THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA
OCTOBER 2026
Fall Fun for Everyone YOUR Exceptional Needs GUIDE
DYSLEXIA - Friendly HOMEWORK Hacks
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 3
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HOMEWORK HACKS FOR KIDS WITH DYSLEXIA
Homework can bring unique challenges for children with dyslexia, but the right strategies can make a big difference. Discover practical ways to reduce frustration, build confidence, and make homework time more manageable. EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS LISTING A helpful directory of local resources, programs, services, and organizations supporting children and families with exceptional needs. Use this listing as a starting point for finding special needs support in Birmingham. THE SCIENCE OF COZY Explore why cooler weather, warm drinks, soft blankets, and familiar fall traditions make us feel so good. This article looks at the psychology and science behind our seasonal craving for comfort and coziness.
Photos by Magnific
what’s on the web
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NOT-SO-SPOOKY HALLOWEEN MOVIES Looking for Halloween fun without the nightmares? These kid- approved movies deliver just the right mix of laughs, adventure, and festive fall fun for the whole family. FUN FALL RECIPES KIDS CAN HELP MAKE From pumpkin treats to caramel apple snacks, these delicious ideas are perfect for little helping hands. 5 FALL DATE NIGHT IDEAS Looking for your next date night? We’ve rounded up five fun ways to enjoy Birmingham this fall, whether you’re craving adventure, great food, or a cozy evening out. OCTOBER FAMILY BUCKET LIST Make the most of October with this ultimate family bucket list! From pumpkin patches and hayrides to cozy fall traditions and Halloween fun, make special memories all month long.
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FAMILY FUN FALL-ABRATION Celebrate the season with family-friendly fall activities everyone can enjoy. From pumpkin patches and farmers markets to local Halloween events and fall festivals, this guide is packed with so much fun it’s spooky!
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BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 5
THE Mama
FILES
MEET OUR TEAM
AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor
They Still Need Me… Right?
AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors KAILEY GREMILLION Editorial Assistant ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers
T here is something about fall that makes me want to change things around the house. The pumpkins come out, the fall decorations make their annual appearance, and even the throw pillows get their seasonal wardrobe change. Over the weekend, my daughter walked into the house and immediately noticed I had changed the pillow covers for fall. Of all the things in the house, she noticed the pillows. Such a little thing, but I loved that she noticed. She is in her first semester of college, although technically it’s her second thanks to dual enrollment in high school. She still lives at home, but some days I feel like we just happen to share the same address. Between classes, sorority life, friends, and picking up as many work shifts as possible to support this new lifestyle she is thoroughly enjoying, she is busy. She comes through the door with a story, changes clothes, grabs something, and is usually back out again. I love watching her enjoy this stage of life, even if I occasionally feel like I need to make an appointment just to see her. The boys are 13 now, and school starting back means the morning shuffle is back too. I’ve started doing carpool again, so there went my extra sleep. Thankfully, the school start times changed this year and bought me a little more time in the mornings. At this point in motherhood, I’ll take every extra minute of sleep I can get. T hey’re almost taller than me, their voices are starting to change, and sometimes I look at them and think, when exactly did this happen? They can do so much for themselves now that I’m pretty sure they humor me occasionally just so I can still feel useful. Of course, all that independence disappears the second they need a ride, can’t find
something sitting directly in front of them, or are hungry. Then Mom suddenly becomes very important again. At night, though, they’re still my boys. We have our shows we watch together, they still ask for back rubs, and every night I tuck them into bed. Yes, I still tuck in my almost-taller-than-me 13-year- old boys, and I have zero plans to stop until they make me. I know those bedtime routines won’t last forever, so for now, I’m soaking them up for as long as they’ll let me. Maybe that’s why the fall pillows stuck with me. Every year I pull out the same decorations, but the kids around them are a little different. The little girl who once needed me for everything is running between college classes, sorority events, work, and friends. The little boys aren’t so little anymore, even if they still want Mom to rub their backs before bed. And I’m somewhere in the middle, trying to figure out what being a Mom looks like at this stage. These days, my job seems to be a combination of chauffeur, listener, pantry stocker, back scratcher, and keeper of home. Honestly, I’m good with that. I’ll keep putting out the pumpkins, driving carpool, watching our shows, and tucking those growing boys into bed. And when my daughter flies through the front door on her way to the next thing but stops long enough to notice I changed the pillows, I’ll take that too. They may not need me the way they used to, and I’m learning to be okay with that. I just want them to always know I’m here when they do.
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book corner
F all is here and what better time to cozy up with something warm and take in these fall reads! YOUTH: 1. Now I See Fall by Mac Barnett Explore fall through a childlike lens in this gentle board book with cozy illustrations. See fall as a fun season, with candy apples, the trees turning color, and perfect seasonal hats. 2. Fall Is for Beginnings by Rajani LaRocca This is a heartwarming story about embrac- ing change and new beginnings. Ravi is excit- ed for fall and being back at school because it means he will be back with his best friend Joe. But when a new girl joins the school, and their duo friendship becomes a trio, Ravi must learn that fall is the perfect time for newness and building new friendships. 3. Barn in Fall: Festival Fun on the Farm by Chambrae Griffith Get ready for fun on the farm this fall season as the barn prepares for a festival. There will be hayrides, apple picking, and we can’t for- get about the farm animals. This book is filled with charming illustrations and rhyming text! 4. A Fall Treasury of Crafts, Recipes, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning This is a great companion guide for the fall season, with everything from recipes, nature crafts, and more, there is much for you and your child to do to get into the spirit of fall.
5. A Fall Day for Bear by Bonny Becker Bear and Mouse are preparing for a fall picnic. But when Mouse does not show up, Bear finds him sad about the changing season and things going away. Will Bear be able to cheer up his usually peppy friend? This book features warm illustrations and sweet storytelling. 6. Marya Khan and the Spectacular Fall Festival by Saadia Faruqi Marya is a 3rd grader who loves fall and go- ing to her town’s pumpkin patch to find the best pumpkin. When her frenemy wins the best pumpkin prize, Marya must know find a way to win a prize of her own. When her school’s fall festival is hosting a competition for the most tickets sold, Marya now has her eyes on the prize. Perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and new independent readers.
season. Little ones will enjoy pouring over the beautiful illustrations.
