Cigar Box Guitar Festival headlines exciting weekend of events

The first weekend of June — or the last Friday of May, however you want to look at it — is upon us and we have so many cool things to do over the next few days.

Here are our top picks for weekend fun here in the Rocket City:

1. Cigar Box Guitar Festival

Did you know that the longest-running cigar box guitar festival is right here in Huntsville? Well it is, and this year (the 20th edition of the festival) the festival extends to four days, taking place at five different venues all weekend.

• When: May 30-June 2
• Where: Lowe Mill, Joe Davis Stadium, Casual Pint, Orion Amphitheater, BeeZr
• More info

2. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

This 360º digital art exhibition opens in Huntsville this weekend, and invites you to step into the universe of the Dutch genius, Vincent van Gogh, brought to you by the organizers of a collection of widely successful exhibitions present in cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

• When: May 30 – Aug. 31, 7PM
• Where: 6123 University Dr NW #100, Huntsville, AL 35806
• More info

3. Food Truck Rally

Although normally taking place on the third Friday of every month, this month’s regularly scheduled rally was rescheduled for this Friday due to weather. So don’t miss it!

• When: May 31, 5PM-9PM
• Where: Big Spring Park, 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• More info

4. Fitness in the Park

Help get yourself in shape at this free fitness class Saturday morning at Big Spring Park. This week’s class is Kardio Dance Fitness.

• When: June 1, 9AM
• Where: Big Spring Park, 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• More info

5. Hike at Bethel Spring

For National Trails Day, take a guided hike through Bethel Spring Nature Preserve with the knowledgeable and always informative guides from the Land Trust of North Alabama.

• When: June 1, 9AM
• Where: Bethel Spring Nature Preserve, 2641 Cherry Tree Rd, New Hope, AL 35760
• More info

6. Wally Vess Fishing Rodeo

The 40^th annual Wally Vess Fishing Rodeo is Saturday at Brahan Spring Park Lagoon, which will be stocked with catfish — so kids age 6-12, head on out and see what you catch!

• When: June 1, 7AM-11AM
• Where: Brahan Spring Park, 3771 SW Ivy Ave, Huntsville, AL 35805
• More info

7. Daylily Garden Open House

Enjoy and learn about the many varieties of daylilies at Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Daylily Garden Open House on Saturday.

• When: June 1, 9AM
• Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
• More info

8. Golf + Gloss Ladies Golf Clinic 

Enjoy a private small group golf lesson from PGA professional on the beautiful green. Learn the basics in golf to include rules and etiquette, putting, chipping and more.

• When: June 1, 10AM – 2PM
• Where: Sunset Landing Golf Course, 346 James Record Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35824
• More info

9. Straight to Ale 15th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate with Straight to Ale Brewing as they commemorate 15 years in the Rocket City. Enjoy fabulous food, live usic, fun activities and — of course — delicious craft beer.

• When: June 1, 11AM
• Where: Straight to Ale, 2610 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
• More info

10. 3rd Annual Huntsville Choral Festival Concert

This concert, featuring the Festival Choir (made up of Huntsville Master Chorale members and Festival attendees) and a full orchestra, is free and open to the public.

• When: June 1, 5:30PM
• Where: Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
• More info

11. Unique Live Band

Enjoy live, funky, soulful R&B music by Unique Live Band Saturday on the main food garden stage at Stovehouse.

• When: June 1, 7PM
• Where: Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
• More info

12. Steve Earle

Legendary musician Steve Earle is playing a solo acoustic show at Mars Music Hall Saturday night!

• When: June 1, 8PM
• Where: Mars Music Hall, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• More info

13. Fuel Fest

Check out this free car show under the dome in Apollo Park at the Orion Amphitheater Sunday!

• When: June 2, 1PM-5PM
• Where: Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
• More info

14. Small Dog Meetup

Head out to Rocket City Dog Bar this weekend — bring your pooch — for a Small Dog Meetup.

• When: June 2, 10AM-12PM
• Where: Rocket City Dog Bar, 2404 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
• More info

15. Nate Bargatze

Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world, and brings his hilarious show to Huntsville.

• When: June 2, 7PM
• Where: Propst Arena, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• More info

Do you know of an event you think our readers might enjoy? Add your event for free to our events calendar.

Want to stay in the know about what’s new and happening in and around Huntsville? Follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.