📆 7 Events to Celebrate MLK Day

Happy Friday!

Congrats to all 9,379 9,425 of you, the long weekend is only a few hours away!

It’s only January, but it’s never too early to start thinking about summer. To help you plan, we are considering putting together a comprehensive summer camp guide that includes all the local camps.

Can you take a quick second and tell me if this is something you’d be interested in?

Alrighty, let’s get to it!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE ORION AMPHITHEATER

🔥 Don’t Miss These Two Shows

Get ready—tickets for two of The Orion’s biggest shows go on sale TODAY at 10 AM!

Willie Nelson & Family

Don’t miss the legendary Willie Nelson & Family on April 16, 2025. Experience an unforgettable evening of iconic country music from one of the greatest artists of all time. Get tickets.

Camellia Music & Arts Festival

Join Kehlani, Gucci Mane, J.I.D., and Big Boi at the Camellia Music & Arts Festival on April 25–27. This multi-day celebration brings the best of music, art, and community together for an epic weekend. Get tickets.

Planning to attend both? You can save on fees and get help finding the best seats by purchasing directly from The Orion’s North Box Office.

Tickets will sell fast, so set your alarm for 10 AM this morning—you won’t want to miss out!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Events to Celebrate MLK Day

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with events honoring his legacy throughout Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley. Here are some activities to join this weekend:

🚗 MLK Celebration Parade

Join the Huntsville Alphas for the annual MLK Celebration Parade in Downtown Huntsville on Saturday, January 18, at noon. The parade route will showcase local organizations and honor Dr. King’s legacy. Parade route.

♻️ MLK Day of Service Cleanup

The Huntsville Green Team is organizing a cleanup at Campus 805 and nearby areas on January 18 from 9 to 11 AM. This is an excellent opportunity for families to volunteer together. More info.

🥾 MLK Day Hike at Monte Sano North

Join the Land Trust of North AL for a scenic 2-mile hike at Monte Sano Mountain on Monday, January 20, from 2 to 3:30 PM. The guided hike starts at Oak Park Trail and continues to the northern fork of Buzzard’s Roost Trail. It’s free, but you need to register.

🥞 Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast

The Delta Theta Lambda Education Foundation will host a Unity Breakfast at the VBC Saturn Ballroom on Monday, January 20. Honor Dr. King’s legacy with inspiring speeches and community fellowship. More info.

🍽️ MLK Dream Dinner + Program

Enjoy a free community dinner at the Omega Center on Monday, January 20 at 6 PM. Located at 181 Import Cir NW, the evening includes dinner and a program celebrating Dr. King. Get tickets.

🏀 Hogan Family YMCA Day Camp

Children in grades K-8 can attend a day camp at the Hogan Family YMCA on Monday, January 20, from 8 AM to 2 PM. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, games, and swimming. Registration ends Jan. 19. Register.

🎙️ Calhoun Community College MLK Program

Join Calhoun Community College for a free MLK program on Thursday, January 23, at 11 AM in the Sparkman Building’s Grand Foyer. Hosted by the U.N.I.T.Y. Club, this event features music, speeches, and community reflection. More info.

These events are great opportunities to honor Dr. King’s legacy and make a positive impact. Get involved and celebrate with the Huntsville community!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍔 Trash Pandas Host Free Culinary Program

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hosting Cooking for Success, a free program to teach cooking skills!

The classes will take place at Toyota Field. This 4–6 week program is open to anyone 16 and older.

Participants will be trained by professional chefs and earn a food safety certificate. Graduates might even get a job at Toyota Field’s food and beverage department. Spots are limited, so sign up soon if you’re interested!

⚾️ Alabama Baseball Coming to Toyota Field

The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will play the North Alabama Lions on Tuesday, March 25, at Toyota Field.

The first pitch is at 6:05 PM and will surely be an exciting night for fans of both teams. Tickets start at $17.44 and can be purchased here.

🥞 First Watch Now Open

First Watch is now open at 5000 Whitesburg Drive! Serving daily from 7 AM to 2:30 PM, the menu features Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Million Dollar Potatoes, and their signature Purple Haze drink.

With fresh flavors and a cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch. Come by and try it for yourself! You can check out our visit here.

🌕️ Vote For the Space and Rocket Center

The Space and Rocket Center’s Intuitive Planetarium has been nominated for Best Planetarium in the nation by the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards!

