2017 Spring Events in Huntsville and North Alabama
Ready to frolic? There are so many spring events in Huntsville and North Alabama that we guarantee your family is going to be busy. Don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, be sure to check out our full 2017 Spring Activities Guide sponsored by the Heart of the Valley YMCA.
You’ll find a listing for Spring Break Camps, Bunny Sightings, Egg Hunts, Festivals and more! Go on, get started planning your spring of fun now.
All Spring
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Super Kids Save the World at Hardin Center
When: February 11 – May 14
Where: Hardin Center, Gasden (map)
Cost: $8/person – Children under 2 are FREE
More Info: Website
Super Kids Save the World gives kids (and their parents) the power to go green! Designed with sustainable materials and practices, this super exhibit gives kids real superhero training starting with the four R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle! Includes several distinct educational areas, such as a Farmer’s Market where children can “sell” fruits and vegetables; a Recycling Center; a Smart car and biofuel station; a Re-Use Shop where you can try on funky clothes; and a Research Lab.
Neighborhood Earth
When: February 21 – June 1
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: Included with membership or eneral admission ($16-$24)
More Info: Website
Neighborhood Earth transports visitors to the surface of our closest planetary neighbors with cutting-edge cinematic techniques and projection technologies. Using hands-on advanced technology, guests assemble rockets with 3D-printed parts, simulate the Orion Capsule’s reentry to Earth, discover the weight differences on other planets, and learn from interactive holograms. Neighborhood Earth, produced in conjunction with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Flying Fish Exhibits, incorporates artifacts from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center vaults to tell the stories behind mankind’s exploration of the universe, asking guests to question what the future of space exploration may hold for humanity.
Biergarten at the US Space & Rocket Center
When:March 16 through October, Thursdays 4:30-7:30
Where: The Davidson Center at the USSRC (map)
Cost: FREE admission; food and drinks extra
More Info: Website
This family- and dog-friendly event returns to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center! Enjoy the festive atmosphere with imported and domestic beers and delicious wines from the German region. It’s family-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome on our Apollo Terrace and in Apollo Courtyard. Admission is free, and food and beverages are available for purchase. To support our local community, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is featuring a nonprofit organization each week, and a portion of food sales that evening will be donated to the organization.
Spring Guided Hike Series with The Land Trust
When: March 18 – May 6
Where: Land Trust properties in Limestone and Madison County
Cost: Hikes are free to the public, but donations are gratefully accepted
More Info: Website | Facebook
The Land Trust invites you to “Take a Hike” and join them on their spring 2016 guided hike series. Enjoy some mild exercise on preserved Land Trust properties in Limestone and Madison County. Suggested hiking equipment: long pants, comfortable closed toe shoes with good tread, and bottled water. You might also consider bringing a hiking stick, trail snacks, and a camera. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but should remain on leads. In case of rain, hikes will be cancelled.
Explore the Garden’s Treasures
When: February 26 – April 30
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: Included with membership or regular garden admission
More Info: Website
Pick up an activity sheet in the new Guest Center atrium and venture out to explore a different garden each weekend during the month of April. Follow the map to the Exploring the Garden’s Treasures sign, read, explore and answer the question or questions on the activity sheet. Winners will be drawn on the Monday following each weekend to receive weekly prizes. Contest begins again the next weekend. At the end of April, all entries will be entered into a drawing for an iPad! Come to the Garden each weekend in April and enter the contest; just look for the treasure box in the Guest Center – that’s where you’ll drop off your entry each day.
April 1-2 Holmes Trillium Collection & Bush Azalea Trail
April 8-9 Mathews Nature Trail
April 15 – 16 Damson Aquatic Garden
April 22 – 23 Lewis Birding Trail
April 29 – 30 Purdy Butterfly House
Youth Art Month
When: Feb. 26 – April 30
Where: Huntsville Museum of Art (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission (From 12 to 5 p.m. opening day, the museum observes a Community FREE Admission Day)
More Info: Website
This year marks the 30th annual Youth Art Month (YAM) exhibition of student artwork on view in the Adtran, Jurenko, Thurber, and Women’s Guild Galleries. The exhibition will showcase nearly 200 exuberant works of art by youth in kindergarten through grade 12 from Huntsville City, Madison City, Madison County, Athens City, Limestone County, Decatur City, and Scottsboro City Schools.