TWEEN & TEEN: 1. The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien A fun (slightly scary) tween read: Every year in Fall Hollow, 6th graders participate in the Bellwoods game to keep their town safe from the alleged ghost of Abigail Snooks, who disappeared in the woods years ago. Bailee is on the rocks with her grade and thinks if she participates this year and wins, she can gain back their friendship. But will Bailee learn that it’s better to keep some legends left alone? 2. The Pumpkin War by Kathleen Young Every year on Madeline Island, a pumpkin race is held. It is Billie’s favorite race, and her many prize ribbons prove it. This year, she is determined to get revenge on her ex-best friend Sam, whose pumpkin crashed into hers last year just as Bailee was about to cross the finish line. But as the pumpkin race draws near and a new family member comes to town, things are not only shaken up in her family but with her friendship with Sam. 3. Falling like Leaves by Misty Wilson Ellis’s plans to spend her fall in the city pre- paring her college applications get derailed when she now must move to a small town in Connecticut with her mom in light of her parent’s divorce. Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls .
7. Bee and Flea and the Fall Fiasco by Anna Humphrey
Another great early chapter book featuring the bug duo of Bee and Flea as they learn about seasonal changes and life cycles. When Bee notices that animals, even Flea, are acting differently with the changing seasons, Bee must investigate. But in the end, Bee learns nothing is amiss; this is just part of the ani- mals’ natural changes to prepare for winter. 8. Fall Parade by Camelia Kay Join Daddy and Baby Fox as they celebrate the arrival of fall in this sweet ode to the
Book Corner is provided by librarians at the Homewood Public Library. To learn more about the libraries in Jefferson County, visit jclc.org.
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BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 9
community
Photo by Heather Durham
LOVESHACKFANCY OPENS FIRST ALABAMA STORE AT THE SUMMIT IN BIRMINGHAM The Summit just got a whole lot more fancy with the addition of LoveShackFancy, a popular vintage-inspired lifestyle brand created to “celebrate love and revel in the beauty of a flower-filled, rose- colored world,” their website declares. The late summer 2026 opening marks LoveShackFancy’s first Alabama location. Located next door to Madewell, all 2,000 square feet are filled with clothing for women and kids (infant–age 14), home and beauty products, and more. The lifestyle brand has been taking over the fashion industry ever since it was founded by fashion and beauty editor Rebecca Hessel Cohen in 2013. You won’t want to miss this new store with its whimsical designs, darling patterns, and happy colors.
To shop online, visit loveshackfancy.com, or find more information about the store on the summitbirmingham.com.
Photo by Junior Achievement of Alabama THE NEW JA MCWANE ECONOMIC EDUCATION CENTER IS TEACHING KIDS HOW TO RUN BUSINESSES AND MANAGE MONEY A new chapter in student learning has begun in downtown Birmingham as Junior Achievement of Alabama (JA) officially unveiled the Junior Achievement McWane Economic Education Center. The $18 million, 30,000-square-foot, state- of-the-art facility is located at 581 22nd Street North and promises transformational, hands-on learning experiences for thousands of students each year.
“This is not just a ribbon cutting—it’s the opening of opportunity,” says Chip Reed, president of Junior Achievement of Alabama. “The Junior Achievement McWane Economic Education Center is going to change the trajectory of tens of thousands of young people by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and skills to thrive. You can see it, feel it, and experience it the moment you walk through the doors.” The facility aims to serve 20,000 students annually, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Supported by a $4 million lead investment from Will & Kaitlin McWane and the McWane Family, the Center offers two primary immersive programs for Birmingham students. The first is JA BizTown, presented by EBSCO, where students run a fully interactive mini-city as CEOs, employees, and consumers. The second program is JA Finance Park, presented by Regions, where they navigate real-life financial decisions through a high-impact simulation. Together, these hands-on experiences allow middle-school grade students to practice real-world skills—everything from how to balance your checkbook to what their day-to-day life could be like as a news anchor, graphic designer, or nutritionist.
Discover how your school can visit JA McWane Economic Education Center by calling (205) 290-9365 or visiting alabama.ja.org.
10 OCTOBER 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM
BIRMINGHAM INVESTS $45 MILLION IN NEW CAREER CENTER, SCHOOLS, AND STUDENT PROGRAMS Birmingham is making a major investment in its students’ future. Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Birmingham City Council have approved a historic $45 million funding package to support education, workforce development, financial literacy, and school recreation across Birmingham City Schools. “This is one of the most significant investments we’ve made in the future of Birmingham’s children and our city’s economy,” says Mayor Woodfin in a press release. The investment includes $40 million to build the Future Ready Career and Innovation Center, a workforce training campus that will prepare students for high-demand careers in fields like healthcare, skilled trades, IT, and public safety. Additional funding will renovate school basketball courts, support the Junior Achievement McWane Economic Education Center’s programs, and upgrade the playground at James Rushton Early Learning Center. To learn more, visit bhamcityschools.org .
Photo by Magnific
SIMPLY STUFFED BRINGS A MAGICAL BUILD-YOUR-OWN PLUSH EXPERIENCE TO TRUSSVILLE If you grew up going to Build-a-Bear Workshop, you know how special it is to “create” your own stuffed animal, watching it come to life. Trussville now has its own locally owned and operated version called Simply Stuffed. Located in The Pinnacle shopping center (5030 Pinnacle Square, Suite 108, Birmingham) and open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., it offers an interactive experience where children (and adults!) can build a plush friend, but with more affordable prices and a simpler process. (Plus, over 75 percent of their plushies are crafted from recycled materials!)
Photo by Simply Stuffed
First, choose your 8-inch or 16-inch stuffed animal, then get to stuffing with one of three options: the stuff machine, the stuff station, and take-home stuffing.
