Birmingham Area Pumpkin Patch Guide, Fall 2024

Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2024 by Angie

Looking for the best pumpkin patches in Birmingham this fall? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, a fun family outing, or just want to soak up some autumn vibes, our list of Birmingham-area pumpkin patches has everything you need. From hayrides to corn mazes, and photo ops to seasonal treats, these local spots are a must-visit for families. Explore the top pumpkin patches near Birmingham and make unforgettable fall memories with your kids this season!

BIRMINGHAM AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES FALL 2024

boy picks pumpkin at the farmers market. The person in motion, defocused. Copy space

Old Baker Farm

Location: Harpersville just off Hwy 280
September 28th – October 31st
Open weekdays 3pm – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Sundays 1pm – 5pm
ADMISSION COST:
$13 per person (children 1 and under free)

Cowboy Day – Saturday October 12th, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 12th, 1pm -5pm.
Columbus Day – October 14th, Open 9am – 5pm
American History Weekend – Saturday, October 19th 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 20th 1pm – 5pm
Festival Weekend – Saturday October 26th and Sunday the 27th 9am – 5pm both days

Great Pumpkin Patch

Location: Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit.
September 28th – November 3rd
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.

See website for pricing

Bennett Farms

Location: Heflin – I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199.
Open October
Tuesday 2pm – 5pm
Thursday 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

Hayride, petting farm, corn crib, hay maze, pipe slide, tire crawl, pipe swing, wagon train.

Visit their website to purchase tickets

4D Farm Farm

Location: 7182 County Road 703 | Cullman, AL 35055
September 28th – November 2nd
Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food! Located in Cullman… just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!

Helena Hollow

Location: 6027 Hwy 17 Helena
Weekends in October
Friday 9am – 5pm,
Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 6pm (*Sunday October 30th will close at 4pm)

Hayrides, a tire mountain, rope climbs and tire swings, hay maze and obstacles, petting zoo access, land slides, corn barn and silo playhouses.

See website for admission prices and to pre-purchase tickets

Griffin Farms

Location: West Blockton, AL
Opening weekend for pumpkin season October, 5th
Saturdays 10am – 6pm
Sundays 12pm – 6pm

General Admission $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free
Admission includes: 1 pumpkin per paid admission, animal farm, bouncy houses, corn maze, hay ride, slides, swings, hay mountain and much more!

Penton Farms

Location: 3595 County Road 59, Verbena
September 28th – November 2nd
Open Monday – Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday – 9am – 6pm

Admission: $14.00 for 2 years old and up.

*The admission includes access to almost all activities as well as one pumpkin from the field.*

Wagon rides, corn maze, animal barn, cow train, super slide, hay mountain, concessions and more!

More Options for Pumpkins:

Simms Garden is Homewood

Location: 908 Highland Road & 913 Irving Road in Homewood, AL

Located in the Edgewood Neighborhood in Homewood, this garden offers a variety for every pumpkin patch goer. Whether it is small and unique-looking pumpkins and gourds, a traditional big pumpkin for carving, or some mums to complete your front porch decor you will find pumpkins from five to 50 pounds.

Birmingham Area Witches Ride, Halloween 2024

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 by Angie

Get ready for some spooktacular fun as our Birmingham Area witches take to the streets for their annual ride! Decked out in sparkling robes and playful costumes, these witches will light up the evening as they soar through the neighborhood, tossing candy along the way.

Here’s where you can catch a ride—whether you’re joining the witches or just there to gather the goodies!

Trussville Witches Ride:

Meet us at Cahaba elementary to begin the ride through town, ending at Ferus in the TED! Join us for the after-party!
Saturday, October 19th
5pm
More Info

Cahaba Heights Witches Ride:

A day of fun and witchy business as we ride through Cahaba Heights to support a great cause, Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Saturday, October 26th
4pm
More Info

Homewood Witches Ride:

This year, HWR is partnering with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB!
Sunday, October 27th
Homewood Central Park
5:45pm
More Info

Bluff Park Witches Ride:

Get your best witchy attire to fly (ride) through the streets of Bluff Park. Pack plenty of candy for all the little goblins to enjoy. And join us for an after party at The Electric. All to benefit The WellHouse.
Sunday, October 27th
Shades Cliff Park
4:30pm
More Info

Star Lake Witches Ride:

SAVE THE DATE for Green Valley’s most fun event of the year! The Star Lake Witches Ride.

