Habitat

for Humanity Hosts Raise the Roof Gala

The Habitat for Humanity affiliate that serves Madison and Limestone Counties hosted their first Raise the Roof benefit gala since 2020. at the Von Braun Center on March 7. Among the 250 attendees were guest speakers, including Kenneth "Kenny" Anderson, Huntsville’s first director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Garrett Fahrmann, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Rocket City Trash Pandas; and Paul Mielke, main cast member of A&E’s show Flipping Down South.

Fare was catered by the VBC with flowers and décor provided on loan from Brooks & Collier. Entertainment was by John Miller and Don Bowyer. Sponsors included Gold Sponsors Huntsville Area Association of Realtors and the Schrimsher Company.

Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley was established in 1987 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Since then, Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley has partnered with over 300 families to help them realize their dream of homeownership. Habitat builds strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

“This exciting and meaningful event will help us build even more affordable homes in Madison and Limestone Counties. Thank you for your generous support to eliminate substandard housing in our community,” said Chris Mixer, Director of Resource Development, Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. n

Written by Rishon Hanners

The Tennessee River Valley comes alive during the summer months. You could 昀ll every weekend with a different festival, market, or other activity that takes you outdoors and in the enjoyment of sun and blue skies. Here are some events to add to your calendars for May and June.

UNFRAMED: Off to the Races

Huntsville Museum of Art, Saturday, May 6 from 5 - 8 p.m

Calling all Kentucky Derby and Mint Julep lovers!

The Huntsville Museum of Art hosts an evening of unbridled fun, festivities & Derby fare. Mint Juleps of course, but also live music, live and silent auctions, and an opportunity to participate in a Bourbon tasting at an outdoor Bourbon Garden, featuring local and distinctive distillers. Visit hsvmuseum.org or more information.

Taps & Tunes Brewfest

Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville; Saturday, May 13 from 2 - 6 p.m.

Also known as Albertville Brewfest, Taps & Tunes returns to the Sand Mountain Amphitheater. Sample beers from over 30 breweries and 130 different beers and ciders, most from Alabama. Games, vendors, live music, food trucks and kid friendly entertainment. Visit https://sandmountainampitheater.com/ for tickets and more information.

Camp to Amp Festival 2023

MidCity District; Saturday, May 13, 12 - 6 p.m.

The Orion Amphitheater, MidCity District, The Camp, and the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) are teaming up to bring the North Alabama community a day 昀lled with fun, art, music, and celebration! This event is FREE! There are four stages planned with live music, performing artists, artist/vintage market, kid’s activities, photo booths, and food trucks. Family- and pet-friendly. Visit midcitydistrict.com for the schedule, line-up, and site map.

Tacos & Tequila 2023

Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville; Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m.

TI, Waka Flocka Flame, & the Yin Yang Twins are performing at this years’ Tacos and Tequila at beautiful Sand Mountain Amphitheater. Plenty of specialty food items and drink options available – including tacos and tequila. General Admission starts at $44. Visit https://sandmountainampitheater.com/ for more information.

39th Annual Poke Salat Festival

Downtown Arab; Saturday, May 20 at 9 a.m. The Poke Salat Festival is one of the longest running festivals in North Alabama and a long-standing community tradition to gather for a taste of poke salat, a dish discovered by the German settlers and cooked from the wild pokeweed plant. Visitors can also enjoy the local shops and cafes – with streets filled with art, vendors, wares, baked goods, live entertainment, as well as a food court filled with festival favorites. There’s even a Top Dog competition. Visit downtownarab.com for more information.

Rocket City BBQ & Soul Fest

NSS Convention Center, 6001 Pulaski Pike; Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Featuring a family-friendly day of food, fun, and sunshine, but also a chance for local pitmasters to show off their stuff in a day of BBQ Competition. With live music from regional soul artists and DJs, food and product vendors, and activities for all ages. Tailgating is encouraged so come early enough to claim a spot.

Fridays After Five 2023

Athens Main Street; Last Friday of the Month, April-September from 5 - 9 p.m.

Fridays After Five – the last Friday of the month from April to September. Music from regionally known bands, food trucks, local restaurants, and late shopping at the local businesses. Bring a chair and claim your spot while you enjoy the setting sun, great music, and even better company. Visit visitathensal.com for more information.

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Point Mallard Park, Decatur, Ala; Memorial Day Weekend

The oldest hot-air balloon race in the mid-South – the Jubilee draws about 60 pilots from 20 states for two days of competition and serves not only as a showcase for the City of Decatur but as a must-attend community event that draws visitors from all over the country. Admission and parking are free. Visit alabamajubilee.net for more information.

Concerts in the Park

Big Spring International Park; Mondays in June, July and August from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Concerts in the Park are a beloved Huntsville tradition. The free concerts are held over ten weeks starting the 昀rst Monday in June and ending in August. Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville’s Department of Parks and Rec present viewers with local music talent with a mix of musical genres. Bring your own seating and some snacks to enjoy. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. Pets on leashes are welcome. Visit huntsville.org for more information.

2023 North Alabama Airfest

Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU), Tanner; June 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The inaugural North Alabama Airfest, with more than two hours of 昀ying activities that the entire family will enjoy. Visit northalabamaairfest.昀ydcu.com for more information.