From Avery the Axolotl and Bailey the Butterfly to Dylan the Dragon and more, your child is sure to find a new friend! Prices begin at $15–20 per animal, and every plush includes a heart ceremony, stuffing experience, and a personalized Simply Stuffed Birth Certificate. Then style your plushie with outfits and accessories. They even have bear Auburn and Alabama cheerleaders ready to cheer on your favorite sports team! “At Simply Stuffed, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to create something special,” their team shares. “Our mission is to provide an affordable, interactive experience where families can build memories together while giving each plush a heart, a name, and a story of its own.”To discover all Simply Stuffed offers, call (205) 448-1061 or visit their website, simplystuffedplush.com .
THE PAINTED PURPLE TURTLE BRINGS DIY CRAFTS AND WORKSHOPS TO HOOVER Calling all creatives: There’s a new DIY craft workshop in town! The Painted Purple Turtle just opened in Hoover (3704 Lorna Rd.), and whether you’re looking to make a specific hands-on project or you’re just hoping to stop by their open studio time, it’s worth checking out. “We offer hands-on projects and social experiences designed to help people slow down, connect, and create something meaningful—together,” their website explains. Host your own “turtle party,” and craft a celebration with projects featuring wood, paint, resin, sea glass, and more! “At Painted Purple Turtle, the only limit is your imagination!” their website adds. The process is simple: explore their calendar of upcoming workshops, pick a project that works with your schedule, add the workshop to your cart (or go as a walk-up), and get ready to have fun! They also offer a monthly DIY subscription box delivered straight to your door, with exclusive projects, a virtual craft night, and subscriber-only shop discounts.
To discover your next DIY craft project, stop by, call them (256) 870-9115, or visit thepaintedpurpleturtle.com.
Photo by The Painted Purple Turtle
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 11
Homework Hacks for Kids With Dyslexia: Research-Based Tips by Julianna Steen
12 OCTOBER 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM While there are some options out there, like brain training classes or Brain Cardz, that may help speed up their visual processing and attention, on a regular Tuesday night, you’re just going to have to practice patience. Reframe dyslexia and teach them to give 1. Don’t rush—make home a safe, low- stigma space where they can learn at their own pace. “Many students with dyslexia have slow visual processing speed, so their ability to take in visual information is limited,” states educational psychologist Dr. Tere Linzey. “It can feel like breathing through a straw all day: You can do it, but how exhausted would you be?” A 20-minute homework assignment doesn’t always take 20 minutes— especially for a child with a specific learning disability (SLD) like dyslexia. For many kids with dyslexia, the school day doesn’t really end when they come home. Reading, writing, and organizing assignments can turn homework into a second round of the hardest parts of their day. As a parent, you want to help—but knowing how to help isn’t always obvious. Why does homework take so long? How much should you step in? When does your child need a break? And do tools like audiobooks and text-to-speech actually help? We asked Dr. Caroline G. Richter, assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and director of STARS (Science of Child DevelopmenT And NeuRodiverSity), for 10 research-backed ways parents can make homework less stressful and more manageable for kids with dyslexia.
grace to themselves for the different way their brain processes language.
appropriate when the student feels they are useful. It’s not “cheating”—it’s using the resources available to your child to help their brains process the information. Research has also shown that using artificial intelligence- assisted tools to support learning can prove beneficial to those with SLDs. Bonus: For younger children, Dr. Richter encourages parents to integrate fun into learning in unique ways, like playing board games, counting items at the grocery store, and pretending to budget. 4. Let your child make mistakes. Don’t do their homework for them. It is so hard to watch a child struggle, making it especially tempting to step in and “help”—aka do the work for them. While well-meaning, that’s actually one of the worst things you can do. “Parents who do the homework and the planning and the things the student should be doing are just keeping the frontal lobe small for the student,” Dr. Linzey explains. “Let your child fail. Mistakes are a huge part of success.”That’s not to say you can’t help them, though. “Parents can be a study buddy as long as they are asking the questions and letting the student write or talk through the answers,” Dr. Linzey adds.
You may be surprised at just how important it is for home to be a safe place for your child to struggle, mess up, and try again. Dr. Richter explains, “[K]ids with specific learning disabilities (SLD) [like] dyslexia experience chronic stigma and stereotype pressure at school (being labeled ‘lazy’ or ‘slow’), which raises stress and worsens anxiety and depression over time.” Don’t be afraid to ask your child how they feel and remind them their learning struggles do not define them.
2. Prioritize your child’s emotional and cognitive well-being over “perfect” homework. Don’t just focus on their academic
performance—consider your child’s mental health as well. The study “Stress, resilience, and emotional well-being in children and adolescents with specific learning disabilities” by Brianna Stein, Fumiko Hoeft, and Caroline G. Richter highlights how your family can really foster your child’s level of resilience: “[E]motional and cognitive support provided in the home environment is particularly important for psychological resilience.” In essence, the more you speak life into your kid, the more they will believe it, fortifying their mental health. Don’t let them spiral down into a negative self-fulfilling prophecy: Help them build their self-esteem, self- concept, grit, and self-efficacy, all important factors found by the study! 3. Use technology to your advantage. According to Dr. Linzey, audiobooks, text- to-speech, or speech-to-text are always
