Must-Visit Local Fall Festivals for the Ultimate Autumn Getaway!

As summer fades, the Lake Martin area transforms into a breathtaking autumn wonderland, and we can’t help but marvel at the change. The season arrives with vibrant leaves, scenic hikes, golden afternoons, and cozy fires. Local farmers share their harvest, while restaurants and shops serve seasonal favorites and pumpkin-spiced treats.

But one of the best ways to celebrate the season is by attending a classic fall festival—and Lake Martin is brimming with them!

11th Annual Dadeville Fall Festival

On October 5, join the fun at the 11th Annual Dadeville Fall Festival hosted by the Lake Martin – Dadeville Chamber of Commerce. Celebrate in Dadeville with over 75 vendors, a variety of food trucks, arts, crafts, live music, games, and more! Of course, this is a family-friendly event, so stop by the kids zone for face painting, pony rides, bouncy houses, and a petting zoo! To inquire about activities, contact Molly at the Lake Martin-Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce or message the chamber on Facebook.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Photo by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce

The Great Pumpkin Patch will be open daily October 16-31 from 11 A.M. – 7 P.M. at First United Methodist Church (next door to Russell Medical in Alexander City). A Fall Festival is planned for October 19 with hayrides, games, music, food, and more! Finishing the month with a Trunk-or-Treat on October 31. For more information, visit their Facebook!

44th Annual Oktoberfest & Custom Car Show

Photo by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce

Join Alexander City Parks & Recreation on October 12 for the 44th Annual Oktoberfest & Custom Car Show at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. The Sportplex hosts a variety of vendors, arts and entertainment, a car show, and other family-friendly activities. For more information and updates, check out Alexander City Parks and Recreation on Facebook or contact Megan Blake.

Everything’s Art Holiday Arts & Crafts Market

Head over to Pennington Park for their Everything’s Art Holiday Arts & Crafts Market on October 12. Enjoy the many arts and craft vendors, food trucks, baked goods, and much more! The market is from 10 A.M.- 3 P.M. at Pennington Park . Visit their Facebook page for information and updates.

Wind Creek State Park Fall Festival

Wind Creek State Park is also a festival host in the Lake Martin area. The Wind Creek State Park Fall Festival takes place October 18-19 for campers. The park is filled with fall fun including a pumpkin carving contest, costume parade, campsite decorating, prizes, giveaways and trick-or-treating. Throughout the month of October, campers can also participate in night hikes, guided tours, arts & crafts, campfire talks, bird watching, and so much more.

Boo Weekend, dubbed by Wind Creek campers, takes place October 25-26. Book a stay at Wind Creek in their cabins or campsites to trick-or-treat in the park. Updates are also available on their Facebook page.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat & Fall Festival

Photo by Main Street Alexander City

Then on October 26, Main Street Alexander City celebrates the Halloween holiday starting at 10 A.M. with the Main Street Downtown Trick-or-Treat & Fall Festival. Trick-or-Treating will begin at 11 A.M. on Main Street. All are encouraged to wear costumes, taste downtown’s finest restaurants, shop local, and have a spooky good time. For more information about Fall Festival and Trick-or-Treat, visit the Main Street website and follow them on Facebook.

City of Alexander City Trunk-or-Treat

Photo by City of Alexander City

The City of Alexander City invites all to celebrate on October 24 with the 4th Annual Trunk-or-Treat. Truck-or-Treating will begin at 5 P.M. at the Alexander City Municipal Complex. All are invited to wear costumes, enjoy food trucks & live music, and have a spooky good time. For more information, visit the city’s website and follow them on Facebook.

Russell Crossroads Fall Family Festival

Photo by Russell Lands

You will find extraordinary fun at the Russell Crossroads Fall Family Festival, October 26, at Russell Crossroads! Bring the whole family out to this one-of-a-kind event! Not only will you find a working blacksmith and a grist mill, but you’ll be treated to a Pumpkin Patch overflowing with big orange pumpkins perfect for decorating at home. There will be more games with cool prizes, wagon rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a Naturalist presentation, and lots more. You could also win cash prizes in our Blue Ribbon Canning and Baking Contests!

Other Seasonal Events

Lake Martin Invitational Marching Band Competition

Get your marching shoes on as you make plans to attend this fall’s Lake Martin Invitational Marching Band Competition on October 5. Hear marching bands from across the state of Alabama, including our own local bands. The competition takes place at the football stadium in the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. For more details and where to get your tickets, visit the Lake Martin Invitational website.

Camp Hill Farmers Market

The Camp Hill Farmers Market kicks off on November 2 and runs every Saturday throughout the month. It’s the perfect spot to stock up on fresh, locally grown produce like leafy collard greens and sweet potatoes, as well as homemade jams, jellies, and local honey. In addition to delicious goods, you can also browse a variety of handmade artisan items, making it a great destination for seasonal shopping and supporting local farmers and creators! For more information, check out Camp Hill Marketplace Farmers Market on Facebook.

So, whether you’re a visitor or a local, join us in celebrating the season at Lake Martin. With a variety of fall festivals and seasonal events, you’ll have the chance to shop local, savor the area’s finest treats, and experience the magic of Lake Martin all over again!

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