Ahhh, May, you bring with you warmer weather, fun festivals, and lots of delicious homegrown fruit and veggies! Check out these fun (and even delicious) festivals and make plans to live your best life in May in north Alabama.
Moulton Strawberry Festival
Sweet springtime fun is on the way as the annual Strawberry Festival returns to Moulton May 1–2, celebrating its 11th year with two days of family-friendly festivities at the Moulton Recreation Center. From fresh, locally grown strawberries to arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment, this beloved event is packed with something for everyone.
Bring the whole family and enjoy activities like a kickball tournament, carnival rides, pony rides, free inflatables, a petting zoo, and even bungee jumping for the adventurous. Saturday adds even more excitement with a classic car show, cornhole tournament, and mud volleyball. Throughout the weekend, live music fills the air with performances from local favorites and rising stars across Lawrence County.
Of course, the highlight of the festival is the strawberries themselves—available for purchase while supplies last—so arriving early is a must. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, settle in, and soak up a full day of entertainment and community spirit.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at 13550 Court Street in Moulton. Admission is just $1 per person, making it an easy and affordable way to enjoy one of North Alabama’s sweetest traditions. 🍓
Recall LaGrange’s Distillery Raid on the Mountain
Step back in time at one of North Alabama’s most unique living history events as Recall LaGrange’s Distillery Raid on the Mountain returns May 2, 2026, at the historic LaGrange College Site Park in Leighton. Celebrating the 197th anniversary of Alabama’s first chartered college, this day-long event brings history to life with immersive experiences, demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
The highlight of the day is a thrilling reenactment of a Prohibition-era moonshine raid, where lawmen descend on the pioneer village in a staged skirmish set for 2 p.m. Beyond the action, visitors can explore Civil War displays, living history demonstrations, arts and crafts, and live musical entertainment throughout the day.
Additional experiences include the First Impression Cemetery Drama, antique displays, a fundraiser bake sale, food trucks, and guided tours of the park’s historic buildings and nearby Dawson Distillery. Guests can also enjoy antique buggy and wagon rides to the nearby LaGrange Cemetery—an antebellum site rich with history, including the intriguing story of the “Petrified Lady,” Annie Vinson Ford.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with donations accepted at the gate to support the preservation of the historic park and cemetery. Located just eight miles southeast of Muscle Shoals, this one-of-a-kind event offers a memorable way to experience North Alabama’s rich heritage.
Belle Mont Mansion Celtic Festival
Celebrate the rich Celtic heritage of North Alabama at the annual Belle Mont Celtic Festival, returning May 8–9, 2026, in Tuscumbia. Held at the historic Belle Mont Mansion, this two-day event blends history, music and culture into a lively outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.
Festivities begin Friday, May 8, with Museum Day, featuring free admission, chamber music, cultural demonstrations and educational talks from University of North Alabama professors exploring Scottish and Irish history. On Saturday, the full festival comes to life with a day of live music, hands-on demonstrations and family-friendly fun across the mansion grounds.
Guests can enjoy performances from world-class Celtic musicians, including headliner Seán Heely Band, along with returning favorites Chambless and Muse. Throughout the day, explore traditional Celtic arts like weaving and dulcimer music, browse artisan vendors, and experience interactive demonstrations of Highland Games with the Rocket City Throwing Club. From children’s activities to Scottish clan representatives helping visitors trace their heritage, the festival offers something for everyone.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a full day of entertainment. Admission on Saturday is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13–18 and free for children 12 and under.
Set against the backdrop of one of Alabama’s most significant historic homes, Belle Mont Mansion (circa 1828), this unique festival offers a memorable way to experience the traditions and stories that helped shape the region.
Oakville Indian Mounds Multicultural Indian Event
Don't miss the 36th Annual Oakville Indian Mounds Multicultural Indian Event on Saturday, May 9 from 10am-4pm at the Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center. There sill be Native American music, drum, dance, living history displays, museum open, food trucks and fry bread, arts & crafts vendors, free atlatl station, free stickball station, $5 Canoe Rides, $5 parking donation, live ladybug & butterfly release, flintknapping, copper display, plant/herb walking tours, chair caning, corn hole, and much more!
Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo
Get ready for two nights of high-energy rodeo action as the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo returns to Athens May 15–16, 2026. Now in its 44th year, this North Alabama tradition brings professional-level competition, community spirit and family-friendly fun to the arena.
Rodeo week kicks off early with a free Street Dance in downtown Athens on Tuesday, May 12, followed by a slack performance on Thursday, May 14, offering fans an extra chance to catch the action. One of the week’s most meaningful highlights is the Exceptional Needs Rodeo on Friday, May 15, a special event designed to create a fun and inclusive experience for individuals with special needs.
The main rodeo events take center stage Friday and Saturday nights, featuring thrilling competitions produced by Lone Star Rodeo Company. From bull riding to barrel racing, visitors can expect an exciting showcase of rodeo talent under the lights.
Gates open at 6 p.m. each night with events beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in advance or at the gate, and proceeds from the event support the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.
With a full week of events leading up to the main show, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is a can’t-miss tradition that delivers excitement, entertainment and a true taste of North Alabama culture.
Arley Day Festival
Celebrate small-town charm and community spirit at the annual Arley Day Festival, returning May 16, 2026, for its 53rd year. This beloved event transforms the town of Arley into a lively hub of activity, offering a full day of free, family-friendly fun.
The day kicks off with a festive parade through town, followed by a variety of activities including a car show, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and local businesses showcasing their goods. Kids can enjoy a lineup of free развлечations like water slides, horseback rides, an obstacle course and games, along with complimentary hot dog lunches provided by the Arley Women’s Club.
Start the morning with a pancake breakfast at the Arley Fire Station, benefiting the local volunteer fire department, or jump into the pickleball tournament for a bit of friendly competition. Throughout the day, visitors can browse, shop and connect while supporting local artisans and organizations.
Held at Hamner Memorial Park, the Arley Day Festival runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free admission for all. Proceeds from the event go directly back into the community, supporting schools, public services and local projects—making it a celebration that truly gives back.
Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic
One of North Alabama’s most colorful traditions returns this Memorial Day weekend as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic takes over Point Mallard Park in Decatur May 23–24, 2026. This free, family-friendly festival fills the sky—and the park—with vibrant hot air balloons, live entertainment and activities for all ages.
The weekend kicks off early Saturday morning with the exciting hare and hound balloon race, followed by a full day of fun including an antique tractor show, classic car expo, tractor parade and hands-on historical demonstrations. Kids can enjoy the pedal tractor park and games, while arts and crafts vendors offer plenty to browse. As the sun sets, balloons take flight again or offer tethered rides, leading into the evening’s highlight—the Balloon Glow—where illuminated balloons light up the night sky in a stunning display.
Sunday brings more high-flying excitement with the Lynn Layton Key Grab Balloon Race, where pilots skillfully aim for a target from above. Additional flights, live music and more tethered ride opportunities continue throughout the day, wrapping up the weekend with a fireworks show Saturday night.
Held at the scenic 750-acre Point Mallard Park, the Alabama Jubilee is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday weekend. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy this unforgettable North Alabama experience.
Coalfest
Celebrate small-town heritage and community spirit at CoalFest, returning to downtown Brilliant May 22–23, 2026. This free, two-day festival honors the town’s coal mining roots with a lively mix of music, history and family-friendly fun along Main Street.
Festivities kick off Friday evening with live music and continue into Saturday with a full day of activities for all ages. Visitors can explore a coal mining exhibit, check out a car and tractor show, enjoy a horseshoe tournament and browse arts and crafts vendors. Kids will find plenty to do in the dedicated children’s area with games and rides, while additional events—including a motorcycle ride benefiting a local family—add to the community-focused atmosphere.
Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can take guided tours of the historic Train Depot in City Park and visit Brilliant Methodist Church, a landmark built by local coal miners and part of the North Alabama Hallelujah Trail. Free shuttle service makes it easy to explore all festival locations.
With live music filling the air—including a Saturday performance by The Band Loula—CoalFest offers a meaningful and memorable way to experience the history and heart of this North Alabama community.
