Weekly roundup
Hey Parents! 👋
Is anyone else feeling the holiday spirit sneaking in earlier than ever? The crisp November air has arrived just in time for the first holiday markets of the season!
The weekend’s looking like a choose-your-own-adventure situation. Get your outdoor fun in early with Friday’s gorgeous weather and Saturday morning’s clear skies before those afternoon showers roll in. But honestly? A little Saturday afternoon rain might be the perfect excuse to check out some indoor entertainment (theater, anyone?) or start tackling that holiday shopping list while sipping some apple cider.
Friday, November 7 | Saturday, November 8 | 10 AM
🎁 Harrison Bros. Craft Event
Harrison Brothers, Downtown Huntsville
Step back in time and kick off your holiday shopping at the historic Harrison Brothers Hardware store downtown! With two days of festive activities, this charming shop transforms into a holiday wonderland complete with apple cider, local tastings, and special visits. The historic ambiance, combined with local artisans, makes this a quintessential Huntsville holiday tradition that delivers both nostalgia and unique gift opportunities.
What to expect: Apple cider, jam sampling, and an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt both days, plus rotating local vendors and artisans. Saturday brings extra magic with Santa visits, book signings, and the holiday train!
Perfect for: Families looking for a festive downtown experience and shoppers seeking unique, locally-made gifts. Kids will love the scavenger hunt and Saturday’s Santa visit.
Pro tip: Saturday morning (10am-noon) packs in the most activities, including Santa, but Friday afternoon offers a more relaxed browsing experience with fewer crowds.
Cost: FREE admission!
Friday 7 PM | Saturday 2 PM & 7 PM | Sunday 2:30 PM
🍭 Willy Wonka JR. Performance
Academy for Academics & Arts Theater, Huntsville
Step into a world of pure imagination as the talented students of AAA bring Roald Dahl’s beloved classic to life on stage! This family-friendly musical follows the extraordinary tale of Willy Wonka, his chocolate factory, and the golden ticket winners who get the tour of a lifetime. With four performances across the weekend, you’ll have plenty of chances to experience the whimsy, wonder, and valuable life lessons this heartwarming show delivers.
What to expect: Colorful costumes, catchy songs, and all your favorite characters from the classic story, performed by local student actors who have poured their hearts into this production.
Perfect for: Families with children ages 4 and up who enjoy live theater and imaginative storytelling.
Pro tip: The Saturday matinee tends to be the most child-friendly atmosphere, while Friday’s show typically has the best seat availability.
Cost: Check with the theater for up-to-date pricing.
Saturday, November 8 | 10 AM - 5 PM
🦞 Lobsterfest 2025
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Huntsville
Get ready for a seafood feast with a side of community spirit at St. Thomas’ annual Lobserfest! This family-friendly event brings authentic Maine lobsters and mouthwatering BBQ to Huntsville, complete with homemade sides and desserts that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. While you’re enjoying your food, you can soak in live music in a relaxed atmosphere that feels like the neighborhood gathering you’ve been waiting for.
What to expect: Fresh Maine lobsters, delicious BBQ, homemade sides and desserts, plus a festive atmosphere with live music. The kids’ play area is free and open to all.
Perfect for: Families looking for a fun weekend outing, seafood lovers, and anyone who wants to support a good cause while enjoying great food.
Pro tip: Pre-order your food! The selection available on the day is limited, and you don’t want to miss out on those lobsters. All food must be picked up on Saturday.
Cost: Varies by food selection, but entry to the event area with music and kids’ activities is FREE!
Saturday, November 8 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
🌙 Parents’ Night Out at EarlyWorks
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, Downtown Huntsville
Need a break? EarlyWorks has your back with their monthly Parents’ Night Out! Drop the kiddos off for an evening of supervised fun while you enjoy some much-needed adult time. The museum transforms into a child paradise after hours with special activities, games, and exploration that will have them forgetting to miss you.
What to expect: Supervised museum exploration, hands-on activities, dinner, and snacks in a safe, educational environment
Perfect for: Children ages 3-10 who are comfortable with drop-off experiences
Pro tip: Registration fills quickly for these monthly events (second Saturday each month), so book early to secure your spot
Cost: $35 for the first child, $15 for each additional sibling
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
Harrison Bros. Craft Event - We’ll swing by for the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt (she’s obsessed with “finding things” right now) and I’ll sneak in some early Christmas shopping while she’s distracted. Friday’s smaller crowds make this manageable with a preschooler who sometimes gets overwhelmed in packed spaces.
Willy Wonka JR. - My daughter has been into “shows” lately, and the matinee timing works perfectly with her afternoon nap schedule. The 7 PM shows would be a disaster for us (hello, bedtime meltdowns), but 2:30 hits that sweet spot. Plus, supporting local student performers feels like the right thing to do.
Parents’ Night Out at EarlyWorks - I’m being 100% honest, after a full Saturday of dad duty, this is clutch. My daughter loves EarlyWorks already, so drop-off is tear-free, and my wife and I can grab dinner downtown. Win-win-win. We just have to book ASAP because these spots disappear fast.
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
Friday looks perfect for outdoor activities, but if you’re heading to the Harrison Bros. event on Saturday, go before 2 PM when those rain chances jump up. Sunday’s looking decent too, just pack a light jacket for those crisp mornings.
For Lobsterfest, if you want those Maine lobsters, pre-order NOW. We learned this the hard way last year when we showed up thinking we could buy day-of and watched the last lobster walk away with another family.
For Parents’ Night Out, remember kiddos need to be ages 3-10.
AAA Theater parking can fill up, though they do have overflow lots. Aim to arrive 20 minutes early to snag a good spot and settle in without rushing
Whatever you choose this weekend, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop us a comment on social or tag us in your family adventures.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