5. Connect them with someone who understands.
Another great option is considering peer mentoring. “Our team’s 2026 study on the Superpower Mentors program found that caregivers reported significant improvements across anxiety, depression, self-esteem, executive function, and even sleep difficulties after kids with learning differences were paired with a young-adult mentor who
shared the same learning difference,” Dr. Richter says. “At home, this could translate to connecting your child with an older sibling, cousin, or family friend who has navigated dyslexia successfully, someone who can model routines like breaking down assignments or organizing a homework schedule.” Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone who has also navigated the same hurdles and overcome them to encourage your child to keep fighting! 6. Don’t take your stress out on your kid. There are few things more frustrating than not being able to fix your child’s “problem,” especially when you’ve explained something 12 times already. (Why are 4th grade math problems so hard?!) It’s easy for that frustration to build and build until it reaches a tipping point. Whether it leaks out as anger or stress, your child can sense and be negatively affected by your emotions. “Findings from our review show that when mothers develop positive coping strategies and lower their own stress, their children with SLD show fewer internalizing and externalizing behavior problems,” Dr. Richter says. She recommends easing homework-time tension by using a calm tone, taking breaks, and practicing patience. 7. Take homework breaks. While it may feel like it’s more effective for your child to sit down and knock all of their
homework out at once, that is not necessarily true. “Studies our team reviewed found that longer homework time is associated with more perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in kids with dyslexia, while shorter homework sessions and regular breaks acted as protective factors,” Dr. Richter shares. “Chunking homework into shorter, timed segments with breaks can reduce this stress response.” 8. Don’t slack on sleep! Sleep is really important for everyone, but especially for brains working hard to process the day’s information. You wouldn’t expect a cookie baked for 50 percent of the recommended time to taste the same as one fully baked, so don’t expect your child’s brain to function at 100 percent when they’re not recharging it fully each night. “The mentoring study specifically found reductions in sleep difficulties among mentees, and separate research on stress physiology in SLD shows disrupted cortisol and melatonin patterns in these children, tying poor sleep to the broader stress response,” Dr. Richter reveals. She recommends working on homework before bedtime, giving kids’ brains time to relax and unwind. “A calm, consistent bedtime routine free of late-night homework pressure can support both sleep and next-day learning.” She also suggests creating scaffolding
around homework time like checklists, visual schedules, and consistent routines so your child’s brain can know what to expect. 9. Cheer on your child’s strengths! Take the wins where you can get them. Sometimes it may look like your child spelling a whole sentence correctly, or completing one problem without help. “One of the best ways to support your child is to focus on what they did right and encourage those behaviors,” says Dr. Richter. “For example, if your child gets three out of five questions right, the parent should focus on the correct questions and ask what they can do to get better next time.” Intentionally encourage your child on the hard days by pointing out what they are good at. Don’t dismiss their struggle with offhand comments like “It’ll get better” or “One day this will be easy.”“Framing schoolwork around what your child does well (creativity, verbal reasoning, problem-solving) while scaffolding the academic challenge can reduce the shame that often derails at-home learning,” Dr. Richter assures parents. 10. Give yourself (and your child) grace. You’re not going to be perfect, and neither is your child. It’s okay! And while homework may not be a fun experience, you can both grow together.
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 13
Exceptional Lives Resources
by Julianna Steen
E very child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Explore local organizations, healthcare providers, educational programs, therapies, and support services dedicated to helping individuals with special needs and their families find the resources they need at every stage of life. ABA RESOURCES
Key Autism Services (888) 329-4535, Birmingham keyautismservices.com Milestones Behavior Group, Inc. (205) 974-4519, Birmingham milestonesaba.com Puzzle Piece Alabama (205) 969-8080, Vestavia Hills puzzlepiecealabama.com Thrive Behavioral Services, LLC (205) 624-2200, Pelham thrivebehavioralservices.com CAMPS Camp ASCCA (256) 825-9226, Jackson’s Gap campascca.org Camp Seale Harris (205) 402-0415, Birmingham campsealeharris.org
Camp You Be You (404) 785-0631, Rutledge, GA choa.org Exceptional Foundation, The (205) 870-0776, Birmingham exceptionalfoundation.org Happy Camp at Merrimack (256) 534-6455, Huntsville veryspecialcamps.com J Camp (205) 879-0411, Birmingham bhamjcc.org Special Camps (205) 530-0359, Huntsville specialcamps.com Spectrum’s Camp Journey (770) 789-0499, Winder, GA spectrumautism.org EDUCATION & SCHOOLS
Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic (205) 348-3130, Tuscaloosa autism-clinic.ua.edu Connected ABA (205) 201-1885, Multiple locations connect-aba.com Early Autism Services (312) 965-2997, Multiple locations earlyautismservices.com Glenwood Behavioral Therapy Center / Intake (205) 939-1088, Birmingham glenwood.org Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center Multiple locations hopebridge.com
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (256) 761-3259, Talladega aidb.org
Camp SMILE (251) 479-4900, Mobile campsmilemobile.org
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Allan Cott School for Autism (205) 939-1088, Birmingham glenwood.org Horizons School, The (205) 322-6606, Birmingham horizonsschool.org Junior League of Birmingham Sunshine School (205) 638-9651, Birmingham childrensal.org Mitchell’s Place (205) 957-0294, Birmingham mitchells-place.com HEALTHCARE & ABA THERAPY RESOURCES A by G Therapy and Consulting Services (205) 440-2294, Birmingham abygtherapy.com Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services: - Alabama’s Early Intervention System (EI) - Children’s Rehabilitation Service Homewood office: (205) 290-4550 EI referrals: (800) 543-3098 rehab.alabama.gov Alabama Developmental & Behavioral Specialists (205) 530-1235, Hoover alabamadbs.com Arc of Central Alabama, The (205) 323-6383, Birmingham arcofcentralalabama.org
thebellcenter.org
BrightStar Care (659) 278-2284, Birmingham brightstarcare.com Harbor Family Center, The (334) 857-2133, Birmingham childrensharbor.com MBCC Respite Care (205) 802-7070, Mountain Brook mbcc.us/aaronsstaff SUPPORT,
(205) 969-2880, Birmingham glenwood.org
Children’s of Alabama Early Intervention Services (205) 638-6820, Homewood childrensal.org
