Discover the best things to do this spring in North Alabama whether you’re local or planning to visit.
Green trees, blooming flowers, and hints of warm weather have North Alabama coming alive. If you’re itching to get outdoors, deciding where to begin your springtime adventure can be a challenge. With so much to do and see in North Alabama, we’ve narrowed down some spring activities and attractions for you to mark on your calendar.
Things to Do this Spring in North Alabama
As you plan your springtime activities across North Alabama, consider this your invitation to discover both iconic events and hidden gems throughout the region – all enhanced by the season’s natural beauty.
So whether you’re a local or planning to visit the area, continue reading to learn more about some of our favorite events and locations for you to check out this spring.
Hubert Family Farms
Hubert Family Farms in New Market has evolved from a traditional row-crop family farm to a vibrant spring destination. Each season, visitors can hand-pick their own tulips straight from the farm, with cutting and wrapping available on-site. Beyond flowers, the farm offers hot air balloon rides, food trucks, a tulip trolley, live entertainment, and a petting zoo—creating a complete family experience.
Hubert Family Farms opens March 18 and will continue to welcome visitors as long as the tulips are alive and well during the spring season. For updates, follow @HubertFamilyFarms on Facebook and Instagram and check the Hubert Family Farms website.
Isom’s Orchard
Another farm favorite in the area is Isom’s Orchard. Known for their apple cider slushes in the fall, you don’t want to miss the equally decadent fresh strawberries and strawberry donuts in the springtime.
To better serve its customers, this family business in its fourth generation of growers spent the winter building a more accessible produce stand and parking lot in Athens. We can’t wait to see their improvements!
You can expect you-pick days for strawberries to begin in April, as well as the selling of fresh turnip greens, honey, and jams. Follow Isom’s Orchard on Facebook for up-to-date information on the fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies they have available.
Battle of the Buffalo
Battle of the Buffalo is an annual philanthropic event hosted by the men of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. The event is presented by Clearview Cancer Institute and honors Paul “Fish” Salmon, a brother of the fraternity who passed away in 2007 from leukemia. Since 2009, this buffalo wing-centered festival and competition has raised over $400,000 for the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation and the HudsonAlpha Foundation as they support local cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Individuals can enjoy the wing festival in Big Spring Park on Saturday, April 12 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm where local restaurants and amateur chefs will compete. Complete with a kids’ zone and the Salmon Run 5k to kickstart the festivities, this is sure to be a day of love, health, and charity that everyone can enjoy.
Tickets, donations, and 5k signups can be found here.
Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo
Get ready for an action-packed weekend at the 43rd Annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo, also known as the Greatest Show on Dirt East of the Mississippi! Mark you calendar for Friday, May 16 and Saturday, 17, as this thrilling two-day event kicks off. The rodeo promises excitement with events like bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, break-away roping, and more. You won’t want to miss all the family-friendly events offered to rodeo fans of all ages!
what makes this event even more special is its mission – all proceeds go toward securing training and equipment for the deputies of the Limestone County Sheriff’s office. It’s not just fun, but an opportunity to support your local heroes.
For more information on tickets and a schedule of events for the two-day rodeo, check the event’s official website.
Athens-Limestone County Nature and Heritage Trails
Did you know the Athens area features many historical districts and trails? Get outside this spring – and learn about the incredible history of the Athens community – by taking a historic walking tour. With plenty of free tours exploring the Beaty, Houston, Athens State College, and Downtown historic districts, there’s a spot for historians of all ages. Find walking and driving brochures at the Athens-Limestone County Visitors Center, or click here to contact the Visitors Center and start planning your tour.
If hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking is more your style, take in beautiful scenery on one of the many nature trails located near Athens.
Hikers, bikers, joggers, and even horseback riders will love the 10.3-mile Rails to Trails that winds past the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle. A Native American Heritage Trail, Singing River Trail, will soon connect Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties to become North Alabama’s longest greenway. The Athens Recreation Loop passes Swan Creek Park and offers a shorter walking route that’s great for families. Find more Athens area trails here.
Taste of Soul Alabama Family Festival
If you’re a fan of great food and vibrant spirit of the Rocket City, this event is a must! Taking place at the iconic Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, this one-day celebration on Saturday, March 29, runs from 12pm to 8pm, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Visitors can expect to celebrate the heart and soul of Huntsville through lively music, flavorful food, and community spirit. Complete with food trucks, local vendors, live music, and DJ entertainment, you’re sure to have a good time and get some good food while you’re at it. This is a family event with kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect outing for everyone. Come celebrate Southern hospitality and discover the culinary gems of Huntsville!
Tickets are available for purchase here.
Huntsville Flea
Calling all thrifters and vintage-clothing aficionados! Huntsville Flea’s latest market will take place at The Roundhouse on Sunday, March 30 from 11am to 5pm. Welcome for all with free admission, visitors can enjoy browsing vinyl records, home decor, antiques, vintage clothing, and food truck vendors.
For updates on the event, check in with the Huntsville Flea Facebook event.
Alabama Strawberry Festival
Depot Park in Cullman will transform into a vibrant celebration of all things strawberry during the Alabama Strawberry Festival on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26. Entry to this fun-filled event is completely free.
Visitors can look forward to an all-star lineup of live music, including performances by Russell Dickerson, Chase Matthew, Lauren, Alaina, and other talented artists. Adding to the excitement, the 2025 Miss Alabama Strawberry Festival Pageant will grace the stage.
Festival-goers can also explore a variety of food vendors serving sweet treats, as well as unique markets from local craft artisans. More information on vendors and VIP ticket opportunities can be found here.
Panoply Arts Festival
If you’re a lover of the arts, Panoply is the place to be! Now in its 43rd year, the Panoply Arts Festival has grown to become the Southeast’s premier arts weekend. Hosted by Arts Huntsville in Big Spring Park, this annual event brings together a mix of creativity, music, and community spirit.
Panoply offers something for everyone. Art enthusiasts can explore works from over 100 visual artists representing diverse mediums or even find the perfect piece to enhance their collection. Music lovers can soak up the sounds of live performances, while foodies can savor a delicious snack from an artisan food truck. For families, this kid-friendly festival includes crafts, face painting, and interactive community art projects.
Mark April 25-27 on your calendar to make sure this festival of art and music becomes a staple in your spring schedule. More information and FAQ can be found here.
The options for springtime adventure are endless. Grab your calendar and make a plan to enjoy all that North Alabama has to offer in the coming weeks!
