You can help patients at Children’s of Alabama celebrate Halloween.
Through Oct. 30, you can send free greeting cards to children in the hospital. Just visit give.childrensal.org/Halloween and select one of three card designs. Hospital staff will print the cards and distribute them to patients on Monday, Oct. 31.
The card drive, which Protective sponsors, gives the public a chance to bring smiles to children’s faces during a time when hospital visitation is limited. Children’s cannot accept in-person gift donations, but you can still make a difference by sending a card through the website or purchasing other gifts from the hospital’s online registry.
The online registry features gifts for boys and girls of all ages. By shopping there, you can ensure that you will be purchasing a gift that fits within the hospital’s guidelines. Children’s can not accept food/candy, stuffed animals, toys that depict violence, religious items, crocheted/knit items, and gently used or homemade items on behalf of patients.
Is your household obsessed with all things pumpkin spice? Then try this take on your next batch of rice krispy treats!
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
1/4 cup pumpkin purée
1 (10-ounce) bag plus 1 cup mini marshmallows, divided
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch ground allspice
6 cups crispy rice cerealCoat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter; set aside.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the pumpkin and cook until warmed through. Fold in 10 ounces of the marshmallows, stirring frequently until almost completely melted. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt, and remove from heat.
Let the marshmallow mixture cool 10 minutes. Add the remaining 1 cup marshmallows and stir to combine. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, 20 to 25 minutes (failure to cool the mixture will result in soggy treats). Add the cereal and stir with a silicone or rubber spatula until combined.
Transfer to the baking dish and press into an even layer. Let sit for 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
If you’re already gearing up for some spooky halloween fun, you’re going to want to add these events to your list… Birmingham is making it easy celebrate with with all of these Halloween Happenings.
If you want even more Fall and Halloween Fun, don’t forget to check out these lists and guides:
Looking for Pumpkin Patches? You’ll find those HERE
Looking for Witches Rides? Click HERE
October Events not to miss… Find those HERE
Fall Festivals and Special Events? Click HERE
Hoots and Howls at the Birmingham Zoo
Calling all ghouls and goblins!
Trick-or-treat around the Zoo on the Candy Trail!
Join the Birmingham Zoo for the Hoots & Howls daytime Halloween festival of events. Wear your costumes and trick-or-treat through the Candy Trail, join in the Monster Mash dance party with the DJ, take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train and Protective Life Carousel, meet animals of all shapes and sizes, and play yard games on Henley Lawn!
WHEN: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday the last 3 weekends in October (15-16, 22-23, 29-30)
Join Goldfish Swim School for an evening of ghouls, goblins, and Goldfish! Activities include open family swim, snacks, and Trick-or-Treat. This event is FREE for members or $5 per child.
WHEN: Friday October 14th | 5pm
WHERE: Goldfish Swim School
Harry Potter Overnight Adventure
Join McWane Science Center for a magical overnight adventure inside the museum. This night is for Wizarding Families and Muggle Groups alike. During our Overnight Adventures, guests get to spend the night in the museum, exploring science, sleeping under the exhibits, and of course, watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in IMAX. So bring your sleeping bags and your magic wands, and discover the magic of science at McWane Science Center.
WHEN: Friday, October 14th
WHERE: McWane Science Center
Join Monday Night Social Club for Pumpkins on the Patio, a day of fall fun!
Starting at noon, they’ll have FREE pumpkins for painting and carving. The taproom team will be DJing your favorite spooky tunes. Design a gourd-geous masterpiece while enjoying their selection of seasonal brews and cocktails and indulge in their delicious Sunday brunch menu.
Pumpkins are first come first serve, so get there early to enjoy the day. All are welcome!
WHEN: Sunday October 16th | 12pm – 8pm
WHERE: Monday Night Brewing
Haunt the Hills
Trick-or-Treat on the Grand Lawn with local businesses from 4:00-6:00 pm!
Dress in your best family-friendly costume for a Costume Contest with prizes for Kids, Adults, Pets and Groups!
Bring a chair or blanket to watch the movie Hocus Pocus at 7:00 pm!
WHEN: Saturday, October 22nd | 4pm
WHERE: Wald Park
ArtPlay Presents ArtPlay Family Halloween Party
Get the whole family dressed up in your favorite costumes and join other families for fun Halloween activities, food and music at the ArtPlay house.
