As Our Valley Events’ Digital Media Wizard, I live, breath, eat and sleep all things Huntsville and Tennessee Valley events. So I figure I should share some of this amazing insight. As a friend of mine recently pointed out, there is A LOT going on in this town, and it can be a bit overwhelming to look through all the events at once.

I’m taking today to give you a quick highlight of some of the big events that you simply must check out this summer. Some you may know, and some may be new ones. Remember, you can always submit events to our community calendar for FREE by clicking here.

Panoply Arts Festival

PANOPLY has been a Huntsville Tradition for over a quarter century! Held each April in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring International Park and Von Braun Center, this three-day outdoor festival features presentations, demonstrations, workshops, fireworks, and FUN…while promoting and enhancing the arts.

Date: April 27th-29th
Location: Big Spring Park
Cost: $5 per day or $10 per weekend; children 12 and under are free
Organization: The Arts Council

Whistle Stop

A foot-stompin’, pig-chompin’ two-day festival on the grounds of the Huntsville Depot. Live entertainment, children’s play zone, and professional and amateur BBQ cooking competitions. Proceeds support the EarlyWorks Museum Complex.

Date: May 4th & 5th
Location: Historic Huntsville Depot
Cost: Weekend Pass $35; Single Day Ticket $25; Children ages 5-12 $5. Click here for information on purchasing tickets
Organization: Proceeds benefit EarlyWorks Children’s Museum

Dine and Dash

Join Dine and Dash the 2nd Thursday from April thru September as the trolley whisks you to 5 different downtown establishments. Each tasting will be unique so enjoy them all!

Dates: May 10th, June 14th, July 12th, August 9th, & September 13th
Location: Downtown Huntsville- locations vary each month
Cost: $30. Click here to reserve your spot
Organization: Homegrown Huntsville

City Lights and Stars Series

Enjoy concerts at Burritt on the Mountain’s Gazebo, which has one of the best views of Huntsville and surrounding areas in the city.

Date: May 11th, May 25th, June 15th, June 29th, July 20th, August 3rd
Location: Burritt on the Mountain
Cost: Click here for details
Organization: Burritt on the Mountain

Dream Big! Recital

Merrimack Hall’s annual spring recital to celebrate the achievements the Johnny Stallings Arts Program, which provides arts education to individuals with special needs through classes like Dance Your Dreams! and Project UP. All proceeds from the Dream Big! Recital will directly benefit the Johnny Stallings Arts Program 2011-12 classes.

Date: May 12th at 4pm
Location: Merrimack Hall
Cost: $15. Click here to purchase
Organization: Merrimack Hall

Concerts at the Caves

Three Caves is one of the South’s most unique sites and the quarry will be lit from within as a one-of-a-kind backdrop for two unforgettable evenings of jazz.

Date: May 12th & June 9th
Location: Land Trust’s Historic Three Caves
Cost: Members: $15.00. Non-member (in advance): $20. At the door: $25.
Organization: The Land Trust

Sidewalk Art Strolls

Huntsville’s sidewalks become stages for the arts at the Sidewalk Arts Stroll. Held in May, June, July, and August around downtown Huntsville’s historic courthouse square, the Sidewalk Arts Stroll is a premier marketplace with a diverse collection of artists, vendors, and performers who offer something for everyone!

Dates: May 17th, June 21st, July 19th, August 16th from 4:30-8:30pm
Location: Huntsville’s historic courthouse square
Cost: Free

Now that I’ve given you a head’s up on these fabulous events, I’ll expect to see you (yes YOU!) out on the town! Its where you’ll find me.