Fall is officially here and along with the colorful leaves and cool weather the season brings many festivals.

There seems to be a festival close by for just about anyone’s taste. In October, The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention and the Story Telling Festival will be held in Athens, and several towns within a short drive will hold festivals of their own.

Upcoming festivals include:

• Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4 – The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention will be Oct. 3 and 4 at Athens State University.

Special guest for the 42nd Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University will be the bluegrass group Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press. The group will kick off the event’s competitions with concerts at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Oct. 3.

Competitions in a variety of forms, including fiddle playing, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, buck dancing, old-time singing and more take place on the steps of historic Founders Hall beginning at 7 p.m. Friday night, Oct. 3 and continue at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

Prize money totaling $11,870 in various categories will be awarded.

Crafters and food vendors at the convention open their booths Friday morning and remain open all day Saturday.

Gates open at 8 a.m.

Cost is $8 for Friday, $10 for Saturday and $15 for both days. Children ages 12 and under are free with a parent. For more information, visit http://www.athens.edu/fiddlers/

• Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4 – Harvest Festival

Boaz will showcase its outlet shopping and more at The Harvest Festival held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Oct. 3 and 4 in the Downtown Mall located off Billy Dyar Boulevard in Boaz.