Ready to frolic? There are so many spring events in Huntsville and North Alabama that we guarantee your family is going to be busy. Just click on a tab and see all the events happening that month! Don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, be sure to check out our full 2020 Spring Activities Guide sponsored by the Heart of the Valley YMCA.
Land Trust Spring Hike & Adventure Series
When: February through April, various dates and times
Where: Varies (see schedule)
Cost: FREE, but reservations are required – Sign up here
More Info: Website | Facebook
The Land Trust’s Guided Hike & Outdoor Adventure Series is offered each Spring and Fall, and these FREE hikes offer natural beauty and exercise for the entire family but donations to help preserve green space are accepted! Space is limited to ensure quality and safety, so reservations are required. Dogs are welcome, but must be on leads.
Playing with Light
When: Open now through Memorial Day
Where: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (map)
Cost: Included with membership or general admission ($17-$25)
More Info: Website | Rocket City Mom Parent Review
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center presents new featured exhibition, “Playing with Light,” from renowned exhibit creator Scitech, produced by Imagine Exhibitions. “Playing with Light” uses interactive experiments, activities and light displays to explore the vital role light plays in our lives. Build a telescope and adjust the lens to learn about optics and astronomy, make a laser beam bounce down a stream of water, mix colored lights and “freeze” your own shadow and paint with lights using special virtual paint brushes.
Huntsville Blooms
When: Mid-March through April
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: Daytime admission included with membership or regular garden admission
More Info: Website
Our beautiful outdoor spaces take center stage during March and April. Spring-blooming trees, shrubs, and perennials are highlighted by colorful bulbs and special flowering displays. The Bush Azalea Trail, with over 3,000 varieties of azaleas, is a must-see. We hope you’ll join us for favorite spring events, such as Night of 1000 Flowers, the region’s largest plant sale, and Bunny Bonanza. Plant walks, classes for adults and children, and homeschool programs add to the fun.
The Market at MidCity
When: Sundays from 2-6PM, beginning March 15 through November
Where: The Camp (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Don’t miss the beginning of The Market at MidCity’s second season! The Market at MidCity, located at the former site of Madison Square Mall, is Huntsville’s newest market for farmers, artisans, makers, growers, musicians and more.
Youth Art Month
When: March 15 – April 26 | FREE Community Admission Day on March 15, with reception and awards ceremony 1-3PM
Where: Huntsville Museum of Art (map)
Cost: Regular Museum Admission
More Info: Website
Enjoy an annual gathering of exuberant artwork from North Alabama K-12 students, organized in observance of Youth Art Month. 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. This year marks the 33rd annual Youth Art Month (YAM) exhibition of student artwork on view at the Huntsville Museum of Art in the major galleries of the Museum.
Preserve Pals
When: Tuesdays in March, 10AM-1PM
Where: Hays Nature Preserve (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Join us at Hays Nature Preserve on Tuesdays from 10am-1pm for Preserve Pals – Nature Explore Families’ Club to connect with your family in nature! Drop in to the natural playground to enjoy a new nature-themed activity each week with your child. Clothes that can get a bit wet or dirty are recommended, and in case of inclement weather, check Operation Green Team’s social media channels/platforms for notice of cancellation.
Trinity Market Place
When: March 6-7 from 9AM-4PM
Where: Trinity UMC (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Come shop over 50 vendors with a variety such as art, gourmet, fashion, and gifts! 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.
Fire on the Mountain
When: March 7 from 10AM-3PM
Where: Burritt on the Mountain (map)
Cost: Included with general admission
More Info: Website
Our historic cooks will transport you back to the 1800s with all of your senses as you see, hear, smell, and maybe even taste their work as they prepare historic recipes over our open fires and cast-iron cook stove. In addition, our blacksmiths will be firing up the forges throughout the historic park to demonstrate this fascinating skill. Blacksmiths were vitally important to daily life – they could make all types of tools, including those used in cooking, accessories for the home, knives and even fashion accessories.
Blast Off Book Festival
When: March 7 from 10:30-11:30AM
Where: Madison Public Library (map)
Cost: FREE, but limited to the first 350 attendees
More Info: Website | Facebook | Rocket City Mom Post
If you have a kid that loves to read or a budding artist in your family, mark your calendar for the second annual Blast Off Book Festival. New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, Jarrett Krosoczka, will be the guest speaker at this free event aimed for children of all ages.
