The mention of Memorial Day weekend may have you recalling three-day weekend vacations or the familiar smells of a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue, but Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance, a day to honor and grieve U.S. military personnel who have sacrificed their lives defending our country. Memorial Day is particularly meaningful in Huntsville due to the strong and enduring relationship between our city and the Armed Forces through Redstone Arsenal. Huntsville offers a variety of ways to celebrate while remembering our fallen heroes. Some events are explicitly about Memorial Day, and some are good classic American fun with music and grilled food! There should be something for everyone in this roundup of events for Memorial Weekend 2025!
Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial Park
At the top of the list should be visiting the Veterans Memorial Park located in scenic Downtown Huntsville. The memorial is an experience allowing visitors to meander through the memorial statues and read the historical markers. There is also a timeline that is fascinating to read and a great place to take kids who are studying wars in history. The park features black granite markers engraved with the names of Madison County servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. These markers are arranged chronologically along a timeline that illustrates the United States' involvement in military conflicts worldwide. The memorial's thoughtful design includes symbolic water features - a cascading fountain built into the timeline wall that evokes peace and tranquility while reading about the heavy casualties of wars and battles. The flow of water moves through several fountains, creating a serene atmosphere for reflection. The park is surrounded by lovely trees and green space, making it both an educational and peaceful experience. *Walking tours are available. For more information, visit the website here.
US Veterans Memorial Museum
If an indoor air-conditioned museum is your thing, then make plans to visit the US Veterans Memorial Museum. It is acclaimed as one of the premier military museums in the world. The US Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville holds an extensive array of artifacts, memorabilia, and military equipment ranging from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts. The 12,000-square-foot facility opened in 2001 and is most famous for housing the Ford Pygmy, recognized as the oldest surviving jeep in the world and the ancestor of all modern jeeps. This rare 1940 prototype was inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Register in 2015 and draws visitors from around the globe. Visitors can explore more than 30 military vehicles from historical eras, including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and present-day conflicts. One of the most striking exhibits is a scaled replica of the Eighth Air Force Briefing Room used by the 385th Bombardment Group. The outdoor exhibit features aircraft, military jeeps, motorcycles, tanks, watercraft, weapons, and other vehicles. The museum is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, with free admission for active military personnel and their families (up to five) with valid ID. They will be open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. More information here.
Huntsville Memorial Ceremony and Laying of Wreaths
The North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition (NAVFOC) will host a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, May 26th at 11:00 AM. The ceremony will include wreath-laying by 40+ organizations and a keynote address by LTG Christopher O. Mohan. The event will also feature music from the Huntsville Concert Band and the Rocket City Chorus. Event details: The ceremony will honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, with approximately 40+ veterans and fraternal organizations laying wreaths. Additional notes: Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, water, and handheld fans. More information here.
Cotton Row Run
If physical exertion with a competitive edge is your preferred way to spend part of a holiday weekend, the Cotton Row Run, hosted by the Huntsville Track Club, has been the premier Memorial Running event for 45 years. This holiday race honors fallen military men who have lost their lives for our freedom. Runners will pass through a living memorial flame that commemorates fallen warriors whose families live in North Alabama. Proceeds from the race benefit Gold Star families and other charities in the community. The race includes a 1K, a 5K, and a 10 K. This race includes tracking, prize money, volunteer, and sponsor opportunities as well as course maps. Visit here for more information.
Old School and Blues Festival
The 28th anniversary Old School and Blues Festival is set to be held May 24, at 11 am at the Huntsville Dragway, in Huntsville, AL. Presented by JD Entertainment, and currently the longest-standing urban event in Northern Alabama, the festival's artist roster features internationally recognized artists as well as local artists. The event is ticketed. More information and tickets can be purchased here: Address: Huntsville Dragway, Huntsville, Alabama, 502 Quarter Mountain Road, Harvest, AL/
Whether you choose to honor our fallen heroes through a solemn ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, explore military history at the Veterans Memorial Museum, challenge yourself at the Cotton Row Run, or simply enjoy time with loved ones at the Blues Festival, Memorial Day weekend in Huntsville offers thoughtful and commemorative ways to remember and celebrate. Enjoy the start of Summer and remember to stay safe and wear sunscreen when you’re outside!
