Artemis launch, Jazz in the Park + 13 more Huntsville happenings this weekend

Goodbye August and HELLO September! This Labor Day weekend is full of events, but obviously the start to college football is also on the agenda for many folks here (check out our guide to places to watch the games this weekend).

Whether you want to take in a Trash Pandas game, catch some live music or get into some curling (yes, that’s what I said), there’s plenty to do in and around the Rocket City this weekend. Check it out:

Live Music

September is Huntsville Music Month, and there is a good slate of live music to enjoy in the city this weekend, among the Huntsville happenings. Here are few of the shows to catch:

• Tommy Friend: Sept 2, Rocket City Tavern, 11AM. Enjoy Huntsville’s finest saxophone artist for live summertime jazz during lunch.
• Alan Little: Sept. 2, Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 6PM. Lowe Mill’s Concerts on the Dock series is BACK!
• 5×5: Sept. 3, Stovehouse, 7PM. This local band covers songs from bands like Nirvana, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, Weezer, Blink-182, Rage Against The Machine and Foo Fighters.
• Sandy Lane: Sept. 3, Mad Malts, 7PM. Enjoy some awesome country music from Sandy Lane and have a couple of tasty brews!
• Jazz in the Park: Sept. 4, Big Spring Park, 5PM. Check out Ragan Whiteside, with opening acts, the Jemison High School Band and John Stoddart

Sports + Fitness

Whether you are participating in the sport or watching it, Huntsville has enough events to get your sports and fitness fix this weekend:

• Trash Pandas vs. Biloxi Shuckers: Sept. 2-4, Toyota Field, 6:30PM (Fri. & Sat.) 2:30PM (Sunday). Catch one of the final homestands of the 2022 season this weekend!
• Rock-It City Bonspiel: Sept. 2-4, Rocket City Curling Club, 12PM. This is Alabama’s first curling club hosting a competition in one of the fastest-growing winter Olympic sports around!
• Run Like a Boss 5K: Sept. 3, Athens Recreation Center, 7AM. A benefit Run/Walk to bring awareness and support to those affected by cancer. 
• Blue Heron Hundreds: Sept. 3, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, 6AM. Join North Alabama’s first 100 mile, 100k, 20-mile fun run and relays at the lovely Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.
• Alabama/ Auburn Season Kickoff Party: Sept. 3, Elk’s Lodge, 5PM. Bring your favorite tailgating dish down to watch Alabama and Auburn kick-off the season. Alabama game in smoking club and Auburn in the non-smoking dining bar.

Festivals, Markets, Tours

Hey guess what? Some of the summer farmers markets are winding down this month, so you may want to get out and grab some local produce this weekend! In addition to local markets, here are some more Huntsville happenings this Labor Day weekend:

• Huntsville Ghost Walk: Sept. 2-3, Harrison Bros. Hardware, 6PM. Meet at Harrison Bros. for a walking tour of Haunted Huntsville.
• Riverfest BBQ & Music Festival: Sept. 2-3, Rhodes Ferry Park (Decatur), 12PM. Check out this state championship barbecue cook-off with live music and family events.
• Artemis I Launch Party: Sept. 3, Space & Rocket Center, 12PM. Watch the launch of Artemis I on the huge screen under the Saturn V rocket at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!
• Madison City Farmers Market: Sept. 3, Trinity Baptist Church, 8AM. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople.
• Fractal Art Market on the Patio: Sept. 3, Fractal Brewing, 5PM. Local artists are on hand to sell their crafts and work, and you can enjoy some great local beer as well!

What are you planning to do this weekend? Let us know by tagging @hvilleblast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!