St. John’s Craft Fair
When: March 7 from 9AM-3PM
Where: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
St. John the Baptist will host their first Craft Fair, an exciting yearly tradition for St. John’s that supports local crafters selling Catholic and Christian and family friendly crafts. Each year, the proceeds from the table rentals will go toward a cause that is close to the heart of the season of Lent.
The Princess Project
When: March 8 from 2-5PM
Where: Hardin Center, Gadsden (map)
Cost: $25 per daughter/mother couple, $10 for each additional child or adult
More Info: Website
Join us at Imagination Place for our first annual princess-themed party for girls (12 and under) and their mothers or a special lady. Dine on special foods and princess punch. Wear your best princess outfit and enjoy meeting professional princesses and posing for photos. All the little princesses in attendance can enjoy getting their hair, makeup, and nails pampered.
80s Family Movie Nights
When: March 13 (Labrynth) & April 24 (The NeverEnding Story) at 6PM
Where: Athens Renaissance School Theater (map)
Cost: FREE, Concessions $1
More Info: Facebook
Do you remember the epic stories of the Goblin King, or Bastian & Atreyu? Join Footlights Community Theater for your favorite 80s cult classic films! Just park at the Renaissance School, and come through the front doors to the auditorium.
Cupcakes & Cinderella
When: March 14 from 10:15-11:30AM
Where: Alabama Youth Ballet (map)
Cost: $5 per child
More Info: Website
Join Cinderella and her friends for a morning of crafts, dance and of course cupcakes. Our dancers will introduce you to storytelling through ballet as we enjoy excerpts from the upcoming Cinderella ballet. Space is limited space so register today! More information and tickets can be found on our website or by calling 256-881-5930.
H2O…Oh Yeah! A World Water Day Celebration
When: March 14 from 9AM-1PM
Where: Hays Nature Preserve (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Join us at Hays Nature Preserve for a World Water Day Celebration, exploring why and how we can be good stewards of our most valuable non-renewable natural resource. Hands-on activities will include a Pond Life Study with Anita Hausser of Tennessee Valley Audubon Society; the Interactive Water Wheels Trailer with Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES); learning about Water Filtration and more with City of Huntsville Water Pollution Control; and info about building and using rain barrels. Email denise.taylor@huntsvilleal.gov for more info.
Military & First Responder Family Day at Maranatha
When: March 21 from 9AM-4:30PM
Where: Camp Maranatha (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
We invite all active duty military families, gold star families, and first responder families to come out and enjoy a day on the lake, play some classic camp games, and enjoy a cookout in their honor. This free event will allow families to share the joy of canoeing, kayaking, taking on our high-ropes course, and more… just to say thanks for the critical role they play in our community!
Marketplace at the Academy
When: March 21 from 10AM-5PM
Where: Whitesburg Christian Academy (map)
Cost: Adults 18+ $2; 17 and younger are FREE (carnival tickets extra)
More Info: Facebook
The fourth annual Marketplace at The Academy promises to be a fun-filled day will feature many different activities for the whole family! The Marketplace will have vendors set up inside the Whitesburg Baptist Center for the family to shop around for many different things. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day. Carnival Games will be in the gym for the children to play, and pizza, popsicles, popcorn, drinks, etc. will be available to purchase throughout the day.
Spring Hike at Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary
When: March 21 from 8-10AM, 10:30AM-12:30PM, and 1:30-3:30PM
Where: Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
See the changes that Spring brings! Hike will be an easy pace with plenty of time to enjoy nature. Meet at the Taylor Road entrance near the sign, and don’t forget binoculars/camera, water & shoes that can get dirty. All ages are welcome, but strollers are not recommended. Please email Denise.taylor@hunstvilleal.gov for more info.
NEACA Spring Craft Show
When: March 27-28, 9AM-6PM & March 29, 12PM-5PM
Where: Von Braun Center South Hall (map)
Cost: FREE (parking at the VBC is $10)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Don’t miss the Annual Spring NEACA Craft Show at the Von Braun Center in the South Hall. There will be be over 100 crafters at this event with items ranging from jewelry, pottery, home decor, outdoor decor, dolls, clothing, kitchen accessories, children’s items, food and much more.
