Huntsville annual events - concerts, festivals, meetings
January
Ebony Fashion Fair: A fashion show fundraiser presented by local Delta Sigma Theta alumni. Von Braun Center Concert Hall, 337-5898.
Recreational Vehicle Show: About 200 new and used campers, from pop-ups to motor homes, are set up. The show includes the Von Braun Center South Hall and the East and West exhibit halls. VBC, 533-1953.
Dr. Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast: In celebration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity sponsors its breakfast with a keynote speaker. Von Braun Center North Hall, 533-1953.
Boat Show: An exhibition of a variety of watercraft in Von Braun Center exhibit halls, 830-8300.
February
Annual Black History Month: Alabama A&M University Office of Information and Public Relations plans and sponsors a monthlong celebration, 851-5846.
Antique and Collectible Show and Sale: More than 60 vendors have rare toys, dolls, coins, books, military and sports memorabilia and other items. Jaycees Community Building, John Hunt Park, 880-0680.
Boat and Watersports Show: The area’s largest boating, water sports and fishing show. Von Braun Center South Exhibit Hall, 533-1511.
Bow-Wow Bone-anza: agility demonstrations, pet product vendors, photographer, treats, microchipping for all pets for $30 (776-0005), fashion show, dog and master look-alike contest. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 830-4447 or www.hsvbg.org.
Bridal Fair: Florists, carriage and limousine services, photographers and videographers, caterers, formal wear and dress shops and entertainment professionals offer tips and information about their services. Von Braun Center, 830-8300.
“Celebrating Black History Thru Jazz”: Sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Jazz Society-Huntsville, www.tvjs.org.
Storytelling festival: Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Road. 882-3200 ext. 253 or trinityhsv.org.
March
Huntsville Times Engineering and Technology Career Fair: The chance to learn more about career opportunities in high-tech fields. Bring rsums. Huntsville Marriott, 830-2222.
Spring Burst Hikes: Discover wildflowers on free guided hikes of the Land Trust’s most popular public trails. Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Spring Market: Junior League of Huntsville, Von Braun Center South Hall, 700 Monroe St., 533-3554.
Building, Home and Remodeling Show: Hundreds of booths in the Von Braun Center’s South Hall exhibit products and services, 533-1953.
NEACA Craft Show: The Northeast Alabama Craftsmen’s Association sponsors three major shows each year. Von Braun Center exhibit halls, 883-2199.
Irish Evening: The benefit for United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley features Celtic food and music, Irish step dancing and silent auction at the Von Braun Center North Hall, 859-4900.
April
Spring Festival of Flowers: Flowers bloom in profusion during this monthlong event at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 830-4447.
Bonsai Show: The Bonsai Society answers questions and demonstrates styling and techniques at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 830-4447.
Bunny Bonanza: 7,000 eggs are hidden at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 830-4447 or hsvbg.org.
Spring Burst Hikes: Discover wildflowers on free guided hikes of the Land Trust’s most popular public trails. Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Big Read: One book is chosen for everyone to read. It’s sponsored by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St., and branches. Call 532-5940.
Gun and Knife Show and Sale: Modern and antique rifles, shotguns and handguns are offered. Weaponry buffs can also find knives and edged weapons. Cahaba Shrine Temple, April, August and December, 859-4470.
Panoply of the Arts: This is the city’s biggest arts event, providing four days of visual and performing arts downtown. Big Spring International Park, 519-2787.
Crescen-Dough Auction: The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild sponsors a gala evening sale. Von Braun Center Exhibit Hall, 533-1953.
Limestone Dust Poetry Festival: Poets, teachers and authors gather with prizes, food and open mike at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe St. Go to www.limestonedustpoetry.org.
Twickenham Antique Show and Sale: Antique toys, dolls, coins, books and more collectibles. Historic Huntsville Depot Roundhouse, 533-2563.
Earth Day: The Hays Nature Preserve, U.S. 431 South just past mile marker 324, will have a birding hike, reptile and mammal shows, ecohikes with forestry professionals, exhibits and games. Call 427-5116.
Train rides: North Alabama Railroad Museum Train Excursion, 694 Chase Road, 35- or 90-minute train rides on selected weekends April through early December, $12, children under 12 $8, 851-6276.
Spring Farm Days: The entire family can learn about how life on the farm used to be, featuring animals and demonstrations of traditional chores. Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 536-2882.
Huntsville Ballet Company’s Repertory Program: Classical favorites and new works. Von Braun Center Concert Hall, 539-0961.
Folk Life Festival: The Village springs to life with 1800s arts, crafts and activities. Alabama Constitution Village, 564-8100.
