Weekend Roundup October 2-4

Take a deep breath – it’s almost the weekend, and you can smell Fall in the air! (Or is that just your pumpkin spice latte?) By Saturday, the weather should be perfect – a great opportunity to enjoy what I think is the shortest season here in Alabama. Blink and you’ll miss it, so get out and have fun while you can!

There is no shortage of fun, free, family-friendly things to do in Huntsville and the surrounding areas this weekend. There’s a bevy of activities to choose from, and if you don’t find something you like below you should definitely check our Fall Activity Guide and the full Event Calendar.

So… let’s round ’em up!

A Night Dark & Grim

Friday at 5:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Bailey Cove Library (map)

Let the family-friendly spooky celebrations begin! This not-so-scary after-hours evening at the library will include crafts, snacks, and best of all, a live nocturnal animal show from Animal Tales. Hot Boxx Food Truck will be on hand if you get peckish. Costumes are even encouraged!

Concerts on the Dock

Friday at 6:00 PM
Cost: FREE, $2 parking
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment (map)

Always our favorite family-friendly concert venue, Brandon Watson and the IKB Sound will be tearing it up on the dock tonight. Weather permitting, bring your lawn chairs, coolers, and picnic suppers. Pro-Tip: I always like to dress my kids in bright shirts and glow-in-the-dark necklaces to keep track of them better for these Fall shows.

Fun in the Garden

Friday & Saturday
Cost: $5-20; FREE
Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)

Wizard of Oz Movie Night: Friday at 6PM. For a fun family outing, watch this all-time favorite under the stars. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or lawn chairs, come out to the Amphitheatre, and claim your spot. Gates open at 6 PM and movie will begin at dusk. A concession stand will be available and a bag of popcorn is included with each ticket. Tickets are $5 each, Family Pack $20

Garden Give Back Day: Saturday from 10AM – 2PM. Visit the Garden as they team up with Madison County’s non-profit Free 2 Teach. Bring an item to donate from this list and you’ll receive free admission to the Garden. (One item minimum per person for free admission.)

The Ultimate Rummage Sale

Saturday from 7AM-10AM
Cost: FREE
Huntsville Ballet Warehouse (map)

Come take a peek into 52 years of Huntsville Ballet History! There are beautiful treasures just waiting for a new home – just in time for dressing up! There will be costumes and delightful odds & ends for sale. It is sure to be like no other rummage sale you’ve ever seen!

Annual Madison Street Festival

Saturday from 9AM-4PM
Cost: FREE
Main Street, Madison (map)

Traditionally held on the first Saturday of October, this 35th annual festival welcomes an array of artists, craftsmen, information booths, food vendors, street performers, stage performances, and amusements each year. The Children’s Tent provides free arts and crafts, games, and entertainment for those 12 years of age and under. From magic and a petting zoo to face painting and making green goo, you’ll find it under there! As a service to the community, the Madison Police Department will be on hand to provide free child fingerprinting to families who desire this service. There’s too much to list here, so be sure you get the full schedule of events.

Craft Fair & Bake Sale

Saturday from 9AM-3PM
Cost: FREE
Owens Cross Roads Elementary (map)

This annual craft and bake sale sponsored by the OXR Homemakers Club is sure to have lots of lovely trinkets and goodies. You’ll find some great holiday & gift items here too!

Nature Explorers

Saturday at 10AM and 1PM
Cost: FREE
Hays Nature Preserve (map)

Today is all about trees at this monthly meeting of Nature Explorers. These literacy-based activities will be fun and informative. Each activity will include an adventure and a craft – great gifts for grandparents, if you can part with them. Activities are geared toward children ages 3-9 years, but all are welcome. For info call 256-532-5326 or green.team@huntsvilleal.gov.

Earlyworks Book Swap

Saturday from 10AM-2PM
Cost: FREE
Earlyworks Children’s Museums (map)

Dust off those books that have been sitting on your shelves for months. EarlyWorks Family of Museums will be hosting a monthly book swap. Bring in books in good condition and collect one ticket for every two books you bring. Each ticket will get you one book to take home. Books for all ages are welcome. No admission required!

Teen Painting Studio

Sunday at 2PM
Cost: FREE
Madison Public Library (map)

Teens are invited each month to the meeting room of the Madison Library for an afternoon of painting – canvas and paint will be provided. Call Ms. LeeAnna for more details at 256-461-0046.

49th Annual Fiddler’s Convention

Friday & Saturday
Cost: Admission charged, kids under 12 FREE
Athens State University (map)

The whole family will enjoy the rich music and entertainment, authentic arts and crafts, and the deep American heritage that The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention brings to Athens, AL every year. Have you ever seen buck dancing? It’s a sight to behold, and there’s a competition kids will love to watch! Besides the music everywhere you turn, there are vendors, activities, and delicious food. Bring your lawn chairs and blanket and claim a spot – this is an event that is best savored in a “go and hang out” manner. Admission is $8 on Friday; $10 on Saturday; or $15 for both days. Kids under 12 get in free.

[box style=”lavender rounded” ]DISCLAIMER: We do our best at Rocket City Mom to provide accurate, useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from user submissions, press releases, local newspapers, signs around town and word of mouth. While we always try to confirm details before they are posted here, sometimes details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our write-ups to the source in which our information came from and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go, especially when it comes to outdoor events and weather. [/box]