Is-Able Center, The (205) 777-4017, Birmingham isable.org Lakeshore Foundation (205) 313-7400, Birmingham lakeshore.org Learning Tree, The (334) 252-0025, Tallassee learning-tree.org Miracle League Baseball (205) 631-6580, Gardendale gardendale.gov Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation (205) 226-8830, Birmingham mmqbc.org Special Olympics Alabama (334) 242-3383, Montgomery specialolympics.org
Freedom Therapies (205) 358-7311, Pelham freedomtherapies.net
Glenwood at Sicard Hollow (205) 969-2880, Birmingham glenwood.org HANDS Program, The (205) 733-0976, Birmingham thehandsprogram.org I Can Pediatric Occupational Therapy (205) 775-7944, Birmingham icanpediatricot.com KultureCity (205) 319-1202, Birmingham kulturecity.org Links2Learning Consulting (205) 861-0594, Birmingham l2lconsulting.org Playful Pathways Pediatric Occupational Therapy (205) 235-2738, Homewood playfulpathwaysot.com Regimen Pediatric Healthcare (205) 419-7376, Vestavia Hills regimenpediatric.com Triumph Services (205) 581-1000, Birmingham autessence.org UAB Sparks Developmental Clinics (205) 934-5471, Birmingham uab.edu United Ability (205) 944-3900, Birmingham unitedability.org Upward Behavioral Health (205) 983-4063, Birmingham upwardbehavioralhealth.com Vulcan Psychology Group (205) 377-4642, Birmingham vulcanpsychology.com RESPITE & CHILDCARE Aaron’s Staff (205) 261-9914, Alabaster aaronsstaffrespite.org
INFORMATION & RECREATIONAL GROUPS
Ady’s Big Army Birmingham adysbigarmy.org
Alabama Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments facebook.com/AlabamaAPVI Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) (800) 826-1675, Tuscaloosa sites.ua.edu/adap Alabama Family Trust (205) 883-8333, Vestavia Hills alabamafamilytrust.com
Studio By The Tracks (205) 951-3317, Irondale studiobythetracks.org
NONPROFITS
Alabama Relay Center 711 alabamarelay.com
Best Buddies Alabama (800) 89-BUDDY (28339), Alabama bestbuddies.org/alabama Down Syndrome Alabama (205) 988-0810, Vestavia Hills downsyndromealabama.org Easterseals of the Birmingham Area (205) 942-6277, Birmingham eastersealsbham.org Libby’s Friends (205) 529-8377, Alabama libbysfriends.org Make-A-Wish Alabama (205) 254-9474, Birmingham wish.org/alabama
DATSMOM (334) 659-6013, Montgomery datsmom.org Disability Rights & Resources (205) 251-2223, Birmingham drradvocates.org Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama (205) 453-8205, Birmingham epilepsy.com Exceptional Foundation, The (205) 870-0776, Birmingham exceptionalfoundation.org Full Life Ahead Foundation (205) 541-8891, Birmingham fulllifeahead.org Gallini Group, The (888) 719-0080, Birmingham thegallinigroup.com
Autism on the Seas (203) 604-0278 autismontheseas.com
Autism Support of Alabama (877) 428-8476 (4AUTISM) autism-alabama.org Behavioral One (205) 991-2584, Birmingham behavioralone.com Behavioral Pediatric Institute of Alabama (205) 414-6686, Vestavia Hills behavioralpediatric institute.com Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, The (205) 879-3417, Birmingham
Ronald McDonald House Alabama
(205) 638-7255, Birmingham ronaldmcdonaldhouseal.org
Glenwood, Inc.
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 15
THE SCIENCE OF COZY: Why Humans Crave Comfort in the Fall
by Amanda Ciani
16 OCTOBER 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM burning ferocity of a sunset. Just saying the word “fall” brings up a mental vision board of all of the ways fall finds its way into our cores, taking root and leaving its mark on us. Close your eyes. Imagine leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of crisp apples, eek! the feel of stringy, gooey pumpkin guts while cleaning out and carving a crooked-toothed Jack-o’-lantern, and, oh, the flavors! Those pervasive warm hints of cinnamon, and the earthy flavors of pumpkin. The warm, rich, golden glow of fall encompasses all of the senses with the W hen the heat subsides just enough to turn off the AC and open the windows, there is a collective exhale of relief. Gone is the sweltering heat, replaced by comfortable cool breezes that gently dance by, leaving little goosebumps and a whisper of “Fall is here.” So much more than just one of the four seasons, fall is an annual source of true joy for many people, and for a multitude of reasons. AUTUMN’S AURA
Yes, fall flavors are peak—they’re picked during harvest time, after all. And even merely imagining fall brings out all of the good feelings! Kathy Wu, PhD, Licensed Psychology, Author of The Self Regulation Handbook and Private Practice Owner of WuPsychology, notes that, “Most people ordering a pumpkin spice latte are, presumably, having a decent day, which sets the stage for lots of positive nostalgia points,” and it goes even deeper than that! She continues, “A pumpkin spice latte is like a shortcut to a feeling: a little sensory reminder that fall is here, and all the memories and rituals that come with it are here, too.” YESTERYEAR NOSTALGIA Sensory experiences and memories certainly go hand in hand. Little ones are in the thick of creating their lasting core memories with harvest time happenings, and many adults may find themselves relating through their “When I was your age…” tales. Because while many things in life have changed over the years, some of life’s simple joys have stayed
the same, being passed down generation after generation with new little twists introduced here and there. Traditions of visiting pumpkin patches, baking fall treats, carving pumpkins on the porch, trick-or-treating with neighborhood friends, and more. Wu elaborates: “Rituals become vehicles for connecting the past and present: they allow parents to recreate beloved experiences, create new positive memories with their children, and establish traditions that may one day become nostalgic memories for future generations.” As adults repeat their treasured traditions with their own children, an emotional layer of the season is revealed. That wholesome, pure joy of multiple generations of kids enjoying childhood for the fun of it is something to be reveled in. NEW SEASON, FRESH STARTS And kids deserve fun! Part of summer’s appeal is its go-with-the-flow fun. Yet, Karen Wu explains that humans also crave routine
that fall provides, remarking: “During the fall we experience that first return of structure and predictability through schools starting, sports beginning, work schedules settling, holidays approaching, bedtimes and mealtimes becoming more consistent, and daily or weekly rituals returning.” Summer can bring fun-but-chaotic unpredictability, whereas fall provides relief by giving children a sense of what comes next. Wu explains that the predictability can “feel calming by nature and a welcomed relief from all the extra running around we tend to do during the longer and warmer days of summer.” Yes, there is more routine come fall, but there is definitely still room for lots of leisure, too. Kids can find comfort in the routine of being students again, settling into their schedules like a nice warm bath. During fall, many children are able to see their friends more consistently, now as classmates or teammates. So where summer may be spontaneous, fall feels like getting the train back on the tracks, which is often desirable.
