Things To Do in Huntsville, AL This Week (May 12-18)
From a Juvenile concert and a nonprofit conference to free art-making and live music at Lowe Mill, here's what's happening in Huntsville the week of May 12-18.
Huntsville is deep into Bike Month, Historic Preservation Month, and graduation season all at once - which means this week is packed with events that don't have much in common except being here. Whether you're headed to the Von Braun Center for back-to-back conferences or clearing your Saturday for the Lowe Mill market, there's plenty on the calendar May 12-18.
Tuesday, May 12
NAVIGATE Nonprofit Network Conference
The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's annual one-day conference for nonprofit board members, staff, and volunteers. Sessions cover leadership, nonprofit finance, Nonprofit 101, and professional development. Check the website for late-registration pricing.
Book Launch: Robert Bailey - The Mediator
Huntsville's own Robert Bailey - Wall Street Journal bestselling author and retired attorney - launches his twelfth novel, a legal thriller about a mediator whose son is held hostage. Ticket price includes a copy of the book. Seated book talk; no refunds.
Music Lab LIVE @ Rocket City Honky-Tonk
An artist-development live music night billed as "not your dad's open mic." Signups start at 6:30pm, music kicks off at 7pm.
Wednesday, May 13
48th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium
The world's longest-running conference dedicated entirely to aerospace mechanisms and tribology - design, fabrication, testing, and operational hardware. Hosted in cooperation with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Lockheed Martin Space. Thursday evening includes a banquet at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center under the Saturn V. Registration required.
Thursday, May 14
SMART 2026
A trade and convention show at the VBC's 24,000 sq ft East Hall. Check the event page for registration and program details.
COC Best Places to Work Awards
The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County honours the area's top employers at this annual luncheon. Over 700 attendees, 150+ participating companies. Note: the registration deadline was May 6 - contact the Chamber to check availability.
Calhoun Community College Graduation
Calhoun Community College's 2026 commencement ceremony. No tickets required - doors open 1.5 hours before showtime. Standard VBC bag policy applies.
Bike Month: HAMR Thursday Group Ride
Every Thursday in May, HAMR (Huntsville Area Mountain Bike Riders) runs a group ride departing at 5:45pm from rotating trailheads around the city. Free to join - check HAMR's schedule for this week's location.
Juvenile: Boiling Point Album Release Tour
Cash Money bounce legend Juvenile brings his Boiling Point tour to Mars Music Hall with The 400 Degreez Band. A special guest opener kicks things off at 7:45pm. Tickets via Ticketmaster - VBC is a cashless venue.
Friday, May 15
SMART 2026 (Day 2)
The second day of SMART 2026 at the VBC East Hall. See Thursday's listing for details.
Artsy Tots: Van Gogh Starry Night Folk Paintings
A 45-minute program for ages 2-3 combining short stories, gallery play, and an art activity inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night. Registration required. Two session times available.
Open House at The Alcove
The Alcove is opening its doors so you can tour the space, meet local professionals and entrepreneurs, and check out available suites and event spaces. All ages, free parking, RSVP encouraged.
Concerts on the Dock: Jayne & the Huntsmen
Lowe Mill's free Friday night concert series continues on the historic loading dock stage beneath the water tower. This week's act is Jayne & the Huntsmen. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, leashed pets are welcome, and food and drink vendors are on site.
Bike Month: Bikes & Brews Friday Ride
Every Friday in May, a social group ride departs from Rocket Republic at 6pm as part of the city's Bike Month celebration. Free to join.
Cheers to You Graduation Afterparty
A ticketed graduation afterparty at Icon Ultra Lounge. Check Eventbrite for pricing and details.
Saturday, May 16
Military Vehicle Rally & Swap Meet
An Armed Forces Day tradition at the Veterans Memorial Museum. Owners display and trade historic military vehicles, parts, and memorabilia while admission covers the museum's indoor collection of 30+ restored vehicles - tanks, helicopters, a WWI Ford Pygmy jeep, and more. Free for active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, and first responders with valid ID (up to 5 family members).
Drop-In & CREATE: Puffy Clouds!
A no-reservation-needed hands-on art activity for the whole family in the Stender Family Interactive Education Galleries. One Saturday a month, free for parents and kids.
Outdoor Market at Lowe Mill
The weekly outdoor market runs every Saturday through October. Vendors sell handmade goods, second-hand finds, and locally grown produce across the Lowe Mill grounds.
Ceramics: Beginning Pottery Wheel - Final Session
The fourth and final session of a 4-week beginner pottery wheel series taught by Paul Wieland, co-founder of the Tennessee Valley Ceramic Arts Guild. Students glaze their pieces in this last class. All materials included; close-toed shoes required. Ages 19+.
Music: Irish Drumming - Learn to Play the Bodhran
A beginner/novice workshop on the bodhran (Irish frame drum) with Andy Kruspe, owner of The Irish Drum Center at Lowe Mill. You'll cover how to hold the drum, how to use the tipper, and work up to playing a simple Irish reel. All supplies included. Ages 19+. Registration deadline was May 9 - contact Burritt to check availability.
Ladies Night Saturdays at Vibes of Huntsville
A weekly 21+ ladies night with free entry, $5 cocktails, $25 hookahs, and free booth reservations for birthdays (text 256-656-8857). Music runs until 2am.
Sunday, May 17
Sunday Brunch at Vibes of Huntsville
A weekly Sunday brunch with an old-school soundtrack, chicken and waffles, garlic parm wings, and more. Free entry, free sections with RSVP. 21+ venue.
The Castle Council: 5th Edition Improv Comedy
Rated PG family-friendly improv comedy set in a fantasy city council meeting. Audience members play citizens who bring local issues to the council - who improvise solutions live on stage. It runs on a Dungeons & Dragons framework, but no gaming knowledge required.
Got an event we missed? Reply to this newsletter or send a note to the Here in Huntsville team and we'll get it on the radar for next week.
FAQ
- What's free to do in Huntsville this week?
- Several events are free this week: Calhoun Community College Graduation at the VBC (no tickets needed), Drop-In & CREATE at the Huntsville Museum of Art on Saturday, the Outdoor Market and Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill on Friday and Saturday, the HAMR Thursday group ride and Bikes & Brews Friday ride as part of Bike Month, and Sunday Brunch and Ladies Night at Vibes of Huntsville.
- Are there family-friendly events in Huntsville this week?
- Yes - Drop-In & CREATE: Puffy Clouds! at the Huntsville Museum of Art on Saturday is free and open to all ages. The Castle Council improv comedy show on Sunday is rated PG and works for families. The Military Vehicle Rally & Swap Meet on Saturday is also all-ages.
- What live music is happening in Huntsville this week?
- Juvenile plays VBC Mars Music Hall on Thursday night. Jayne & the Huntsmen perform at the free Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill on Friday evening. Music Lab LIVE runs at Rocket City Honky-Tonk on Tuesday night.
- What's on at the Von Braun Center this week?
- The VBC is busy all week - NAVIGATE Nonprofit Conference (Tuesday), the 48th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium (Wednesday-Friday), SMART 2026 (Thursday-Friday), the Chamber's Best Places to Work luncheon (Thursday), Calhoun's graduation (Thursday), and Juvenile in Mars Music Hall (Thursday night).
- Are there any events for young kids in Huntsville this week?
- Artsy Tots at the Huntsville Museum of Art on Friday morning is designed for ages 2-3 and introduces toddlers to art through stories, gallery play, and a Van Gogh-inspired painting activity. Registration is required.
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