There is never “nothing to do” in Huntsville! This October we’re celebrating National Arts & Humanities Month by highlighting the classes, festivals, performances, cultural activities and art exhibits that make the Huntsville metro region a great place to celebrate YOUR creative side. Explore the events below and check out our Arts Calendar for more great arts and cultural offerings this week.
Featured Events for October 17th – 23rd:
A Night on the Red Carpet with Huntsville Concert Band
The Huntsville Concert Band will celebrate An Evening on the Red Carpet with a concert of Hollywood classics on Tuesday, October 18th, at 7:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1804 Sparkman Drive. Jesse Pascua will conduct familiar melodies from Carousel, West Side Story, James Bond, and many more. Our October 18th concert is family-friendly and open to the public.
Come Swing with Me with Huntsville Community Chorus and Huntsville’s In the Mood
Huntsville Community Chorus’ Symphonic Chorus and In the Mood Big Swing band, Rocket Westies and Huntsville Swing Dance Society present “Come Swing with Me.”
The Chorus’ singers collaborate with two area swing dance societies and one of the premier big bands in the region to present a unique concert. The chorus, soloists and ensembles will sing, and everyone is invited to dance! Don’t miss this experience in music and movement. Come at 6:30 for a free Dance Lesson! (click image for tickets and additional info)
Painting in the Park with Spirited Art
On Friday, October 21st, Spirited Art will be pairing up with Downtown Huntsville Inc. for painting in the park. Join them for a family painting class in the park. All ages are welcome and encouraged. Bring a blanket for your family and Spirited Art will provide newspapers to keep your blanket free of paint. Canvases, paint supplies, will all be provided. (Click image for tickets and additional info)
Folklife Festival at Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain’s Folklife Festival will showcase craftspeople, artists and presenters who will share their knowledge about the traditions, skills, handicrafts and arts of our region during the 1800s and early 1900s. On October 22nd, hear traditional music, see Appalachian dance, and watch demonstrators as they show you how our ancestors worked, lived and created art. Skills that will be demonstrated include: blacksmithing, flint knapping, Native American flute making and playing, spinning, quilting, open hearth cooking and much, much more. This exciting day of family fun will be from 10:00-4:00. You won’t want to miss this wonderful experience! (click image for tickets and additional info)
Classes and Workshops at Designbyhart Pottery
Designbyhart Pottery Studio offers classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels.
This October experience their After School Pottery class, Extreme Datenight, Paint Your Own Mug, Pottery Labs and more! (Click photo for more information)Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book
Huntsville’s newest theatre company Huntsville M.E.T. presents their first production, Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book Friday, October 14th – 29th at the new theatre at The Academy for Academics and Arts on Sparkman drive. (Click photo for tickets and additional info).
Huntsville Museum of Art
“What’s Up Doc?” the animation art of Chuck Jones opens on Sunday, October 16th at the Huntsville Museum of Art. This exhibit reveals the creative genius behind some of the most beloved cartoons and animated films of all time
Other exhibits at Huntsville Museum of Art include superheroes, posters from WWI, photographs by Barry Goldwater and sculptures by Dustin Farnsworth. (Click photo for more information)
Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment
Explore individual artist studios, take painting and pottery classes, discover unique art exhibits or catch a Concert on the Dock. Lowe Mill is the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States. (Click photo for more information)
The Science of Archimedes at U.S. Space & Rocket Center
This exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center showcases inventions and scientific discoveries of Archimedes, the “Father of Modern Science” and takes guests on a journey through history and science with a look at the machines of the ancient world. (Click photo for more information)
Scarecrow Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Scarecrow Trail is a Huntsville tradition. This year’s scarecrows are decorated to showcase different professions from policemen, to teachers to scientists. Visit the garden to see all the creations.
Hayrides will be offered every Saturday from 10-2 and Sunday from 1-4. (Click photo for more information)
LearningQUEST
LearningQUEST provides enrichment and education for life-long learners. From classes to activities and field trips, explore all they have to offer to feed your inquiring mind! (Click photo for more information)
Land Trust of North Alabama
The Land Trust preserves and protects the natural beauty of North Alabama, including wildlife habitats, farms, historic sites, waterways, and mountains for conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Go on a guided hike or explore one of their trails on your own and be inspired by nature! (Click photo for more information)
Classes and Workshops at Art & Soul Inspired Home
Art & Soul Inspired Home offers weekly DIY and crafting classes, from Chalk Paint 101 to wreath-making and more! (Click photo for more information)