HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — This weekend has some events to keep in mind!
WhistleStop Festival - The Whistlestop BBQ Festival returns to the MidCity District on Oct. 18 and 19, featuring BBQ tastings, a People’s Choice BBQ competition, food trucks, and live music from artists including Leftover Salmon and Billy Strings. The event runs from 3 to 11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, with tickets available online or at the door
NALZS Kids Festival (Decatur) - The 3rd Annual Kids Festival is set for Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calhoun Community College. This event is free to attend.
Tennessee Valley Auto Fest - On Oct. 18 and 19 at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium, featuring a smash car where attendees can swing a sledgehammer for $5 to raise money for hurricane relief. The event kicks off with a free monster truck car crush on Oct. 17, and includes celebrity appearances, a concert by the Pat Cooper Band, fireworks, and a variety of food and vendor options throughout the weekend.
Autumn Celebration at Japanese Garden - On Oct. 20 from 12 to 4 p.m. for a celebration featuring demonstrations of traditional martial arts, Japanese children’s dance, and a kids’ music recital. Local artists and vendors will be there, and the event asks that you bring cash if you want to make any purchases.
Rocket City Toy & Comic Expo - The Jaycee’s Building in Huntsville will host the event on October 19 and 20. The expo will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. VIP attendees can enjoy early access on Saturday.
MidCity Monster Mash - Starting Oct. 11 and running through Halloween night, The Camp will host a festive pop-up featuring Halloween-themed drink specials, spooky food menus, and live music every weekend. Guests can enjoy costume parties, fall markets every Sunday, and fun photo opportunities from 12 to 11 p.m. daily.
Witches Ride of Harvest-Monrovia - The third annual Monrovia Witches Ride is set for Oct. 20 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Fright Lights – Halloween Laser Show - Experience a thrilling Halloween laser light show featuring classics like "Thriller," "Godzilla," and "Monster Mash". The family-friendly event runs on October 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Dublin Park Pollinator Garden - On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at Dublin Park in Madison to improve the pollinator garden. This free event will teach participants gardening techniques while expanding a designated Monarch Butterfly waystation.
Movies in the Park - Returns to Big Spring Park East, offering free fall-themed movies and activities on Friday nights.
Sci-Fi Family Hike - The Land Trust of North Alabama is hosting a family hike on Oct. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Green Mountain Nature Preserve, where participants will explore nature’s oddities and discuss how it inspires classic science fiction stories, including Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll - On Oct. 20 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. features one of the largest living history strolls in the nation, showcasing over 75 costumed characters, traditional music, and special exhibits. This year includes at least a dozen new characters and highlights the history of Huntsville, with scavenger hunts available for different age groups.
Canebrake Witches Ride (Athens) - The 2024 Canebrake Witches Ride is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. This family-friendly event raises money and awareness for The Pink Elephant Fund, which provides mammogram scholarships and supports breast cancer detection technologies in Limestone County.
Food Truck Rally at Big Spring Park - Happening every third Friday from May to October from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy food truck vendors, live music, and yard games throughout the event season.
Festifall - At Huntsville Botanical Garden from September through October during regular garden hours. Enjoy scenic fall displays, creative pumpkin arrangements, and the whimsical Scarecrow Trail, with activities included in general admission and free for members.
Outdoor Market - Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., running from May 4 through October 26 at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment.
Parent's Night Out - Parents can enjoy a night out while their kids have fun at a supervised climbing event, held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. The "Parents' Night Out" runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Market at MidCity - Every Sunday until November 10, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring 50 local vendors.
Fun Fridays with P&L - Fun Fridays with Piper & Leaf, happening every Friday from April 26 to October 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of activities, refreshments, and entertainment each week.
Rocket City Bluegrass Jam - Weekly bluegrass jam on Sundays at Straight to Ale. Happening from 4 to 8 p.m.
The Village of Providence Farmers and Artisans Market - Happening every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market season runs from April 6 to November 30.
