Fall is one of the most beautiful times to explore creativity in North Alabama. Cooler temps, changing leaves and a packed calendar of events make autumn ideal for art lovers. There’s something inspiring happening every weekend in Huntsville and Madison County, from fine art and fiber crafts to live music and theater.
Art Events You Can’t Miss
The Monte Sano Art Festival brings well over a hundred local, regional and national artists to the “Mountain of Health” Monte Sano State Park for a weekend. Peruse and purchase paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glass and other handcrafted items as you stroll beneath a shady canopy of trees while listening to live music and enjoying food from your favorite food trucks.
On the first Saturday of October, check out the Madison Street Festival, a giant local showcase and community celebration which includes a Crafter’s Cove, Artist Alley and Student Art Area. On the second Friday in October, visit the Moonlight Market in downtown Huntsville for an art walk and open-air market featuring over 60 local makers and artists, plus live music, yard games and children’s activities.
Enjoy a Makers Market at Piper and Leaf Tea Co in Lacey's Spring on the fourth Friday of the month from April through October. Connect with local makers and find one-of-a-kind art and gifts while enjoying tasty food and drinks, including specialty tea blends.
Theatrical Performances & Live Arts
Get swept away by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater’s fall production of Cinderella, a delight for all ages. If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 15 who’s interested in theater, consider enrolling them in the theater’s Fall Break Camp, where they’ll learn the basics of performing.
The fall concert series at The Orion Amphitheater continues throughout the season. This nationally recognized top music venue holds up to 8,000 guests and hosts renowned artists from a variety of genres, like Lil Wayne, Blink 182 and Billy Strings. The first weekend of October, rock out at the Breakaway Music Festival, featuring The Chainsmokers.
For something more classical, experience a stunning dance performance at Huntsville Ballet Company, one of Huntsville’s oldest arts organizations.
Public Art & Fall-Friendly Exploration
Huntsville itself is a work of art, and autumn is a wonderful time to explore. The Huntsville Secret Art Walk and Mural Trail guides you through more than a dozen public art pieces throughout the Arts & Entertainment District. Pick up a map at the Downtown Huntsville Visitor Information Center.
Be sure to visit Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment to get fully immersed in the diversity and talent of the local art community. This textile mill was built in 1900 and has been repurposed into studio space and galleries for over 300 working artists, specializing in everything from drawing and painting to printmaking and ceramics to culinary and performance art. Watch artists practice their craft during public hours, or visit the outdoor market every Saturday from May through October. You can even take one of the dozens of classes held every week to learn from the artists themselves.
For more art galleries, check out The Little Green Store and Art Gallery, a hidden gem allowing you to discover and support local artists, or the Huntsville Museum of Art, which features an extensive permanent collection plus several temporary exhibitions.
Where to Eat & Stay: Artsy Add-Ons
Food can be an art form, and Huntsville has many culinary masters. Stovehouse is more than a place to grab a meal — it’s an arts destination itself! This former factory has been transformed into a campus of eclectic restaurants, shops and performance venues. The Standard Social Market is part farm-to-table restaurant serving fresh Southern fare, part community gathering place, part bodega. Enjoy reimagined Southern classics at Commerce Kitchen, like fried green tomatoes or shrimp and grits.
With far too much to see in one day, we suggest spending the night in one of our exceptional hotels. 106 Jefferson, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is a boutique lifestyle hotel in the heart of downtown Huntsville that captures the energy and aspirations of the space race. Luxurious accommodations include access to the innovative Revivalist restaurant and Baker & Able rooftop bar. Or choose AC Hotel by Marriott Huntsville to enjoy sweeping views of downtown Huntsville, a chic European vibe, and a lounge serving tapas and signature cocktails where you can wind down after a day of art and exploration.
A Season to Savor Art & Autumn
Fall in North Alabama offers more than foliage; it’s a chance to slow down and soak in the culture. Wander through an artist’s studio, watch a ballet or sip cider at an artisan market and discover October when creativity takes center stage in Huntsville and Madison County.