March
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Dr. Seuss Day
When: March 2 from 10AM-11AM
Where: Schoolcraft (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Join the amazing Schoolcraft crew for Read Across America day, where there will be a Dr. Seuss book reading and craft activity for all ages!
Trinity Market Place
When: March 3 from 9AM-6PM and March 4 from 9AM-4PM
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Come shop over 50 vendors with a variety such as pottery, jewelry, art, fashion and more! Enjoy our bake sale and grab a delicious meal from our Soup Cafe during lunch hours. All proceeds raised from Trinity Market Place go directly to Huntsville missions and Ministries.
AL FIRST® LEGO® League Championship
When: March 4 from 8AM – 5PM
Where: Trinity United Methodist Church (map)
Cost: FREE for spectators
More Info: Website
Get ready. Get set. Roar! Or you could bark, quack, or squeak, because the 2016 ANIMAL ALLIES season is all about our furry, feathered, and finned friends. In the 2016/2017 FIRST LEGO® League Challenge, more than 28,000 teams of students in grades 4-8 will look into the eyes of our ANIMAL ALLIES. FIRST LEGO® League, one of four STEM-learning programs, immerses kids in real-world science and technology challenges. Teams of kids ages 9 to 14 are challenged to design their own solution to current scientific problems, then build LEGO robots that perform autonomous “missions.” In the process, they develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities in science and technology. They even discover that they, too, can make positive contributions to society. Come see 36 advancing Alabama teams compete with their robots and research projects at the Alabama FIRST® LEGO® League Championship!
Cupcakes with Sleeping Beauty & Friends
When: March 4 from 10:15AM-11:15AM
Where: Alabama Youth Ballet Studio (map)
Cost: $5
More Info: Website
Come dressed as your favorite fairy prince or princess to decorate a cupcake, make a craft and watch a mini performance of Sleeping Beauty. Meet Sleeping Beauty and the ballerinas, and take a photo with the dancers after the demonstration!
21st Annual International Festival at The Country Day School
When: March 4 from 8AM-12PM
Where: The Country Day School (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
This educational festival is the perfect way to have fun while learning about places from all around the world! Learn Hawaiian dance and create flowered leis with Malia’s Hula Halau, then experience Medieval Europe’s culture firsthand with the Society for Creative Anachronism. Enjoy the tastes of Italy with Joe’s World Famous Pizzeria before taking in a dance performance from The Philippine-American Association of Alabama. Discover pysanka, traditional Romanian eggs with the Friends of the Ukraine, plus a performance by the students, face painting, and a Holi colored powder celebration!
The Learning Barn Petting Zoo
When: March 14 from 10AM-2PM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: $2 per child + garden admission or membership
More Info: Website
Are you looking for something fun and different to do during Spring Break? Come visit a few friendly critters just waiting to be petted and fed! Look for the tent behind the Garden Railway. Tickets may be purchased online or the day of the event.
Raptor Show
When: March 15 at 11AM and 1PM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: $2 per person + garden admission or membership (Seating is first-come, first-serve.)
More Info: Website
Get ready to soar! Mark your calendars to join us when the Southeastern Raptor Center from the Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine brings everyone’s favorite Raptor Show to the Garden. You’ll see some amazing raptors take flight and learn some interesting facts. For all ages – this is a great activity for Spring Breakers and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day at the Garden!
Shamrock Shindig for Kids
When: March 17 at 10AM and 11:30AM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost:$2 per person + garden admission or membership
More Info: Website
Bring your little leprechauns to the O’Herb Garden this St. Patrick’s Day. Look for hidden shamrocks, some with magically awesome prizes! Green lemonade, goodies, crafts and face painting for all the wee ones. Have your picture taken with Cookie the Leprechaun with the pot of gold coins!
FIRST Robotics Competition: Rocket City Regional
When: March 22-25 from 8:30AM-5PM
Where: Von Braun Center South Hall (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Join over fifty high school FIRST® teams from Alabama and eleven other states as they bring showcase their creativity, determination, enthusiasm and Gracious Professionalism. Demonstrations will be presented by students ages 6-18, along with hands-on activities in Technology Row for all ages This is the largest STEM stage in Alabama, so you won’t want to miss it!