Witches ride on bikes, brooms and golf carts tossing out candy to children!
Sunday, October 27th
5:45pm

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2024 by Angie

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are so simple and are sure to be a hit this season at any of your Halloween parties and play dates. -Here’s what you need and what you’ll do!

-Peanut butter cookies (store bought is totally ok but feel free to make them homemade, I’m all about a lazy Moms guide to these treats)
-Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
-Writing icing or semi sweet melting chocolate
-Candy eye balls (if you’re not putting these on everything this time of year, you’re missing out) 👀

What you’ll do:

-Use the writing icing or melt the melting chocolate and use that as your “glue” to hold a Reese’s cup to the center of the top of your cookie.
-Use the writing icing( or melted chocolate in a piping bag) to draw on 8 legs, 4 on each side.
-Finish up by using the writing icing or melted chocolate to “glue” on your candy eyes.

That’s it! How’s easy can it get

Recipe: Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

Posted on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 by Angie

Much like the Christmas decor at your favorite store, the Pumpkin Flavored goodies seem to make their way to the shelves and coffee shops earlier and earlier every year. If you’re looking for an excuse to get in on the pumpkin flavored action at home, try these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
Yield: 24 Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies
1 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup unsalted butter; softened
2 cups white sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin (solid; not pie mix)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Icing
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (extract will also work)
2 tablespoons milk
Directions:

For the Cookies
1. Cream shortening, butter, white sugar and pumpkin. Add eggs and mix well.

2. Sift together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, salt and flour. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.

3. Drop from spoon to cookie sheet. Bake 13-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

For the Cream Cheese Icing
1. Mix the cream cheese with the butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl.

2. Heat in a microwave for 15 seconds.

3. Drizzle spoonfuls over the cooled cookies and smooth with the back of a spoon or a spatula.

Enjoy!

6 Reasons to Sign Up for YMCA Swim Lessons This Fall: Why There’s No Off-Season for Water Safety

Posted on Monday, September 16, 2024 by Angie

Come fall, swim lessons might not be top of mind for parents. But according to the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, fall and winter are the perfect time to prioritize swim lessons. Here’s 6 reasons why there is never an “off-season” for swim lessons at the YMCA:

Accidents happen all year long: The world is more than 70% water and kids are 100% curious. While warmer weather presents a higher likelihood of kids being near pools, lakes and oceans, water emergencies still occur in colder months. Swim lessons are an invaluable resource in teaching young swimmers to respect the water, and what to do should they fall in or find themselves in a water emergency.

Confidence: The YMCA teaches lessons to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Lessons are taught by Red Cross certified instructors who meet their participants where they are. It’s not uncommon to see children unwilling to get their heads wet, progress into confident swimmers at the YMCA. Every child has a different comfort levels and strengths, and the Y has various lessons to fit those unique needs!

Planning ahead: For many families, swim lessons are top of mind in the spring and summer, but are less of a priority in colder months. But YMCA swim experts advise that the colder season is a great time to learn to swim or brush up on skills. It’s better to be prepared for winter vacations to warmer locations, and enter the summer months well-practiced. While spring and summer lessons are likely to fill quickly, families have more options in the colder months when the demand isn’t so high.

Health benefits: Swimming is great exercise for kids, teens and adults of all ages. It boosts cardiovascular health, muscle strength and creates a healthy outlet for stress. At the Y, members can swim year around, enjoying indoor or heated covered pools at all 7 area locations (Alabaster, Greystone, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Shades Valley – Homewood, and Trussville)!