May
Cotton Row Run: A 10K (6.2-mile) run through the city streets has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition. Downtown Huntsville, 881-9077.
Pilgrimage of Homes: The tour includes houses in the Twickenham, Old Town and Five Points historic districts, residential gardens, First Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Lodge and more. Historic districts, 533-5723.
Spring Burst Hikes: Discover wildflowers on free guided hikes of the Land Trust’s most popular public trails. Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Spring Ice Skating Show: Local ice skaters of all ages and levels exhibit their talents. Municipal Ice Complex, 883-3774 or www.iceskate.org.
Cemetery Stroll: Huntsvillians don clothing of past eras to represent town fathers and mothers, most buried in Maple Hill. Maple Hill Cemetery, 533-5723.
WhistleStop Festival & Rocket City BBQ: Live music, a children’s area and outside vendors, culminating with a barbecue cook-off. Historic Huntsville Depot, 564-8100.
Senior Center Expo: Geared toward senior citizens, it features food samples, health screenings, giveaways, cooking classes, entertainment, door prizes and more. Von Braun Center, 880-7080.
Alabama Down Home Blues Festival: A musical event that features a variety of performers in an outdoor setting. John Hunt Park, 536-4312.
Wings, Warts and Wonder: Huntsville Botanical Garden. May through September, 830-4447.
Huntsville pow wow: Native craft vendors, drumming, singing and dancing, Cahaba Shrine Temple, 6001 Pulaski Pike. 256-880-8987.
Romance readers luncheon: Sponsored by Heart of Dixie Romance Writers, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe St. www.heartofdixie.org or 256-828-2065.
June
Black Arts Festival: Two days of music and crafts with an African-American flair. At Burritt on the Mountain.
Jazz on the Patio: Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy continuous music. Huntsville Museum of Art patio, 300 Church St., 851-7402.
Scottish Festival and Games: Highland games and other entertainment from the old country. Dublin Park, Madison, 772-9300.
Tours of Historic Three Caves: Walking tours of former quarry that’s becoming a natural cave. Reservations required. Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Shakespeare on the Mountain: The Bard’s work performed in an outdoor setting. Monte Sano Amphitheater, 536-0807.
Movies in the Park: Bring a blanket or chair and watch popular films on the back wall of the Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St., on selected Fridays June through August. 535-4350.
July
Caribbean Day at the Park: A day of Caribbean music, food, games and culture. The public is invited. 665-8100
City Fireworks Celebration: The rockets’ red glare lights up Huntsville, and entertainment is featured on the ground in this Fourth of July holiday tradition. Milton Frank Stadium, 883-8100.
Folk Music Festival: Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum. Traditional sounds on the mountaintop, 536-2882.
Cat Fanciers Association Cat Show: Cats of all colors, sizes and breeds compete for ribbons and title of Grand Champion. Cahaba Shrine Temple, 536-0810.
Glaciers Family Festival: Live music outside, a children’s area, cookout, ice skating, broomball and prize drawing. Municipal Ice Complex, 883-3774 or www.iceskate.org.
Tours of Historic Three Caves: Walking tours of former quarry that’s becoming a natural cave. Reservations required. Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Women’s Distance Festival: Women’s 5K (3.1 miles) and men’s 5K runs, 533-9977.
August
Doll Show: Twickenham Doll Club. Huntsville Depot Roundhouse, 320 Church St., huntsvillealdollclub.com or 881-4809.
Gun and Knife Show and Sale: Cahaba Shrine Temple, 859-4470.
Hamfest: Dealer show and flea market for amateur radio enthusiasts. Von Braun Center South Hall, 536-3904.
Northeast Alabama State Fair: Rides, games, agricultural exhibits and contests. Huntsville Jaycees Fairgrounds, August and September, 883-5252.
Twickenham Doll Show and Sale: Doll enthusiasts are able to find bisque and plastic dolls as well as vinyl and reproduction dolls. Huntsville Depot Roundhouse, 320 Church St. www.huntsvillealdollclub.com or 881-4809.
Huntsville Times Engineering and Technology Career Fair: If you’re looking for a new career or a change, come professionally dressed and bring rsums. Huntsville Marriott, 830-2222.
Huntsville Sprint Triathlon: Run/bike/swim. Huntsville Running Park & Natatorium, 533-6862.
September
Mountain Dulcimer Festival: This music festival includes jamming, exhibits, sales and workshops. Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 536-2882.
Labor Day Monte Sano 10K and 5K: The 6.2-mile and 3.1-mile runs at scenic Monte Sano State Park are held the first Saturday of September. Monte Sano State Park, 461-8356.
