Huntsville, Alabama, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville, Alabama is set for an action-packed October, featuring 24 significant music shows and vibrant cultural celebrations. Highlights include performances from The Brook and The Bluff, Alabama Shakes, and the Cullman Oktoberfest. Music enthusiasts will enjoy a range of events, while cultural festivities will showcase German heritage, family-friendly activities, and more, promising an engaging month for both locals and visitors.
Huntsville is gearing up for an exciting October, filled with vibrant music events and cultural celebrations across Alabama. This month features a lineup of 24 significant shows, making it a must-attend time for music lovers in the state.
Kickstarting the month, The Brook and The Bluff will perform at Mars Music Hall in Huntsville on October 1. The following days will showcase prominent acts, including Black Jacket Symphony, performing in Birmingham on October 3 and in Montgomery on October 11. Anticipation builds for Twenty One Pilots, scheduled to take the stage at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater on October 17.
One of the most notable events is the return of Alabama Shakes, performing at The Pavilion in Dallas after a decade-long hiatus. Their performance was marked by high-energy fan engagement and a set list that included beloved tracks from their acclaimed sophomore album, Sound & Color. Despite losing original drummer Steve Johnson in 2021, the group, led by vocalist Brittany Howard, captivated the audience and introduced a new single, Another Life. However, nostalgia for their earlier work was palpable among fans.
Beyond music, Alabama’s cultural scene will be vibrant with the Cullman Oktoberfest, celebrating its 43rd year from October 4-6. This festival pays homage to the town’s German heritage, featuring a parade, biergartens, cultural displays, and an array of traditional German cuisine. Attendees can participate in activities such as brat-eating contests, stein-hoisting contests, and glass-blowing workshops, along with live music performances. Notably, the festival will hold a Senior Day on Friday for attendees aged 55 and older and includes the annual Oktoberfest 5K and 10K races on Saturday morning. New attractions like a 108-foot European Venetian Ferris Wheel and a two-story double-decker Venetian Carousel will enhance the visitor experience. The festival’s Hofbräuhaus Experience will offer Bavarian-style service and entertainment, with entry available through a Stein purchase or a daily cover fee. Additionally, new local breweries will be featured at the Goat Island and Ethos Biergarten.
This month also sees the Alabama International Fringe Festival taking place in Prattville on September 26-27, celebrating music, comedy, and performing arts. The festival commenced with a Comedy & Music Crawl, showcasing local acts at Cooter’s Pond Park, the main venue for various performances throughout the weekend. Family-friendly shows, alongside stand-up comedy and live music, promote inclusivity and community engagement. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with excitement for upcoming festivals growing.
With a plethora of musical performances and cultural events, October in Alabama proves to be a lively month, drawing in locals and visitors to experience the state’s rich entertainment scene.
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Brook and The Bluff | October 1 | Mars Music Hall, Huntsville | Live Performance |
| Black Jacket Symphony | October 3 & 11 | Birmingham & Montgomery | Rock Show |
| Twenty One Pilots | October 17 | Coca-Cola Amphitheater | Major Concert |
| Alabama Shakes | October (specific date not listed) | The Pavilion, Dallas | Return Performance |
| Cullman Oktoberfest | October 4-6 | Cullman | Parade, Biergartens, German Cuisine |
| Alabama International Fringe Festival | September 26-27 | Prattville | Comedy, Music, Arts |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What significant music shows are happening in Alabama in October?
- This month features 24 significant shows including performances by The Brook and The Bluff, Black Jacket Symphony, Twenty One Pilots, and Alabama Shakes.
- What is the schedule for Alabama Shakes’ performance?
- Alabama Shakes is performing at The Pavilion in Dallas, with their set filled with heavily favored songs from their sophomore album, Sound & Color.
- What activities are part of the Cullman Oktoberfest?
- The festival includes a parade, biergartens, cultural displays, traditional German cuisine, brat-eating and stein-hoisting contests, and live German music.
- When and where is the Alabama International Fringe Festival taking place?
- The festival takes place in Prattville on September 26-27, celebrating music, comedy, and performing arts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Alabama Shakes Concert Review
- Wikipedia: Alabama Shakes
- Yellowhammer News: Cullman’s Oktoberfest
- Google Search: Cullman Oktoberfest
- Travel and Tour World: Alabama International Fringe Festival
- Google Scholar: Alabama International Fringe Festival
- Rocket City Now: Weekend Events in North Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Alabama Events
- 1819 News: W.C. Handy Music Festival
- Google News: W.C. Handy Music Festival
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