Brighter Futures: The YMCA aligns with YMCA of the USA’s Aquatic Pathways curriculum, a robust lineup of offerings that encourages a love for the water long after initial swim lessons. For example, those craving competition can progress to swim team for kids and Masters Swim for adults. The Y also offers specialized programs for young teens considering a job as a lifeguard. Speaking of young teens … 7th graders can join the Y for absolutely free! And when the time comes, the Y trains and certifies lifeguards at no cost. Other offerings include homeschool swim, endurance training, Polar Bear Club and swim camp!

Like all YMCA programs (membership, sports, afterschool, camp, etc) the Y offers financial assistance for swim lessons. If you’re on a tight budget, apply via the Y’s simple and confidential online financial assistance form. All levels of need are considered! And if you’re not a member, you’re missing out! YMCA members enjoy deeply discounted swim lessons (paying 50% less than the general public.) Similar discounts apply to other programs such as Summer Day Camp, Youth Sports, Afterschool Care, and most youth/teen classes!

Find the lesson level and class that is right for you kids, all year long! https://www.ymcabham.org/swim/

Alabama State Fair, Sept 13th – 22nd

Posted on Friday, September 13, 2024 by Angie

It’s time for fun at the Alabama State Fair!

Exciting Attractions & Shows. All Your Favorite Fair Food. Spectacular Carnival Rides & Kiddie Rides. Safe, Clean Family Fun! Located at the Birmingham Race Course, you have until September 22nd to take advantage of all the Fair Fun.. Make sure to follow the link at the end of this post for a way to claim a free ticket!

This years hours and admission prices:

Friday, September 13: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 14: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 15: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Monday, September 16: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday, September 17: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Thursday, September 19: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, September 20: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 21: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 22: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fair hours may be extended on weekends.

Gate Admission
Adult Admission: $15
Youth Admission: $5
Military Admission: $5
Senior Admission: $5

Parking: FREE

Claim a Free Admission Ticket (valid Monday or Wednesday) when you provide your contact information and opt-in to receive exciting updates about the Alabama State Fair. Ticket valid any one day Sept. 16 or 18th. FOLLOW THIS LINK

Spooky Cinnamon Sugar Crisps

Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2024 by Angie

We love a good Halloween themed snack or treat this time of year – try these yummy and SUPER easy Cinnamon Sugar Crisps!

What you need:

4 Flour Tortillas
1/2 Cup Sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 butter, melted

What you’ll do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray

Using your Halloween cookie cutters, cut out your spooky shapes

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush one side of your tortilla with butter, dip in cinnamon-sugar to coat, place on prepared cookie sheet.

Bake 10 minutes or until crisp. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes

Enjoy!

Birmingham Fall Bucket List for Families: 7 Must-Do Activities

Posted on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 by Angie

Fall in Birmingham is the perfect time for families to enjoy the crisp air, beautiful scenery, and fun-filled events happening all around the city. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cozy seasonal activities, we’ve created the ultimate Birmingham Fall Bucket List that’s guaranteed to make your family’s autumn unforgettable!

7 must-do family-friendly activities that will make this season special:

Hike Through Oak Mountain State Park and Enjoy Fall Colors

Take the family on an outdoor adventure at Oak Mountain State Park, where the trails are lined with vibrant fall foliage. Hike, bike, or paddle through the beautiful park and keep an eye out for wildlife. Don’t forget to bring a picnic for a peaceful lunch by the lake!

Take a Ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express

Hop aboard the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s Pumpkin Patch Express! Your family can enjoy a scenic train ride through the countryside and pick out the perfect pumpkin once you arrive at the patch. This is a fall tradition that every Birmingham family should experience!

Visit the Birmingham Zoo’s Hoots and Howls

Costumes, candy, and fun—what more could you ask for? Hoots and Howls is a daytime Halloween event is filled with family fun activities like an owl hay maze, Monster Mash dance party, ambassador animal demonstrations, costume contest, and more! These activities are all included with your zoo admission, and you can purchase a $10.00 wristband that includes the Candy Trail along Henley Lawn, as well as unlimited rides on the Red Diamond Express Train and climbs on the Full Moon BBQ Adventure Tower!

