As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change, Alabama transforms into a haven of warm colors, festive activities, seasonal produce and more. Whether you're craving the charm of local events, the thrill of haunted attractions or the serenity of nature’s colorful display, the state has plenty of seasonal fun for all. 

Here's a roundup of the best ways to celebrate autumn across the state.

Alabama comes alive with fall festivals and events that celebrate everything from local culture to the harvest season. These events are perfect for a weekend outing, offering live music, delicious food and a chance to experience a vibrant community spirit. Here are a few festivals to add to your calendar:

Mentone Fall Festival- Mentone

From shopping for fall décor to getting a head start on holiday gifts, the Mentone Fall Festival features a diverse array of artisan vendors, live music and local eats.

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 

Greater Gulf State Fair- Mobile

The fair includes activities for the whole family: rides, games, livestock, live music, food and craft vendors, and more.

• Date: Friday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Nov. 3

Old Baker Farm Festival Weekend- Harpersville

Vendors, live music, an 1800s-inspired carnival and family fun await at the Old Baker Farm annual festival weekend to celebrate the season.

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27

View more festivals and events happening throughout the state.

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch. Across Alabama, you'll find farms offering hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkins ripe for the picking. Here’s where you can enjoy a day at the farm:

Tate Farms- Meridianville

As north Alabama’s oldest and largest retail pumpkin farm, you can spend an entire fall day picking pumpkins, catching a hayride, and visiting barnyard animals.

Isbell’s Pumpkin Farm- Leighton

From tractor tows to pony rides, pumpkin patches to hay bale mazes, soak up the season with a variety of fall-favorite activities.

Gullion Farms - Somerville

Every Saturday in October, partake in traditional farm activities like gathering eggs, churning butter and milking cows. When the “work” is done, dive into the festive fun with pumpkin picking, visiting the scarecrow station and sliding down the hay slide.

Pumpkin patches are plentiful around the state this time of year. Here’s a list of other farms throughout Alabama.

Alabama's scenic landscape offers stunning views as the leaves change from green to hues of orange, red and yellow. Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail or driving through the countryside, the vibrant fall foliage is a must-see during the season. Here are a few places to take in the fall colors:

Oak Mountain State Park - Birmingham

The largest state park in Alabama, Oak Mountain State Park offers many hiking trails from which to view the changing leaves. Don’t miss Treetop Nature Trail, where you can get an elevated view of the foliage.

Heart of Dixie Fall Foliage Special- Calera

Hop aboard the old Alabama Mineral Railroad for a unique ride through the fall foliage. But don’t wait — the fall tour is only available select weekends this season.

Cheaha State Park- Delta

Within Cheaha State Park is Mount Cheaha, the highest point in the state and a hot spot for picturesque views of the fall landscape.Or, opt for one of the many other driving, hiking or mountain biking trails to immerse yourself in the fall beauty.

Looking for more viewing locations? Check out the Alabama Fall Color Trail.

For those who love the spookier side of fall, Alabama has no shortage of haunted attractions. From ghost tours to haunted houses and spooky trails, there's something for every thrill-seeker looking to get into the Halloween spirit.

Arx Mortis- Killen

Ranked one of the top haunted attractions in the nation, Arx Mortis is a collection of five haunted houses, each with its own spooky backstory. Visit on select days throughout October — if you dare.

Maple Hill Cemetery - Huntsville

Touted as one of the most haunted places in Alabama, Maple Hill Cemetery is more than 200 years old and contains more than 80,000 gravesites. The cemetery is steeped in a history of unexplained phenomena and paranormal activity.

Zombie Apocalypse Paintball Hayride- Oxford

Join the fight to stop the zombie apocalypse on this interactive paintball hayride, available on select days in October and November. This family-friendly adventure lets participants help take back humanity — one zombie at a time.

Explore more thrilling attractions throughout the state.