The Intuitive Planetarium is currently in third place, so please take a few seconds to help it move to first! Voting is open daily until February 10 at 10:59 AM.

Winners will be announced on February 19 at 11 AM. Cast your vote here!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thank you to our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible!

We are five people away from 50 Premium Explorers! Would you consider joining?

🏡 Century 21 Home Explorer

If you’re looking for a new home, I’ve got a great one for you today. I love this house for a few different reasons:

• Three bed two bath home located in Gurley

• Luxurious master suite with trey ceilings, a tile shower, and a soaker tuba

• Spacious backyard with privacy fence

If you’d like to see it in person, there is an open house this weekend!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Got a fun event coming up? Let us know about it!

Saturday, January 18

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service Cleanup at Campus 805: Honor the legacy of Dr. King by helping clean up the areas around Campus 805!

• Puzzle Mania at Downtown Huntsville Library: Bring your friends and family and see how many puzzles you can do on your own or together!

• Feed the City at Mellow Mushroom: Bring the whole family and help prepare meals for those in need!

• Costume Sale at Fantasy Playhouse: Find fun and random costumes at the theatre’s sale!

• Gardening with Kids at the Botanical Gardens: This class will focus on the benefits of creating and caring for terrariums!

• Bunny Basics at Three Tails ReSale: An informative and fun session on bunny care!

• Stories on Stage at Shenanigans: Laugh along as a team of improvisers create unscripted, hilarious scenes and characters!

• Cold Snap Food Truck Rally and Southern Wagyu Beef Market: A fun evening filled with tasty eats and sweet treats!

• Citywide Physical Exams at Huntsville Hospital Medical Mall: Get your kid’s sports physical for just $10!

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Concert at the VBC: Experience the Chamber of Secrets like never before and watch the movie with a live symphony!

• Huntsville Havoc Melissa George Night: Cheer on the Havoc and raise money for the Huntsville Hospital NICU!

• Huntsville Charity Sports Cards and Collective Show: Over 100 tables of cards and collectibles!

• Music Bingo at Yellowhammer: Test your Old Skool Hip Hop knowledge!

• Ready Player One Laser Show at Campus 805: A celebration of pixels, blips, red buttons, and music from and inspired by video games!

• Rumors ATL at Mars Music Hall: Don't miss Rumors ATL, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, at the VBC!

• Live Music at The Camp: Kam Jones will perform live!

• Live Music at Stovehouse: Amber Cavanaugh will perform live!

• Live Music at The Electric Belle: Unique Live Band will perform live!

• Live Music at Furniture Factory: Big Spring Revival will perform live!

• Live Music at Iron and Ales: Cade Pierce will perform live!

• Live Music at Rocket City Dog Bar: Gabe LaRose and Lisa Joy will perform live!

Sunday, January 19

• Book Club Conference at Madison Public Library: Join authors Georgina Cross and Sarah Crouch and learn how to run a book discussion meeting that keeps everyone engaged!

• Mom Circle at The Orion: The perfect opportunity to connect with other moms, share your experiences, and receive valuable advice!

• Afternoon Tea at Annabella Cedar Glen: Celebrate International Hat Day in style with afternoon tea!

• Frozen Goat Race at Monte Sane Park: A race designed for new and experienced runners!

• Drink and Draw at Das Stahl: Come hang out, chat, and draw with other artists!

• Live Music at The Camp: Second Hand Smoke Duo will perform live!

Monday, January 20

• Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast at the Saturn Ballroom: Enjoy breakfast and honor Dr. King's legacy!

• Family Swin at Goldfish Swim School: Bring the whole family for a free family swim to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

• Onyx Storm Midnight Release Party at Straight to Ale: Grab your copy of the book and enjoy festive activities, surprises, and more!

• NCAA National Championship Viewing Party at Mars Music Hall: Watch the game with themed cocktails, fun games, and giveaways!

Tuesday, January 21

• Beekeeping Class at the Botanical Gardens: Learn how to take care of your hive throughout the year!

• Intro Into 3D Printing at Downtown Huntsville Library: Learn the basics of 3D printing!

• Newborn Class at Crestwood Medical Center: A free class that will help moms prepare for their newborn!

• Live Music at Rhythm on Monroe: Mike Roberts will perform live!

*Red boxes indicate a sponsored event

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Have a great weekend!