Explore the Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden

Just a short drive from Birmingham, the Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden has everything from hayrides to inflatables and a petting zoo. Kids can get lost in the corn maze or pick their favorite pumpkin to bring home for carving. A perfect spot for fall photos!

Attend a UAB Football Game

Fall means football in Birmingham! Cheer on the UAB Blazers with the family and experience the excitement of a live college game. Make it a family outing with tailgating before kickoff and enjoy the electric atmosphere of fall football!

Enjoy the Fun at Oak Mountain State Fair

The Oak Mountain State Fair is back this fall with rides, games, and family-friendly entertainment! With plenty of attractions, live performances, and great food, this fair has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy one of the most fun-filled fall events in Birmingham!
Thursday – Sunday October 24th -27th and Tuesday – Sunday, October 29th – November 3rd.

Check out a Fall Festival

Birmingham is buzzing with festive energy this season, and attending a local fall festival is the perfect way to soak it all in! From carnival rides and food trucks to live music and artisan vendors, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the crisp autumn air while your kids enjoy face painting, hayrides, and games. With festivals popping up all around the city, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check out our Fall Festival Guide for the best festivals happening in and around Birmingham!

Birmingham Area Fall Festivals and Special Events

Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024 by Angie

Fall Festivals and Special Events in Birmingham

Fall is almost here, and Birmingham is packed with exciting festivals and family-friendly events to celebrate the season! Here’s your ultimate list of Fall Festivals and Special Events in and around Birmingham to keep you busy!

Fiesta Birmingham at Linn Park

Music, dance, performing arts, visual arts, children’s activities, cultural education, authentic Latin food as well as community and health-related resources are all part of the event.

When: September 28th, Noon – 8pm
Where: Linn Park

World Wide Playday at Vulcan Park

Vulcan Park & Museum is partnering with Nickelodeon and The Association of Children’s Museums for Worldwide Day of Play! As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this event focuses on getting kids and families up, out, and playing around.

Lawn games, DIY arts projects, food and mascot V. Click to purchase your tickets to join in on the fun!

When: Saturday: September 28th, 10am – 1pm
Where: Vulcan Park and Museum

Picnic at Railroad Park

Community event featuring music, food, children’s activities and more!

When: Sunday, September 29th | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Railroad Park
Price: Free Admission

Moundville Native American Festival

Traditional dances, listen to stories and music, and support local and Native American businesses at an ancient city on the Black Warrior River.

When: Thursday October 3rd- Saturday October 5th |Festival hours 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday.
Where: Moundville Archaeological Park
Price: Admission is $10 per person. Children under 5 are free.

Greek Food Festival

Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event that offers an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine.

When: Thursday October 3rd – Saturday, October 5th| 10:30am -9:30pm each day
Where: Holy Trinity-Holy Cross
Price: The open air festival offers free admission. Outside tented seating for dining will be available. Food plates are individually priced and the Greek pastries will be pre-packaged and sold in the food lines.

Buck Creek Festival

Two day festival that includes live bands, arts, crafts and retail vendors, kids play area, beer tent, food trucks and the iconic rubber duck race. This is a family friendly event.

When: Friday, October 11th & Saturday October 12th | Friday 6pm – 10pm, Saturday 10am – 8pm
Where: Helena Amphitheatre

Alabama Butterbean Festival

Vendors, food booths, crafts tables, music, cooking contests, children’s activities, fireworks and more.

When: Friday, October 4th & Saturday October 5th | 6pm – 10pm Friday and 8am – 4pm Saturday
Where: Downtown Pinson
Price: Free

Bash on the Bluff

2nd Annual Bash on the Bluff! Entry into this event is FREE! Bring the whole family to the heart of Bluff Park and join us for live music, food trucks, a local vendor market, inflatables, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and so much more!

