Fun: A tall Ferris wheel towers over a fairground with colorful food stands and tents under a clear blue sky — Take a spin on the Ferris wheel at the Alabama National Fair. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

Fall is officially in full swing across Montgomery and the River Region and this weekend’s event calendar is stacked with excitement!

Whether you are looking to indulge in classic fair treats, cheer on a local college team or celebrate the autumn season right by the river, there is no shortage of fun things to do around Montgomery right now.

Here is a breakdown of where to go and what to see over the next few days.

59th Annual Autauga County Fair

A group of people holding plates of food — Indulge in classic fair sweets and treats (Bennie Bates)

Features: Amusement rides, food, community exhibits and a petting zoo
When: Happening through Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Mac Gray Park Fairgrounds, 1100 MLK Drive, Prattville
Hours: Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16 – Fairgrounds open at 5-10PM | Saturday, Oct. 17, 12PM-10PM
Cost: $5 entry (children under 3 feet tall enter free)
More info: Autauga County Fair

Note: Midway Rides are 5-10PM on Thursday and Friday + 1-5PM and 6-10PM on Saturday. Various numbers of tickets are required to enter rides. Ticket prices are $20 for 25 tickets or $1 each.

Alabama National Fair

A "weenie wagon" food stand with hot dog flags — Grab a classic corn dog or hot dog from the food stands (Steve DiMatteo)

Features: Rides, live musical entertainment, agricultural competitions and classic fair food favorites
When: Running through Sunday, Oct. 18
Where: Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery
Hours: Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16 – Fairgrounds open at 5-10PM | Saturday, Oct. 17, 12PM-10PM
Cost: Admission varies daily
Wristbands: Ride all night long for $35 on Oct. 15 or $40 on Oct. 16-18
Live music: Butter & Grit at 7PM on Oct. 17 + Jaguar Norteño at 6PM on Oct. 18
More info: Alabama National Fair

City of Montgomery Harvest Festival

A large pile of colorful pumpkins and gourds — Head out to Riverfront Park for the City of Montgomery Harvest Festival. (Sandie Clarke)

Features: Trick-or-treating, family activities, live entertainment and crisp autumn views
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce St., Montgomery
Hours: 3-6PM
Cost: FREE
More info: City of Montgomery Harvest Festival

SweetCreek Farm Market Pumpkin Festival

pile of orange squash — Pick out the perfect pumpkin and enjoy autumn activities at SweetCreek Farm Market in Pike Road. (Mark Duffel)

Features: Live music, pony rides, local vendors, inflatables, homemade eats and family-friendly autumn activities
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: 85 Meriwether Road, Pike Road
Hours: 9AM-5PM
Cost: FREE entry
More info: SweetCreek Farm Market Pumpkin Festival

Guardian Credit Union Great Grits Cook-Off

a bowl of mashed potatoes with parsley on top — Sample delicious Southern flavors and support local causes (Imad Smith)

Features: Grit tastings benefiting the YMCA with cooking teams, food and craft vendors and live music
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Prattville YMCA Bradford Branch, 972 McQueen Smith Rd S, Prattville
Hours: 8-11AM
Cost: Pre-purchase, $7 | Day of purchase, $10 (children 5 and under are free)
More info: Guardian Credit Union Great Grits Cook-Off

Faulkner Eagles vs. Andrew College (Homecoming)

Faulkner University campus entrance gate with arched white structure and brick guardhouse, labeled A Christian University — Faulkner Eagles entrance (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

Features: Pack the stands and support the Eagles for their big homecoming matchup!
When: Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: Faulkner University, Billy D. Hilyer Stadium, Montgomery
Hours: Kickoff at 1PM
Cost: Ticket prices vary
More info: Faulkner Eagles vs. Andrew College (Homecoming)

The Alabama State Hornets and Huntingdon Hawks will be hitting the road this weekend. Catch ASU playing away at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Huntingdon traveling to take on N.C. Wesleyan.

Which weekend events are you adding to your calendar first for a weekend packed with fun? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.

6 fun Montgomery-area weekend events: Fairs, football + more Oct. 15-18