Otherwise family-oriented and quiet during the day, Huntsville erupts with tons of energy and bustle after the sun goes down. Fun things to do in Huntsville at night are aplenty so if you happen to spend a night or two in the city or even live there, rest assured you won’t be disappointed with the variety of nighttime excitement this charming city has to offer.
What fun things can you do at night?
Just like anywhere else on the globe, it all depends on how you envision a fun night out. In the Rocket City, there is a little bit of fun for every pocket, age, and preference. Whether it’s the high-end dining restaurants, comedy stand-ups, music vibes, or free cultural events – Huntsville has the whole package. Being a home to some of Alabama’s top attractions, such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, or Harmony Park Safari, there are plenty of day options at hand too. That way you can start your exploration of the city while the sun is still up and wrap up your night out in Huntsville with a visit to some of these top 10 ideas.
1. Stand Up Live
It really makes no difference whether you’re new in town or you’re a local – having a good laugh is a great way to kick off your fun night in Huntsville. Stand Up Live is where you should be headed as this club is the epicenter of comedy in the city. It hosts some of the most hilarious comedians around and your visit is accompanied by a standard food and drinks menu. The venue is clean and neat although you will want to make an advanced reservation and arrive a bit earlier in order to take the seats closest to the stage.
Address: 2012 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Website: Stand Up Live
2. Church Street Wine Shoppe
Wine lovers will be absolutely thrilled to discover the newest wine shoppe in downtown Huntsville. The shop frequently organizes wine tasting events and houses and epic inventory of 1 000 wines from all around the globe, including some of the rarest brands in the state of Alabama. In addition to this, the owners are dedicated to helping charitable causes and the shop also showcases local artists whose works are available for purchase. Glass holders, bottle stoppers, glass charms, and many other souvenirs are a great token of your visit to bring back with you. The shop is closed on Sundays and welcomes guest on any other day until 10 PM (Monday to Thursday) or until 11 PM (Friday and Saturday).
Address: 501 Church Street, Downtown Huntsville, AL 35801
Website: Church Street Wine Shoppe
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3. Bridge Street Town Centre
This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex is ideal for getting a taste of nightlife in Huntsville. With over 70 high-end shops, exclusive restaurants, and a movie theater, this bustling center will surely keep you entertained for hours on end. As you stroll down the cobble-stoned walkways, you can listen to local musicians and pavement performers whose melodies gently reverberate among the modern storefronts and charming buildings. Bridge Steet is just 5 minutes from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, making it an ideal night attraction after you visit the largest space museum in the world.
4. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
With the aim of creating a win-win set of circumstances for artists and their admirers, the organizers of this art center have come up with space where artists can create, exhibit, and sell their works and the public can visit, observe the creative process, and eventually purchase their pieces. Not only is it the largest privately owned arts facility in the states but it also hosts artists from all over the world. It comprises 148 working studios, 6 galleries, performance venues, and a theatre. Visiting the center is a great way to kick off a Friday night in Huntsville but keep in mind that it closes at 8 PM, making it a great intro to other nocturnal adventures around the city. The best part is that they frequently organize free events which means you can appreciate some quality art free of charge.
Address: 2211 Seminole Dr. Huntsville, Alabama 35805
Website: Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
5. The Von Braun Astronomical Society
Initially founded in 1954 as the Rocket City Astronomical Association by a group of high school students interested in Astronomy, the Von Braun Society kept expanding over the decades to become one of the top facilities with an observatory, solar telescope, and planetarium. The planetarium and observatory are situated in Monte Sano State Park just outside Huntsville and they organize “Concerts in the Park” in collaboration with the local community. If the weather permits, the public is welcome to attend planetarium programs which comprise guest speakers and viewing the night skies. The society host a public planetarium show every Saturday beginning at 7:30 PM and other astronomical events that include sky-gazing under the guidance of their experienced and knowledgeable observing staff. If you’re short of late night ideas for your visit to Huntsville, you’ll hardly find anything more spectacular than this.
