🍕 3 New Restaurants

Happy Friday!

Congrats, you’ve made it to the long weekend! Whether you’ve got big plans or are just hanging around the house, I hope it’s a great break!

Last Friday, I asked for your help to reach 60 Premium Explorers, and you guys came through! Thank you so much!!!

A special shoutout to Jamie B., Davis C., Roxann D., and Catherine A. for getting us to 60!

Alrighty, let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do During Memorial Day Weekend

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 24-25 | 6 AM-8 PM | Point Mallard Park | Free | More Info

It’s a bird… It’s a plane… No, it’s a hot air balloon! Drive down to Decatur to catch one of Alabama’s most unique sights. Who knows, if you’re lucky you may even be able to fly in one yourself.

🍺 Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl

May 24 | 4:30 PM | The Poppy and Parliament | $20 | More Info

Celebrate the stars and stripes by sipping on spirits and supporting local businesses. Don't forget to dress to impress, there will be a prize for the most American outfit!

👟 Cotton Row Run

May 26 | 7 AM | Big Spring Park | $15+ | More Info

Honor those who sacrificed everything for our freedom, one step at a time. Remember, every dollar raised will go to help local Gold Star Families.

🛍️ Memorial Day Sale

May 26 | 8 AM-9 PM | Thrift Mart | More Info

Thrift Mart is showing support for those who served by slashing prices! Stop by anytime Monday to get up to 50% off!

🌸 Memorial Day at the Garden

May 26 | 9 AM-6 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | Free | More Info

Any and all service members, veterans, and their families can enjoy the beauty of the Huntsville Botanical Garden for free this Memorial Day. All you have to do is show a valid military ID to the front desk!

🌹 Wreath Laying Ceremony

May 26 | 11 AM | Huntsville Veterans Memorial | More Info

The entire community is invited to join local advocates and veterans as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

🇺🇸 Jamorial Day Party

May 26 | 2 PM | Stovehouse | Free | More Info

Swing by Stovehouse on Monday to celebrate Memorial Day with live music and good food. You can expect several local acts to take the stage, hot dogs, cold drinks, and even a military artifact display provided by the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum.

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🚀 Taking Flight

🍕 Clift Farm Continues To Grow

Three new restaurants are coming to the Clift Farm area! Pretty soon, you’ll be able to enjoy a grilled cheese at Melt, fajitas at La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant, and of course… pizza at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.

Still no word on when they’re set to open, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

🍷 Amelie Wine Bar is Closing, But Not For Good

Sad news for wine lovers in Owen’s Cross Roads. Amelie Wine Bar is shutting down at the end of the month.

But the good news is that it will reopen as Amelie Coffee in mid-June. The shop will be open from 7 AM to 3 PM and will serve hot and cold coffee, tea, pastries, healthy snacks, and breakfast sandwiches.

All remaining menu items and wines will be available first come first serve as they run out. Amelie owners say they already planning a reopen the wine bar in a new location in the future.

🥇 Gibson’s BBQ Takes Home the Gold

Big Bob Gibson BBQ just snagged another top prize at the nation’s biggest BBQ competition. The Big Bob team took the top spot in the Shoulder Competition at a premier BBQ competition called Memphis in May. This is the restaurant’s 13th top prize!

BBQ legend Bob Gibson first opened the restaurant in the River City in 1925. Sadly, the Huntsville location caught fire in 2022 and never reopened.

However, 100 years later the Decatur location is still up and running and in the family!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thank you to our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to be entered into our exclusive giveaways, receive our monthly event calendars, and get our 2024-25 discount card?

🏡 Home Explorer

1 Thicket Grove Cir SW, Huntsville, AL 35803

• 4 beds, 3 baths

• 3,291 sq-ft.

• Elegant former showcase home in South Huntsville

• Chef’s kitchen with granite counters, gas cooktop, and GE appliances

• Main-level guest suite, executive study, and luxurious primary retreat

• Screened porch with fireplace and fenced backyard for added privacy

Want to sponsor our most popular section and get your listing in front of our 14,000 readers? Email me at [email protected]!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

All FREE music shows will be listed in the Live Music Lowdown section. Ticketed concerts will still be in the event calendar.

Thank you to Tangled String Studios for sponsoring this section!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Got an event coming up? Let us know about it!

Saturday, May 24

• Fitness in the Park at John Hunt Park: Join Zumba with Angie for a free fitness class in the park!

• Plant Swap at Shenanigans: Bring your plants and planty items to buy, sell, and trade!

• Plant Share at Blevins Gap: Bring plants to swap or just come and have a look around!

• Yoga at Chapman Mountain: Join the Land Trust for a free yoga class!

• That's Sketchy! at Shenanigans: Hilarious sketch comedy from North Alabama’s best.

• Music Bingo at Yellowhammer Brewing: A fun night of musical bingo with an Old Dominion theme.

• Alabama Jubilee at Point Mallard Park: Hot air balloons, crafts, music, fireworks, and fun.

• Old School & Blues Festival at Harvest Venue: Live music festival featuring local and international artists.

• Radio Architecture at SIGNALS Museum: Explore the history of radio through an expert presentation.

• Shop Black Fest at Butler Green: Celebrate Black-owned businesses with music, food, and family fun.

• Butterfly Release at Huntsville Botanical Garden: Release butterflies, learn about their habitat, and snap magical moments with your family.

• Adult Summer Reading at The Camp: Read, attend events, and earn tickets for a grand prize drawing this summer.

• Legends of The Bells Moto Show at Big Spring International Park: Celebrate motorcycle culture, build community, and share riding knowledge at this free public event.

• Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon and Lasers at Campus 805: Experience mind-bending laser art synced to Pink Floyd’s iconic psychedelic rock masterpiece.

• Project Pet at Pinot's Palette: Create a custom pet portrait on canvas with step-by-step guidance from artists.

Sunday, May 25

• Ladies Love Lemon Drops at The Orion: Soak up the sun, sip on refreshing lemon drop cocktails, and enjoy the sounds of summer in a vibrant, festival-style atmosphere.

• Lucero with Camping in Alaska at Furniture Factory Downtown: Gritty Southern rock meets heartfelt storytelling with a strong, loyal fan following.

Monday, May 26

• Jamorial Day at The Electric Belle: Celebrate Memorial Day in true Americana fashion with Jamorial, a backyard party!

• Memorial Day at Huntsville Botanical Garden: Spend the day surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Garden as we remember and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

• Cotton Row Run at Downtown Huntsville: Race in the premier Memorial Day running event in the South that honors fallen military members who sacrificed their lives for our freedom!

• Memorial Day Sale at Thrift Mart: Save up to 50% on new home decor or get ready for summer with a refreshed wardrobe!

• Memorial Day Ceremony at Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial Park: Honor fallen heroes with a community wreath-laying and remembrance event.

Tuesday, May 27

• Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Downtown Huntsville Library: Get ready for summer vacation with crafts, games, and activities that get you ready for summer reading!

• The Office Trivia at The Casual Pint: Are you a Dunder Mifflin superfan?

• 90s Trivia at Whataburger (Winchester): Test your knowledge of the 90s!

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys as they take on the Biloxi Shuckers!

• Finding Your Writer's Voice at Blue Apple Books: Adult writing workshop for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!