3 ways to celebrate Fall at Oak Hill Cemetery, including the Fall Festival

Oak Hill Cemetery.
Oak Hill has some of the best views. Photo submitted.

Who knew a cemetery could be a fun place to hang out? Birmingham’s oldest cemetery, Oak Hill, is hosting several family-friendly events this fall. You can’t miss them!

1. Tour Oak Hill Cemetery

Sunrise at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Oak Hill has a beautiful view of downtown. Photo via Oak Hill Cemetery

Did you know that Oak Hill is older than Birmingham itself? The cemetery was already an established burial ground by the time of Birmingham’s founding in 1871.

Now that the Birmingham summer heat is finally starting to go away, it is the perfect time to visit Oak Hill. There are several ways you can tour the cemetery!

Actor portrays Edward Erswell at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Volunteer actor as Edward Erswell at Oak Hill. Photo submitted.

Public tours

  • Time: Public tours begin at 10am and last 60 minutes
  • Price: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students. Make sure to bring your student ID or driver’s license!

Private tours

  • Tour length: 60-90 minutes
  • Group size: no minimum group size
  • Price: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students. Minimum group fee of $60, and groups must pay a $30 deposit

Self-guided tour

If you’d like to tour Oak Hill at your own pace, the park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the week. Make sure to stop by the tour center to get the most out of your tour!

2. Come to the Fall History Festival

Actors at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Volunteers portray Emma Mock and Edward Erswell. Photo submitted.

Have you ever wanted to ask a question to one of Birmingham’s founders?

Oak Hill volunteers act as some of Birmingham’s famous (and infamous) characters. Meet Col. James Sloss, Madame Wooster, and many more!

  • Date: Sunday, November 10th
  • Time: Tours at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
  • Where: Oak Hill Cemetery, 1120 19th Street North
  • Tickets: $15, available online
  • Parking: No parking within the cemetery, but there is street parking nearby

3. Watch a movie in Oak Hill Cemetery

https cdn.evbuc .com images 72610069 331616703661 1 original.20190912 160825 3 ways to celebrate Fall at Oak Hill Cemetery, including the Fall Festival
Poster for Oak Hill’s movie night. Photo via Oak Hill Cemetery Website.

Plan 9 from Outer Space

  • Date: Saturday, October 5th
  • Time: 6pm-10pm
  • Tickets: $7.02, available online
  • Family friendly? The film is not suitable for children under 12

On the first weekend of October, hang out at Oak Hill to see Ed Wood‘s 1959 independent sci-fi horror film, Plan 9 from Outer Space!

Just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into – watching a horror movie in a cemetery is a scary double-whammy!

What is your favorite part of Oak Hill Cemetery? Let us know by tagging @BhamNow

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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