Live Bald
When: March 28 from 1-7PM
Where: Straight to Ale (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Live Bald is an annual charity “head-shaving event” held in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring food, drink, live music, children’s activities, raffles, and, of course, volunteers getting their heads shaved. Live Bald is presented by the Father Trecy Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and benefits St. Baldrick’s Foundation and their fight against childhood cancer.
Kids’ Fishing Seminars at Cabela’s
When: March 28 & 29 from 12-4PM
Where: Cabela’s (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Huntsville Children’s Business Fair
When: March 29 from 2-5PM
Where: Meridianville Middle School (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
The Huntsville Children’s Business Fair is a one-day event for children ages 5-17 can showcase their very own Micro business. Children ages 5-17 can register to be a vendor at www.childrensbusinessfair.org/huntsville-miller. This event is free to the public.
Spring Break Fun at Hays Nature Preserve
When: March 31-April 2 from 10AM-1PM
Where: Hays Nature Preserve (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Spend some of your Spring Break in Huntsville enjoying nature at Hays Nature Preserve! Drop in to the natural playground at Hays Nature Preserve to do a nature activity with us on March 31 (Hummingbirds Theme), April 1 (Spring Nature Signs Scavenger Hunt), or April 2 (Bird Treat Tree Trail). Clothes that can get dirty are suggested.
Free Walking Tours – Historic Twickenham and Downtown Madison
When: Huntsville: April 4 at 11AM and April 11 at 10AM in Huntsville | Madison: April 18 and 25 at 10AM
Where: Downtown Huntsville (map) and Downtown Madison (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook
Every spring and fall, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau shows off Huntsville and Madison through its free walking tours. Tours are guided by local experts and focus on the historic districts of both cities. Twickenham tours depart from the Alabama Constitution Hall Park Confectionery Shoppe, and Madison tours depart from the Gazebo on Front Street. No tickets or reservations are needed for walking tours. If the rain is light, bring your umbrellas! If the weather is severe or there is heavy rain, the CVB will announce cancellations prior to the tour’s departure via social media.
Fun With First Responders
When: April 11 from 11AM-2PM
Where: The Camp (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
At this sensory-friendly event, kids and families of all ages can meet and speak with police officers and other first responders to work on building bonds with one another so we can always have an open line of communication. The day will be full of community-building fun, including go-carts that the Huntsville Police Department uses to teach adolescents how to drive, fun and educational games, McGruff the Crime Dog, adaptive trikes, face painting, bounce house and inflatable slide, balloon animals, search & rescue dogs and therapy dogs, a raffle, vendors, and so much more!
Huntsville Botanical Garden Spring Plant Sale
When: Members only April 16 from 9AM-5PM; Open the the public April 17-18 from 9AM-5PM and April 19 from 9AM-12PM
Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Join the Huntsville Botanical Garden and the Garden Guild for the 33rd annual Spring Plant Sale and Earth Day 50th Anniversary Celebration! Not only will you find a huge selection of plants, including hard-to-find native and new horticulture species, the Spring Plant Sale is also a great opportunity to learn from on-hand plant professionals. These dedicated individuals are passionate about sharing their knowledge so that you can make your own garden thrive.
American Heart Association Huntsville Heart Walk
When: April 18 from 8AM-11AM
Where: Downtown Huntsville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Get #HeartWalking and join us in Huntsville downtown to #movemore! Walk in honor or in memory of someone you love or create a team and join to fight against the #1 and #5 killer of all Americans, heart disease and stroke. Register for FREE! The Huntsville Heart Walk will honor survivors of cardiovascular disease and stroke in our community. There will be activities including a kids zone, CPR demo, healthy snacks, a K9 Cafe for our 4 legged family members, and blood pressure screenings.
Paddle the Canal Festival
When: April 18 from 8AM-4PM
Where: Big Spring Park (map)
Cost: FREE for RFCU members and spectators; $15 to paddle otherwise
More Info: Facebook
Paddle the Canal is an urban kayaking event held in #DowntownHSV! Kayaks and paddles will be provided for those who register for the General Paddle group, which gives unlimited paddling for the whole day. We are happy to welcome back the presenting sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union, which means we are able to offer all RFCU members FREE General Paddling. Spectators and cheering teams are encouraged to come enjoy the festival atmosphere complete with live music, food trucks, and an open entertainment district!