WHEN: Saturday, October 29th 1pm – 4pm
WHERE: UAB’s ArtPlay
Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade
Calling all ghouls and ghosts! October is creeping in and we all know what that means… It’s time for the The Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade!
WHEN: Monday, October 31st | 4pm
Trick or Treat at Homewood Library
Stop by every department with your spooktacular costumes for some tricks or treats from your local librarians. Bonus points if you dress up as a book character!
WHEN: Monday, October 31st | All Day
WHERE: Homewood Public Library
Trick or Treat at Hoover Library
Trick or Treat in the Library | All day
WHEN: Monday, October 31st | All Day
WHERE: Hoover Public Library
Trick or Treat at Trusville Library
Stations will be set up around the library for children to collect candy and prizes. The stations will be decorated with various literary themes – see if you can guess them all! Each child will be able to choose a book to keep from the last station (while supplies last). Dress up and bring a bag to join the fun!
Note: The library will close at 4:00pm.
WHEN: Monday, October 31st | All Day
WHERE: Trussville Library
It’s Fall Break for many kids and Families in Birmingham. If you’re looking for some ways to take advantage of the break and this amazing weather we’ve been having, here are some ideas and happenings to check out this long weekend!
Celebrate a great season back on the porch at the final Party on the Porch of 2022! Food, fun, live music, and craft beer. Enjoy the sounds of The Edmond’s Butler Band while you sip on local craft beer, and tasty tacos and tamales from The Tamale Queen.
When: Friday October 7th | 6-8pm for
Where: Alabama Outdoors, Homewood
Grand Riverfest
Get ready for the Fall Grand RiverFest with 80 vendors! Enjoy arts, crafts, fashion, food, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, and more!
When: Sunday, October 9th | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Outlet Shops of Grand River
Price: Free Admission
Fall Family Fun Day at the Birmingham Zoo
Monday, October 10th 9am – 5pm The Birmingham Zoo will be OPEN this Monday, for a Fall Family Fun day!
The Fall fun continues this month with even more festivals and trick or treating happening around the Magic City. Get out and enjoy all of the fun Birmingham has to offer this time of year, there’s so much happening it will be hard to find time for all the fun!
If you’re looking for a list of Pumpkin Patches make sure to check out this years Pumpkin Patch guide for all the spots in and around Birmingham
October Party on the Porch
Celebrate a great season back on the porch at the final Party on the Porch of 2022! Food, fun, live music, and craft beer. Enjoy the sounds of The Edmond’s Butler Band while you sip on local craft beer, and tasty tacos and tamales from The Tamale Queen.
When: Friday October 7th | 6-8pm for
Where: Alabama Outdoors, Homewood
St Symeon Food and Culture Fair
Outdoor marketplace with food and gifts, choir concert, church tours throughout the event.
When: Saturday, October 8th | 9am – 3pm
Where: St. Symeon Orthodox Church, Clairmont Ave
Grand Riverfest
Get ready for the Fall Grand RiverFest with 80 vendors! Enjoy arts, crafts, fashion, food, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, and more!
When: Sunday, October 9th | 12pm – 5pm
Where: Outlet Shops of Grand River
Price: Free Admission
Greek Food Festival
Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event that offers an abundance of delicious Greek cuisine.
When: Thursday October 13th – Saturday, October 15th | 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.
Grace House Pumpkin Festival
A day of family-friendly fun that the Birmingham community looks forward to each year.
-A pumpkin included with each children’s admission! If you’re planning to buy a pumpkin this Fall, let that purchase benefit girls in foster care!
-The “Spider Climb” climbing structure complete with a 45-foot slide!
-Tons of carnival style games, fun activities, and candy and prize giveaways!
-Exotic pet encounters with Ed’s Pet World!
-Food from Uncle G’s Pizza and sweet treats from other favorite local vendors!
When: Saturday, October 15th | 10am
Location: Homewood Central Park
Price: Children’s admission is just $10 and includes access to all festival activities! Adult admission to the festival is free.
Hoots and Howls at the Birmingham Zoo
Calling all ghouls and goblins! Trick-or-treat around the Zoo on the Candy Trail!
Join us for the Hoots & Howls daytime Halloween festival of events at your Zoo! Wear your costumes and trick-or-treat through the Candy Trail, join in the Monster Mash dance party with the DJ, take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train and Protective Life Carousel, meet animals of all shapes and sizes, and play yard games on Henley Lawn!
