree Top Nature Trail at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Plus there will be hay rides, marina rentals, bounce houses, shopping, food vendors and yard games. Regular park entrance fees apply.
8. Trunk or Treat
Thursday, Oct. 28 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Downtown Calera
Around 100 decorated trunks will be giving out candy in the large gravel lot off 9th Street in Calera for this Calera Main Street event. There will be food trucks as well as a drive-in movie starting at dark in the Calera Courtyard, located behind the downtown shops at 1120 17th Ave. Many local Main Street merchants will also be open late with specials, and an interactive radio station will set the mood throughout the event.
9. Alabaster Fall Fest
Friday, Oct. 30 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Buck Creek Trail
Celebrate fall with carnival rides, hay rides, a trick-or-treat trail and pumpkin painting at this free annual event. Plus you will find arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, inflatables, and live music performed by 2BLU and the Lucky Stiffs
