Huntsville is indeed a happening place for people of all ages. And I’m sure, you’ll agree with me once you know what’s in store for you.
The different majestic events in Huntsville attract tourists from all places. Located in the Northern region of Alabama, Huntsville offers a variety of events throughout the year. What’s better for any visitor or local than becoming a part of live events and having fun around? I can assure you, there is never a dull day in Rocket City. I am saying this so confidently because Huntsville regularly organizes events targeted at people of every age group. The diversity of events in Huntsville will allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Huntsville organizes many events, which will surely confuse you about which one to attend. That’s no problem. Therefore, I thought to present here the list of the top 10 events in Huntsville you can attend throughout the year. So relax and choose your next getaway easily!
1. Boat Show in Huntsville
Let’s begin with this huge boat show event there. Do you know it’s spread over 100,000+ square feet? This show is held around mid-January every year and lasts almost all day. It is organized in the Von Braun Centre, Huntsville, Alabama, and you can get your tickets virtually.
- The boat show usually features the latest aluminum boats, fishing boats, inboards, wake boats, pontoons, runabouts, cruisers, personal watercraft, and more.
- The show also organizes several boating seminars and dealers selling fishing gear, brass gear, water skiing equipment, water sports clothing, windsurfing equipment, and many more at affordable and discounted prices.
- Reels and rods are free for kids aged 12 and under.
2. Community Kite Festival
Huntsville City and the AshaKiran Foundation sponsor the Community Kite Festival, based on the theme ‘Soaring for social justice. ‘
Do you love flying kites? Then, I must say that the Community Kite Festival is a perfect way to spend your weekend. It has mouth-watering food trucks, live entertainment, and many other events, including kite flying. You can bring your kites along with you or purchase them at the festival offered by Chicago Kites. The kite demonstration is the main highlight of these two-day events in Huntsville, Alabama.
Generally, it is held at the John Hunt Park Festival Grounds, Huntsville, Alabama. And the best part is that it’s free to the public.
3. Panoply Arts Festival
With the tagline of ‘ART MUSIC AND MORE,’ Panoply Arts Festival is an annual three-day celebration that includes exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and many more different interactive activities. If you want to showcase your talent in the field of art, the Panoply Arts Festival is the best way to start.
Along with many dance & music clubs, the local band comes together to perform throughout the three-day events in Huntsville. I suggest you bring your outdoor seating to get the best experience at the festival.
4. Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
Now this is one of my favorites as it’s full of excitement and fun. Organized over the Memorial Day weekend, held annually, pilots from across the United States gather and participate in Hot-Air balloon races.
Along with these races, the festival in Alabama also provides live entertainment, an antique car show, an arts and crafts show, an antique tractor and engine show, and an international food court. The rides available at the event are called ‘Tethered rides,’ and they are free of cost. But they are limited, I mean that they are based on the ‘first come, first serve rule.’ The lines for these rides are generally long, so I suggest you come early.
5. Family Fun Festival
So, if you are coming to Huntsville with your family, I have a perfect option for you to have the best time there. Yeah, the best way to spend your family day is by attending the Family Fun Festival in Rocket City. Activities for every age group, whether toddlers, teenagers, or adults, are available, making it one of the most exciting events in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Face painting, storytime, rock climbing, and even bungee jumping are fun activities you would want to try.
- After all these activities, you can indulge in shopping. Multiple vendors selling different products in one place will surely awaken your shopping spree spirit.
- Along with enjoying yourself with your family at the family fun festival, you can also contribute to the community by donating whatever you like to the Free2Teach foundation.
6. Galaxy Of Lights
Events in Huntsville during the winter season are a must-visit to get into your Christmas spirit. Have you heard about the Galaxy of Lights event? Doesn’t matter, I’ll not let you miss this awesome event.
Animated light displays along a 2.5-mile trail in the Botanical Garden showcasing Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Castles, reindeer, and many more will leave you mesmerized. There are mainly 3 events in Galaxy of Lights:
- Walking nights– Take a stroll through these picturesque displays and experience the fun first-hand.
- Dog-walking nights– Please don’t leave your pets at home; they deserve equal fun as you do.
- Driving nights– Sit back in your car and relish the scenic view by driving through the Botanical Garden’s trails.
7. Rocket City Marathon
I strongly recommend you to be a part of the Rocket City Marathon if you think you love races and marathons. Rocket City organizes different marathons, including the Marathon relay, kid’s marathon, and Half marathon. Marathon relay requires a team of 2-5 members, and everyone can participate regardless of their physique.
Not everyone wants to run a full or half marathon, and a marathon relay works as a perfect substitute, promoting the idea that everyone is the same. Kid’s marathon, a non-competitive marathon for children in Grades K-8. So, don’t forget to bring your kids there. They would love to be a part of this amazing event.
As the name suggests, a half-marathon runs only half-track but finishes with the participants running the full marathon. If you do not want to run a marathon, you can join the event as a spectator or volunteer. I’ll tell you about the Marathon Route: The marathon starts Downtown, past historic homes and sites, then to the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre, and finally to the finish line inside Von Braun Centre South Hall.
8. Monte Sano Art Festival
Monte Sano Art Festival allows you to experience different art forms, from clay models to glass models, paintings, jewelry, and many more.
You’ll spot several street vendors selling your favorite fast food and magnificent art. You can even bring your pets, keeping in mind the ‘you break it, you bear the expenses’ policy. Or, if you are confident enough in your artistic skills, I would recommend you apply to showcase your art. As the main idea behind this festival is to promote local and regional artists and give them a platform.
9. Scarecrow Trail
Doesn’t it sound funny and at the same time exciting? I know but it’s true. The two-month event is the perfect way to enjoy the Halloween season with the spooky scarecrows spread out along the trail.
The number of displays on the trail is made by various locals, including students from different clubs, which is a sight to behold. Kandy Korn Plus, Blue Jarrahdale, Sunlight, Mellow Yellow, and autumn blend Cushaws Gourds are the varieties used for pumpkin displays. Along with this, the Botanical Garden also organizes ‘Weekend hayrides,’ ‘Hay Bale Art,’ and ‘corn mazes’ should be explored.
10. N.E.A.C.A Holiday Craft Show
The North-East Alabama Crafts Association organizes a trade show to allow artisans to sell their handicrafts. The display consists of woodturning, carving, ceramics, knitting, crochet, jewelry, lanyards, weaving, chain mail, ornaments, accessories, clothing embellishment, painted glassware, home & holiday décor, furniture hand painting & embellishment, and much more.
The events in Huntsville are not only for enjoyment but also allow people to showcase their talent. I believe this craft show is the perfect opportunity for young budding artisans to watch other experienced artisans sell their artifacts. Over 150 vendors are allowed to set up their stalls, and you must register beforehand. For the general public, this event is entirely free of cost.
So, Are You Ready to Have a Great Time in Huntsville?
You won’t believe, it was so difficult for me to select the 10 best events in Huntsville. I must say all the events in there are magnificent. However, this list contains Huntsville’s most popular and widely attended events.
Visiting Huntsville, Alabama, will be one of your best decisions. The events will be like icing on the cake.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