2023 Trash Pandas Beer & Wine Festival

Toyota Field, Madison; Saturday, June 17 from 2 - 6 pm

Enjoy more than 65 varieties of beer, wine, and champagne. This is a 21 and up event so have the babysitter lined up! A live band will perform throughout. Visit milb.com/rocket-city/news/2023-trash-pandasbeer-and-wine-festival for more information.

HydroFest

Sunset Drive, Lake Guntersville, June 24 and 25 HydroFest is the extreme event of the summer and a tradition that dates back to the 1940s. Located on beautiful Lake Guntersville, Hydrofest is like the F-1 racing of power boats racing four or 昀ve boats wide on a rectangle course at speeds of over 200 mph. Visit explorelakeguntersville.com/the-lake/ hydrofest/ for more information.

1-31 Huntsville Vegan Challenge

Multiple locations across Huntsville

During this time, restaurants throughout the area will feature special vegan menu items. Diners have the opportunity to go out, enjoy meals, vote, comment, and post photos of the delicious vegan meals they have ordered.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Trivia Tuesday

Presented by Pourhouse

Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Dr SW 6 - 8 p.m.

Hosted by Trivia Masters, Trivia Tuesdays invite you to show off your smarts for fun and prizes while enjoying premium wines, beer, and cocktails along with dinner and desserts from campus restaurants. Visit stovehouse.com for more information.

4 Spring Hat Luncheon

Huntsville Botanical Garden, Isenberg Grand Hall 11:30 – 1:30

Brush off those fabulous fascinators, breathtaking bonnets, and luscious lids because the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s 9th Annual Spring Hat Lucheon is back! Visit hsvbg.org for tickets and information.

4, 18 R&B Vibes Live at the Camp

5909 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806

Kick -off the weekend with R&B Night at The Camp. No cover charge. Bring lawn chairs. Pet friendly. Sponsor or Vendor, visit randbvibeslive.com for more information.

5 The Beasley Brothers-Live at Stovehouse

7 - 10 p.m.

5-7 Die Fledermas

Faith Presbyterian Church Whitesburg Drive SE

Opera Huntsville presents a staged production of Johann Strauss Jr’s comedic opera Die Fledermaus. With the combined forces of Huntsville Master Chorale and Huntsville Ballroom, Opera Huntsville offers an immersive dessert theater experience. Guests are encouraged to purchase a mask from the Opera Huntsville website and come dressed in their evening 昀nery. The opera will be performed in English with supertitles. Visit operahuntsville.org for tickets and information.

6 Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Stella’s Elixir Lounge

127 Holmes Ave N. Downtown Huntsville from 1 - 3 p.m.

Stella’s Third Annual Kentucky Derby Watch Party features live music, bourbon, bowties and big hats as guests wait to see the most exciting two minutes in sports. Visit stellashsv.com for more information.

6 Hunnivega – Live at Stovehouse 7 – 10 p.m.

7, 14, 21, 28 Market at MidCity

5909 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806

Sundays March 12 – November 12 from 12 - 4

The 5th season of The Market at MidCity, Huntsville’s Market for Farmers, Artisans, Makers, Growers, Musicians, and more. Each week The Camp hosts nearly 50 local farmers, growers, bakers, and makers. Visit explorethecamp.com/market for more information.

The Stovehouse (Royal Room)

3414 Governor’s Drive from 6 - 10 p.m. This is the inaugural event for The Cure Bash for Cure Diabetes, Inc. The event features a healthy dinner, dancing to the music of JED Eye and an exhibition from Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The goal is to raise funds for a mobile education van to deliver diabetes prevention and education programs in Madison, Morgan, Limestone, DeKalb, Marshall and Jackson Counties. The evening will honor the life and work of its founder, Dr. Robert H. Creech, an endocrinologist that passed away suddenly in April of 2021. Mayor Tommy Battle will present a proclamation on behalf of the city. Visit curediabetesinc.org for more information.

12 3Way Handshake – Live at Stovehouse

7 - 10 p.m.

13 April Pendergrass Band – Live at Stovehouse

7 - 10 p.m.

18 Voices of Our Times with Elizabeth Locke

Huntsville Museum of Art

300 Church Street SW

1 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The popular series, Voices of Our Times presents jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke. Elizabeth Locke draws on a lifelong fascination with the antique jewelry of the Etruscans, Greeks and Romans as she creates her own neo-classical hand-made 19k gold jewelry. The event features a luncheon, presentation and book signing. Visit hsvmuseum.org/ elizabeth-locke for more information.

19 Bad Camaro – Live at Stovehouse

7 - 10 p.m.

19-21 Master Artist Workshop with Ann Moeller Steverson

Huntsville Museum of Art

300 Church Street SW

Want to paint more vibrant portraits? Ann Moeller Steverson will teach you how to create beautiful soft skin tones with a rainbow of natural colors. Visit hsvmuseum.org for more information.

20 Huntsville Classic

Orion Amphitheater

The 2022 Huntsville Classic made history as the 昀rst event in the Orion Amphitheater. Every dollar raised will bene昀t the top priority needs of the community notfor-pro昀t hospitals. Artist to be announced soon. Visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org for more information.

20 Hard on the Chickens – Live at Stovehouse 7 - 10 p.m.

26 Shane Davis Group – Live at Stovehouse 7 - 10 p.m.

Huntsville Museum of Art

300 Church Street SW

The Museum looks forward to welcoming guests and their families during the Memorial Day weekend with free admission from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit hsvmuseum.org for more information.