Things To Do in Huntsville, AL This Week (May 24-30)
From ballet and cigar box guitars to a silent piano concert and astronaut meet-and-greets, here's everything happening in Huntsville, AL the week of May 24-30.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off a packed week in Huntsville, with the Cotton Row Run closing down downtown streets on Monday morning and the Cigar Box Guitar Festival wrapping things up Saturday night. There's live music, ballet, yoga at the river, and a silent piano concert in the park - all before the summer heat really sets in. Here's what to put on your calendar.
Sunday, May 24
Regional Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses - 'Eternal Happiness'
Full-day convention themed 'Eternal Happiness,' exploring Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and how it applies to daily life. Open to the public.
Monday, May 25
Morning Water Exercise
Up-tempo water exercise class using water bells and Pecto Fino equipment. Ages 16+. A solid way to start the holiday Monday.
Lap Swim in Legacy Pool
Open lap swim in the Legacy Pool, recently upgraded with LED lighting, new bleachers, and a refreshed deck. Ages 12+.
Adult Swim
Dedicated lap swim at the Showers Center indoor pool, kept at a comfortable 84-85F. Two diving boards available. Ages 16+.
Public Swim
All-ages open swim at the Showers Center indoor pool. Heated, accessible, and a good Memorial Day option if the outdoor spots are packed.
Noon Water Exercise
Slow-paced class focused on joint mobility, flexibility, and strength. Ages 18+.
Evening Water Aerobics - Showers Center
Water aerobics with bells and Pecto Fino equipment at the Showers Center indoor pool. Ages 16+. Part of the regular Mon/Wed/Fri series.
Evening Water Aerobics - Aquatics Center
Higher-intensity water aerobics to cap the holiday. Water bells and Pecto Fino equipment included. Ages 18+.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center Summer Day Camps - First Week
Summer 2026 day camps kick off at the Space & Rocket Center. Galaxy Explorers (ages 6-14) is a screen-free, hands-on discovery camp; Summer Circuits (ages 9-14) covers robotics, coding, 3D printing, and space history. Weekly sessions run through July 27 - register at the link.
Tuesday, May 26
Huntsville Ballet Company
North Alabama's only professional ballet company, now in its 62nd season, takes the stage for night one of a two-night run at the Smith Concert Hall. Tickets through VBC TicketsFIRST/Ticketmaster.
Wednesday, May 27
Huntsville Ballet Company
Night two of the Huntsville Ballet Company's spring run. If you missed Tuesday, this is your last chance - same venue, same curtain time.
Thursday, May 28
Meet an Astronaut - Hayley Arceneaux
The 2026 summer astronaut series opens with Hayley Arceneaux. Included with regular museum admission, no extra ticket needed. The series runs every Thursday through August 20, with a different astronaut each week.
Friday, May 29
Regional Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses - 'Eternal Happiness' (3-day run begins)
A three-day convention themed 'Eternal Happiness' at the VBC South Hall. Friday's programme covers Scriptural evidence that God and Jesus want people to be happy, alongside a Bible drama series. Free admission; no collections taken.
Concerts on the Dock - Cigar Box Guitar Festival Kick-Off
The final Concerts on the Dock of the spring season doubles as the official Cigar Box Guitar Festival kick-off. John Nickel and 5ive O'Clock Charlie featuring Otis Walker play the Water Tower Lawn. Free to attend; $10 per car for on-site parking.
Jill's Studio of Dance - 'Impact' (Show 1)
Jill's Studio of Dance presents its 31st Annual Showcase, 'Impact,' with four shows across Friday and Saturday. This is Show 1. The studio has been a Huntsville fixture since 1995, covering tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and more. Tickets at jills.com.
Hostage Situation
Denver-based dubstep/riddim/bass trio Hostage Situation comes to Rocket City Honky Tonk. Ages 21+. Tickets on Eventbrite.
MindTravel Live-to-Headphones Silent Piano Concert
Composer and pianist Murray Hidary performs live while you listen through wireless headphones - an outdoor silent concert at Big Spring Park. Bring a blanket or low chair; no seating provided. Runs rain or shine. Headphones are limited, so reserve in advance.