When: Saturday, October 12th | 11am – 5pm
Where: 613 Sanders Road, Bluff Park
Price: Free Entry, Charge for Activities and Food trucks

Mt Laurel Fall Festival

The Mt Laurel Fall Festival returns October 12th! Celebrate fall in the beautiful Town of Mt Laurel and enjoy a day shopping our vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, and strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods.

When: Saturday October 12th| 10am – 3pm
Where: Town of Mt Laurel
Price: Charge for Activities

St Symeon Food and Culture Fair

Outdoor marketplace with food and gifts, choir concert, church tours throughout the event.

When: Saturday, October 12th | 9am – 3pm
Where: St. Symeon Orthodox Church, Clairmont Ave

Grand Riverfest

Get ready for the Fall Grand RiverFest! Enjoy arts, crafts, fashion, food, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, and more!

When: Sunday, October 13th | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Outlet Shops of Grand River
Price: Free Admission

Flicks Among the Flowers

Flicks Among the Flowers is back! This free event features the 1998 movie Halloweentown starring Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Emily Roeske, and Joey Zimmerman. Movie rating: PG. Gates open at 5 p.m. Come dressed for our costume contest! Bring a blanket or a low-profile lawn chair. The movie begins at sunset (around 6:30 p.m.).

When: Sunday, October 13th | 6:30pm
Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Price: Free ($5 Donation encouraged)

Fall Carnival

A weekend full of rides, games, food + more during the annual Fall Carnival.*Saturday had two sessions-a separate wristband will be required for each session). Tickets are available for individual rides for $1 each (Rides take a minimum of two tickets)

When: October 17-20th

Thursday 5pm-9pm

Friday 5pm-9pm

Saturday (1pm-5pm) & (6pm-10pm)

Sunday 1pm-5pm
Where:90 Parkway Drive Trussville, AL (across from Veteran’s Park and next to Holy Cross Episcopal Church)
Price: Entry into the carnival is free! Wristbands are $20 and good for unlimited rides

Fall O Ween

Fun for all ages, including live music, bounce houses, a Trick-or-Treat trail, carnival games, a costume parade, food trucks + more.

When: Sunday, October 20th 1:3opm- 6pm
Where: Pelham City Park
Price: Free

Mac N Cheese Fest

Family/pet friendly outdoor event showcasing the ultimate comfort food: mac n’ cheese! Live music, kids’ zone, food & drink benefitting CGS.

Dia De Los Muertos

Commemorative altars, art installation, memorial roll call, food trucks, beer garden, music and more. Festival is inspired by traditions in Mexico, paying tribute to loved ones who’ve passed away. Hosted by Bare Hands Inc., a nonprofit organization.

When: Saturday, November 2nd | 3pm – 11pm
Where: Sloss Furnaces
Price: $15 in advance | $20 at the gate | 12 and younger are free

Moss Rock Festival

The perfect outdoor eco-creative festival with a regional focus on art + design.

When: Saturday-Sunday, November 2-3 | Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM
Where: Hoover Metropolitan Complex, 5500 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244
Price: Advance – $11 | At Gate – 12 | Kids 15 + under – FREE

Free Fall Movies at Woodlawn Theatre

Posted on Monday, September 9, 2024 by Angie

The Mason Music Foundation is sponsoring a free, open to the public series of family friendly, double-features on select Sundays throughout the fall, including September 22nd, October 6th, and November 10th, in the renovated, historic Woodlawn Theatre. Everyone is invited! Bring your friends and family and enjoy a double feature for FREE! Refreshments available for purchase.

Please RSVP below to ensure enough seating is available!

Sunday, September 22nd

2:00 PM Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)
4:30 PM Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (2023)

RSVP Here

Sunday, October 6th

2:00 PM The Super Mario Bros. Movie
4:30 PM Inside Out 2

RSVP Here

Sunday, November 10th

2:00 PM The Goonies
4:30 PM Coco

RSVP Here