2016 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 2016 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” ]Amazing Castle at Hardin Center
When: February 6 – May 8, 2016
Where: Hardin Center, Gasden (map)
Cost: $8/person – Children under 2 are FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook
The newest exhibit opens at the Hardin Center in Gadsden – as visitors explore the eight themed areas, they are introduced to seven storybook characters who are part of the castle community. From the carpenter to the seamstress, each character has a special role. As they move through the castle, village visitors playfully explore the interconnectedness of community members in a setting inspired by fantasy and history. Ages 2-12.
Biergarten at the US Space & Rocket Center
When: Thursdays 4:30-7:30, March 10-October 20
Where: The Davidson Center at the US Space and Rocket Center (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. Almost 18,000 guests attended the weekly Biergarten in 2015, enjoying authentic German food and beer under the Saturn V Moon Rocket in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. A new band, Little German Band, is providing the live music this year, and we’ll have a new menu item – Kassler Rippchen mit Sauerkraut (Smoked Pork Loin in Kraut). A highlight of Biergarten is the weekly partnership with local non-profit agencies. The charities get to share their causes with guests, and the agencies receive a portion of the proceeds from food sales on their Biergarten night. The Rocket Center was proud to donate more than $16,000 to 33 charities in 2015. Biergarten continues each Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., through Oct. 20. Admission is free, and the food and beverages are available for purchase.
Spring Guided Hike Series with The Land Trust
When: March 20 – April 30, 2016
Where: Land Trust properties in Limestone and Madison County
Cost: Hikes are free to the public, but donations to help preserve greenspace are gratefully accepted.
More Info: landtrustnal.org
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.
Houses, Huts & Habitats at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
When: March 12 – August 31, 2016
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: Regular Garden admission
More Info: www.hsvbg.org
We all need a place we call home. Enjoy the fresh air of the Huntsville Botanical Garden this spring and summer, and explore the homes of creatures real and imaginary. Get your climb on as you scramble through larger-than-life human and animal habitats designed just for kids and their imagination.
Peek inside the enchanted Gnome Dome. Poke around an Old Western Fort. Pretend you’re an eagle perched on the edge of a Supersized Nest ready to soar.
Dens, Lodges, Webs, Caves, Shelters – where you live says a lot about who you are. Learn about creatures and their Houses, Huts, and Habitats in this thrilling hands-on play space called home. Bring the kids and watch their imagination grow!
The Whimsical and Woolly Woods
When: March 12th – September 10th, 2016
Where: Burritt on the Mountain (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission
More Info: Website
The Whimsical Woods are back with more whimsy than ever! By popular demand, Burritt on the Mountain is bringing back their very first original, educational, summer game and adding a colorful twist. Once again the Historic Park will feature stories from 19th century children’s literature and for a lively touch we’ve added yarn bombing, a popular world-wide craze where unexpected items are covered in decorative yarn. Children 3-11 will be thrilled to visit the Whimsical & Woolly Woods and see the colorful, woolly creations that will be covering the park. Many of your favorite storybook characters will be back with some new friends to meet. Try your hand at puppetry, the giant’s checker game and dress up like your favorite princess. Add a little whimsy to your spring…and summer!
Youth Art Month
When: March 13 – May 1, 2016
Where: Huntsville Museum of Art (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission (From 12 to 5 p.m. opening day, the museum will observe a Community FREE Admission Day)
More Info: Website
Youth Art Month is an annual gathering of exuberant artwork from North Alabama K-12 students, organized in observance of March’s Youth Art Month. YAM emphasizes the value of art education for all children and encourages public support for quality school art programs. Accompanied by the annual Visual Arts Achievement Exhibition, which presents the blue ribbon finalist artworks of middle and high school students in Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, and the Teacher’s Biennial Art Exhibition.
March
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Trinity Market Place
When: March 5th, 2016 from 9AM-6PM
Where: Trinity United Methodist Church (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Shop for fashion, gourmet cuisine, home decor, gifts, toys, and more from over 60 vendors. Enjoy soup lunch or baked goods and coffee from the bake sale.
