Must-See Events in Alabama

The sight of these blushing beauties at the center of this April festival is enough to make your mouth water. However, there's much more to this family-friendly event than the fruits themselves. Browse the auto show, discover works by nearly 200 different artists, and treat yourself to strawberry shortcake – don't worry, there's a 5K run to offset the calories! Kids will be in heaven after a trip to nearby Alligator Alley, where you can see nearly 500 of these creatures in nature.

Huge, bright balloons billow in the air and fill the sky on Memorial Day Weekend. Dating back to the 1970s, this spectacular festival is a winner with families and sees more than 60 balloonists take to the air to perform all sorts of stunts and a Hare and Hound Race. Young and old alike are mesmerized by this remarkable event, which is sure to raise your spirits.

For squires and peasants, lords and ladies, this October festival is both fun and educational. Medieval sword fights, jesters, and magicians capture children's attention. Meanwhile, a Renaissance Feast features a 10-course meal, and festivalgoers can also take part in a sonnet-writing contest.

Use your nut and come check out America's largest festival devoted to the peanut. Dothan is possibly the world's peanut capital, and this 10-day festival on 200 acres of farmland celebrates the hardworking men and women behind the butter. Rides, concerts, demonstrations, and a firework display are in store for visitors to this unparalleled family-friendly festival, along with a plenitude of peanut products, of course.

Mobile's February Mardi Gras celebrations predate the establishment of the New Orleans bash. Dating back to 1703, the festival brings parades and marching bands. Don your mask and beads and become part of the revelry, or get gussied up and head off to one of the prestigious balls that roll on all night.

See more of the state with this relatively relaxed cycling race. Choose from 50-, 76-, and 100-mile rides at this April event. Along the way, enjoy some of the most impressive scenery in Alabama. As you climb Blount Mountain, views will unfold beneath you, and as you zoom along McClendon Gap, you can gaze dreamily at Chandler Mountain before rolling into heritage-filled Asheville.

Every other weekend in February, Alabama's inhabitants run a different marathon. From half-marathons to relay races, there's something to fit every fitness level. Visitors can attend the health and fitness expo for free, and balance all that healthy stuff with a visit to the craft beer garden and barbecue grill. It's the perfect spot to relax after a long day of running.

Grab your friends and head to Gulf Shores this May for a weekend of international electro, rock, and indie performances. Located on the beach, this popular festival is far from hectic and combines a range of attractions with good vibrations. Kick back on Hammock Beach, play a little volleyball, or ride the Ferris wheel underneath the Southern sun.

Born out of a fundraising initiative in the wake of tornadoes, Rock the South has since flourished, growing to become one of the biggest celebrations of Southern soul. Country music and a family-friendly feel join the altruistic ambitions of the festival to make it an enduring favorite with Alabamans and international visitors alike.

This music and arts festival takes place at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham. Named after the only surviving blast furnace in the country, Sloss Festival remembers the industry that earned Birmingham its title of "Magic City." Nearly 50 bands perform across four stages, and arts and crafts demonstrations include live iron pouring at this unique event.