The eighth annual Darterfest, hosted by the Southern Environmental Center, is back this year at Avondale Brewing. Celebrating one of the the rarest fish on Earth, this is truly a one-of-a-kind, don’t-miss festival. Keep reading to get all the details.

What is Darterfest?

The Southern Evironmental Center‘s Darterfest is an annual affair to celebrate the darter fish, one of the rarest fish on Earth. The festival in its honor raises funds for the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and its educational programs.

Darterfest 2021 has a full line-up of fun activities, from games and raffles to live music performances to a signature beer.

What’s happening

Avondale Burger Company and Little London food trucks will be at Darterfest all day serving up mouthwatering grub. Guests will also have the chance to take home a six-pack of Avondale Brewing’s seasonal Darter Ale in a limited-edition vermillion darter case.

Check out the musical line-up for Darterfest below:

12-1PM: AJ Beavers
1:30-2:30PM: Dead Fingers
3-4PM: Early James and the Latest

The Mobile Museum Van from the Museum of Natural History in Auburn will also be arriving at Darterfest. It’s a fun way to educate yourself about the fish and Alabama’s ecosystems while enjoying a fun atmosphere.

What is a darter fish?

Vermilion darters found on a new section at Turkey Creek. Photo via Freshwater Land Trust

Since Alabama is one of most bio-diverse states in the country, it’s not super surprising that it is home to one of the rarest fishes in the world: the vermillion darter fish. The vermillion darter fish is only found in the clean freshwater of Turkey Creek. You can idenitfy this endangered fish by its vermillion color, aka red-orange.

There are several kinds of darter fish in the world, but the vermillion variety has only ever been found in Turkey Creek. Each year the Southern Environmental Center hosts Darterfest, it not only raises awareness of the animal but also supports educational programs at Turkey Creek.