An Evening of Doctor Who at Straight to Ale
When: March 5th, 2016 from 6PM-11PM
Where: Straight to Ale Brewing (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
In honor of Colin Baker (the 6th Doctor) appearing at this year’s Con Kasterborous, we’ll be showing several of his best episodes on the big brewery screen! Also featuring a costume contest with awesome prizes for The Best 6th Doctor Costume and The Best Overall Costume; photo opportunities with the TARDIS; Fire & Spice Food Truck on site with a special Whovian themed menu; representatives from Con Kasterborous and the upcoming Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo with information about these amazing upcoming Cons; awesome nerdy products from Komai’s Oh My. This event is kid friendly and FREE!
Whole Foods Kids Club: Bricks4Kidz LEGO Fun & Spin Art Creation
When: March 5th, 2016 from 9AM-11AM
Where: Whole Foods Huntsville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Kids of all ages are invited to come out and play with Bricks4Kidz motorized LEGO models to make creative and colorful spin art. Then make a mess with their proprietary paper crinkling machine.
1st Annual “Spring is in the Air” Craft Fair
When: March 5th, 2016 from 9AM-4PM
Where: Capitol Hill Community Center, Winchester (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Spring is in the air, and Easter and Mother’s Day will soon be here! Hop by and shop from local vendors showcasing beautifully handcrafted gifts and favorite products for all your gift-giving needs.
Musicology 10th Anniversary Open House
When: March 6th, 2016 from 2PM-4PM
Where: Musicology School of Music (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Join Musicology for a 10th anniversary celebration, featuring rock bands playing on their new stage! Currently enrolled students will have a chance to win 6 months of free tuition, while
non-enrolled students could win a free month of lessons. There will be refreshments, music, and fun!
Easy Trail Runs
When: March 6th and 13th from 12:30PM-3PM
Where: Monte Sano State Park Hikers Lot (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Interested in trying out trail running? This group is geared towards beginners and slow/medium-paced trail runners of all skill levels. Run length is 1.5 miles and up, and this group usually runs the 3.5 South Plateau Loop (WHITE).
Seeds of Service Youth Volunteer Fair
When: March 10th, 2016 from 3:30PM-6:3oPM
Where: Earlyworks Museum (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
The Seeds of Service Small Group, part of Leadership Huntsville, is hosting a FREE volunteer fair aimed at linking youth volunteers with local organizations that are seeking youth involvement. Seeds of Service has been working with local non-profits to organize a fair that will allow youth volunteers to meet and talk to representatives from the volunteer organizations in order to identify areas that they can effectively support. Come and join us for a few hours of fun and an opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities. There will be refreshments and door prizes!
Columbia High School Spring Festival & March Market
When: March 10th, 2016 from 5PM-9PM
Where: Columbia High School Gym (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
This craft and vendor market will be held in the Columbia High School gym. There will be food trucks, inflatables, games and more! Soccer games will be going on as well, so come out to the school and enjoy the fun while supporting the magnet and International Baccalaureate programs at Columbia High School.
Build Your Own TARDIS Night
When: March 11th, 2016 from 6PM-9PM
Where: MindGear Labs (map)
Cost: $40; includes materials, paint, tools, and instruction. Additional kits available for purchase.
More Info: Facebook
Komai’s Oh My and MindGear Labs are teaming up for a Wibbly Wobbly good Timey Wimey! The very first “Build Your Own TARDIS Night” is an epic collaboration between your favorite Geek Crafters and Awesome MakerSpace. Everything is provided for you to build and paint your very own 3D TARDIS: parts will be already cut out of wood, plus we’ll provide paint, brushes, glue and decals for the signs on the TARDIS. Join us for a ‘Fantastic!’ night as we guide you through assembling the pieces. At the end of the evening, you will take home your completed miniature 3D TARDIS. This event is for ages 12+ and space is limited, so register ASAP!
20th Annual International Festival at The Country Day School
When: March 12th, 2016 from 9AM-11PM
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! Includes activities, performances, and food.
Opus Tadpole
When: March 12th, 2016 from 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!
