Free events in Decatur, AL

Now in its eighth season, this weekly market highlights Huntsville’s community of local farmers, bakers, artisans, makers, growers, musicians, and more. Over 50 local vendors participate each week, offering plenty of opportunities to explore their goods. The market has moved to a new location and continues to feature live music, coffee and tea from Tour Les Jour, Perseus Sound Bar, Tupelo Honey, and Greenroom Coffee, along with adult beverages in the Purple Cup District. Expect great shopping, diverse cuisine, and occasional special guests who drop by to greet shoppers.

Splash Bash returns as a free community celebration at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, packed with water fun for all ages. Enjoy water slides, a slip and slide, baby pools for little ones, a dunk tank, and complimentary sno-cones. The opening portion is designed for children 12 and under to enjoy with their families, and parents can stay and take part. Afterward, the focus shifts to middle and high school youth for their own time to cool off and hang out with friends. Admission is free and no registration is required, offering an easy way to celebrate the end of summer.

An inclusive weekly gathering for adults who enjoy fiber arts, crafts, and metaphysical interests takes place at Panera Bread in Madison. Attendees may bring a portable project, coloring materials, tarot decks, or a book to read, or simply relax and chat with others. There is no charge to participate, and supporting Panera with a purchase is appreciated.

A no-cost, interactive workshop at The Agribition Center offers practical training in elderberry production from planting to harvest. Participants will explore site selection and planting methods, soil health and ongoing crop care, and pruning with seasonal planning to support stronger yields and improved fruit quality. The program also addresses identification of common pests and diseases and emphasizes sustainable approaches that keep plantings vigorous. Content includes integrated pest management for soft fruits, current research on parasitoid wasps and strategies for managing spotted wing drosophila (SWD), plus in-field demonstrations and conversations with growers. The day concludes with a visit to The People’s Patch Madison County Community Farm for a tour of elderberry plantings and a discussion of production practices in real-world conditions. Presenters include David Buehler, a fourth-generation farmer and owner of Elder Farms in Mount Vernon, Missouri, one of the nation’s largest organic commercial elderberry operations, continuing a family tradition dating to 1899 and supporting American elderberries through production, research, and education; Dr. Olufemi (Femi) Ajayi, an entomologist and plant protection specialist who directs the Industrial Hemp and Specialty Crops Program at Alabama State University and focuses on IPM, biological control, sustainable crop protection, and insect ecology; Holt Akers-Campbell, commercial horticulture Extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University whose work centers on sustainable food and landscape systems and who is pursuing doctoral research at Mississippi State University to improve the yield and quality of Passiflora incarnata grown as a medicinal herb; and Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah, an entomologist and IPM specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University who leads initiatives in environmentally responsible pest management, food security, and agricultural innovation and collaborates widely to turn science into practical solutions for growers, including efforts to advance sustainable elderberry production. This program is supported by a SARE-funded project, OS25-185, assessing the sustainability of soft fruit and berry crop production in Alabama. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, representing Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. For reasonable accommodations or free language access services, contact Dr. CAM at (256) 924-0457 or akotscl@aces.edu.

Free Fitness Tuesdays brings a complimentary step aerobics class with The Cardio Factory. The session offers an energetic, engaging workout at The Artist Meadow at The Orion Amphitheater. All fitness levels are welcome, whether you bring a friend or come on your own.

This dance night now takes place at The Beerhog, starting with an instructional class and continuing with open social dancing. Admission is free. It welcomes newcomers who want to learn, experienced social dancers ready to practice, and those who simply want to spend time with friendly people and upbeat music.

No Boundaries is a beginner friendly 5K program created for people who are inactive or just getting started with running or walking. It is a nationally organized and widely recognized program sponsored by New Balance, and this offering is specific to the Madison PM group. Over eight weeks, participants receive two group training sessions each week, informational newsletters, a daily training schedule, and educational clinics. While the focus is on newcomers, walkers, walk runners, and runners of all paces are welcome, and the environment is inclusive of every shape and speed. Training centers on preparing for the Liz Hurley 5k as the goal event. The program is free, and race registration is not included. Sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at Fleet Feet Madison. For questions, contact Suzanne Swift at suzanne@fleetfeethuntsville.com.

No Boundaries is a beginner friendly 5K training program for people who are inactive or new to running and walking. It is nationally organized, sponsored by New Balance, and offered through Fleet Feet, and this group is for the Huntsville PM cohort only. Over eight weeks, participants receive structured coaching with twice weekly group sessions at Fleet Feet, along with informational newsletters, a daily training schedule, and educational clinics. While the focus is on newcomers, walkers and runners of all levels are welcome and the environment is inclusive for all body types and paces. Training builds toward the Liz Hurley 5K as the goal race. The program is free, excluding the race fee, and registration for the Liz Hurley 5K is not included. A kickoff and a first group run begin the season. For questions, contact Suzanne Swift at suzanne@fleetfeethuntsville.com.

Trivia Masters hosts a trivia night at CD's Pub & Grill in Madison. There is no cost to play, and answering questions correctly can earn prizes.

Sing your favorite songs and step into the spotlight at a karaoke night that welcomes everyone. Participation is free with no cover, just bring your voice. A $4 Pop-Up Shot Special is available all night, and guests are encouraged to cheer one another on. Hosted at Maggie’s.

Settle into a relaxed summer series where music, nature, and community weave together at sunset. On select Fridays from May through September, the Garden buzzes with live performances, picnics, and friends enjoying the outdoors. Thanks to the Huntsville Music Office and the City of Huntsville’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, admission is free during Golden Hour events. The experience centers on the Cedar Glade, yet melodies carry throughout the grounds, creating an easygoing backdrop for exploring, lounging on a blanket, or catching up with friends. Beverages, both with and without alcohol, are available for purchase at the Garden Bar, and Fern & Feast On-The-Go serves made-to-order bites for a casual meal. As daylight fades, guests connect with nature, listen to live music, and savor an unhurried close to the week. On the third Friday of May, June, July, and August, the evening expands with a small market featuring local makers for an extra touch of creativity.

A lively market fills downtown Huntsville’s Courthouse Square with more than 40 local artisan vendors alongside live music. Admission is free, making it easy to browse handmade goods and support local businesses at your own pace. Presented with support from Redstone Federal Credit Union.

Crochet Club offers a welcoming space to stitch, learn, and chat each week. Beginners can get started with free introductory lessons, and while all ages are welcome, instruction is generally best for those 10 and older. Despite the name, the gathering is open to portable crafts beyond crochet, including knitting, cross stitch, and quilting. Bring a project, connect with fellow makers, and enjoy relaxed, creative time together.

This free back to school seminar offers a hands-on class where participants get to break a board while exploring techniques to sharpen attention, build the self-belief to do their best, and push through obstacles with perseverance.

A welcoming Magic Commander night for girls who want to play and connect. Entry is free, with an emphasis on community and fun. Attendees can bring a bracket 3 commander deck, and choosing a female commander suits the theme but is optional. Crafts will also be available for anyone who prefers to relax and hang out.