From Broadway shows to low-key concerts on the river, Huntsville's live entertainment scene has something for just about everyone. On any given weekend (and plenty of weeknights), you can catch a touring show at a big downtown venue, a big-name concert at an outdoor amphitheater, a comedy act, or a free performance in the park with a food truck dinner and a blanket on the grass. 

 

Madison County has a surprisingly rich and varied entertainment scene, and locals know how to make the most of it. Whether you're planning a night out around a specific event or just want to see what's happening while you're in town, this guide has you covered. 

 

VBC Propst Arena

Music and Shows at the Von Braun Center

With several different performance spaces and stages, the Von Braun Center (VBC to the locals) plays host to big concerts, comedy acts, touring Broadway productions, hometown theater, sporting events, conventions, and more.

 

It’s located in downtown Huntsville in walkable distance to hotels, restaurants, and Big Spring Park, so it’s easy to access if you’re in town for a specific event at the VBC, or if you just want to see what’s on while you’re here. 

 

A packed crowd raises their hands at a live concert at The Orion Amphitheater, with a band performing on stage under bright lights and a large screen showing the lead singer mid-performance.

Concerts at the Orion

Located in the MidCity District, the Orion Amphitheater has an outdoor arena-style stage setup with an 8,000-person capacity. There’s a full schedule of touring shows each season, plus regular community events and festivals on the grounds. Check what’s on when you’re visiting Huntsville.

 

Cast members perform on stage during a Theatre Huntsville production, dressed in red, white, and black costumes while holding illustrated portraits. The ensemble stands beneath dramatic stage lighting in front of a multi-level set as part of a musical performance.

Theatre Huntsville Shows

The nonprofit Theatre Huntsville puts on live plays and musicals for locals and visitors alike. Shows are held at the VBC Playhouse, a small stage setting where the audience feels close to the action. A handful of shows are scheduled each season, including a special holiday production each year.

 

A drag performer stands on a small stage during Huntsville's Legendary Drag Brunch, entertaining guests beneath warm pendant lights in an intimate venue with a rustic wood backdrop and dramatic red accent lighting.

Drag Brunch at Straight to Ale 

Huntsville’s Legendary Drag Brunch is a local favorite, held on the last Sunday of each month at Campus No. 805’s Straight to Ale. Each event has a different theme, like a beachy Summer Spectacular and a Country Queens hoedown. Tickets and brunch are sold separately, so you can come to dine or just enjoy the show. 

 

A solo musician plays guitar and sings beneath a white canopy tent at Huntsville Botanical Garden. Surrounded by tall trees and garden pathways, the performer provides live music for guests relaxing throughout the garden during the evening.

Huntsville Botanical Garden 

Live entertainment at the Huntsville Botanical Garden includes annual theatrical events and ongoing music series. Most shows take place in the spring and summer in outdoor spaces, like the Golden Hour events with live music on Friday evenings between May and September, June’s Summer Solstice Concert at the Amphitheater, and the Shakespeare in the Garden series on a few weekends in July and August. The garden’s events calendar has all the details.

 

Concerts in the Park

Concerts in the Park

The Concerts in the Park series fills the air in downtown Huntsville with live music, as musicians take the stage at Big Spring International Park. The free shows are held on Monday evenings for 10 weeks between June and early August, put on by Arts Huntsville and the Huntsville Parks and Recreation department. Locals show up with blankets and lawn chairs to eat dinner picnics from onsite food trucks. 

 

Musicians on a stage in the dark at Stovehouse

Live Music at Stovehouse

Built on the site of an old stove factory, Stovehouse now holds shops, restaurants, and a few different stages. It’s pretty common to catch live music at the Food Garden lawn on weekend evenings, perfect for a casual dinner and show – no tickets needed. 

 

Guests relax in lawn chairs on the grass during a Ditto Landing Summer Sunset Concert Series performance. A duo performs on stage while families and friends enjoy live music along the Tennessee River in a laid-back outdoor setting.

Summer Sunset Concerts at Ditto Landing

The riverfront Ditto Landing is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset with free concerts on select summer evenings. The free Summer Sunset Concert Series takes place monthly on second Tuesdays between May and August, and locals love to bring lawn chairs and grab a food truck dinner to soak up the vibes. 

 

Comedy at Levity Live

Levity Live is a 21+ comedy club that hosts touring stand-up acts and occasionally homegrown comedians. The venue has a two-item minimum per person on food and beverages, but the menu has lots of options for snacks, desserts, and drinks, as well as full entrees for dinner. 

 

Live Entertainment in Huntsville

 

With so many venues, series, and one-of-a-kind events to choose from, there's rarely a dull night in Huntsville. The best way to stay in the loop is to check event calendars before your visit — popular tours sometimes sell out, and new entertainment options seem to pop up all the time. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime local, Huntsville’s live entertainment scene always has something worth showing up for.