When: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday the last 3 weekends in October (15-16, 22-23, 29-30)
Where: The Birmingham Zoo MORE INFO
Mt Laurel Fall Festival
The Mt Laurel Fall Festival returns October 15th! 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 15th | 10am – 3pm
Where: Town of Mt Laurel
Price: Charge for Activities
Flicks Among the Flowers
The Addams Family will be on the big screen for his free family–friendly event, featuring a costume contest and trick-or-treating for the kids. Gates open at 5 p.m. Movie will begin at sunset (around 6:30 p.m.). Bring a blanket or a low profile lawn chair.
When: Saturday, October 22nd
Location: Cahaba Brewing
Harvest Festival
Photo via 280 living.
Celebrate Fall and welcome the beautiful Autumn colors that grace our Oak Mountain each year!
Hay Rides! Bounce Houses! Shopping with LOCAL Artists! Food Trucks! Pony Rides! Yard Games! Guided Hikes! Crafts! Educational Treetop Nature Trail Tours! Pet Friendly! MORE!
When: Saturday, October 22nd | 9pm – 4pm
Where: Oak Mountain State Park
Price: Age 3 and under are free | Age 4-11 are $2 each | Age 12-61 are $5 each | Age 62+ are $2 each *Military and Veterans FREE*
(Annual Passes are Valid)
Website
ArtPlay Family Halloween Party
Get the whole family dressed up in your favorite costumes and join other families for fun Halloween activities, food and music at the ArtPlay house.
This event is free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, October 29th 1pm – 4pm
Location: UAB’s Artplay
Halloween in the Heights
Trick or Treat with the Cahaba Heights Businesses all day. The Businesses will be full of Treats for the entire family.
When: Saturday, October 29th | 10am -5pm
Location: Cahaba Heights
Barktoberfest
Dog-friendly activities, food trucks, vendors, hay rides, children’s activities, microchip clinic and more.
When: Sunday, October 30th | 11am
Where: Helena Amphitheater
Price: $5, 18 and under free
Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Real Estate. For more information on what’s happening in the Birmingham Housing Market, or to schedule a free home buyer/seller consultation, you can reach them:
Sophia Leece, 205.895.9120 | sleece@lahrealestate.com
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787 | sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com
It’s no secret the Witches Rides are growing in popularity and we think it’s a great way to have some Halloween fun while supporting a good cause. Originating 10 years ago in Homewood, with the Homewood Witches Ride, you can now find them all over the city. Bring the kids out and check out all of the themes, catch the pre party’s and line the streets to catch some candy and see the witches as they take flight!
This year’s Trussville Witches Ride will take place at 5 pm and will benefit Caleb Wilson, a young boy in our community who is battling Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
The Bluff Park Witches Ride is back! Get ready to fly (ride) through the street tossing out cackles and candy!
Homewood Witches Ride
Sunday October 30th
Fall Festival with Homewood Parks and Rec starts at 2 pm
2pm to 5pm Food Truck (Uncle G’s Pizza , Hero Doughnuts, Pandys , and Urban Pops)
5:15 pm Performance by Homewood Spangles HHS Drumline
5:30pm Line up on Parkridge
5:45pm Witches Fly
When it comes to celebrating Fall in and around Birmingham, we all know that pumpkin patches are the place to be! Offering fun for the whole family here you will find several in and around the Birmingham area that offer a little something for everyone!
Location: Harpersville just off Hwy 280
Open Now – October 31st.
Open weekdays 3pm – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Sundays 1pm – 5pm
ADMISSION COST:
$11 per person (children under 2 free)
Admission includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts, and horseback rides.
Cowboy Day – Saturday October 8th, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 9th, 1pm -5pm.
Columbus Day – October 10th, Open 9am – 5pm
Festival Weekend – Saturday October 22nd and Sunday the 23rd 9am – 5pm both days
Great Pumpkin Patch
Location: Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit.
Open Now – November 6th
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.
Location: 7182 County Road 703 | Cullman, AL 35055
Open now – November 5th
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 – 4pm,
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, 1st
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
Open Monday – Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday – 9am – 6pm
Admission: $12.00 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.
Imagine an evening immersing yourself in exciting entertainment presented by award-winning artists, without having to figure out childcare! We have you covered! ArtPlay’s Kids Night Out provides fun and enriching activities for children, ages 5-12. While the grown-ups enjoy a performance at the Alys Stephens Center, children will participate in hands-on arts activities.
