Given you’re likely living in or near Calhoun County, Alabama, you may not be aware that fall is nipping at our heels (as it’s not very nippy outside as yet). While temperatures may disagree, our calendars have us squarely in September, which means that there are plenty of fall festivals to attend and pumpkin patches to visit. Now’s the time to stock up on pumpkins and other autumn decor, get lost in a corn maze, pet some farm animals, and jump on board a hay ride! Read on to discover the best fall pumpkin patches and festivals happening in Calhoun County, Alabama in 2024.

Pumpkin Patches

Nothing says “Welcome Fall!” like a good ol’ fashioned pumpkin patch! Calhoun County has heard murmurings of a new one right within our borders, while another just over the county line continues to grow in popularity. Whether you enjoy picking your own pumpkin straight from the field, going on a hay ride, petting friendly farm animals, or playing autumn-inspired games, one of the following pumpkin patches can definitely provide entertainment for the entire family.

Redbird Willow Farm

As the crisp autumn air settles over Calhoun County, Redbird Willow Farm is bustling with excitement for its inaugural Pumpkin Patch. Starting September 22nd and running every weekend through October, this charming farm known for its alpacas and llamas is transforming into a fall wonderland. Visitors can wander about the grounds ripe with pumpkins, breathing in the scent of fallen leaves and fresh hay while enjoying the antics of the farm’s diverse animal residents, including adorable ponies, fluffy rabbits, playful goats, and their skittish pair of comical emus.

The pumpkin patch offers a cornucopia of activities for children and families alike. Kids can frolic in the playground, test their skills at pumpkin bowling, or hand-paint a pumpkin. The farm’s rustic charm will be on full display with a challenging hay bale maze, a towering hay bale mountain, and authentic tractors. Animal lovers can enjoy the petting farm and the chance to “adopt” a pony. Depending on availability, visitors can also enjoy animal encounters, train or wagon rides, tasty food from an on-site food truck, and browse the gift shop for autumn-inspired souvenirs. With a variety of fall-themed photo ops and the backdrop of Redbird Willow Farm’s picturesque setting, this pumpkin patch promises to be a memorable fall destination for all who visit.

Bennett Farms Pumpkin Patch

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive fall experience that the entire family can enjoy, Bennett Farms Pumpkin Patch is an established 4th generation farm that offers a little bit of everything.  Their colorful pumpkin patch is a marvel, offering carving pumpkins that range from $8-$12, as well as $3 specialty pie pumpkins and $24 Atlantic Giants. Itching for a hayride? They’ve got you covered. Are you a corn maze buff? Their 100-bale maze is impressively large as well as challenging. Adorable farm animals are available on site for petting and admiring, and kids can revel in climbing on tractors and trucks, exploring a tree house, playing in pipe slides, or riding the wagon train. 

You can try your hand at decorating a scarecrow, play a game of cornhole, ring toss, or jumbo 4 in a row — even rope a steer! Bennett Farms also provides plenty of gift options in their general store, chocked full of fall decor and other items of interest. And there’s no going hungry at the farm–their BBQ Cookhouse serves up ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, while their kitchen will please all ages with burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, fresh-cooked pork rinds, apple pies, and more.

This seasonal autumn extravaganza opens on Saturday, September 28, and continues through the end of October. As part of their October festivities, Bennett Farms provides live music entertainment on Saturdays from September 28 through the end of October. Their scheduled artists, who perform from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm,  are:

September 28 · Cody Barnette

October 5 ·  Ryan Robertson

October 12 ·   Iron City Boys

October 19 ·  John Howle

October 26 ·  Chad Robertson

Nances Creek Farms Pumpkin Patch

Nances Creek Farms, a small family-owned operation, will be hosting a one-day pumpkin patch event. Besides stocking up on pumpkins for display, carving, or baking some delectable pumpkin pie, families can enjoy taking a turn in their hay maze, practicing their roping skills, frolicking in corn cribs, petting farm animals, and jumping on board a fun hay ride. Adults can get their fill of upbeat live music, while kids can get all their pent-up energy out in a bouncy castle. Nances Creek Farms also has a stellar reputation for selling fresh produce like pasture-raised pork, farm-raised eggs, and more. Make plans to attend!

Fall Festivals in Calhoun County

As acorns drop and leaves fly, people put on their favorite flannel shirts, overalls, and straw hats (or sport the shorts if the weather stubbornly refuses to cool down) and plan to hit the fall festival circuit. Calhoun County has its fair share of events that are sure to put you in the fall spirit. Read on and mark your calendars!

CCMM Fall Festival

This quaint fall festival, hosted by Calhoun County Makers Market, will feature vendors selling handmade items, arts and crafts activities for kids, face painting, and photo ops. A school supply drive will also occur in conjunction with the festival. 

Oxfordfest

Another year, another fall festival will soon hit the streets of downtown Oxford, Alabama as Oxfordfest prepares its huge 1-day event, slated for Saturday, October 5. This sprawling street festival, which attracts 25k-30k annually, features 300+ vendor booths lining Snow St., Chocolocco St., and Main St., selling everything from clothing, homemade skincare products, jewelry, and toys to fall indoor and outdoor decor and beyond. There will also be plenty of food and beverages to fill your bellies and whet your whistles among the 30 food vendors to choose from.

Another feature of this fun-filled festival is the hourly drawings, along with a special $1,000 giveaway. If that’s not enough incentive to check out Oxfordfest 2024, we don’t know what is!

This year’s entertainment schedule on the main stage is as follows:

7:45 am – 8:15 am  Judge Alice Martin & Ms. Debbie Calhoun

8:30 am – 9:00 am  Hwy 180 Band

9:15 am – 9:45 am  Note Worthy Band

10:00 am – 10:30 am  Chris Voice

10:45 am – 11:00 am  Presentation by Sunny King Auto Group

11:15 am – 11:45 pm  Dwight Smith  

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm  FM Revival

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm  Hutch Edwards Project

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm  Highland Groove

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm  Drawings for Prizes and $1,000 Giveaway

Fall Fest

The Anniston Museums and Gardens has hay bundles full of fun planned at their annual Fall Fest, a paid event that offers admission to their acclaimed museums in addition to the autumn activities they have planned. From traditional hay rides and a petting zoo to fall-themed games and out-of-the-box science experiments, this family-friendly festival promises fun for all ages. As always, wearing Halloween costumes is encouraged, and food trucks will be on-site to curb hunger pangs.

Faith Market

Faith Christian School is once again hosting its fall Faith Market, which features items for sale by an assortment of vendors. A silent auction will open attendees up to even more objects for consideration, and concessions will be available for lunch or snacking. 

Blackberry Hill Alpacas Weddings & EventsNational Alpaca Farm Day – Open House

Come meet the alpacas and their furry and feathery friends at National Alpaca Farm Day – Open House on Saturday, Sept. 28th 9am-3pm. Dust Bunnies and Dog Hair will be here with a free petting zoo, and the Anniston Museums and Gardens will have a few feathery friends as well. We’re also doing free alpaca tours. Get up and close with our herd of 17 alpacas!