Nerd Rummage Sale 3.0
When: March 12th, 2016 from 10AM-5PM
Where: Makers Local 256 (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Come one, come all, to the next installment of Huntsville’s Nerd Rummage Sale! The general theme is nerdy stuff like comic books, electronics, computers, costumes, action figures and more. Refreshments will be provided, and adorable cookies will be available for purchase.
Maple Hill Cemetery Tour
When: March 12th, 2016 at 2PM and 3:30PM
Where: Maple Hill Cemetery (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook | Website
Join one of two free guided tours of Maple Hill Cemetery, led by Jacquelyn Procter Reeves, author of Wicked North Alabama, and Robert Reeves of WHNT. Tours begin at 2 and 3:30 p.m. and start at the office by the cemeteryʼs front gate.
The Art of Sustainable Science
When: March 12th, 2016 from 9AM-3:45PM; Registration cutoff is March 1
Where: Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Murray Hall (map)
Cost: FREE but limited to 40 students
More Info: Website
Huntsville Botanical Garden is excited to invite students in Kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in spending a sustainable day at the garden! Whether students are more creatively inclined or scientifically driven, there is something for everyone. Students can create an art project or a science-fair style project that demonstrates a sustainability message. Visit the website for registration instructions and guidelines.
Albert Einstein’s Birthday and Pi Day at the US Space & Rocket Center
When: March 14th from 9AM-5PM
Where: US Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission
More Info: Website
Huntsville Botanical Garden is excited to invite students in Kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in spending a sustainable day at the garden! Whether students are more creatively inclined or scientifically driven, there is something for everyone. Students can create an art project or a science-fair style project that demonstrates a sustainability message. Visit the website for registration instructions and guidelines.
The Learning Barn Petting Zoo
When: Wednesday, March 16th, 2016 from 10AM-2PM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: $2.00/child; Free for adults chaperoning children
More Info: Website
Are you looking for something fun and different to do during Spring Break? Come on over to the Enchanted Forest to 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 at The Learning Barn tent throughout the day.
Shamrock Shindig for Kids
When: Thursday, March 17th, 2016 from 11AM-1PM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission + $2
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. Pat the Leprechaun will visit with gold coins. Don’t miss this great green shamrock shindig!
Family Fun Day at Lake Guntersville State Park
When: Friday, March 19th from 12PM-4PM
Where: Lake Guntersville State Park Beach Area (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
In conjunction with the Alabama Bass Trail, the Marshall County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is hosting a Family Fun Day at Lake Guntersville State Park. Events will be March 19, 2016 from 12pm-4pm, at the beach area of Lake Guntersville State Park. Events are free to the public so bring a lawn chair and let the kids participate in arts, crafts, and inflatables!
Insanity Skate Complex presents Luck of the Irish
When: Friday, March 18th from 5pm – Midnight
Where: Insanity Skate Complex (map)
Cost: $10
More Info: Website
Luck of the Irish is the place to be for St. Patty’s Day! This late night skate event will include 6 balloon drops and giveaways. If you wear green you’ll get a prize from the Pot of Gold!
Raptor Show
When: Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 | 11AM or 1PM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission + $2
More Info: Website
Get ready to soar! Mark your calendars to join the Garden 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 too. This program is for all ages. It’s a great activity for Spring Breakers and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day at the Garden! Seating is first come, first serve.
FIRST Robotics Competition: Rocket City Regional
When: March 23-26, 2016
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 tons of fun for the family: LEGOs, inflatables, rock wall climbing, hands-on activities from NASA and Dynetics, and HPD will have their bomb squad robot. This is the largest STEM stage in Alabama, you won’t want to miss it!
Peter Cottontail Train Ride
When: Saturday, March 26th at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM & 3PM
Where: North Alabama Railroad Museum (map)
Cost: $20
More Info: Website
Each season of train rides at the North Alabama Railroad Museum begins with the Peter Cottontail ride. The children get to visit with Peter Cottontail and his helpers, and parents will be able to take their picture together before they get on the train or while they are on the train. All the youngsters will get a special treat from Peter Cottontail before the day is done. These leisurely rides last approximately forty minutes. Call (256) 851-NARM for more information.
