Check out these fun April festivals in North Alabama!
Bloomin’ Festival
Arts and crafts will be on display for two days in April when the St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School hosts its annual Bloomin’ Festival. Set for April 5-6, the outdoor event features the works of talented artists and craftsmen, music and festival food and is expected to draw approximately thousands of visitors in search of fresh air, unique arts and crafts, demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment.
Smoke on the Falls BBQ Competition
The Smoke on the Falls BBQ Competition is set to fire up the grills April 12, 2025, at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden. The one-day event promises sizzling competition and free, family-friendly fun, and this year, the heat is turned up with two exciting new categories, making the event bigger and better than ever.
Pitmasters from near and far will compete for the title of barbeque champion, showcasing their best ribs, brisket, chicken and pork. And new this year, competitors can also show off their skills in two brand-new categories: That’s Amore-A Cocktail and Pizza Cook-off, celebrating the theme of a football party, and It Ain’t Your Mama’s Recipe-A Dessert Cook-off, encouraging participants to showcase their unique dessert creations. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a backyard barbeque enthusiast, this event is the perfect opportunity to show off your skills and enjoy a day filled with great food and community spirit. There are also two divisions for the youth, ages 5 to 9 years old and 10 to 15 years old. Registration is available at gadsden.recdesk.com.
Smoke on the Falls is free to the public and everyone is invited to stroll around and soak in the barbeque vibes while checking out the local specialty food trucks and vendors. Live music fires up on the Adams Beverage Stage from the Tim Roberts Band from 2:30-4:30pm. The awards ceremony follows at 4:30pm.
Sponsored by Adams Beverage, Johnson’s Giant Food, Exchange Bank, Buffalo Rock and Big Poppa Smokers, the event is held at the newly renovated Noccalula Falls Campground, 1500 Noccalula Road in Gadsden, Ala. Gates open at 11 a.m. and wraps up at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.
Alabama Strawberry Festival
Set for April 25-26, 2025, in Depot Park, the Alabama Strawberry Festival celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, offering two days filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment and fresh strawberries.
As far back as 1898, the strawberry has been an agricultural calling card for Cullman and to celebrate, the town comes together to offer an event centered on the red berry. In 2023, the Governor of Alabama officially recognized the annual strawberry celebration in Cullman as the Alabama Strawberry Festival. Now in its 86th year, the event is Alabama’s longest-running strawberry festival. Many local farmers will be on hand selling their produce, and most importantly, fresh, locally grown strawberries. Make sure to stop by the Festhalle Marketplatz early to purchase a basket of berries to take home.
Along with fresh strawberries, the Alabama Strawberry Festival offers a variety of food vendors with strawberry menu items, a kid’s area, a doggie pawgeant, a strawberry-inspired baking contest and over 80 artisan vendors selling strawberry-themed food, handcrafted collectibles, boutique-style clothing and locally sourced products. Jason Mack Glass will offer a 20-30 minute glassmaking workshop. Participants (ages 7 years old and up) can make their very own strawberry, ornament, flower or pumpkin to take home. Cost is $50 per person and preregistration is required to select a time slot.
This year’s event welcomes Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, Austin Williams and Griffin William Sherry to the stage on Friday, April 25 and Chase Matthew, Kidd G, Sam Donald and Graham Barham Saturday, April 26. Anyone will be able to view the concert, but the best vantage point with reserved seating will require a ticket. Premium general admission ticket is $29.99/single day and $49.99/two day pass and VIP is $79.99/single day and $99.99/two day pass. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at https://www.alabamastrawberryfest.com/tickets. Gates open at 3pm. both days with bands beginning around 4pm. Stay tuned to https://www.alabamastrawberryfest.com/artists for additional announcements.
Hours are 11am-9pm. Friday, April 25 and 10am-9pm. Saturday, April 26 at the Festhalle Farmers Market and Depot Park located at 309 1st Avenue NE in downtown Cullman. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.alabamastrawberryfest.com or call 256-798-2325.
Art on the Lake
Artists and crafters from across the southeastern United States will make their way to Guntersville April 26-27 (10am-5pm Saturday and 10-4pm Sunday) to display their works of art and unique creations. Held alongside beautiful Lake Guntersville, Art on the Lake features the works of over 80 fine artists and craftsmen, and along with arts and crafts, you’ll be treated to food vendors, outdoor games and rides, and a bakeshop. Admission: $3.
Panoply Arts Festival
Art and music come together the last weekend in April for a three-day celebration in downtown Huntsville. Now in its 43rd year, the annual Panoply Arts Festival takes over Big Spring Park April 25-27, offering three days of live music, shopping for original works of art, demonstrations and hands-on activities along with two nights of fireworks.
Arts Huntsville is offering a Panoply weekend pass available online in advance for $20. Day passes are $15 and can be purchased online or at the gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Festival hours are 5-9pm on Friday, April 25; 10am-9pm on Saturday, April 26; and 11am-6pm on Sunday, April 27. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.artshuntsville.org/event/panoply/ or call (256) 519-2787 (ARTS).