off provide a mood boost as bountiful as a harvest itself! Sunshine on the face, getting your hands dirty to find the perfect pumpkin, bodies in motion. It’s simple, but it is also everything. And as it starts to get a little cooler, and the dark emerges earlier each evening, warmth and light become their own little treats. Inside, we have thick knit blankets, big mugs filled with hot cider, and maybe an ever-so-slightly spooky movie that results in the kids needing to cuddle close to their parents, even though they claim they definitely aren’t scared! Inside itineraries include meaningful time together through game and movie nights, craft time, cooking, baking, and more. “The fall represents a slowing down and a refocus on the smaller joys that come from togetherness and connection,”Wu agrees. THE CLOCK IS TICKING For big-time fall fans, the worst part of the season is that it has to end. Yet, the temporary-ness of autumn may also be a part of its allure. “The fleetingness is part of the appeal, making us ultimately more appreciative of what we get to experience each season, and making us look forward to repeating these experiences all over again in the future,” says Wu.
On those final dog days of summer, crisp, cool nights are the subject of sincere yearning. During the fall season, most pumpkin patches are only open on weekends, making them feel like a scarcely available attraction! Then, ultimately, come mid-October, it doesn’t take much effort to find peppermint flavors and snowman decor. Because life is cyclical, and winter family fun is around the corner. Fall is temporary, fall is limited, and so, fall is to be savored. TOP 10 WAYS TO EMBRACE COZY 1. Cook up a crockpot dinner. (Make soup!) 2. Hit the books. Reading spooky stories by candlelight or lantern light adds to the aura. 3. Embark on a u-pick adventure with apples, and pumpkins, oh my! 4. Gift a loved one a boo basket! 5. Decorate with pumpkins and scarecrows or ghosts and skeletons. 6. Touch grass... and crunch leaves underfoot. 7. Attend a community event! (Be sure to check out this month’s Things to Do calendar.) 8. Bake something yummy, like apple pies or pumpkin bars. 9. Plan a cozy day in, with puzzles, blanket
A SEASON OF SIMPLICITY
forts, movies, and apple cider. 10. Carve, or paint, pumpkins!
On nice weekends, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, families flock to farms for fall fun. Those just-right days
Happy fall memory-making, families!
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 17
Family FALL-ABRATION by Julianna Steen
W hether you’re wandering a pumpkin patch, conquering a corn maze, or gearing up for trick- or-treating, fall is full of magical moments waiting to happen. P UMPKIN PATCHES, HAYRIDES, AND CORN MAZES 4D Family Farms 7066 County Rd. 703, Cullman (256) 735-3299 4dfamilyfarm.com Take a hayride to the corn maze and pumpkin patch, meet farm animals, snack on apple donuts, and explore 40 acres of attractions, including flower fields pig races, and zip lines.
Sand Mountain Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch 8420 Cox Gap Rd., Boaz
(205) 668-3435 hodrrm.org
Order tickets in advance to ride the train to Pumpkin Junction on weekends Oct. 3–18, filled with pumpkins, crafts, outdoor family fun, food vendors, and hayrides—and don’t miss the Fall Foliage Special on Oct. 24, 31, and Nov. 1.
(256) 302-0900 facebook.com Celebrate America’s 250th—this year’s theme—at the farm! Open Sept. 19–Nov. 1st, they have a 14-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and a local market (on Oct. weekends).
Helena Hollow 6027 Hwy. 17, Helena (205) 541-8150 helenahollow.com
Steele Orchard 1695 County Rd. 1141, Cullman
(256) 734-5249 facebook.com
Reopening Oct. 2, this family-owned and operated farm offers over 25 activities— including a 6-acre pumpkin patch, hay run, tire climb, corn barn, giant slides, duck creek races, jumbo corn hole, and Animal Alley!
Pick or order freshly grown apples, or pick up delicious treats like apple ice cream and fresh-baked muffins for a perfect fall outing.
Tuscaloosa Barnyard 11453 Turner Bridge Rd., Tuscaloosa (205) 454-8841 tuscaloosabarnyard.com
Bennett Farms 1073 County Rd. 13, Heflin (256) 302-1896 bennettfarms.com
Howard Family Holiday Farm 3706 Moody Pkwy., Moody
(205) 821-5212 facebook.com
While the petting farm is open all year, the pumpkin patch kicks off Oct. 3, with plenty of family-friendly activities for all ages.
Open only in October, this 4th-generation farm offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, sunflowers, farm animals, and more, with a special market day on November 21.
This family-operated farm has a produce and potted plant market, an ice cream parlor, a general store, and a pumpkin farm.
West Blount Corn Maze 2543 Rock Springs Rd., Warrior (205) 859-9983 westblountcornmaze.com
Old Baker Farm 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville (205) 672-7209 oldbakerfarm.com
Great Pumpkin Patch, The (205) 616-6431 288 Hwy. 45, Hayden greatpumpkinpatch.com
Open Oct. 3–31, test your mental skills in this giant corn maze designed and cut by MazePlay. Don’t miss Market at the Maze on Oct. 10 and 24! FARMERS MARKETS Alabama Farmers Market 344 Finley Ave. W., Birmingham Open every day from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. alabamafarmersmarket.org Birdsong Farmers Market 2824 5th Ave. S., Birmingham Every Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon (Halloween- themed on Oct. 31) facebook.com/birdsongfarmersmarket
From Sept. 26–Oct. 31, enjoy weekday and weekend farm fun with pumpkins, activities, and special themed events, including Cowboy Day (Oct. 10–11), American History Weekend (Oct. 18–19), and Festival Weekend (Oct. 24–25). Plus, open Columbus Day.