Huntsville Quarter Midget Association Ride and Drive
When: Saturday, March 26th from 10AM-2PM
Where: Huntsville Quarter Midget Race Track (map)
Cost: $15 for 15 laps
More Info: Website | Facebook
Quarter midget racing is a family oriented sport for children ages 5 to 16. Children race in quarter midget cars that are a scaled down version of an actual midget race car on oval tracks that are approximately 1/20th of a mile. The sport focuses on family participation, safety, driving skills, sportsmanship and competitive fun! This event is for children ages 5 to 16 who want to experience what it is like to drive a quarter midget. No experience is necessary, and all safety equipment provided by the track. There will be families on site to help answer any questions you have on how to start your own race team.
April
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Earth Day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
When: Saturday, April 2nd from 9AM-5PM
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission (13+ and Adults – $23; Ages 5 to 12 – $15; 4 and under – FREE)
More Info: Website
Bring the whole family to the U. S. Space & Rocket Center for a day celebrating earth, science, space, AND energy! Huntsville nonprofit Nexus Energy Center will be partnering with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to host an event in observation of Earth Day, a day of appreciation and learning about the beautiful green planet that we call home. Enjoy hands-on learning experiences about a variety of topics, from water conservation and composting to renewable energy sources and wildlife protection. There will be lots of “green” exhibits and plenty of activities for kids, including face painting, moon bounces, and more! Earth Day activities included in the price of regular museum admission.
RISE ABOVE: Madison Kite Festival and Electric Vehicle Race
When: Saturday, April 2nd from 11AM-2PM
Where: James Clemens High School (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Ready Yourself For the Future is teaming up with Madison City Schools and GreenpowerUSA to bring to you Rise Above: The Inaugural Madison City Kite Festival and The First Annual Madison City Electric Vehicle Race on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016. The Kite Festival will run from 11:00 am-2:00 pm with The First 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 including kite flying, children activities, entertainment, flight simulators, STEM demonstrations, vendors/ booths, and food trucks.
Guided Spring Walking Tour of Twickenham Huntsville
When: Saturday, April 2nd from 10AM-11AM
Where: Depart from Alabama Constitution Village (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Enjoy an hour or so walking by some of Alabama’s most beautiful antebellum mansions in Huntsville. Van Brown will share stories about the homes’ owners as well as recognizing each site’s distinctive style. Wear comfortable shoes & dress according to the weather forecast – we’ll walk rain or shine, as long as it isn’t stormy!
MOPS Community Yard Sale
When: Saturday, April 2nd from 7AM-12PM
Where: First Baptist Church Huntsville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
The First Baptist Church Mothers of Pre Schoolers (MOPS) is hosting a Community Yard Sale fundraiser on April 2! Proceeds benefit MOPS, where moms of young children are encouraged, supported, and mentored. MOPS will also have their own sale alongside the event where you can fill a bag for $5, as well as a bake sale.
4th Annual Free Family Farm Day and Market
When: Saturday, April 2nd 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, a chicken wing/hot dog cook-off, and more. Free kids games and activities all day including stick horses obstacle course, Rody the Bucking Bronco, farm-style tic tac the, hay stack, ping pong toss, and more.
American Heart Association Huntsville Heart Walk
When: Sat. April 2nd 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!
Countryside Veterinary Hospital Open House
When: Sat. April 2nd from 1PM-6PM
Where: Countryside Veterinary Hospital (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Countryside Veterinary Hospital is celebrating 25 years of practice with an Open House for the community. Enjoy tours of our hospital and live demonstrations from various parts of the practice which include ultrasound, laser surgery, dental cleanings, cold laser therapy, radiographs, etc. A variety of activities will be available for the whole family including food trucks, vendor booths, face painting, inflatables, live music, a dunking booth, cotton candy, door prizes, pet portraits, and a microchip booth. Bring your damaged teddy bears to be fixed at the Teddy Bear Surgery station, and enjoy live demonstrations with dogs including basic obedience, agility, SARTEC, and a police K-9 unit.
Spring Farm Days at Burritt
When: Sat. April 2nd from 10AM-4PM and Sun. April 3rd from 12PM-4PM
Where: Burritt On the Mountain (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission
More Info: www.burrittonthemountain.com
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.