Check out the following three options on how you can register for ArtPlay’s Kids Night Out:
Option 1: Friends & Family Membership
All Kids Night Out opportunities are free to Friends & Family Membership level holders and up (limit two kids per membership). Space is limited so sign up before it’s too late!
Option 2: Purchase As A Ticket Add-On
You can purchase ArtPlay’s Kids Night Out as a ticket add-on for any of the following performances. Just follow through with your ticket purchase and you’ll be prompted with the option to purchase Kids Night Out.
Price: $35 for the first child, $10 for each additional child
Option 3: Purchase Kids Night Out Only
You don’t intend to attend one of the ASC performances? No problem! You have the option to purchase Kids Night Out only! Click on the button below and select your date.
Price: $35 for the first child, $10 for each additional child
We would love for the adults to join us for the shows, but guardian attendance of the performance is not required for children to participate in Kids Night Out.
All aboard for fall fun at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum! There are 2 great ways to soak up fall this year at the Heart of Dixie Rail Road, The Pumpkin Junction, happening every weekend in October and if the changing of the leaves is your thing, take a relaxing ride on the Fall Foliage Special this November! Keep reading for everything you need to know and to purchase your tickets for both events!
The Pumpkin Junction: An Old-Fashioned Family Fun Event
Mark your calendars and gather up the entire family to ride the train to Pumpkin Junction! It’s more than just a place to purchase a pumpkin… the Junction is a place for outdoor family fun, food vendors, a hayride and more!
Spend Some Time at the Junction
Welcome to our big ‘backyard’ at the Junction. Enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities, games and seasonal crafts. Figure out the puzzle as you wander the pallet maze. And be sure to enjoy a delicious lunch and scrumptious snacks from the food truck and sweets vendors on the grounds throughout your stay.
This festive fall experience lasts approximately 75 minutes, including the time on the train and at the Junction. So bring your sunglasses, a smile and the whole family! This event is a quality pumpkin patch alternative for children with sensorial needs.
Event Dates:
Saturdays and Sundays in October
Departure times:
Saturdays
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Sundays
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Event Details:
Boarding begins 15 minutes before scheduled train departure.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online or may be purchased as available on the day of the event prior to boarding at the Calera Depot.
Ticket Prices
Adults Ages 12-64 – $18
Children Ages 2-11 – $18
Seniors Ages 65+ – $17
Infants – Free
Wheel Chair Seats – $18
Caboose Tickets – $28
Locomotive Tickets – $38
National Historic Railroad Society (NHRS) Members – $17
When the air becomes crisp and the green trees begin to turn crimson and orange, everyone in the South knows two things are coming: fall foliage and SEC football. Truly, autumn in Alabama brings the beauty of the season unlike anywhere else in the country. Come to Calera to ride the rails of the old Alabama Mineral Railroad and enjoy the season’s changing colors as you never have before.
The train ride lasts approximately 75 minutes. Wear your favorite team colors and quickly discover there simply isn’t a better way to enjoy the season. Y’All Aboard!
Event Dates:
Saturday: November 5
Saturday: November 12
Departure times:
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Event Details:
Expect to depart the Depot promptly on schedule.
Please plan to arrive on the Museum grounds at least 60 minutes prior to your selected ticket time in order to:Pick up your tickets from the Depot
Participate in the activities on the grounds.
Utilize the restrooms at the Giftshop
Boarding will occur approximately 15 minutes prior to each scheduled departure.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online or may be purchased as available on the day of the event prior to boarding at the Calera Depot.
Ticket Prices
Adults – Ages 12+: $18
Children – Ages 2+: $18
Seniors – Ages 65+: $17
Infants – Under 24 months: Free
Wheelchair spaces: $18
Caboose tickets: $28
Locomotive tickets: $38
Military/Veteran – With ID: $17
National Historic Railroad Society (NRHS) members: $17
Looking to enjoy the majesty of Alabama’s state parks for free? Well this weekend is the chance.
Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama State Parks will waive all entrance and parking fees, Saturday, September 24, 2022 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.
National Public Lands Day began in 1994 and highlights the importance of public lands like Alabama’s State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas, Forever Wild Land Trust Tracts, and AL National Forests!
All entry and parking fees will be waived or all 21 state parks, including Wind Creek State Park.
Fees for park amenities such as canoe rentals and cave tours will still apply. There will be no cost for activities like hiking and mountain biking and enjoying day-use areas throughout the state parks system.
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter; set aside.
The Pumpkin Junction: An Old-Fashioned Family Fun Event
Event Details:
Fall Foliage Special