From Sept. 26–Nov. 1, this family-owned farm offers wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, inflatables, a hay pyramid, bungee jumping, a country store, and loads of fun! Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch 826 Griffin Rd., West Blocton (205) 535-0137 griffinfarmal.com Griffin Farms is open every weekend in October, featuring pumpkins, batting cages, food / craft vendors, pony rides, a mechanical bull, and animal feeding.
Penton Farms Pumpkin Patch 3595 County Rd. 59, Verbena (205) 351-1480 pentonfarms.com
Choose from 50+ pumpkin varieties at this fourth-generation family-friendly farm, featuring wagon rides, a corn pit, a super slide, corn train, animal barn, corn maze, duck races, hay mountain, sunflower fields, and more!.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 9th Street, Calera
Burnette Farms Market & Café
18 OCTOBER 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM
8551 Helena Rd., Pelham, AL Open daily burnettefarmsmarket.com
Get ready for a night of thrills and chills on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra plays music from Harry Potter , Wicked , Psycho , and Ghostbusters .
crafters, and small businesses (including food trucks) with seasonal items and handmade goods. Chelsea Hometown Harvest Melrose Park & Splash Pad (Chelsea) cityofchelsea.com This brand-new fall festival on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, face painting, carnival- style games, local farmers/vendors, and food. Most activities will be free, with food and a Pumpkin Patch Pass available for purchase. Día de los Muertos #24 Sloss Furnaces (Downtown Birmingham) barehandsinc.org Bare Hands’ Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 2 (3–8:30 p.m.) includes traditional dancers, music, a jazz funeral procession, memorial altars, an artist market, free arts activities and food. Advance tickets are $15; children 12 and under are free.
Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap, The 500 Mineral Trce., Hoover Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon (open through Nov.) brocksgapmarket.com Helena Market Days Pop-up Market Cahaba Lily Park (3200 Co. Rd. 52, Helena) October 17 from 8 a.m. to noon cityofhelena.org
Atrox Factory 8404 Parkway Dr., Leeds atroxfactory.com
This 50,000-square-foot indoor haunted attraction is the largest all-indoor haunted house in the Southeast. Note: Ages 13 and under aren’t admitted without a guardian.
Barktoberfest 2026 Cahaba Brewing Company handinpaw.org
Market at Pepper Place, The 2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL Every Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon pepperplacemarket.com
Bring your kids (and dog children) to this free event with a spirited pet costume contest, a stein hoist competition, and an Oktoberfest- themed photo booth.
Trussville Fresh Farmers Market 101 Beech St., Trussville (Trussville Entertainment District) Every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, rain or shine (closes after Thanksgiving) facebook.com FALL EVENTS & FESTIVALS 18th Annual Fall Fest Amphitheater at Alabaster City Hall cityofalabaster.com Celebrate Halloween on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, food vendors, hay rides, inflatables, live music, a trick-or-treat trail, and pumpkin painting for just $2 per pumpkin! 14th Annual Homewood Witches Ride Homewood Central Park givecampus.com Grab your broom, don your best witchy attire, and ride alongside hundreds of others on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. to support the UAB O’Neal Cancer Center. 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds barbermuseum.org Prepare to be mesmerized Oct. 9–11 by gravity-defying stunt shows, a kids’ zone, manufacturer demo rides, live music, a vintage motorcycle swap, and more. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. 35th Tannehill Halloween Fairyland Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park alabama.travel A day-of Halloween event with daytime park- sponsored programs (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and 200+ trick-or-treat campsite stops starting at 5 p.m. Plus, moonwalks, face painting, balloon animals, and a bungee jump. After Dark: A Symphony of Shivers UAB’s Alys Stephens Center (Downtown) alabamasymphony.org
Bash on the Bluff Children’s Fresh Air Farm (Hoover) bashonthebluff.com
Head to this free family event on on Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for face painting, live music, a pumpkin patch, a golf simulator, petting zoo, inflatable games, and more. Birmingham Fall Craft & Vendor Market Riverchase Galleria (Hoover) hometownvendormarket.com Support local small businesses at this market Nov. 14–15, specializing in food, jewelry, handmade crafts, home decor, art and more.
Fall-O-Ween Pelham City Park (Pelham) pelhamalabama.gov
Enjoy bungee jumps, bounce houses, trick- or-treating, a trackless train, carnival games, crafts, face painting, balloon art, and the Kids Market at this free family-friendly festival on Oct. 25, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Flourish Fright: Trunk or Treat The Greenhouse (Ensley) eventbrite.com Head to this free block party on Oct. 27 from 4–7 p.m. in your best costume for trunk- or-treating, music, games, food vendors, community resource tables, a costume contest, and photo ops. GBAHB Fall Festival 2401 International Park Pl., Hoover members.gbahb.com Start off Oct. with the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders’ festival on the 1st from 4–8 p.m. It will have face painting, games, a bounce house, trick-or-treating, food, Monster Mash activities, and a dunking booth. Tickets are $25–35; kids under 5 free.
Birmingham Spooktacular Craft & Vendor Market
Riverchase Galleria (Hoover) hometownvendormarket.com Expect local vendors, handmade goods, Halloween and fall décor, seasonal treats, and gifts as you shop all afternoon at this market Oct. 23–24. Bowl Night: Molten & Mysterious with the Sloss Metal Arts Crew Sloss Furnaces (Downtown Birmingham) birminghamal.gov This hands-on M+M cast iron bowl class on Oct. 30 from 6–10 p.m. knows how to get spooky… with a night tour of Sloss!
Citizens Church Trunk or Treat 2838 Ruffner Rd., Birmingham citizensbhm.com
Halloween at the Park! 5895 Bill Noble Dr., Gardendale billnoblepark.com
Throw on your best costumes on Oct. 24 and head to Citizens Church from 1–3 p.m. for a free trunk-or-treat, along with a hot dog lunch, chili cook-off, dessert, and cake-walk. Chelsea Community Center Fall Craft Fair Chelsea Community Center cityofchelsea.com This free fall craft fair on October 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. features local makers, artists,
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 19 Halloween in the Heights and Witches Ride 3138 Heights Village, Cahaba Heights facebook.com Trick-or-treat at the Cahaba Heights Gather round for this free family event on Oct. 27 with pumpkin-themed activities— including painting and seeing how far you can chunk a pumpkin—crafts, vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities.
