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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The sounds, stories and spirit of the Appalachian Mountains will fill Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, Nov. 8, as Alabama’s largest state park hosts its first-ever Appalachian Festival—a daylong celebration of mountain culture, music and tradition.

Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park’s South Trailhead area, the family-friendly festival will feature live music, traditional craft demonstrations, storytelling, local food vendors and educational programming centered on the rich natural and cultural heritage of Appalachia.

Park naturalist Lauren Muncher said the idea for the event grew naturally out of Oak Mountain’s expanding interpretive programming, which has increasingly focused on the park’s Appalachian roots.

“We’ve grown our interpretive programming to include many Appalachian culture-based programs like Highlands to Hollers and our monthly Bluegrass Jams,” Muncher said. “We thought this would be a spectacular opportunity to not only educate others on the rich history and culture of the region but to really immerse everyone in it as well.”

Muncher said the festival aims to connect guests to the spirit of Appalachia through hands-on experiences, traditional music and community engagement.

“Oak Mountain State Park is part of the Appalachian Mountains, and many of us have deep roots in the hills and hollers as well,” she said. “Not many realize just how amazing the culture can be—and how the incredible biodiversity of the region inspired much of it.”

Festivalgoers can expect a full day of entertainment and education, from folklore and storytelling to artisan demonstrations and live bluegrass. The Steel City Jug Slammers will headline the musical lineup, bringing their signature jug band sound to the stage.

“They really capture the soul of the mountains,” Muncher said.

Special guest speaker Dr. Jewel Parker, a noted educator and scholar, will present “Roots of Healing: Native American, African, and Euromerican Medical Exchange in Appalachia”—a talk exploring the traditional healing practices that shaped the region. Her presentation is sponsored by UAB Libraries.

“Dr. Parker is a superstar of an educator,” Muncher said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear the stories and history surrounding traditional healing roots of the region.”

Attendees can explore a bustling marketplace of crafts and demonstrations, including pottery by Bess Taylor, wood carving by Tim Tingle, herbalism with Skye Apothecary and Walden Farmacy, quilting, blacksmithing, soap making and even a pewter pour demonstration by Sloss Furnaces.

“We were very selective,” Muncher said. “Everyone was chosen to truly capture the Appalachian artistry and vibe.”

Vendors will also offer a wide range of locally made goods—from candles, jams and breads to stained glass, fiber art, woodwork and herbal remedies.

The festival will coincide with Finish Line Events’ XTERRA Appalachian Trail Festival, featuring 15K and 35K races that highlight Oak Mountain’s scenic trails, along with a Family Hike option designed for all ages.

“Finish Line Events is a wonderful partner with Oak Mountain,” Muncher said. “We want all our guests to have a fun day, and adding these race options is just one super fun way of doing that.”

Festival admission is included with the park’s standard entry fee: $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Annual park passes will be honored, and overnight guests receive free entry. Parking will be available throughout the day-use area on a first-come, first-served basis, with rangers assisting as needed.

As for Muncher’s hopes for the inaugural event, she said the goal goes far beyond one day of celebration.

“We hope this helps our local and surrounding communities take ownership of our region and the vibrant culture of the Appalachians,” she said. “It’s about honoring the traditions, the history, the land and the spirit of the hills and hollers we call home—and inspiring people to preserve and protect these traditions and the natural world.”

For more information and festival updates, visit Oak Mountain State Park’s Facebook page or Alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park.