Fall Fun Outdoors in Hoover

Fall is always the time for food, family, and fun in Hoover, so keep reading to learn more about some of the biggest events in Hoover this fall.

Bluff Park Art Show- October 1

The 59th Annual Bluff Park Art Show is Jefferson County’s most prominent and longest-running fine arts show. This special event is free to the public each year on the first Saturday of October.

The show is not just focused on Hoover artists but 130 artists from around the state, region, and country, including 40 who will be showcasing their work for the first time.

Bluff Park volunteer Heather Skaggs said applications open yearly in May for artists to submit their samples and be considered for selection.

“We take submissions from people all over the country,” said Skaggs, who serves as the show’s media and publicity chairperson. “Many are from Alabama, but we have people from all over, as far as Rhode Island.”

Artists’ creations include glass, jewelry, metalworking, painting, photography, printmaking, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, ceramics, and sculpture.

This year’s judge will be Anne Perry Uhlman, Director of Upward Bound Math and Science at Bevill State Community College and Director/Curator of the Fayette Art Museum. Thousands of dollars will be awarded, with the top prize being the Best in Show Purchase Award of $2,500.

In addition, the Best in Show Purchase Award will be added to the Bluff Park Art Association’s Permanent Collection of more than 100 pieces selected to be displayed in local schools, libraries, and other venues.

“We’ll have on-site parking, food trucks available and music and entertainment. We’re even going to have violin and cello players this year,” Skaggs said.

The show is historically held at the Park at Shades Cliff, in Bluff Park, but due to construction at the park, this year the Bluff Park Art Show will be held on Oct.1 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bluffparkartassociation.org.

Taste of Hoover- October 6

The Taste of Hoover is an annual food and drink event where visitors can stroll through Aldridge Gardens and sample flavors from dozens of local eateries and caterers, including Chicken Salad Chick, Chattanooga Whiskey, Buffalo Wild Wings, Merck’s Tavern, Saw’s BBQ, and many more.

Tynette Lynch, CEO of Aldridge Gardens, said this event usually sells out quickly and is a favorite of locals and visitors to the Hoover area.

“It is a huge garden party where our guests come to enjoy fellowship, food, and drinks. We will also have LIVE entertainment and lots of tables for people to relax and enjoy the evening,” she said.

The Taste of Hoover will be held Oct. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase now at aldridgegardens.com.

Hay Hoover!- October 15

Hoover Hayride and Family Night is now known as “Hay Hoover!”

Formerly held at night, this beloved annual FREE family fall festival, hosted by City of Hoover, will be held on Oct. 15 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go to hooveralabama.gov for updates, or follow the City of Hoover’s Facebook page.

Moss Rock Festival- November 5-6

The Moss Rock Festival is now in its 17th year, toasting the 11th year of the Beer Garden craft tasting event that is part of the festival. “The Moss Rock Festival is the only eco-creative fall festival of its kind in the region exploring how art, design, and smart living can positively impact and influence our everyday choices, lifestyle, sustainability, and appreciation and enjoyment of nature,” said Publicity and Marketing Director Alex Kunzman.

Get ready for live music, food, and artwork by over 100 juried artists.

The Moss Rock Festival is scheduled for November 5-6, 2022, outdoors at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. Go to mossrockfestival.com for updates and to purchase tickets.