Trussville Witches Ride Starts at Cahaba Elementary School (Trussville) trussvillewitchesride.com
businesses from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Plus, don’t miss the after- party post-CH Witches Ride with live music 4–7 p.m. at the Heights Village. Haunted 5K & 10K Masonic Park (215 Parkway Dr., Trussville) runsignup.com Get ready to race on Oct. 17, hosted by US Road Running Races.
zoo admission.
It’s Nice to Have You in Highland Park Historic Highland Park, Birmingham highland-park.org A free neighborhood porch crawl on Oct. 18 from 3–5 p.m. featuring live music, light refreshments, historic homes, a scavenger hunt, and an after-party at Rojo at 5 p.m.!
Put the foot to the pedal in this fun, spooky- season annual charity bike ride on Oct. 24. Ends with a celebration at Ferus Ales.
Smith Tomato’s 10th Annual Fall on the Farm 4575 Loop Rd., Steele facebook.com
Moss Rock Festival Hoover Met Complex (Hoover) mossrockfestival.com
Haunted Hippie Art Festival The Regional Library and Arts Center (Warrior) facebook.com
The whole family will love this free event on Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 75+ local vendors, live music, kids’ activities (including free face painting), and fall photo props.
Wrap up the fall festival season November 7–8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a weekend devoted to creativity, art, and community, featuring visual art, handmade crafts, live performances, food, and hands-on family activities. Kids 18 and under get in free! Movies on the Mountain: Hotel Transylvania Vulcan Park & Museum visitvulcan.com Don’t miss the spooky, silly outdoor movie series finale Hotel Transylvania on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Bring blankets and enjoy free popcorn, cookies, and a beautiful view of Birmingham, plus take pics with the mascot “V.”Tickets are $8–10, and children under five are free.
On Oct. 10 from noon to 5 p.m., shop over 50 vendors, snack on food trucks, and listen to live music at this free festival.
St. Clair County Fair St. Clair County Ag & Multievent Center (Odenville) facebook.com
Haunt the Hills Wald Park (Vestavia Hills) vhal.org
Don’t miss this free county fair Oct. 2–3, featuring rides, livestock, contests and competitors, live music, and fair food! Third Annual Harvest on Hoyt Crestline Village, Mountain Brook mtnbrookchamber.org On Oct. 25 from 4–8 p.m., enjoy a community supper by Dyron’s Lowcountry benefiting Leadership Mountain Brook. UAB ArtPlay Halloween Family Day ArtPlay House (Downtown Birmingham) alysstephens.org Dress up in your favorite costume on Oct. 24 from 1–4 p.m. and celebrate Halloween with music, games, hands-on art activities, and more. This year’s theme is inspired by The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt . Warehouse31 3150 Lee St., Pelham warehouse31.com Get haunt season ready at this spooky, intense haunted house!
Trick-or-treat with local businesses and enjoy games, inflatables, a costume contest, and a best pumpkin contest from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on October 23. Then settle in for a Halloween movie screening at 6:30 p.m.
Helena’s Buck Creek Festival Helena Amphitheater helenasbuckcreekfestival.com
Mt. Laurel Fall Festival Downtown Mt. Laurel mtlaurel.com
Don’t miss this fun, lively fest Oct. 9–10 featuring the annual rubber duck race, a children’s area, live shows, and shopping from local artisans and food vendors—all to raise money for local charities. Homewood Fall Festival Homewood Central Park homewoodparks.com The kids will love the inflatable kid attractions, costume contest, DJ, and food trucks on Oct. 25 from 2–5 p.m.
Don’t miss this free, family-friendly street fair on Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring local food trucks, a farmers market, craft fair, kids zone, and live music—all while strolling one of Birmingham’s most charming neighborhoods.
Oktoberfest Moody City Park (Moody) moodychamber.net
Homestead Hollow Harvest Arts & Crafts Festival Homestead Hollow, Springville homesteadhollow.com
Celebrate fall with this free community Oktoberfest Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring arts and crafts, games, pony rides, live entertainment, food, and more.
20 OCTOBER 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM Train and Protective Life Carousel, meet amazing animals, and enjoy yard games on Henley Lawn. Included in Get ready for some wild fun on the last three weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Wear your costumes to trick-or-treat along the Candy Trail, dance at the Monster Mash with the DJ, ride the Red Diamond Express Step back in time Nov. 13–15 at this traditional harvest festival featuring handmade arts and crafts, pioneer demonstrations, blacksmithing, wood carving, food, and live entertainment. Kids ages 12 and under get in free! Hoots & Howls: Daytime Halloween Event Birmingham Zoo birminghamzoo.com
Warrior Day Main Street, Warrior northjeffersonchamber.com
Pinson Butterbean Days Main Street, Pinson (205) 994-6396 pinsonbutterbeandays.com
Spend Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. enjoying food, local shopping, inflatables, and kid- friendly activities at this free community celebration in downtown Warrior. Yonder Walls First Mural Festival Parkside District (Downtown Birmingham) yonderwalls.com Watch Birmingham get a colorful makeover on Oct. 17 at this first-of-its-kind free art festival! More than 25 new murals will be painted during the week, ending with a celebration of live music, local vendors, food trucks, artists, and a Family Fun Zone.
Don’t miss this two-day event Oct. 2–3, packed with arts and craft vendors, food trucks, a carnival, live entertainment, and a unique bean art show!
Trick or Trot 5K Back Forty Brewing Company (Avondale) runsignup.com
Get into the Halloween spirit (and into your costume!) at the 13th Annual Trick or Trot 5K benefiting Kid One Transport, starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 24. Plus, a costume contest!
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