October means big happenings in Hanceville, where the community is gearing up for a pair of traditional fall festivals that each, in its own way, puts an aesthetic twist on the early-autumn season.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, downtown Hanceville will close its streets for the return of the 14th annual Mud Creek Arts and Crafts festival, a day-long outing that, as its name suggest, features tons of handmade artistic treasures that can’t be found on store shelves.

This year’s festival kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m., with the historic district’s Commercial Street and side streets set aside for pedestrian-only traffic all day long. In addition to the arts and crafts, the street festival will include plenty of other vendors, alongside food trucks, kids’ games and activities and music. Until all are filled, spaces for vendors and sponsors will remain available through Oct. 11. Call 256-352-1214 to find out more.

A week afterward, the stadium at Hanceville High School will reverberate with the sounds of marching bands from all across north Alabama, as the 33rd annual Mud Creek Marching Festival returns to raise funds for the school’s band program.

As in years past, the University of North Alabama “Marching Pride” band will cap a full day of performances from 25 high school bands with its own next-level exhibition, and concession stands at the stadium will be open and stocked with goodies throughout the event.

Tickets for the festival cost $10 at the door for adults. Children under 5 are admitted for free, and parking within easy walking distance to the stadium and to downtown amenities is also free. Visit the event’s Facebook page (search the site for “Mud Creek Marching Festival”) as the day approaches for performance times and other updates.