RISE ABOVE: Madison Kite Festival and Madison City Electric Vehicle Race
When: March 25 from 10AM-2PM (Race is 8AM-4PM)
Where: James Clemens High School (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Ready Yourself For the Future is teaming up with Madison City Schools and Greenpower USA to bring to you Rise Above: The 2nd Annual Madison City Kite Festival and The Second Annual Madison City Electric Vehicle Race. The Kite Festival will run from 10:00 am-2:00 pm with The Second Annual Madison City Electric Vehicle Race running from 8:00 am until 4:00pm. This event is FREE for the community to attend! There will be lots of amazing opportunities for your family to experience such as: Kite Flying, children activities, entertainment, flight simulators, STEM demonstrations, vendors/booths, and food trucks!
Spring Market & Craft Fair
When: March 25 from 9AM-3PM
Where: Jaycee Community Building (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Enjoy a fun day of spring shopping with over 60 local vendors, crafters, food trucks & more! Booths will be selling a variety of unique items for birthdays, Easter, Mothers Day, Graduations and beyond. You will be able to find something for everyone, including on-Site monogramming, boutique clothing, games, home decor, jewelry, children’s clothing, toys, furniture, sweet treats, and coffee.
HIA Holi – Festival of Colors
When: March 26 from 11:30AM-2:30PM
Where: Hindu Culture Center of North Alabama, Harvest (map)
Cost: $5, Kids under 7 are FREE
More Info: Facebook
Huntsville India Association (HIA) invites you and your family to come celebrate Holi – Festival of Colors on Sunday, March 26th from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM at HCCNA in Harvest, AL. Festival of Colors celebrates the beginning of the Spring season and is traditionally celebrated in India by people tossing colors and colored waters at each other. This event is open to everyone and is kid-friendly! HIA is a 401(c)(3) non profit and has been doing great wok over the last 40+ years in North Alabama. We would love for you to stay involved and at some point will be delighted to have you as a member.
April
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Guided Spring Walking Tour of Twickenham and Madison Historic Districts
When: April 1 & 8 (Huntsville) and April 15 & 22 (Madison)
Where: Depart from Alabama Constitution Village (Huntsville – map) or The Little Roundhouse (Madison – map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Every spring, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau shows off beautiful Huntsville and Madison through its free walking tours. Tours are guided by local experts and focus on the historic districts of both cities. Wear comfortable shoes; walks last approximately one hour and are rain or shine.
Opus Tadpole
When: April 1 and 22 10:15AM-11AM
Where: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
What sound does a French horn make? What is the difference between a viola and a violin? How many strings are on a harp? Children (and their parents and grandparents) have fun discovering the answers to these musical questions and more during twenty-minute Opus Tadpole presentations, entertaining and interactive ways for our youngest listeners to learn about the instruments of the orchestra. Grownups may also learn a thing or two!
4th Annual Free Family Farm Day and Market
When: April 1 from 9AM-3PM
Where: Alabama A&M Agribition Center (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook
The Tennessee Valley Women in Agriculture’s 4th Annual Free Family Farm Day and Market will feature variety of family fun, demonstrations, games, animals, vendors, silent auction benefitting Merrimack Hall, cook-offs, and more. Free kids games and activities all day!
NCAC Superheroes 5K/1M Fun Run & Block Party
When: April 2 from 2PM-5PM
Where: 210 Pratt Avenue (map)
Cost: $25/$15 for race, Block Party is FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook
Calling all SUPERHEROES! This event is hosted by and benefits the National Children’s Advocacy Center. The Superheroes event features a 5K, 1-Mile fun run and one of only two certified 1-Mile races in North Alabama! A free “Family Block Party” will be held throughout the day and is open to the community with music, food, games and inflatables. Whether you are as fast as “The Flash” or as slow and steady as a “Ninja Turtle”, this race is for you! Costumes are encouraged!
The Space Race
When: Saturday, April 3 from 8:30AM-3:30PM
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: FREE to observe
More Info: Facebook
The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is hosting an Alabama Interscholastic Cycling League race, certain to be one of the most epic and memorable NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) venues anywhere in the country! An equal share of single track and double track trails await our racers as well as a once in a lifetime opportunity to race under the belly of the space shuttle and right down the center of “rocket alley”.
