Weekend Roundup October 16-18

There is so much going on consistently in Huntsville and Madison County that we’re trying something new – we don’t want to be constrained with just picking five things each week! What you’ll find below are still all of our favorite free and/or cheap events to do with your family this weekend. But wait… there’s more to be found on our Event Calendar! A generous handful of local Fall Festivals, Farmer’s Markets, Consignment Sales, and more will all be found there too.

Our Fall Activity Guide is in full swing right about now, so if you haven’t checked that out yet NOW is the time!

Pop Up Parks & The Last Food Truck Rally

Friday from 6-9 PM
Cost: FREE to attend
Big Spring Park | More Info
Downtown Huntsville Inc. is hosting another awesome Food Truck Rally and your family in invited! This is the last rally of the season, so be sure to come on out to the park, enjoy live music via a Bonus Grotto Lights Concert featuring Rayvon Pettis, Rhythm Kitchen, and 45 Surprise, and get you some delicious grub. While you’re there, walk over a few blocks and check out the fun & whimsical Pop Up Parks around the Square going on now through October 25th.

Mentone Color Fest

Friday – Sunday
Cost: FREE
Mentone, AL | More Info
For more than 30 years, Colorfest has drawn thousands of visitors to the quiet little mountain village of Mentone to drink in the cool, crisp mountain air, admire the glory of the fall foliage, and enjoy the festivities. The festival combines nightly bonfires, live music, fabulous foods, boutique shopping and, of course, the incredibly talented artists and craftsmen who display their wares along Mentone Brow Park. There’s also scarecrow building, a pumpkin patch jubilee, delicious food, and kid’s activities.

International Archaeology Day Fest

Saturday from 1-4 PM
Cost: FREE
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment | More Info
The International Archaeology Day Festival is this Saturday with tons of activities for both kids and adults alike. There will be atlatls (spear-throwers) and fire-making demonstrations, ceramic projects, and more. And while you’re at it, take a tour of the Tennessee Valley Archaeological Research lab at the Mill. FUN!

Hockey Day in Huntsville

Saturday from 7AM-3PM
Cost:$10, $5 kids under 12, and $5 for UAH students
Huntsville Iceplex | More Info
Your family can enjoy a full day of hockey activities to help celebrate Huntsville love of all things ice, stick, & puck! Youth House League Mini-games are 7am to 12pm; Try Hockey For Free! registration at 11:30 am; watch the Point Mallard Ducks vs. St. Louis Jr. Blues 2pm; followed by UAH vs. Alabama 6pm and skate with the players immediately after game! There will be food trucks for when you need some off-ice grub.

Huntsville City School Magnet Fair

Saturday from 10AM-2PM
Cost: FREE
Lee High School | More Info
What is the Magnet Program exactly? Lots of parents can ask this question in person to school representatives that will be on hand to share info about the variety of magnet programs available to families in the Huntsville school system. Not necessarily a carnival atmosphere, but a VERY important event to stop by for at least an hour or so to be in the know.

Astronomy Day at VBAS

Saturday from 1-10 PM
Cost: FREE
VBAS Planetarium | More Info
Star lovers unite! The Von Braun Astronomical Society will host its annual Astronomy Day in Monte Sano State Park. Events will include family fun activities hosted by local science groups, planetarium shows and telescope observing (weather permitting). Outdoor hands-on activities from 1-5 pm will be offered by VBAS, as well as local science enthusiasts. Short planetarium shows will allow guests to view the night sky indoors, while special solar telescopes outside will offer views of sunspots and solar flares. Visitors may tour both observatory facilities to hear stories about the construction and installation of the telescopes. Evening activities will kick off at 7:30 pm with a presentation indoors by our keynote speaker, Dr. Nancy Jan Davis, former NASA Astronaut.

Stroll Through the Cemetery

Sunday from 2-4:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Maple Hill Cemetery | More Info
Your kids will love to experience history coming alive at the annual Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll! The event has grown to be one of the largest living history strolls in the nation, with over 75 costumed characters, traditional music, special exhibits, an expanded antique auto display, and student scavenger hunts. Meet reenactors of some of north Alabama’s most colorful characters – there will be at least a dozen new characters featured this year! Be sure to bring your cameras to capture the gorgeous Fall day.

Disney On Ice

Thursday – Sunday
Cost: $24-$75
Von Braun Center Arena | More Info
Not free, but tons of fun if you can swing it. Come experience a magical Disney fantasy on ice! Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! It’s one colossal party on ice, with all of your favorite Disney friends! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown!

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• 2015 Halloween Parties & General Spooky Fun
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• Huntsville Hidden Gems
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[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]