South Star Music Festival is on your calendar for September 28 and 29, and Huntsville can’t wait to host you!
Good news! The excitement in Huntsville is not limited to these dates! Take some extra time to explore what makes our city top the list of places to visit. If you're driving, Huntsville is just off Interstate 65. Flying is also convenient, as Huntsville International Airport, rated Best Small Airport in the country, is just a few minutes from Downtown Huntsville.
Get ready to embark on an incredible adventure in Huntsville! Start by exploring our vibrant city with these amazing itinerary recommendations. For a comprehensive guide to all the fantastic activities, accommodations, dining, and attractions, visit Huntsville.org.
Make your first stop at one of our welcoming Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Centers! Our main location is downtown at 500 Church Street, and another is at Huntsville International Airport, both open seven days a week. We're here to help you navigate a stellar stay!
Stovehouse
Friday, September 27
Come on in a day early and explore Huntsville before the festival begins on Saturday. Here are a few suggestions:
- MidCity District - MidCity District is definitely in the running for one of the coolest spots to shop, dine, and explore in Huntsville. MidCity District is a nationally acclaimed mixed-use district located at the gateway to Redstone Arsenal and the Cummings Research Park. Cummings Research Park is the second largest research park in the United States and is the headquarters of Huntsville's defense, aerospace, and tech workforce.
- Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment - The largest privately owned arts facility in the nation. Visit over 200 artists of all types, including Jeff and Tara at Cigar Box Guitar Store and Danny Davis Guitars at Tangled String Studio. Grab a bite to eat at one of the eateries and stay for the music at Concerts on the Dock.
- Stovehouse is another great place to relax and enjoy with its eats, drinks, shopping, and live music. If you plan to sample the area’s craft beer, hop on the Craft Beer Trail early in your stay.
Saturday, September 28
This is the day we’ve all been waiting for SOUTH STAR MUSIC FESTIVAL!
- Fuel up for a full day of live music with a good breakfast, an amazing brunch (click to see our latest blog post covering brunch spots), or a lunch that will keep you going! The Downtown Huntsville area is full of culinary options.
- Then stop into the Huntsville Museum of Art, https://hsvmuseum.org/, and view “A Journey into Imagimation – Over 100 Years of Animation Art from Around the World” and “Eat, Drink & Be Merry.”
- While downtown, visit Harrison Brothers Hardware, the oldest running hardware store, to grab a souvenir, get a glimpse of local history, and see beautiful art.
Ducks and Koi fish at Big Spring International Park
Sunday, September 29
Ready for the second day of Huntsville’s inaugural music festival? Keep it light with coffee and pastries, or have a full Southern breakfast. Brunch is offered at many local eateries. Stroll through historic Huntsville, which features beautiful homes and businesses.
- While downtown, stroll through beautiful Big Spring International Park to see the ducks that inspired the Lucky Duck Scavenger HuntTM and watch the koi swim effortlessly down the shaded canal to the pond.
- Burritt on the Mountain, atop beautiful Round Top Mountain, features Dr. Burritt’s 1938 mansion, an 1800s historic park with a barnyard, and beautiful views of Huntsville.
- Ascend to Monte Sano State Park with its miles of nature trails and Japanese garden.
Saturn V at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Monday, September 30
South Star may be in the books, but there is still so much to do!
- Relax in the beauty of Huntsville Botanical Garden. Walk the pathways and experience the blooms, foliage, art, and the Scarecrow Trail.
- A short launch down the road is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. You can’t come to the Rocket City without experiencing the wonder of the origin of space travel. Walk through Rocket Park and see the progression of launch vehicles of the U.S. space program, experience simulators, then make your way to the Davidson Center for Space Exploration and be awe-inspired as you walk under an authentic Saturn V rocket!
We’ll be waiting for you at one of our Visitor Centers. Visit our website at Huntsville.org for the latest information on how to make this a trip you’ll always remember!
