News Summary
This Memorial Day weekend, the Tennessee Valley hosts various events honoring military service and providing entertainment for all ages. Highlights include the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur, the Smith Lake Park Festival in Cullman, and a shopping event at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro. Ceremonies will also take place to remember fallen heroes, while family-friendly activities and special offers at local attractions aim to create a festive community spirit during the holiday.
Decatur, Alabama – This Memorial Day weekend, the Tennessee Valley will come alive with a variety of events honoring military service members while providing fun for all ages. From hot air balloons to local festivals, activities will take place from May 24 to May 26, 2025, across multiple locations in the region.
The 48th Annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic will kick off on May 24-25 at Point Mallard Park in Decatur. Visitors can expect colorful balloon displays and exciting rides, making this a family-friendly highlight of the holiday weekend.
Cullman is also celebrating with the Smith Lake Park Memorial Day Weekend Festival on May 24, featuring food trucks, entertainment, and arts and crafts vendors. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers free admission to all attendees. Food lovers will find a variety of options while enjoying live performances.
In Scottsboro, Unclaimed Baggage will host a Memorial Day Weekend shopping event from May 24-26. Shoppers can take advantage of deals like the Fill-A-Jumbo-Bag for $20.25 and a selection of shoes for just $5. Daily activities at the shopping event include the entertaining 60 Second Showdown and a BBQ menu featuring offerings from SoCo BBQ and Sweet Seasons Gourmet Shaved Ice.
Monday, May 26, will be a day of remembrance with several ceremonies scheduled across the Tennessee Valley. The annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Laying of Wreath will be held at 11 a.m. at the Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial Park on Monroe Street. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs as they honor fallen heroes.
Yulista is offering complimentary admission to the Huntsville Botanical Garden on May 26 for U.S. military service members, veterans, Yulista employees, and their immediate family members from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with valid ID. This initiative aims to celebrate and recognize the contributions of military personnel.
Other local cemeteries will hold their own Memorial Day ceremonies, including events at Jimmy Harris VFW Post 6837 in Boaz at 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park in Florence-Lauderdale at 11 a.m., and a ceremony in Athens at 100 W Pryor Street also at 11 a.m. On the same day, the Decatur Morgan County Gold Star Families Memorial Day is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Daikin Amphitheater.
The Guntersville Farmers Market will feature a Memorial Day ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by a groundbreaking ceremony at 2:30 p.m., ensuring that local community spirit is alive and well throughout the weekend. Additionally, Sicilian cuisine and festivities will be featured at the Jamorial Day Party at The Electric Belle in Huntsville, which includes live music and family activities on May 26.
For families looking for entertainment, the sixth annual Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair at Toyota Field runs from May 15 to May 25, offering a mix of rides and games in collaboration with the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Kissel Entertainment. On May 25, the Shoals Theatre will screen Disney’s Aladdin at 2 p.m., with tickets priced at $6.40 each.
Finally, the Summer Spectacular at the Hogan Family YMCA on May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. marks the opening of the outdoor pool, offering free, family-friendly activities that will delight children and parents alike.
This Memorial Day weekend presents numerous opportunities for commemorating those who served while enjoying community festivities across the Tennessee Valley. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in these events to celebrate the holiday.
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: Memorial Day Weekend Events
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- The Bama Buzz: Memorial Day Events
- Google Search: Memorial Day events Alabama
- WAAY: Huntsville’s Memorial Day Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Patriotism
- Hville Blast: What’s Open & Closed Memorial Day
- Google News: Memorial Day 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