Alabama Youth Ballet presents Cupcakes & Characters
When: Saturday, April 3 from 10:15AM-11:30AM
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 Cinderella. Meet the Cinderella and the ballerinas. Take a photo with the dancers after the demonstration.
NCAC Superheroes 5K/1M Fun Run & Block Party
When: Saturday, April 11 from 2PM-5PM
Where: 210 Pratt Avenue (map)
Cost: $25/$15 for race, Block Party is FREE
More Info: Website | Event Page
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: Website
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”. There are three local teams – the Huntsville Rockets, the Madison Trail Blazers, and the Buckhorn Bucks – and they will be part of over 250 kids from across the state racing this season.
Yuri’s DAY Space Party
When: Saturday, April 9 from 12PM-4PM
Where: Historic Lincoln Mill -1300 Meridian St (map)
Cost: $5 Donation
More Info: Facebook
Yuri’s DAY is all about families and kids! Come out for the annual celebration of space and wear your best space related costume (or any costume that you would like to wear). Costumes, cotton candy, activities, face painting, and more – all for a $5 donation to CAJA of Madison County!
Maypril Music Series on the Square
When: April 7-May 26th, Thursdays 5PM-8PM
Where: Downtown Huntsville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website | info@DowntownHuntsville.org
It’s that time of year again, free outdoor music on the Square! Starting on April 7th, the Maypril Music Series, presented by Appleton Learning, boasts free acoustic shows around the Square in Downtown Huntsville from 5-8 pm every Thursday night. Don’t forget, these free concerts fall during open Entertainment District hours, so you can stroll with your favorite beverage.
HIA Holi Hungama – The Festival of Color
When: Saturday, April 9 from 11:30AM-2:30PM
Where: India House – 3300 Holmes (map)
Cost:$5 for adults. Kids under 7 are FREE
More Info: Facebook
Huntsville India Association invites all members of the public, from full-blooded Indians to those who simply get a kick out of chucking dyed powder at strangers to celebrate Holi, the festival of color. Holi announces the passing of winter and arrival of spring and will be celebrated with the same zeal at India House lawns in Huntsville on April 9nd. There will be a small cultural program, good food, drinks, and of course colors. So bring your friends and family and come celebrate with us. Admission includes food, drinks, colors, and cultural show/dance.
Albertville Parks & Recreation Opening Day Community Picnic
When: Saturday, April 9 from 12PM-3PM
Where: Albertville Rec Center (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Pack a picnic and bring the whole family out for a fun Opening Day Community Picnic, hosted by Albertville Parks & Recreations! Bring a blanket and meet us at the soccer fields to enjoy lawn games while listening to live music performed by folk-roots-rock band, The River Hollow.
April 2016 Street Food Gathering
When: Friday, April 15 from 5PM-9PM
Where: AM Booth’s Lumberyard (map)
Cost: Free to attend; food for purchase
More Info: Facebook
Please join us for the FIRST 2016 Downtown Street Food Gathering presented by Jerry Damson Honda/Acura on April 15th from 5-9 pm. There will be over 30 food trucks, HeadCount, and PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure! Note that this event will take place in the parking lot across from AM Booth’s Lumberyard due to construction near Church Street. These FREE Street Food Gatherings take place the 3rd Friday of every month until October- check back with us on Facebook for details.
8th Annual Little Red School House 5k and Fun Run
When: Saturday, April 16 from 8AM-10AM
Where: Rogersville Heritage Park (map)
Cost: $20/$25
More Info: Facebook | Registration 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).
Spring Fling Special Train Ride
When: Saturday, April 16 at 10AM and 1PM
Where: North Alabama Railroad Museum (map)
Cost: $15/$10
More Info: Website | Facebook
Little and big train enthusiasts alike will enjoy this leisurely ride through the spring countryside. Be sure to check out our RCM Review if you’ve never enjoyed this local gem and then book your tickets for the next NARM express!
Cookie Dash 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
When: Saturday, April 16 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!
