Festivals in Huntsville
Huntsville’s Can’t-Miss Moments
Huntsville is a city full of vibrant culture, great food, live music, art, and community spirit. Throughout the year, local festivals bring residents and visitors together to celebrate art, music, food, heritage, and more. Here are some of the most popular recurring festivals you can plan for in Huntsville and North Alabama. Scroll down for a monthly guide of events to put on your calendar.
A Month by Month Guide
January
Von Braun Center Boat Show
Typically held in January, the VBC Boat Show showcases marine dealers, outdoor vendors, and boating accessories. It is a popular winter event for those planning spring and summer adventures on the water.
February
Rocket City Retro Fest
Held in February at the Von Braun Center, this retro gaming and pop culture festival features classic arcade games, vendors, cosplay, and tournaments. It draws visitors from across the Southeast each year.
Mardi Gras Parade
Downtown Huntsville hosts an annual Mardi Gras parade each February, bringing colorful floats, beads, music, and festive energy to the streets ahead of Fat Tuesday.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Held annually in mid March, Huntsville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings a sea of green to downtown with festive floats, Irish dancers, local organizations, live music, and family friendly fun. It has become a favorite early spring tradition.
Host: Irish Society of North Alabama
Taste of Soul Alabama
Typically held in early spring, Taste of Soul Alabama celebrates culture, music, food, and local vendors. It has become a staple community festival drawing large crowds downtown.
One Man's Vintage Market
Shop a curated mix of vintage clothing, collectibles, records, and handmade goods from vendors across the region, all in one of Huntsville’s most iconic spots. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love discovering unique pieces, this market is all about finding something special.
The market will feature over 60 vintage vendors, local food trucks, and DJ sets throughout the day. Admission and parking are free, so come enjoy a full day of vintage shopping, great food, and music. This event happens 3-4 time a year.
April
Panoply Arts Festival
Held the last full weekend in April in Big Spring Park, Panoply is Huntsville’s premier arts festival featuring artist booths, live performances, interactive art experiences, and food vendors. It is one of the largest arts events in the Southeast.
Battle of the Buffalo Wing Festival
A spring favorite in Big Spring Park, this competitive food festival features local teams battling for the title of best wings in Huntsville alongside live entertainment and family activities.
Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo
The Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo is an annual fan favorite that brings celebrities, comic creators, artists, vendors, and pop culture enthusiasts together at the Von Braun Center. Typically held in the spring, the multi day event features celebrity meet and greets, panels, cosplay contests, gaming, and a large exhibitor hall, making it one of Huntsville’s biggest conventions of the year.
Pup Palooza
The Orion Amphitheater is partnering with The Greater Huntsville Humane Society to host a FREE pup-friendly festival featuring a shelter supply drive, pet costume contest, live local music, food trucks, vendors and more!
May
Von Brewski
Held each May Von Brewski is a lively spring beer festival hosted by the Von Braun Center. The event features regional breweries, live music, food vendors, and a festive downtown atmosphere that draws large crowds each year.
Host: Von Braun Center
Food Truck Fridays Begin
Food Truck Fridays kick off in May and continue monthly through October. Hosted in Big Spring Park, these gatherings bring together Huntsville’s favorite food trucks, live music, and community fun in the heart of downtown.
Camp to Amp Festival
Camp to Amp is an annual summer music festival in Huntsville that showcases emerging artists alongside established performers in a high energy outdoor setting. Hosted at the MidCity District, the festival highlights a mix of genres and organizations.
Cocktails at the View
Cocktails at the View is a May – Oct (Wednesdays) event hosted at Burritt on the Mountain, offering live music, local food vendors, and stunning sunset views overlooking Huntsville. Typically held in the warmer months, this event combines craft cocktails, community atmosphere, and one of the best panoramic views in North Alabama, making it a popular evening experience each year.
