Summer is heating up across Huntsville and Madison County, and the sounds in the air are more than just the cicadas, birds, and frogs. Hot summer nights come alive with outdoor concerts across North Alabama. Whether you're looking for a free night on the town or a ticketed show worth the admission, Huntsville and Madison offer plenty of great live music options.

 

Read on for more and get ready to mark your calendars for events the whole family will enjoy.

 

Huntsville

A crowd gathers on the lawn in Big Spring Park for Concerts in the Park, relaxing in lawn chairs and dancing while a live band performs on an outdoor stage in front of a modern building at sunset.

Concerts in the Park happen in Big Spring Park weekly on Monday nights from now until August 3rd. The music kicks off at 6:30 p.m., but come early to get set up with blankets and chairs. Leashed pups are welcome, kids love to get up and dance, and you can bring your own picnic or grab a bite from food vendors like Wiener Von Braun’s, Iceworks, Vujee Vegan and more. This co-production of Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville Parks & Rec department features bands like Groove, Jayne + The Huntsman, The Brooklines, J-Class Band, and more. This is a classic Downtown Huntsville night.

 

Guests relax in lawn chairs on the grass during a Ditto Landing Summer Sunset Concert Series performance. A duo performs on stage while families and friends enjoy live music along the Tennessee River in a laid-back outdoor setting.

Head down to Ditto Landing for live music and the best sunset views around for the Summer Sunset Concert Series. Hosted on the second Tuesday, coming up July 14th with Dave Andrson and August 11th with Gabe Larose, the tunes kick off at 6 p.m. Food trucks are on site, but you can also bring your own eats. Families, including the four-legged members, enjoy this night on the water. Plan to pack your chairs and blankets, and both parking and admission are free.

 

Golden Hour at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is happening weekly on Fridays through September 25th at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Starting at 5 p.m., garden admission is free. It’s a great way to wrap up the week with live music, food and drinks, and a Garden stroll, letting kids and parents get out some energy to end the day.

 

Guests gather on the lawn at Campus No. 805 for 805 After Five, watching a live band perform on the outdoor stage as the sun sets. Attendees relax in lawn chairs and stand near the stage while enjoying an evening of live music and community.

The lawn at Campus 805 hosts 805 After Five on the third Thursday of the month, with dates going into October. Bring a chair or blanket, enjoy yard games, and grab food and beverages from the 805 restaurants. Shuttles are even offered from various locations for convenience.

 

The Camp

The Camp is one of our favorite Huntsville haunts, and they are hosting one final blast before they move to their new, upgraded location. Make plans to be there on July 4th with music and fun starting at 11 a.m.

 

MidCity

MidCity is the place to be on the Fourth, as there is also a celebration in Apollo Park from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

 

Madison

Third Thursdays on Main are happening now through August in Downtown Madison and feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and downtown shopping. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. and is more of a sip and stroll that provides a great way to support local businesses.

 

A live band performs under the pavilion during the Sounds of Summer concert series in Madison. Families and friends relax on the lawn in chairs and blankets while enjoying an evening of live music in the park beneath a cloudy summer sky.

The Madison Arts Alliance presents the Sounds of Summer series with upcoming dates on July 8th, featuring Fastback, and July 23rd, showcasing Calypso Vision. The good times roll from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Homeplace Park. Bring your chairs and blankets, leashed pets, and pack a picnic or enjoy dinner from a local food truck. Face painting for the kids is part of the fun!

 

Worth the Price of Admission

 

City Lights & Stars

City Lights & Stars at Burritt on the Mountain features one of the best views around, a cool mountain breeze, and great live music with performers like Eric Essix, Juice, and Calypso Vision. This is a great date night option with food trucks on site along with beer, wine, and other drinks available for purchase. You can even purchase a ticket option that includes dinner. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an evening on the mountain.

 

The Orion

The Orion, Huntsville’s stunning amphitheater, features live music throughout the year, but for summer has some truly spectacular shows coming up like Lord Huron, Creed and Goo Goo Dolls, plus special events and activities all summer long.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Concertgoers outside Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment in West Huntsville.

The music doesn’t stop when summer ends. Fall sees the return of Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill along with Jazz in the Park and the continuation of the Orion season, which has Billy Strings returning in October.

 

Summer nights may be hot, but live music offers the perfect way to chill out with the whole family.