City Lights & Stars: Eric Essix
Contemporary jazz guitarist Eric Essix - 28 albums in and still going - plays the 33rd season of Burritt on the Mountain's City Lights & Stars series. Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic. Food trucks on site, beer and wine available. Optional pre-concert BBQ buffet at The View ($30 per person with a concert ticket). Online sales close at 4pm day-of; tickets are a tax-deductible donation.
Saturday, May 30
Yoga by the River
Free outdoor yoga next to the Flint River in Hays Nature Preserve, run by the Huntsville Green Team every Saturday in May and June. All levels welcome. Bring a mat, water, and a towel - signs in the preserve will point you to the right spot.
Fit for the Kingdom: A Day of Wellness
A faith-based wellness event from The Bloom Society covering healthy eating, movement, and caring for the body. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Runs about 1.5 hours, in person.
Lowe Mill Outdoor Market
The weekly outdoor market at Lowe Mill - handmade goods, second-hand finds, and locally grown produce spread across the grounds. Runs every Saturday through October 24. Free to browse.
Jill's Studio of Dance - 'Impact' (Shows 2, 3 & 4)
Three more showings of 'Impact' on Saturday. Doors open one hour before each showtime. Tickets at jills.com via TutuTix.
22nd Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival - Daytime at Lowe Mill
The world's longest-running cigar box guitar festival, now in its 22nd year, takes over Lowe Mill with free programming all day - guitar-building seminars, beginner and intermediate lessons, a screening of documentary 'Songs Inside The Box,' a silent auction of 10 art guitars, and a meet-the-artists session. The evening show moves to Ravenwood Meadery (suggested $10 donation at the door).
Open Studio Night at Lowe Mill
All 150+ working artist studios at Lowe Mill open to the public - just four times a year. Over 200 artists and makers are in their studios across all three floors of the historic factory. Live music and refreshments throughout, plus closing gallery receptions in eight gallery spaces.
East Iris Studios / MidCity District Live Night at The Camp
Four Nashville bands play a four-hour live music night at The Camp in MidCity, presented by East Iris Studios. Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing and the full lineup.
Vibes of Huntsville - Ladies Night Saturdays
Weekly ladies night at Vibes with free entry, $5 cocktails, and $25 hookahs. Ages 21+, free parking. Celebrating a birthday? Text 256-656-8857 to reserve a free booth.
Got an event we should know about? Reply to this newsletter or send a tip to hello@hereinhuntsville.com and we'll look at it for next week.
FAQ
- What's free to do in Huntsville this week?
- Several things. Yoga by the River at Hays Nature Preserve runs free every Saturday morning. The Lowe Mill Outdoor Market, Concerts on the Dock on Friday night, and the Cigar Box Guitar Festival's daytime programming on Saturday are all free. Open Studio Night at Lowe Mill on Saturday evening is also free. The Jehovah's Witnesses Regional Convention at the VBC is free and open to the public all weekend.
- Are there family-friendly events in Huntsville this weekend?
- Yes. The Cigar Box Guitar Festival's daytime activities at Lowe Mill are free and family-friendly. Meet an Astronaut at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on Thursday is included with museum admission. Public swim at the Showers Center on Monday is open to all ages.
- What's happening in Huntsville for Memorial Day?
- Multiple swim sessions are open at the Huntsville Aquatics Center and Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center on Monday, May 25 - all $4 per person. Note that the Cotton Row Run will impact downtown traffic on Monday morning. Summer Day Camps at the Space & Rocket Center also begin this week.
- What is the Cigar Box Guitar Festival?
- It's the world's longest-running cigar box guitar festival, now in its 22nd year, and it's based right here in Huntsville. Saturday's daytime events at Lowe Mill are free, with workshops, lessons, and a documentary screening. The Sunday Benefit Concert at The Orion is ticketed at $25+ and benefits the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation.
- Where can I see live music in Huntsville this week?
- Friday is especially stacked: free Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill, Hostage Situation (dubstep/bass, 21+) at Rocket City Honky Tonk, a silent piano concert at Big Spring Park, and Eric Essix at Burritt on the Mountain. Saturday has the Cigar Box Guitar Festival at Lowe Mill and a live night with four Nashville bands at The Camp in MidCity.
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