Earth Day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
When: April 8 from 9AM-5PM
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: Regular museum admission (13+ $23; Ages 5-12 $15; 4 and under are FREE)
More Info: Website
On April 8th, visit Shuttle Park to celebrate Earth, science, space AND energy! Nexus Energy Center is partnering with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to host the 2nd annual event in observation of Earth Day, a day of appreciation and learning about the planet that we call Home. Enjoy hands-on educational experiences about a variety of topics, from water conservation and composting to renewable energy sources and wildlife protection. There will be numerous “green” exhibits and plenty of activities for kids!
American Heart Association Huntsville Heart Walk
When: April 8 from 8AM-1AM
Where: Downtown Huntsville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
This inspirational day is filled with energy, excitement and hope. Designed to promote physical activity and heart healthy living, the Heart Walk crates and environment that’s fun and rewarding for the entire family. Your participation will help us raise even more in our fight to save lives. Walk with friends, family, coworkers, and other members of the community you meet along the way. The event is free and will have heart healthy information about nutrition, walking paths, and advocacy. The kids area will have games and fun, informational activities. Learn hands only CPR and help us to honor our survivors. Walk (or run) the 5K route. Enjoy music, refreshments, health screenings, survivor recognition and more!
Spring Farm Days at Burritt
When: April 8 from 10AM-4PM and April 9 from 12PM-4PM
Where: Burritt On the Mountain (map)
Cost: Regular museum admission
More Info: Website
Spring Farm Days is an exciting time to visit our barnyard animals, experience the historic skills and chores of our ancestors, and learn about life on the farm. Hands-on experience doing some of the old-fashioned chores like rug beating, butter churning and mattress stuffing is always a favorite while helping you appreciate modern conveniences. Watch the sheep shearing demonstration and learn how wool goes from sheep to shawl. View an assortment of antique farm equipment and enjoy our county fair as you compete in old fashioned games and see the results of the quilting and canning contests.
Good Day Kid’s Fest
When: Saturday, April 8th from Noon – 4:00 PM
Where: Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment (map)
Cost: $5 to park, free admission, donations accepted
More Info: View Website | Get Good Day updates on Facebook
This 10th annual festival just for kids is brought to you by Lowe Mill and Rocket City Mom and is THE place to be on a beautiful Spring weekend. There will be music, food, Nerf battles, kid’s activities around the green, face painting, inflatables, and a scavenger hunt through the Mill. Headlining the event this year are The Happy Racers, a band that creates highly alternative music for kids that will make parent’s actually say, “WOW, this does not suck!”
Cookie Dash 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
When: April 15 at 8AM
Where: Hampton Cove Elementary (map)
Cost: $10/$20
More Info: Website | Facebook
The Huntsville Track Club Cookie Dash 5K race starts and finishes at the Hampton Cove Middle School. The flat, fast course consists of neighborhood streets in Deford Mill and the Big Cove Creek greenway. The Fun Run is on the greenway. This is the perfect event for families, first-timers, and the veteran runner looking for a personal record time!
Earth Day at Lowe Mill A&E
When: Saturday, April 22 from 10AM-9PM
Where: Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Real Fathers Making a Difference & Wheel Fix It Annual Car and Bike Family Fest
When: Saturday, April 22 from 12PM-5PM
Where: Jaycees Fairgrounds (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Bring the entire family for a relaxing day. Bring your lawn chairs and kick back and enjoy DJ BB while enjoying live entertainment with Huntsville Drumline Stick Masters and Prima Dance Team. The favorite video game truck, inflatables, food trucks, resource activity booths, and of course cool cars, bikes, and trucks will also keep you entertained. Enjoy flying kites or bike riding? There will be plenty of room to enjoy the spring day. We are bringing the community together in a positive atmosphere while making a difference in the lives of many. Come out and celebrate eight years of impacting our community in positive ways.