Old Fashioned Trade Day: Here’s the chance to turn back the calendar with a laid-back downtown street fair, flea market, crafts booths and food. Madison County Courthouse Square, 539-0097.
“Autumn Ramble” Hikes: Marvel at the lovely North Alabama fall foliage. Free guided hikes led by the Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
NEACA Craft Show: Northeast Alabama Craftsmen’s Association presents its second event of the year, the local craftsmen’s fall exhibition making handcrafted objects available for purchase. Von Braun Center exhibit halls, 883-2199.
Big Spring Jam: This three-day outdoor music festival provides acts to suit every musical taste from rock to zydeco, with performances on a half-dozen stages, along with a children’s area, artists and food vendors. Big Spring International Park, 551-2359.
Big Spring Jam 5K & Fun Run: Begins at Church and Monroe streets, 427-5226.
Moon Over Three Caves Dance: The cave is beautifully lit for this event with food and entertainment. Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Oktoberfest: This four-day festival features German and American music, carnival rides, food and beverages. Redstone Arsenal Parade Field, 876-5232.
Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride: A national convoy of motorcycles retraces the route Cherokee Indians followed during their forced relocation. Spencer Square and Publix Shopping Center on Madison Boulevard in Madison, 536-3702.
Scarecrow Trail: As autumn chills the air, scarecrows come out during September and October at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 830-4447.
October
Madison Street Festival: Features arts, crafts, food, games and a parade. Downtown Madison, 895-0948.
Gem & Mineral Show: Hosted by the Huntsville Gem & Mineral Society, the show is for anyone interested in lapidary arts, geology, paleontology or rocks in general. Von Braun Center, 880-0623.
Taste of Huntsville: Enjoy the finest foods from more than 30 local restaurants and caterers, U.S. Space & Rocket Center off Interstate 565, 551-2230.
“Autumn Ramble” Hikes: Marvel at the lovely North Alabama fall foliage. Free guided hikes led by the Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, 534-5263 or www.landtrust-hsv.org.
Indian Festival: Features a number of old-time events and educational activities. Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 536-2882.
Photo Flea Market: Photography equipment for sale and trade, sponsored by Southerland’s Photo. Von Braun Center East Hall, 539-9627.
November
Under the Christmas Tree: A favorite Christmas charity that benefits the private Randolph School. Exhibit halls are transformed into a shopping mall. Von Braun Center North Hall, 881-1701.
Delta Zeta Arts and Craft Show: For the craftsman, it’s a great place to sell creations; for the shopper, it’s a good place to buy Christmas gifts. Von Braun Center South Hall, 726-9969.
Fall Harvest Festival: Features a number of old-time events and educational activities. Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 536-2882.
Veterans Day Parade: Starts at Lot K at Clinton Avenue, 876-5400.
Santa’s Village: Visit Santa’s house, reindeer in their stables and elves in the toy shop. Alabama Constitution Village, 564-8100.
Galaxy Of Lights Walk-Through Nights: Walk through the winter wonderland of holiday lights. No cars allowed. Walkers admitted until 8. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 830-4447.
Galaxy of Lights: One of the state’s top events. A drive through a gallery of Christmas scenes and other fanciful figures in lights. Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 5:30-9 p.m. Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, 830-4447.
December
Candlelight Christmas: More than 400 candle sconces and luminarias light the 15-acre mountaintop around the mansion. Burritt on the Mountain - A Living Museum, 536-2882.
NEACA Winter Craft Show: This show offers good Christmas shopping. Von Braun Center South Hall, 883-2199.
Rocket City Tuba Christmas: More than 100 tuba, sousaphone, baritone and euphonium players perform traditional Christmas songs. Huntsville Museum of Art, 535-4350.
Rocket City Marathon: A 26-mile race through the southern part of Huntsville. The starting line is downtown, 828-6207.
Spirit of Christmas Past: A nighttime drive through downtown areas, guided by luminarias, and tours of beautiful old homes. Twickenham and Old Town historic districts, 534-0429.
Kwanzaa: Tradition and Creativity: Focuses on traditional artifacts and other arts and crafts that reflect the creative aspects of Kwanzaa. Nov. 1 through Jan. 1. State Black Archives Center at Alabama A&M University, 372-5846.
“The Nutcracker”: Presented by the Huntsville Community Ballet with music by the Huntsville Symphony. Von Braun Center Concert Hall, 539-0691.
WAAY 31 Christmas Parade: Santa Claus arrives officially in Huntsville. Downtown Huntsville, 533-3131.
Madison Christmas Parade: The city’s holiday parade with music, floats and fun. Downtown Madison, 772-9300.
Galaxy of Lights: Through Dec. 31 at Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., 830-4447.
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