Panoply is back at Big Spring Park April 24-26 with music, art, heartfelt tributes + more

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This year’s Panoply will take place April 24-26 in Big Spring Park — have you scored your tickets yet?

With 115+ artists showcasing work, 17 local bands performing, dozens of food trucks and local vendors and the help of 1,400+ volunteers, Panoply 2026 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

What to expect at Panoply 2026

Can’t-miss experiences

After attending Panoply many times, I’ve learned there will always be hallmark experiences. One of my favorite childhood memories is sipping on a lemonade while painting my name on the Panoply letters. Make your own core memories with these moments 👇

🎨 Community art projects

Paint something on the giant “Panoply” letters!
NEW: Paint suitcases for foster children with Unclaimed Baggage’s “Love Luggage Project”

🖼️ Juried Art Marketplace

Enjoy the works of 100+ artists from 30+ states, plus 33 first-timers!
Mediums include painting, ceramics, photography + more

🧠 STEAM Street

Experience Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts + Mathematics activities

🧑‍🎨 Creativity Corner

Let the kids (or your inner child) run free with hands-on activities

Music, tributes + more

Another hallmark of Panoply are the amazing music performances that happen each year. Here’s a look at the headliners you’ll want to see:

🙌 Friday night: Jazz McKenzie, the AAMU alum who just finished up an impressive finalist run on NBC’s “The Voice”, is kicking off the weekend with her powerful R&B-inspired vocals
🪕 Saturday night: Local blues group Otis Walker Band is taking the stage with their soulful hits — and a special tribute to a beloved Huntsville musician
🥁 Sunday night: Double Barrel, a Jacksonville-based classic rock group bringing certified fresh tunes, is closing out the weekend

On Saturday night, a special tribute jam to “Microwave” Dave Gallaher will take place. Microwave Dave was a long-standing member of the Huntsville music community and recurring performer at Panoply who passed away in early February. You’ll want to see this touching tribute performance!

Panoply’s growth in Huntsville

Initially a collaboration between the Junior League of Huntsville and Arts Huntsville (then-called The Arts Council), the first Panoply took place on May 14, 1982 in Big Spring Park — the same spot it sits today.

While the first festival was modest in size compared to the Panoply we see today, it was a smash hit and has since grown to become one of the largest arts festivals in the state of Alabama. Attendance in certain years has even reached over 100,000 across the entire weekend!

📖 DYK: Festival co-chairs Virginia Griffith and Carla King came up with its name after poring over a dictionary for hours? They had trouble naming the event before coming across “panoply (pa-nə-plē): a magnificent or impressive array.”

How to get tickets + what to know

When to visit Panoply

Friday, April 24: 5-9PM
- 🇺🇸 Military Salute Night: Active-duty military + Armed Forces Reserves members + families get FREE admission upon presentation of military ID
Saturday, April 25: 10AM-9PM
Sunday, April 26: 11AM-6PM
📍200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

Know before you go

🚗 Parking: Downtown lots + decks
👍 What to bring: Folding chairs, blankets, strollers or small wagons + sunscreen
👎 What’s not allowed: Outside food or drinks, coolers, pets, vapes/cigarettes