9th Annual Little Red School House 5k and Fun Run
When: Saturday, April 22 from 8AM-10AM
Where: Rogersville Heritage Park (map)
Cost: $20/$25
More Info: Website
Take the family out to Rogersville for some active fun and a great cause! Proceeds from this 5k and Fun Run will benefit the Little Red School House Student Readiness Program. This is a closed loop run with chip timing through Downtown Rogersville – flat and fast, and an excellent opportunity to set a new personal record. On-site Registration begins 6:45 a.m. Heritage Park Pavilion (Corner of Lee & Wheeler Streets).
Back When Day
When: April 29 from 9AM – 3PM
Where: Arab Historic Village (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
During “Back When Day,” held annually on the last Saturday in April, visitors can interact with volunteers quilting, grinding cornmeal, blacksmithing, teaching school the way it used to be, playing checkers in the country store, and telling stories about “things back when.“ Crafts are provided for the children and local groups perform Blue Grass and Southern Gospel. Classic foods like pintos and turnip greens are available.
May
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Castin’ ‘N Catchin’
When: May 6 – Fishing begins at 5:30AM; weigh-in begins at 2PM; Family Fun Zone 12PM-3PM
Where: Goose Pond Bait, Tackle & Grill, Scottsboro (map)
Cost: FREE for spectators ($110 for participants)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Captain D’s Castin’ ‘N Catchin’ is a fishing tournament event that benefits the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center at Children’s of Alabama, which offers patient and family care for cardiovascular services. There will be door prizes galore and some family friendly fun for the sidelines. Of course, there will be a payout for the top 30 winners with the biggest catches. The Grand Prize will be a whopping $12,000! The fishing will begin on Saturday, May 6th as early as 5:30am. Weigh-in will start at 2pm later that afternoon. All ages are invited to experience the free Family Fun Zone activities from 12PM-3PM that include music, bouncy houses, basketball games, a soccer dart game, a crazy course and a fishing tank.
Dinosaurs UpROAR Alive at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
When: May 13 – August 13
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: Regular Garden admission
More Info: www.hsvbg.org
A different kind of animal has arrived at the Garden: dinosaurs. For a limited time, ferocious, magnificent creatures of the mighty Mesozoic era will be “unextinct”—brought “back to life” throughout the Garden! Ever since the first dinosaur was discovered, these magnificent and mysterious creatures have captured our imagination! For generations we have marveled at skeletons and illustrations, only able to imagine how they might have moved, until they were brought to life through technology. The Garden is excited to exhibit museum-quality animatronic dinosaurs! Come face-to-face with animatronic dinosaurs on an adventure that also includes photo ops—for the ultimate #SelfieSaurus—and a fossil dig, where you’ll experience what it’s like to discover and interpret clues about these long-gone giants, and an educational and thrilling family experience.
2017 Dragon Boat Race & Festival
When: May 13 from 8:30AM – 4PM
Where: Point Mallard Aquatic Center Beach (map)
Cost: FREE for spectators
More Info: Website | Facebook
Sure to become a favorite in North Alabama, dragon boat racing is the one of the fastest growing sports in the world and the most fun, unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action. Dragon boat racing grows in popularity each year, with more than 50 million people in 63 countries participating. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steerer race in authentic, 46-foot-long dragon boats. All ages, skill levels and physiques can paddle, making it the ultimate team building sport, requiring synchronicity and finesse, more than power to win. This event is free to the public to attend.
American Cancer Society Relay For Life
American Cancer Society Relay For LifeWhen: May 20 from 4PM-10PM
Where: Downtown Huntsville on the Square (map)
Cost: FREE; Participants and teams encouraged to fundraise
More Info: Website | Facebook
This year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life theme is Cirque du Relay. Join us at this year’s Rocket City Relay while we have some fun and raise money for ACS!
Cotton Row Run
When: May 29 at 7 am for 10K; 9AM for 5K and 10AM for Fun Run
Where:Races start on Clinton Avenue north of the VBC (map)
Cost: $10-$40
More Info: Website
The Cotton Row Run is a popular annual local event featuring a 10K, 5K, and 1-Mile Fun Run. The 1-Mile Fun Run emphasis is on participation by the younger (10 and under) crowd. Parents who have run either of the other races are welcome to accompany their children. ChronoTrack “B-tag” timing will be used for the 10K and 5K races. Be patriotic – try to wear red, white & blue! NOTE: No race day registration.
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