Rocket City Hot Wheeler’s 2020 Spring Diecast Show
When: April 18 from 9AM-2PM
Where: Madison United Methodist Church (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Huge diecast show featuring lots of fun, food and prizes as well as lots of dealers to get your diecast fix at a really great deal. There will be Downhill Hot Wheels Racing with prizes for the kids on our large 50-foot track. Raffles throughout the day. A great family event with over 90 vendors where you can buy, sell and trade diecasts of all types including vintage and modern Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Greenlight, Johnny Lightning, M2, Corgi and more!
Touch-A-Truck
When: April 18 from 10AM-2PM
Where: Ascend Performance Materials, Decatur (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Ascend Performance Materials is hosting Touch-A-Truck on their property and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! What child doesn’t dream about getting behind the wheel of a fire truck, an ambulance, a tractor, or a tow truck? Children will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of their favorite vehicles and meet equipment operators , drivers and first responders.
Spring Fling Special Train Ride
When: April 25 at 10AM & 1PM
Where: North Alabama Railroad Museum (map)
Cost: Adults $15; Children 10 and under $10
More Info: Website
Spring is in the air and it’s time to ride the rails! Join the North Alabama Railroad Museum as we celebrate the end of winter with a train ride through the beautiful North Alabama scenery. Enjoy the budding trees & blooming flowers! Be sure to bring your camera and capture those special moments.
Castin’ ‘N Catchin’
When: April 25, 5AM-4PM
Where: Goose Pond Bait, Tackle & Grill, Scottsboro (map)
Cost: FREE for spectators ($110 to participate)
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. Fishing for all teams will begin at safe light (approximately 5:30 a.m.) with boats launching from Goose Pond Bait, Tackle & Grill. There will be some family friendly fun for the sidelines and of course, a payout for biggest catches.
March for Babies
When: May 2 at 8AM-11:30AM
Where: Big Spring Park (map)
Cost: Individual or team fundraising is encouraged but not required (Join the event online!)
More Info: Website
At March for Babies we come together to empower, honor and advocate for moms, families, and babies everywhere. At 8:30, the Festival Area & Registration Opens with Music from our radio partners, Kids Fun Zone with inflatable and craft areas, Memory Garden (for parents of angel babies), food from our sponsors at Publix, and lots of fun for the whole family! The Opening Ceremonies begin at 9:00AM, and at 9:30AM the Superhero Sprint will take place: a kids “fun run” for ages 1-10 that puts the March of Dimes “mission in motion” with our precious NICU Graduates.
4th Annual Garden Gathering
When: May 2 from 8AM-2PM
Where: Madison County Farmers Market (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Facebook
Mother Son Dance
When: March 3 from 4-7PM
Where: Hardin Center, Gadsden (map)
Cost: $25 per son/mother couple, $10 for each additional child or adult
More Info: Website
Boys: bring your mom, grandmother, or someone special to this fun event! Dance to the music of our DJ and enjoy refreshments while creating memories that you’ll cherish forever. Imagination Place will have some fun activities, too! This event is for boys 12 and under and their special guest.
Dragon Boat Race & Festival
When: May 9 from 8:30AM – 4PM
Where: Point Mallard Aquatic Center Beach (map)
Cost: FREE for spectators
More Info: Website | Facebook
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. Participants rave about the excitement, diversity, friendly competition and community spirit surrounding the event. Teams of all ages, skill levels, sizes and shapes take part. This all-inclusive event is the ultimate team building sport – requiring rhythm and finesse rather than brawn to succeed. This event is free to the public to attend.
Mother & Son Special Train Ride
When: May 9 at 10AM & 1PM
Where: North Alabama Railroad Museum (map)
Cost: Adults $15; Children 10 and under $10
More Info: Website
In tribute to moms we present our Mother’s Day Special train trips. Who can say no to those great moms? Make her proud by treating her to a wonderful train ride (and a special flower). Have her picture made beside the “Mother’s Day Special” sign on the front of the locomotive. Make mom feel special and make some great memories at the same time!
LiveLonger HaPPyFest Country & Bluegrass Jam
When: May 16 from 10AM-4PM
Where: Civitan Park, Guntersville (map)
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website | Facebook
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