Weekly roundup
Hey Parents! 👋
Stop the presses: there is NO rain in the forecast this weekend. After weeks of soggy Saturdays, we finally get a clear one… though summer is charging us for it with highs in the mid-90s. The lineup is worth the sweat: $5 pinball, funk and Motown on the mountain, market treasures at Lowe Mille, and a class where you paint a gourd to look like your dog.
Friday, August 14 | 11 AM - 9 PM
Starlight Pinball Arcade - $5 Fridays!
Lowe Mill
Every Friday, families can explore the arcade's growing lineup for just $5 per person—an affordable way to introduce kids ages 5 and up to gaming before screens took over. The arcade is open from 11:00 AM, making it a great option for late morning outings or afternoon entertainment. You'll find machines spanning decades of pinball design, from the electromechanical classics that ring and chime to the flashier digital-display games of the '80s and '90s, all tuned and ready for action.
What to expect: A carefully curated collection of pinball machines from the 1970s -90s, meticulously refurbished and maintained.
Perfect for: All ages
Pro tip: It's the kind of place where parents who grew up with these games can share their nostalgia while kids discover what made pinball so addictive long before smartphones existed.
Cost: $5 per person
Friday, August 14 | 6 PM
2026 City Lights Stars: Juice
Burritt on the Mountain
The City Lights & Stars concert series returns to Burritt on the Mountain for its 33rd season, bringing JUICE to the stage on August 14th. This high-energy band has shared billing with Kool & the Gang, Boyz II Men, and The Zac Brown Band, delivering performances that blend funk, R&B, and Motown into an electrifying show.
What to expect: Families can spread out blankets and lawn chairs while taking in panoramic views of Huntsville as the sun sets and the music begins.
Perfect for: It's an ideal summer evening activity for all ages, where kids can dance on the grass while parents relax with the city lights twinkling below.
Pro tip: Gates open at 6:00 pm. Food trucks will be on-site, and beer and wine are available for purchase, though outside alcohol isn't permitted.
Cost: $25 and up
Saturday, August 15 | 11 AM - 4 PM
Lowe Mill Outdoor Market
Lowe Mill
The Outdoor Market runs from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays between April 4 and October 24, 2026, with admission being free to all visitors. The market is weather-dependent, so it's wise to check Lowe Mill's social media before heading out on particularly iffy days. Since the venue already houses over 160 working artist studios, galleries, and performance spaces, families can easily extend their visit by exploring the indoor corridors if they arrive early or want to escape the heat—Lowe Mill's air-conditioned hallways are filled with working studios where artists often welcome visitors.
What to expect: This isn't your typical farmers market—you'll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to vintage treasures and fresh produce.
Perfect for: Everyone!
Pro tip: Bring reusable bags for your finds, and consider arriving closer to opening time for the best selection, especially if you're hunting for specific handmade items.
Cost: FREE
Saturday, August 15 | 1 PM - 4 PM
Hot Diggity Dog Birdhouse Gourd Class
Lowe Mill
Got a favorite pup? Bring a few photos and let’s turn a handcrafted gourd into a one-of-a-kind dog-inspired birdhouse! Join us for a fun afternoon of painting, creativity, sweet treats, and plenty of tail-wagging inspiration as you create your very own canine-themed gourd. Whether your best friend is a Chihuahua, Labrador, Dachshund, mutt, or anything in between, this class is designed so you can make your gourd look like your dog.
What to expect: One prepped dog-shaped gourd birdhouse, with supplies, tea, and refreshments
Perfect for: Dog lovers ages 5-14
Pro tip: Space is limited, so grab your spot and get ready for a paws-itively gourd-geous afternoon!
Cost: $75 per person
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
Starlight Pinball Arcade - Indoor fun that also brings back some nostalgia… count me in!
2026 City Lights Stars: Juice - Juice always puts on a great show! Burritt is an amazing location for outdoor music with the wonderful view!
Hot Diggity Dog Birdhouse Gourd Class - Of course I think this will be fun. I’m not too artistic, but the littlw one will have a blast painting a gourd to look like one of our pups!
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
The soggy Saturday streak is officially over… not a drop of rain in the forecast. In its place: heat. Mid-90s both days, so pack water everywhere you go, take advantage of Lowe Mill’s air-conditioned hallways between the market and the arcade, and let the evening breeze on Burrit do its thing for the Juice show.
If you end up at any of these, come say hi! I’ll be the dad at the gourd class slowly realizing my daughter’s painting actually looks like our dog, while mine looks like a potato wearing a hat.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