22 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER IN SWEET HOME ALABAMA

October 27, 2011

Montgomery, Ala. —A folklife play in Brundidge, a songwriters festival on the Gulf Coast, and a fruitcake festival in honor of author Truman Capote are a few of the events families can enjoy this November in Sweet Home Alabama. Families can also travel around the world in a day at Mobile’s International Festival where they can enjoy the food and culture of more than 70 countries.

The tourism department suggests a list of more than 20 things to do in November that includes music, food, storytelling and historical re-enactments.

Dia de los Muertos Numero Nueve ( Day of the Dead)— Nov. 2

Birmingham— admission charged

El Dia de los Muertos, Alabama’s annual Day of the Dead festival, celebrates its ninth year Wednesday, November 2. The holiday brings together family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died.  At the core of the local fiesta is the desire to be soulful, respectful, joyful and to share the Mexican tradition with the Birmingham community.  The event takes place downtown at the Bare Hands Gallery at 2115 1^stAve. South. www.barehandsinc.org

“Come Home, It’s Suppertime” Folklife play — Nov. 1-12

Brundidge, We Piddle Around Theatre—admission charged

The two-act play is performed by local actors who tell stories of ordinary people during the Great Depression of the 1930s. A country supper is served family-style. Contact: 334.670.6302, www.piddle.org.

Alabama Frontier Days — Nov. 2-6

Wetumpka, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site —admission charged

Experience a re-enactment of Alabama’s frontier days from French Colonial times to the early American period. Event includes Native American re-enactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information: 334.567.3002, www.fttoulousejackson.org.

Alabama Pecan Festival— Nov.4

Tillman’s Corner— free

This event with live music offers families a carnival atmosphere with food and crafts vendors. Visitors will enjoy country and western music and a Sunday gospel show. Fri., 5 p.m. - until; Sat. 9 a.m. - until; Sun., 11 a.m. - until. For more information: 251.401.5555, www.alabamapecanfestival.com.

Pike Road—Arts & Crafts Fair—Nov. 5

Pike Road— admission charged

Visitors will enjoy homemade goods and treats, unique arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information: 334.567.6461

Heritage Harbor Days — Nov. 4-6

Heritage Park, Foley—free

Participants can enjoy a heritage exchange with a sister city in a different state. The festival includes entertainment, food, boat builders, wooden boat show, children’s art village, carnival, concert and fireworks. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information: 251.943.1200, www.heritageharbordays.com.

Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival— Nov. 4-6

Springville— admission charged

This festival offers hand decorated one-of-a-kind arts and crafts in a pioneer setting. Visit the general store for jams, jellies and pickles. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., 205.467.2002, www.homesteadhollow.com.

Cane Syrup Makin’ Day— Nov. 5

Beatrice—admission charged

Visitors can enjoy biscuits and syrup while watching a 19^th-century mule-driven cane mill produce syrup. The festival takes place at Rikard’s Mill between Monroeville and Camden on highway 265. Visitors can purchase stone ground grits, cornmeal and syrup. Monroe Sausage will be available 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information: 251.575.7433. www.tokillamockingbird.com.

Moss Rock Festival— Nov 5-6

Hoover— free

Located at the preserve in Hoover, families will discover art, food, live music and children’s activities. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information: 205.594.6306, www.MossRockFestival.com.

Lineville Heritage Day Festival— Nov 5

Lineville— free

This old-fashioned festival begins with a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. Other activities include an antique tractor show, 1890s costume contest, live music and food.

256.396.2704, www.linevillemerchants.com.

Gee’s Bend Quilters Meet Mud-Cloth Masters— Nov 7-11

Birmingham, Alys Stephens Center— free

The internationally famous quilters of Gee’s Bend will be artists in residence with the mud-cloth masters of Bamako, Mali, at the Alys Stephens Center. Common Threads: Quilters of West Alabama Meet Mud Cloth Makers of West Africa showcases the artistry of two of the world’s most vibrant contemporary textile traditions.  Artists will work side by side during the course of the week. Visitors also will see local quilters weave the “Our Alabama Stories” quilt into a piece of art, each square submitted by an Alabama artist. M-Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., www.alysstephens.org.

Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, 25th Annual — Nov. 10-20

Orange Beach—free

Musicians from all over the world bring a variety of music to Alabama's Gulf Coast at various venues, including the Flora-Bama. The festival is a great opportunity for hit writers, aspiring newcomers, and audiences that appreciate great music to come together. For more information: 251.974.1510, www.fbisf.com.

Mockingbird Market— Nov. 10-12

Monroeville— free admission

More than 30 vendors with display and sell their art, antiques, silver, jewelry and more. Entertainment and refreshments will also be available. Nov 10, 5-7 p.m.; Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Nov. 12, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 251.743.2879, www.monroecountyal.com.

Chrysanthemum Festival— Nov. 12

Mobile— free

See Kiku Matsuri chrysanthemums in bloom as you tour Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore. There will also be an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 251.973.2217, www.bellingrath.org.

Mobile Renaissance Faire— Nov 12-13

Mobile— admission charged

The festival takes place at the Abba Temple Shrine in Mobile and features jousting knights, pirates, storytellers, gypsies, wizards and other characters. Merchants will be on hand with renaissance arts and crafts, food and drink. For more information: 877.429.8462, www.mzrf.us.

W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration—Nov. 16

Florence— free

The birthday bash for the “Father of Blues” includes a musical performance, free admission to the museum and refreshments. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information: 256.760.6434, www.flo-tour.org.

Galaxy of Lights Walk Through — Nov. 18-22

Huntsville Botanical Garden— admission charged

For five nights visitors can walk at their own pace through a winter wonderland of holiday lights. Also, sounds of the season will fill the air and characters will be walking the garden with Santa. Children can make gifts and refreshments will be available. Drive-thru nights begin on Thanksgiving. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. For more information: 256.830.4447, www.hsvbg.org.

Peterman Station Arts & Crafts Festival— Nov. 19

Peterman

The festival takes place on Main Street along the railroad tracks. Families can enjoy more than 100 vendors located on the tracks. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information: 251.564.2260, www.petermanstation.com.

Mobile International Festival — Nov. 19

Mobile Civic Center—admission charged.

Families can travel around the world in a day and experience the cultures and foods of more than 70 countries. Also enjoy local and regional artists, and entertainment. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information: 251.470.7730, www.mobileinternationalfestival.org.

Christmas in the Country— Nov. 19-20

Leighton— free

The festival takes place at LaGrange College Site Park & Antebellum Cemetery. Visitors will enjoy live music, activities, handmade crafts, food and more. Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun 1 – 4 p.m. 256.446.9324, www.recall-lagrange.00me.com.

Turkey Day Classic — Nov. 24

Cramton Bowl, Montgomery—admission charged

This football game is a traditional rivalry featuring the Alabama State University Hornets of Montgomery and the Tuskegee University Tigers. Both schools are members of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  For more information: 334.229.4100

Thanksgiving Pow Wow — Nov. 24-25

Poarch Creek Indian Reservation, Atmore—admission charged

Watch the dance competition, crowning of the princess, intertribal dancing and enjoy food and crafts. Gates open at 9 a.m. For more information: 251.368.9136

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