4th Annual Super Saturday
When: Saturday, April 30th at 7AM – 3PM
Where: Winchester Road Baptist Church (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
This is free, fun, outdoor community event for all ages! Rummage sale, raffles, food, & games. Event proceeds benefit youth athletic teams. The rummage sale begins at 7AM; the market and old-fashioned fair begin at 10AM.
This is the perfect event for families, first-timers, and the veteran runner looking for a personal record time!
Back When Day 2016
When: Saturday, April 30th at 9AM – 3PM
Where: Arab Historic Village (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
This free annual event at Arab Historic Village features many interactive activities that would have been common in households and on the farm during Post-Depression and World War II era for both children and adults. We will have lots of good “ole time” music and Tommy and Annette Blakely will furnish pinto beans, turnip greens and cornbread, along with their smoked pork (for a charge).
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day
When: Southeast YMCA: Saturday, April 23rd at 9AM – 12PM
Madison Hogan YMCA: Saturday, April 30th at 9AM – 12PM
Where: Southeast YMCA or Hogan YMCA (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Southeast YMCA Facebook | Hogan YMCA Facebook
This year marks the 25th annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The Y will offer membership incentives to encourage families to join, commit to an active summer together and receive deep member discounts on summer camps, swim lessons and programs.
On April 23, the Southeast Family YMCA in Huntsville will kick off with a one-mile Fun Run and Obstacle Course. From 9 a.m. to noon, there will be Kids ZUMBA class, kid-friendly vendors, food sampling, make and take fun and information available to motivate and teach families how to develop healthy routines at home.
On April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon, the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison will feature bounce houses, Kids ZUMBA, smoothie sampling, kid-friendly vendors, a Search and Rescue dog demonstration, HEMSI, Madison Fire Department and a child ID program in addition to make and take fun and summer learning information available.
May
[themify_hr color=”orange” width=”50%” border_width=”2px” ]Picker’s Market
When: May 6-7 2016 | 9AM-6PM
Where: University Pickers (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook Page
Popular local vendor market University Pickers will host a 2-day Picker’s Market behind their University Drive storefront. This is a juried outdoor event featuring vintage, handmade, antique, unique funky items and so much more!
Mother’s Day Special Train Ride
When: Saturday, May 7 at 10AM and 1PM
Where: North Alabama Railroad Museum (map)
Cost: $15/$10
More Info: Website | Facebook Page
Little and big train enthusiasts alike (including mom) will enjoy this leisurely ride through the spring countryside. Be sure to check out our RCM Review if you’ve never enjoyed this local gem and then book your tickets for the next NARM express!
For Life Technicolor 5k and Fun Run Supporting Orphancare
When: Saturday, May 14 at 9:30AM
Where: Hampton Cove Middle School (map)
Cost: $15/$25
More Info: Website
This FLEET FEET sponsored race is a CERTIFIED 5k course on the Big Cove Greenway starting at Hampton Cove Middle School running South and back on the Greenway. The Fun Run will start at the same place and run North and back on the Greenway. HealthSource Chiropratic will be available for stretching and muscle work. Fun activities will be available such as face painting, customized balloon hats, picture stations, music, and more. There will even be a pony petting, painting, and dress up area!
American Cancer Society Relay For Life
When: Saturday, May 14 at from 4PM-10PM
Where: Huntsville Junior High School (map)
Cost: Free; Participants and teams encouraged to fundraise
More Info: Website | Facebook
This year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life, or Rocket City Relay, will be space themed. They sky is the limit on your t-shirt and campsite designs. As always, We will have the Survivor Lap, Caregiver Lap and Luminaries ceremony. This year, we’ll also have food trucks, Kid Zone, lip sync battles, selfie scavenger hunt and trivial pursuit. There will also be a few surprises throughout the event. Join us at this year’s Rocket City Relay while we have some fun and raise money for ACS.
United Way Squared
When: Saturday, May 14 at from 10AM-1PM
Where: Downtown Huntsville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Join United Way of Madison County on the square in Downtown Huntsville for family fun event! Participate in hands-on activities, live music, food trucks, and more.
Cotton Row Run
When: Saturday, May 30 at 7 am for 10K; 9 am for 5K and 10 am 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. Not running, but still want to get in on the fun? Check out the Spectator Map right here!
Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.