Festifall at Huntsville Botanical Garden celebrates autumn with vibrant events

HUNTSVILLE – School is back in session and fall is right around the corner, which means it is time to mark your calendars and save the dates for all of the amazing events coming to Huntsville Botanical Garden in celebration of all things Fall! Read about the various events and programs below, and be sure to check the website for details, ticket prices and registration. Festifall events are proudly sponsored by First Horizon Bank.

NEW!: Hops and Harvest

Sept. 13, 4-7 p.m.

Stroll the Amphitheatre as it comes to life with event lighting and the sounds of the Little German Band. Enjoy five, 4-ounce beer samples from regional breweries, with full pours available for purchase. Brewery reps will be on hand to share the stories behind the suds, and a themed German menu from Fern & Feast On the Go will be available for purchase. Enjoy fall fun with classic contests like stein holding, a simple relay game, and a costume contest—lederhosen, dirndls, or your favorite beer merch are all welcome!

Pooches and Pupkins

Sept. 18, 5-7 p.m.

All dogs and their humans are invited to the Garden for a barking good time at the third annual Pooches and Pupkins event and parade! Meet vendors, pick up some fun swag, meet other dog lovers, and compete for bragging rights and other fun prizes in the costume parade and contest. See the website for details and event schedule.

New this year: Garden members and their pups get in for free!

Fall Plant Sale, Sept. 26-27 Shop at the Garden’s fall fundraising plant sale and enjoy a selection of perennials, native plants, trees, shrubs, herbs, and pollinators while supporting the Garden! Sept. 26 (8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) is Member Day and the sale continues for the public on Sept. 27 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New this year: Check out the selection of Garden Signature Plants propagated directly from the Garden’s own collections— grown from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. When you purchase a Garden Signature plant, you’re taking home a true piece of the Garden. The sale will also feature Garden Endorsed Plants selected by staff plant experts for their outstanding performance, unique characteristics, or rarity.

NEW!: Tea at Twilight, Sept. 28, 5-7 p.m.

Set among delicate tableware, garden- fresh arrangements, and warm autumn hues, guests will enjoy a seated tea service featuring artisan blends by Piper and Leaf and a thoughtfully crafted menu inspired by the bounty of a fall harvest. As golden hour light filters through the windows, a harpist will set a graceful tone. A seasonal photo op will be available to capture the moment and share with your online following. See the website for menu and schedule details. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Raptor Shows, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Don’t miss this fantastic all-ages program and a chance to get up close and personal with awe-inspiring live birds of prey from the Auburn University Raptor Center. Witness the power and grace of these magnificent birds of prey up close as expert handlers showcase their natural behaviors, flight skills, and fascinating adaptations – while enjoying the beauty of fall at the Garden.

Little Monsters Mash, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Step into a delightfully festive fall day at the Garden at Little Monsters Mash! Thoughtfully designed for young children and the grown-ups who love creating memories with them, this family- friendly fall celebration invites guests of all ages to explore, connect, and make joyful memories in the heart of the Garden’s autumn beauty. From costumes and fun music to hands-on crafts and garden-themed trick-or-treating, Little Monsters Mash is the perfect way to enjoy an October morning filled with color, laughter, and community.

New this year: Compete in the costume contest for fun prizes and bragging rights! This year, the Garden is also offering Museums for All ticket pricing for those who qualify for SNAP benefits (must show valid EBT card and photo ID). See the website for schedule and details.

NEW!: Spellbound in the Garden, Oct. 16-19, times vary by date

Who says Halloween is just for kids? This October, the Huntsville Botanical Garden introduces Spellbound in the Garden, a spine-tingling nighttime experience designed exclusively for adults (21+). As dusk falls, the Garden’s familiar paths transform with theatrical lighting, immersive scenes, and unexpected seasonal moments. From glowing cauldrons and whispering woods to flickering firepits and golden-lit promenades, each vignette reveals the mysterious side of autumn.

Guests can sip a themed cocktail at the Potion Bar, gather around the firepits in the Fareground, or stumble upon a fleeting performance beneath the trees. Whether you’re chasing a touch of enchantment or simply savoring a beautiful fall evening outdoors, Spellbound promises an atmosphere that is somewhat spooky, sometimes eerie, and always captivating.

Meow-o-ween, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Join a purr-fectly spooky celebration as the Garden turns Meowy Monday into a Halloween extravaganza! Bring your feline friends and dress them up in their most boo-tiful costumes for a day of fun at the Garden. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden’s autumn beauty, snap photos of your costumed kitty against the vibrant fall foliage and connect with other cat lovers in the community.

In addition to these one-of-a-kind events, the Garden will also host these recurring favorites:

Scarecrow Trail, Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 Featuring dozens of scarecrows provided by area businesses, organizations and schools, your family will enjoy the elements of fun and whimsy these creations bring to the Garden. Included with admission.

Golden Hour, Fridays in September, 5-7 p.m.

The Garden is keeping it local on Friday nights in September with live local entertainment, food and drinks in the shade of the Cedar Glade.

Global Rhythm & Blooms, Sept. 11, 25, 5-7 p.m.

This popular summer event series will conclude at the end of September. Take advantage of the waning light and celebrate cultures from around the world with food, drinks, and entertainment in the Cedar Glade. Sept. 11 will feature Korean culture and Sept. 25 will be a tribute to German heritage.

Some events may require registration or an event ticket. Be sure to check the website for pertinent details, including the Garden’s hours of operation, which change for available daylight hours in September and October.

You can find more details about all of the events online at www.hsvbg.org.