You can hear the familiar tune of “Sweet Home Alabama” echoing along Highway 280 just outside Sylacauga this Saturday.

While a genuine Lynyrd Skynyrd performance would come at a price, there’s a free alternative—a highly-rated tribute band called “Symbol Man Revival.” The band’s name is a nod to Skynyrd’s classic hit “Simple Man” from 1973.

This event is part of the annual Oak Grove Fall Festival, running from 9 AM to 2 PM at Oak Grove City Hall, located at 1042 Glen Road, Sylacauga, on October 11th.

The festival site is conveniently situated, being 68 miles from Birmingham along 280 East and 89 miles from Montgomery heading 231 Northeast. It’s also near towns like Alex City, Anniston, Gadsden, Clanton, Talladega, and Coosa County.

Besides the music from “Simple Man,” festival-goers can look forward to bouncy rides, train rides, arts and crafts, a car show, food vendors, and more—though you’ll need to pay for any meals.

Other acts on the lineup include Sons of Thunder, Crossfire, and Cherry Avenue, and all performances are free.

No tickets or reservations are necessary; just come on over.

Be cautious and make sure you’re heading to the right Oak Grove. There are many places with that name in Alabama, so make sure to go to the one next to Sylacauga on Highway 280.

Oak Grove may be familiar, but here’s an interesting tidbit: it’s the only place in the world where someone was struck by a meteorite in 1954—and she survived! It’s also the setting for Gravity Hill, where you’ll get to experience the curious illusion of your car rolling uphill. It’s worth checking out.

The highlight of the day, “Simple Man,” is scheduled to begin around noon. Can you feel that Skynyrd vibe yet?

free bird

What are the 3 steps?

simple man

Sweet Home Sylacauga

Sometimes, once the music starts, memories come flooding back.