Address: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801-1029
Website: The Von Braun Center
6. Connors Steak & Seafood
You can enjoy a memorable night in Huntsville by paying a visit to one of the best fresh seafood and steak restaurants around. The quality of their service did not go unnoticed which is why Busines Insider rated this restaurant the best steakhouse in Alabama in 2015. Their commitment to the superior dining experience is what propels them forward and beyond Alabama’s borders, leading them to open three more restaurants in Tennessee and Florida. Their guests are the biggest advocates of the quality of food and service which is why the restaurant receives superlative reviews year in, year out. In case you want to treat your palates with some of the best food in the area, Connors is definitely the place to go. It’s open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and closes at 10 PM on other days.
Address: 345 The Bridge Street, Huntsville, AL 35806
Website: Connors Steak & Seafood
7. Palms Nightclub
If you want to blow off the steam by dancing away into the night, Palms Nightclub in Huntsville’s Historic Square District is just the right place to go. The club likes to say that “what happens in Palms, stays in Palms” which is more than enough to assure of the quality of partying. There is full bar service stocked with wines, beers, cocktails, and mixed drinks while the dancefloor is left to awesome DJs and live performers, guaranteed to get the party started as soon as they climb the stage. Guests will be asked to provide a valid identification as the club has 21 and over policy. The doors are open on Friday and Saturday from 9 PM until 2 AM.
Address: 109 Washington Street SE, Downtown Huntsvegas
Website: Palms Nightclub
8. The Rhapsody Jazz Café
In case you feel like relaxing to the smooth sounds of jazz late at night, look no further than the Rhapsody Jazz Café. Ever since her school days, the owner of the café Dr. Deidra Willis dreamed about opening a live entertainment restaurant that would become a haven for jazz fans in and around her home town, Huntsville. When years had passed, Deidra decided that it was high time she got the idea up and running so she opened this lovely jazz café that keeps welcoming jazz musicians from around the globe while serving its visitors with excellent cuisine, a compelling array of hand-crafted cocktails, and a fine selection of wines. Being a music admirer and food connoisseur herself, Deidra has a keen eye for detail so you can rest assured this cafe will provide you with an unforgettable night in a wonderful surrounding. The cafe is closed on Sundays and opens at 11 AM on working days, including Fridays and Saturdays until midnight.
Address: Northside Plaza Shopping Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35810
Website: The Rhapsody Jazz Café
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9. Cotton Row Restaurant
Hardly will you find a more romantic restaurant in Huntsville than Cotton Row. Situated in a three-story brick building dating back to 1821, Cotton Row is dedicated to elegance, comfort, and contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant’s motto goes a long way in keeping the cotton traders’ spirit alive through its decor and southern hospitality. The ever-changing menus showcase a compelling combination of tastes and dishes, driven by locality and seasonality and accompanied by the finest wine selections in Alabama. The restaurant also hosts special events such as Patio Tasting Parties and cooking classes with a world-class chef James Boyce. Dinners are available from Monday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM, making this restaurant an ideal location to get a taste of Huntsville’s charm.
Address: 100 South Side Square, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Website: Cotton Row
10. Pints & Pixels
This bar in Downtown Huntsville serves craft beers, cocktails, and delicious food, accompanied by over 50 vintage arcade games and pinball machines. You can expect a boisterous atmosphere late at night as things heat up with all those vintage machines around, evoking the 70’s and the 80’s vibe with a touch of nostalgia. The service in the bar is superb and there are lots of chili choices in the main menu, especially those mirroring Anaheim Chili. The bar has been receiving exceptional reviews over the past few years so it’s really clear why you should mark it on your Huntsville itinerary, especially if you happen to be there on Friday or Sunday as the bar is open until 1 AM.
Address: 115 Clinton Ave East, 3rd Floor, Huntsville, AL 35801
Website: Pints & Pixels
Wherever you decide to spend a night out in Huntsville, you definitely won’t be disappointed with so many options at hand. In order to make the most out of your visit, make sure to keep track of the latest updates so that way you will know if any of these spots are temporarily or permanently closed, such as the Southern Adventures Amusement Park which is unfortunately out of order until further notice. Other than that, there is nothing to impede your unforgettable stay in this charming city.
