Alabama Jubilee
Danielle Gibson • March 25, 2022
Up, Up, and Away

Saturday
- Start your morning early with the help of a cup of hot coffee at the hotel.
- Arrive at Point Mallard Park at 6:30 a.m. to watch as the hot-air balloons take to the air for the Hound and Hare Race.
- Spend your morning listening to regional artists on the live entertainment stage and don’t forget to check out the antique tractors and automobiles.
- Sample tasty treats from the festival’s many food vendors.
- Spend the afternoon cooling off in the waves of America’s First Wave Pool at the nearby J. Gilmber Blackburn Aquatic Center.
- Taste some of the South’s finest barbecue at the famed Big Bob Gibson restaurant, located at 1715 6th Ave SE.
- Return to the hotel to get plenty of sleep for an early morning on Sunday.
Sunday
- Travel to Point Mallard Park and arrive at 6:30 a.m. for the Key Grab Race, as hot-air balloon pilots compete for a new car.
- Practice your golfing skills at Point Mallard’s Strike Zone Driving Range before playing a round of golf at the park’s championship golf course.
- For lunch, relax at the Mallard Grill, located on the golf course at Point Mallard Park. Fill your plate with Southern “comfort” food and keep your glass filled with sweet tea.
- Return to the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon and Music Festival to browse through the arts and craft fair and listen to live music.
- As the sun goes down, make sure you have your camera ready as the balloons light-up the evening sky during the Balloon Glow event.
- Find a great spot to view the Fireworks Extravaganza.
- Leave Decatur for home and make plans to visit again soon!

There’s something undeniably special about Christmas in a small town. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, the sound of cheerful carols fills the air, and the community gathers together to celebrate the magic of the season. Few traditions capture that feeling quite like a Christmas parade. Across Morgan County, our towns roll out the holiday spirit with beloved parades featuring brightly decorated floats, festive music, and of course—a visit from Santa Claus himself. These annual celebrations mark the start of the holiday season, spreading joy and togetherness to all who attend. Here’s a look at this year’s lineup of Christmas parades throughout Morgan County: Trinity Christmas Parade Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 AM Start your day with holiday spirit as the Trinity community lines the streets for a morning of fun, family, and festive floats. Priceville’s Annual Shelia Smith Christmas Parade Saturday, December 6th at 3:00 PM Presented by the City of Priceville Parks and Recreation Department, this cherished tradition honors the late Shelia Smith and her legacy of community pride. Eva Christmas Parade Saturday, December 8th at 7:00 PM Bundle up and enjoy the twinkle of lights at night as Eva’s Christmas parade rolls through town—an event that always delights both kids and adults. Decatur’s “Lights, Camera, Christmas” Parade Monday, December 8th at 6:00 PM Hosted by the Young Professionals of Decatur, this year’s theme brings the magic of the movies to life! Expect creative floats, bright lights, and plenty of cinematic holiday flair. Falkville Christmas Parade Tuesday, December 9th at 3:00 PM This afternoon parade is packed with small-town charm, classic cars, and festive community spirit. Hartselle Christmas Parade Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Hartselle, this beloved parade is one of the county’s largest, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate under the glow of holiday lights. From morning marches to sparkling evening parades, each celebration showcases the heart and hospitality of Morgan County. Gather your family, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and make your way to one—or all—of these festive parades. There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than right here at home.

Big news for country music fans: Rock the South, one of the South’s most beloved music festivals, is making a major move. Beginning in 2026 , the three-day summer tradition will take place at its brand-new, permanent home— The Fields at Decatur —from June 11–13, 2026 . For more than 14 years, Rock the South has grown into a can’t-miss event, drawing fans from across the region to celebrate music, community, and Southern culture. Now, with its move to Decatur (just south of Huntsville and an hour from Birmingham), the festival is stepping into a bold new chapter. This relocation marks the first time Peachtree Entertainment—the team behind Rock the South—will fully own its festival grounds. That means long-term investments to enhance comfort, convenience, and fan experiences for years to come. The new site promises: 150+ acres of usable space for easy flow and bigger crowds. Expanded campgrounds with engineered drainage, designed to keep the fun going rain or shine. More shade and cooling zones to beat the Alabama heat. A reimagined VIP area plus new fan hangout spaces. A second stage presented by Raised Rowdy , doubling the music and energy. Nathan Baugh, CEO of Peachtree Entertainment, summed it up: “Rock the South has always been about more than music; it’s about tradition, community, and celebrating the South at its best. The Fields at Decatur gives us the space to do it right—and to make even bigger moments than ever before.”

Decatur is about to trade its quiet hum for the roar of engines as the Driven To Give Auto & Bike Show takes over the brand-new Morgan County/Decatur Farmers Market on Saturday, September 27, from 3:00–7:00 PM. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak in partnership with The Decatur-Morgan County Farmers Market and presented by Lynn Layton Chevrolet, this high-octane gathering isn’t just for car and bike lovers — it’s for anyone who enjoys live music, good food, and giving back to the community.






