The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber will once again host its annual Armed Forces Celebration next month, bringing a week of military appreciation events, concerts, ceremonies and community activities to the Huntsville area.
The 2026 celebration runs June 5-13 and includes several public events designed to honor active-duty military personnel, veterans and the broader Redstone Arsenal community.
Among the largest public events are the free Concert in the Park on June 8 at Big Spring International Park and the annual Community Softball Game on June 10 at Toyota Field.
The Armed Forces Celebration has long served as one of Huntsville’s signature military appreciation traditions, reflecting the region’s deep ties to Redstone Arsenal, the defense industry and the aerospace sector.
Festivities begin June 5 with the 2026 AUSA Iron Mike Golf Tournament at The Links at Redstone. Organizers said proceeds from the event help support scholarship programs through the Association of the United States Army.
On June 6, Redstone Gateway outside Gate 9 at Redstone Arsenal will host the 251st Army Birthday Celebration featuring a car show and fireworks.
The June 7 Rocket City Trash Pandas game at Toyota Field will honor Gold Star families, recognizing relatives of military members who died in the line of duty. Organizers said a military flyover is planned before first pitch.
One of the week’s marquee public events, the Concert in the Park, is scheduled for June 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Big Spring Park. The free concert will feature the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band and include a swearing-in ceremony for new Army recruits. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors to the Von Braun Center.
Earlier that same day, local leaders from Huntsville, Madison and Madison County will gather at the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial for a proclamation signing ceremony officially kicking off the celebration.
The annual Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon will take place June 9 at the Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom and will feature Lt. Gen. Gavin A. Lawrence as keynote speaker.
Another fan-favorite event returns June 10 when community leaders face off against Redstone Arsenal personnel during the annual Community Softball Game at Toyota Field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the game beginning at 6 p.m.
The event includes free admission, free parking and free hot dogs for the first 500 attendees. Organizers said the North Alabama Rockets and Team Redstone will compete for the “Target Destroyed” trophy.
Additional events include the annual Redstone Prayer Breakfast on June 12 at The Summit at Redstone and the Liberty and Legacy Army Birthday Ball on June 13 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Several Huntsville-area attractions and businesses are also offering military discounts during the celebration period, including EarlyWorks Museums, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Heart of the Valley YMCA, the Rocket City Trash Pandas and The Orion Amphitheater.
Many events are free and open to the public, though some require advance registration.
