Updated Oct 6, 2023

8 Christmas Light Displays In Alabama That Are Pure Magic

Discover the best Christmas light displays across Alabama, featuring unique and enchanting holiday experiences.

Updated Oct 6, 2023

Written by

Jennifer Young

Experiences|Events

Published Oct 28, 2024

Don’t Miss the Most Magical Halloween Event in All of Alabama

The annual pumpkin carve at Auburn University celebrates its 36th year this October

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by

Lisa Battles

Since its humble beginnings over 30 years ago, the annual Pumpkin Carve at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, has become one of the college and community's most artfully hallowed (and sometimes hilarious) traditions around Halloween.

alt — American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

The carve started as a small studio project within the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (APLA) and has grown into an iconic event, now organized by the Auburn University chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). The 2024 event on October 25 will mark its 36^th year.

This year's creative carving and associated festivities will be happening all day (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) in the Dudley Hall Courtyard. All are welcome to witness this annual celebration of seasonal spirit and students’ skills. Activities include pumpkin carving (of course!), refreshments, and a napkin sketch silent auction. As dusk descends, the event culminates in the lighting of hundreds of beautifully carved pumpkins. And then the judging commences to determine the best design.

The organizers rally the support of sponsors, including local businesses who typically donate prizes. The winning pumpkins are auctioned to raise additional funds for the AU AIAS. Other items are sold as fundraisers for different student groups within the university’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction, including event t-shirts, uncarved pumpkins, hot cider and hot chocolate, and pies.

And you thought you’d seen a cool carving night! I challenge you to top this one at the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

The Pumpkin Carve's longstanding ability to unite people on and off campus has solidified its place as Auburn University's most cherished fall event. Well … besides all of those football games, but you know what I mean. Speaking of, this year’s event precedes the Auburn Tigers’ matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. No doubt we’ll see some spirited designs that speak to the game.

To join the fun, mark your calendars for October 25th and head to Dudley Hall and Commons, located at 361 Graves Drive in Auburn, Alabama. Parking is always a premium on campus before 5 p.m., so if you do not have a parking pass, it’s recommended you park in or around downtown Auburn and walk over to Dudley. After 5 p.m., organizers recommend you park at the Arboretum, the gravel lot near the Med Clinic, and select parking decks. Check out the AIAS Pumpkin Carve event website for updates and more images from previous years.

After the gourd glow-up, head back over downtown and keep celebrating the spirit of Halloween in true Auburn style with dinner, drinks, and live music. This is a college town, after all! If you’re not traveling to Kentucky for the game, make a night or weekend of your stay on the plains at the new Graduate by Hilton Auburn, located in the heart of downtown on West Magnolia Ave.

Have you experienced the creative artistry and fun of the annual Pumpkin Carve at Auburn University? We’d love for you to share your stories with us.

Experiences|Events

Published Jun 26, 2024

Here Are The 7 Best Fourth Of July Fireworks In Alabama

Published Jun 26, 2024

Written by

Lisa Battles

Since I was a little kid I have committed to memory that Decatur's Point Mallard Park and its Spirit of America Festival is the top spot to watch fireworks near me. Of course, we have many displays throughout the state and far beyond our region that are worthy of attending, too. With that in mind, I've rounded up the seven biggest and best Fourth of July fireworks in Alabama, all located in or near our largest cities.

A dazzling fireworks display is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday and hands-down one the safest, especially compared to lighting your own. Most cities have laws against setting off fireworks in their city limits anyway. And the fewer people doing that, the happier neighbors we all are – especially our pets.

With the many great options for seeing fireworks in every part of the state, there's really no excuse to not pack a picnic, gather the gang, and let the pros handle the explosives.

1. Fireworks @ The Fairgrounds in Dothan

We are leading with this fireworks display in Dothan because we don't want you to miss it: It's happening the weekend before the actual holiday on Saturday, June 29, from 5 p.m. until a little after 9 p.m. when the fireworks show concludes. A $10 per carload parking fee gets you in for all of the following: free watermelon, roasted and boiled peanuts, Blue Bell ice cream, children's train rides, inflatables, American hand flags, and more. Plus, that parking fee all goes to the Wiregrass United Way and the many community organizations it supports. Check out the vintage rides in the car and truck show, plus antique tractors, firetrucks, and helicopters. What to bring? Your favorite people, flags, folding chairs, and lawn blankets. There will be vendors on-site if you want to purchase other food and drinks.

