The Patch

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through Oct. 29 | Various Times
Helena Hollow

It’s pumpkin season! Beginning on Sunday, Oct. 1, attendees can visit Helena Hollow and experience the patch’s 30 different agri-entertainment attractions including slides, swings and animals. Attendees can also take a hayride to pick a pumpkin in the patch. The cost is $13 at the gate on Fridays, and $15 at the gate on Saturdays and Sundays. Those ages 2 and under get in free. Pumpkins are $3.50. Find more information at helenahollow.com/the-patch.

The Pumpkin Patch

Through Thursday, Oct. 31 | Various Times
Old Baker Farm

Families are invited to visit this U-pick farm to find pumpkins ripe for harvest, and they can take a hayride, get on a train ride, meet animals at the petting farm and explore the corn maze while they’re there, too! Admission is $13 per person, but those ages 1 and under get in free. The farm is open weekdays 3-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Old Baker Farm’s annual “Cowboy Day” weekend is scheduled for Oct. 12-13, and the farm’s annual festival weekend is set for Oct. 26-27. Learn more at oldbakerfarm.com.

Helena’s Buck Creek Festival

Friday. Oct. 11 | 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Helena’s Amphitheater Park

The highly anticipated Buck Creek Festival is back this October, featuring an array of family-friendly musical performances, the annual duck race, kids’ activities and a vendor market, too. Learn more at helenasbuckcreekfestival.com.

Discover Shelby Fest

Saturday, Oct. 12 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Old Mill Square Park

This free, annual music festival will host several Shelby County wineries including Morgan Creek Vineyards, Hidden Meadow Vineyard, Corbin Farms Winery, Ozan Winery and more! While admission to this event is free, those ages 21 and up who wish to taste wine samples must purchase a wristband for either $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Those wishing to purchase a VIP wristband will enjoy an air-conditioned VIP area with complimentary food, indoor games, a photo booth and college football games live-streamed on the big screen. VIP wristbands are $50 in advance or $65 at the door. The real kicker, however, is the live music performed throughout the day at the Main Stage at Old Mill Square Park and on Main Street. Patrons can look forward to the headliner band, The Return–Beatles Tribute Band. Food trucks will be available as well. With family-friendly fun for all, this event is another can’t-miss outing! Learn more here

The 15th Annual Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 26 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Buck Creek Trail 

The city of Alabaster’s Fall Festival is back and featuring carnival rides for children, food vendors, hay rides, inflatables, live entertainment, a trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin painting and more! This event is free and open to the public; although, patrons do have to pay for food from on-site vendors should they wish to eat at the event. Those wishing to paint pumpkins may purchase pumpkins for $2 each. Visit cityofalabaster.com/228/fall-fest-oct for more information.

Halloween Havoc Half Marathon and Six-Mile Sprint

Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5-11 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park

Runners, beware! The Halloween Havoc Half Marathon and Six-Mile Sprint will be a night race on the trails at Oak Mountain State Park. The course will have an aid station at the halfway point of each race. Each distance is a full circle, so runners start and finish at the same location. Runners should be well trained for this event as the course contains a variety of hilly terrain. Post-race refreshments will be available for runners after the race. The first, second and third-place winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions will be awarded prizes as well. Get more information and register at ultrasignup.com.

Monsters on Main

Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4:30-6 p.m.
Main Street in Columbiana

A joint celebration between Columbiana Main Street and the City of Columbiana, Monsters on Main began years ago as the idea of several local merchants who wanted to foster community fellowship during Halloween. It has since become a community tradition, drawing hundreds of trick-or-treaters each year as they stroll down Main Street and collect candy from Columbiana businesses. This event is free and open to the public. Be sure to dress in your favorite costume and bring a bag or bucket for candy. Learn more here

Did we miss any events? Email annagrace.moore@shelbyliving.com for more information on how to include your events in our monthly newsletter and postings.