Huntsville Yoga Week
Huntsville Yoga Week returns each May with a full week of free yoga classes hosted at unique locations across the city. From outdoor flows to beginner-friendly sessions, the event invites the community to slow down, move, and connect. Whether you’re new to yoga or have practiced for years, there’s something for every experience level. Grab your mat, bring a friend, and enjoy a week focused on wellness, mindfulness, and community.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic returns each Memorial Day weekend to Point Mallard Park in Decatur with colorful hot air balloons, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy balloon flights and glows (weather permitting), along with car shows, tractor displays, and activities throughout the weekend. It’s one of North Alabama’s most iconic annual events and a perfect way to kick off summer.
Greene Street Market
Greene Street Market is a beloved weekly farmers market held in downtown Huntsville each Thursday during the season. Visitors can shop local produce, baked goods, handmade items, and specialty products while enjoying live music, community activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great way to support local farmers and makers while spending an afternoon in the heart of the city.
World's Longest-Running Cigar Box Guitar Festival
Huntsville, Alabama is home to the World’s Longest-Running Cigar Box Guitar Festival. This three-day celebration of music, creativity, and community brings together seasoned musicians, curious newcomers, and families alike for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
June
Concerts in the Park
This free summer concert series runs from early June through early August in Big Spring Park. Each week features a different local band and genre, making it a beloved Huntsville tradition for families and music lovers.
Host: Arts Huntsville
Juneteenth Celebrations
Held in June, Huntsville’s Juneteenth celebrations honor freedom, culture, and community with live music, educational programming, food vendors, and local organizations. Juneteenth is a significant date in American history and the African American experience.
Southern Fried Film Festival
Southern Fried Film Festival is Huntsville’s annual celebration of independent film, bringing filmmakers and film lovers together for a weekend of screenings, panels, and creative connection.
July
Fourth of July Celebrations
Huntsville hosts multiple Independence Day events across the city each July, including fireworks displays, live music, and family friendly activities at parks and entertainment districts.
August
Huntsville Restaurant Week
Typically held in August, Huntsville Restaurant Week celebrates the city’s growing culinary scene with special menus, prix fixe offerings, and limited time dining experiences at participating local restaurants. It is one of the best times of year to explore new eateries and support Huntsville’s food community.
Host: Huntsville CVB
September
Huntsville Music Month
September is officially Huntsville Music Month, highlighting local musicians, venues, and performances throughout the city. Dozens of concerts and music events take place across Huntsville and North Alabama during this month long celebration.
Jazz in the Park
Held on Sundays throughout September in Big Spring Park, Jazz in the Park showcases regional jazz artists in a relaxed outdoor setting and is a longtime downtown favorite.
Monte Sano Art Festival
Held each September at Monte Sano State Park, the Monte Sano Art Festival showcases regional artists, live music, food vendors, and scenic mountain views. This juried art festival highlights fine art, handmade goods, and local creativity in one of Huntsville’s most beautiful outdoor settings.
Host: Arts Huntsville
October
WhistleStop Weekend
Held in early October at the Historic Huntsville Depot, WhistleStop Weekend celebrates transportation history with train rides, museum access, exhibits, and family activities.
Host: MidCity
Food Truck Fridays Finale
The final Food Truck Friday of the season typically takes place in October before the series wraps up for the year.
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll
The Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll is an annual fall event that brings Huntsville’s history to life through guided tours and live reenactments. Held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Alabama’s oldest and largest municipal cemetery, the event features local actors portraying notable figures from Huntsville’s past, offering a unique and engaging way to experience the city’s rich heritage. It is a longtime October tradition for history lovers and families alike.
November
Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Huntsville hosts one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the Southeast each November, honoring military service members and veterans with marching bands, floats, and patriotic tributes.
Round Top Folk Festival
Round Top Folk Festival is an annual celebration of folk, Americana, and roots music held at Burritt on the Mountain. Set against the historic backdrop of Monte Sano Mountain, the festival features regional artists, artisan vendors, food trucks, and a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere. It has become a favorite fall tradition for music lovers in Huntsville and North Alabama.
December
Huntsville hosts numerous December festivals and seasonal markets, those are featured in our dedicated Holiday Guide.
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