2. Celebration on the River in Tuscaloosa

Join family and friends for symphonic sounds, kids' games, and a fireworks show at the City of Tuscaloosa's Fourth of July Celebration from 6 to 9 (ish) p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. This free, family-friendly event features music by DJ Tank, who sets the vibe for a couple of hours before a performance of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra for an hour before the fireworks, which begin at 9 p.m. For the best situation parking, use the free Downtown Intermodal Facility and hop on a shuttle or walk to the amphitheater.

3. Birmingham's Thunder on the Mountain Vulcan Park & Museum

Vulcan Park Foundation, with the help of many sponsors, organizes Alabama's largest Fourth of July fireworks show every year atop Red Mountain. During Thunder on the Mountain, over 2,500 shells and effects fire into the night sky above Vulcan, the city's iconic 56-foot statue of the Roman god of fire and forge. The light show starts at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music by artists from James Brown to Neil Diamond, as well as the U.S. Air Force Band. While Vulcan Park and Museum closes at 6 p.m. that day to prepare for the night's events, you are welcome to stop in earlier in the day to learn more about Vulcan and the city's iron and steel industry roots.

4. Rocket City Trash Pandas Versus Birmingham Barons at Toyota Field in Madison

While I am loyal to our city fireworks display in Decatur, I have to admit a night at the ballgame over in Madison does sound perfect for Independence Day! It's a solid choice for anyone looking for 4th of July fireworks near Huntsville. The Rocket City Trash Pandas will face off against the Birmingham Barons that Thursday, with the game concluding with a fireworks spectacular. The game begins at 6:35 p.m. with the gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks around 9 p.m. It's free to attend for kids who are 2 and under. Everyone else must pay $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Your best bet is to commit early, save money, and make sure you get a good seat.

5. Montgomery Biscuits Fireworks at Riverwalk Stadium

Another great game is happening on the Fourth further down south in Montgomery on July 4 at The Riverwalk Stadium. The Montgomery Biscuits will battle the Pensacola Blue Wahoos starting at 6:35 p.m. Hot tip: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 1,000 fans who are age 15 or older will get a cool Montgomery Biscuits Independence Day Celebration T-shirt. It's red with a flag and the retro Greenbow Biscuits character in the center – perfect for the occasion! The event concludes with a MAX Fireworks show over the river.

6. Independence Day Celebration at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn

Join the Auburn community – and Auburn Tigers' mascot Aubie! – for one of the best Independence Day celebrations in East Alabama. The free celebration goes down at Duck Samford Stadium on East Glenn Avenue, with great food, kids' games and inflatables, face painting, giveaways, live music, and DJ OZZ keeping the vibe going throughout the event. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks begin around 9 p.m. The best parking is the lot off of Airport Road between Bo Cavin Fields and New Duck Fields.

7. City of Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

alt — USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park/Facebook

I am not sure there's a more patriotic setting here than the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, where the City of Mobile hosts its official community Fourth of July celebration. The free event begins at 6 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. During that time, enjoy live music by Symone French & The Trouille Troupe, followed by Get Sideways leading up to the big show. Important to note: There IS a parking fee, and it's cash-only. The cost is $5 for two-axle vehicles and $30 for three or more axles.

While I decide where to watch fireworks near me (what's it gonna be? Point Mallard or Toyota Field?), I will leave you to make that decision for yourself, too! We certainly have some great options for 4th of July Fireworks in Alabama in 2024. Tell us which you picked and how it went. We'd love to hear all about it.

Also make sure to grab your own Foldie tote bag to carry all of your fourth of July essentials this year!

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8 Christmas Light Displays In Alabama That Are Pure Magic

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Don’t Miss the Most Magical Halloween Event in All of Alabama

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Here Are The 7 Best Fourth Of July Fireworks In Alabama

1. Fireworks @ The Fairgrounds in Dothan

2. Celebration on the River in Tuscaloosa

3. Birmingham's Thunder on the Mountain Vulcan Park & Museum

4. Rocket City Trash Pandas Versus Birmingham Barons at Toyota Field in Madison

5. Montgomery Biscuits Fireworks at Riverwalk Stadium

6. Independence Day Celebration at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn

7. City of Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

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Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Battle to Save a Historic Witch Trials Home Near Salem, Massachusetts Is Worth the Fight

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Skip the Crowds: Explore Washington’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar

I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit