Spring in Huntsville: 7 ways to enjoy it now

Two children walk through rows of tulips at Hubert Family Farms in New Market, Alabama near Huntsville — Children pick tulips at Hubert Family Tulips, which opened for the 2026 season on March 10. (Jacob Blankenship / Hville Blast)

We are loving the early signs of spring in Huntsville, and the first official day of the 2026 season is on Friday, March 20.

Favorite farmers’ markets are reopening, hummingbirds are returning and we’re seeing more of our neighbors out and about.

Read on for seven fun ways to celebrate this seasonal shift.

7 ways to enjoy spring in Huntsville

1. Visit a farmers’ market

A woman looks on as her dog props up on a flower vendor table to meet the women working there at Madison City Farmers Market in Madison, Alabama. — Greene Street Market (Facebook)

While we’re fortunate to have a handful of farmers’ markets that keep us supplied with fresh local produce, baked goods, meats, and crafts year-round, many others pause during the fall and winter before reopening each spring.

🧑‍🌾 Check out our 2026 farmers’ markets guide to browse seasonal openings and plan your first market run of the season.

2. Plan a picnic

Two people relax and picnic on a blanket under cherry blossom trees at Big Spring International Park in Huntsville, Alabama — Big Spring International Park is a wonderful place to drop a blanket for a picnic. (Hville Blast)

Now is the time when you’ll see colorful blankets popping up on local park landscapes amid the greener grass, fresh florals, sunshine and warmer temps of spring.

🧺 Ready to pack your basket? Take our suggestions for great places to picnic around Huntsville.

3. Prep your hummingbird feeders

A hummingbird at a feeder in Alabama — (Carole Sawada / Bham Now)

Are your hummingbird feeders ready? Alabama Audubon reports that their migration begins in March along the state’s coast, with the birds moving farther north to us around the beginning of April.

💫 While you’re cleaning feeders and prepping sugar water, learn more about Alabama’s hummingbird migration from our statewide sister site, The Bama Buzz.

4. Make a patio or rooftop reservation

Patio at Stella's Elixir Lounge in Huntsville — Stella’s Patio is one of the best in Huntsville. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Seats are filling more quickly at rooftop bars and spacious patios around town, making happy hours happier with fresh air, people-watching and bird’s-eye views of the developing city skyline.

🍹Ready to find your favorite perch? Check out our list of must-visit patios in Huntsville + our Rocket City rooftop bars reel.

5. Snag tix for Rocket City Trash Pandas

A pitch midair during a Trash Pandas game at Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama — (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

The Rocket City Trash Pandas season opens Friday, April 3, against Biloxi, with opening night fireworks to follow the game at Toyota Field. The regular season stretches into September, with a final home series against Montgomery Sept. 1-6 and a final series away against Chattanooga, Sept. 8-13.

⚾️ See the full Rocket City Trash Pandas regular season schedule and snap up some seats now.

6. Catch azaleas as they pop + peak

Bold pink and magenta azaleas blooming on the Bush Azalea Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden — The Bush Azalea Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden (Huntsville Botanical Garden)

A couple walking dogs on the Bush Azalea Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden — The Bush Azalea Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden (Huntsville Botanical Garden)

Azaleas typically start blooming here in mid-to-late March, and for total azalea immersion, we recommend the Bush Azalea Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden, where over 3,000 native and ornamental azaleas put on a show.

🌸 The HBG azaleas usually hit their peak for about one week in April, and since the timing varies, we recommend you follow the Garden on Instagram to catch the announcement.

7. Lock in your seats for shows at The Orion

The Orion Amphitheater kicks off its concert season in April—at least so far, with the first big show announced as Rod Stewart on April 17. Besides consistently drawing top artists and admiring reviews from music fans, The Orion frequently makes national lists for being a top music venue.

📆 Stay tuned to Hville Blast for updates as they happen, and check out The Orion’s events calendar here.

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