FREE things you didn’t know you could get in Huntsville in May

Huntsville has lots to offer, and sometimes it gives it to you for free! From daily coffee to free concerts and dance lessons, we’re here to help you take advantage of all the freebies in the Rocket City.

Coffee + lattes at The Lumberyard

In honor of their reopening last month, The Lumberyard event venue is opening its doors to the community with the best incentive: free coffee. Just show up and order any drink of your choice from the menus of local coffee carts Sparrow Coffee Company or Onward Coffee.

Every weekday morning in May, you can grab a pick-me-up to-go, or sit and work in their rustic, artsy space (with free wifi!). Our favorite spots are the train car and hammock swings.

Psst! Look out for the glow-in-the-dark ping pong room, too.

• Where: The Lumberyard, 108 NW Cleveland Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801
• When: Every weekday in May, 8-11AM
  • Onward Coffee: 1st + 3rd week of May
  • Sparrow Coffee: 2nd + 4th week of May

Music festivals + shows

As the nation’s first city with an official Music Officer, Huntsville is making good on its promise to amplify the music scene in town.

“This week is a perfect showcase of Huntsville’s dynamic music ecosystem. These events reflect our city’s creativity, community spirit and the incredible talent we have right here at home.”

Matt Mandrella, Huntsville Music Officer

Check out the variety of free live music events happening around town this month and through the fall:

• Summer Sunset Concert Series:
  • 🗓Every second Tuesday, 6-8PM through August
  • 📍Ditto Landing
• 805 After Five: Grab a beer or bite to hang out and hear Huntsville’s up-and-coming musicians.
  • 🗓 Every third Thursday, 5-9PM through October
    • May 15
  • 📍 Campus 805’s Butler Green
• Thursday Summer Concert Series LIVE at Stovehouse: The lively Stovehouse courtyard will be packed for local performances.
  • 🗓Every Thursday, 6-9PM
    • May 15
  • 📍Stovehouse
• Concerts on the Dock: Bring your picnic blanket to enjoy live local music from the dock of Lowe Mill.
  • 🗓 Every Friday in May, 6-9PM
    • Returns August 29
  • 📍Lowe Mill 
• Camp to Amp Festival: This family festival features countless busking and on-stage performances from regional acts.
  • 🗓 Saturday, May 17, 12-6PM
  • 📍3 stages in MidCity 

Wine tasting at Charlie Foster’s

Did you know Charlie Foster’s offers free wine tastings once a month? If you haven’t been since they rebranded to an Espresso + Wine Bar, this is your sign.

Tonight, you can taste-test Rosé at their monthly “Uncork & Unwind” tasting event. The dark, moody decor and a *free* glass of bubbly may be just what you need to relax.

• Where: Charlie Foster’s at Stovehouse
• When: Thursday May 15, 5-9PM (come and go event)
  • Stay tuned for future events on Instagram

A behind-the-scenes look at The Orion (at Silent Book Club)

If you’re a fan of the Orion Amphitheater and have always wondered what it looks like from the artist’s POV…now is your chance! The only twist: bring a book for Silent Book Club.

Perfect for introverts, Silent Book Club meets monthly across town for strangers to sit and read any book in silence. My personal favorite meet-up spot is The Orion, where you get to read from backstage.

• Where: The Orion Amphitheater, 701 Amphitheater Dr NW, Huntsville, AL
• When: Wednesday, May 28, 5:30-7PM
• More info

West Coast Swing Dance Lessons

From personal experience, I can promise you don’t need to be a professional dancer to enjoy a night of swing dancing. With free lessons every week, The Rocket Westies curate a fun, welcoming space to learn a few West Coast Swing moves (and show them off afterward).

• Where: The Electric Belle at Stovehouse, 3414 Governors Dr SW Suite 310, Huntsville, AL
• When: Every Tuesday, 6:30-10PM
• More info

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