Happy Tuesday!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our bingo night last night! It was great to take things off the newsletter and see everyone in person!

We’ve got a lot to cover today, so I’ll keep it brief!

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍦 Retro-Inspired Ice Cream Parlor Opens This Wednesday

Fizzy Flapper opens officially opens its doors this Wednesday, February 25 at Studio 2060 at Lowe Mill.

Open from 11 AM to 6 PM Wednesday-Sundays, the retro-inspired ice cream parlor serves classic scoops, cones, sundaes, and thick milkshakes, along with handcrafted sodas made from house syrups.

Guests can also find nostalgic bottled sodas, retro candies, hot dogs, and jumbo soft pretzels. This is a sweet stop that you’ll need to add to your next Lowe Mill visit.

If you can’t wait for the sugary goodness, you can check out the menu here.

🏕 Monte Sano Park Unveils Renovated Cabins and Campsite

If you’re looking for something fun to do this spring, you may want to plan an overnight visit to Monte Sano State Park!

All 14 historic stone cottages, originally built in the 1930s, have been updated with remodeled kitchens, bathrooms, and new furnishings while preserving their rustic character. The park also expanded campsites, added ADA-accessible options, and constructed new bathhouses and restrooms in the campground and day-use areas.

Funding for the improvements came from a statewide parks bond approved by Alabama voters in 2022 and are finished just in time for spring!

🏗 $13 Million Ditto Landing Renovation Ahead of Schedule

Construction is well underway and actually ahead of schedule on the brand new Ditto Landing Event Center.

The $13 million project aims to transform the former State Docks building along the Tennessee River into a modern venue designed to host conferences, concerts, and everything in-between.

Despite minor weather delays, officials say progress remains on track for completion in early fall! While you wait, you can see some pictures of the master plan here.

TOGETHER WITH ARDENT PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

🚀 Give Your Child The Best Start

Looking for a preschool or daycare that helps your child grow, learn, and thrive?

Ardent Preschool & Daycare offers a nurturing, engaging environment that combines a proven early learning curriculum with a strong focus on character and confidence.

Right now, families can take advantage of Ardent’s Winter Enrollment Bonus at their Town Madison, Clift Farms, and Redstone locations. Enjoy your first week free, your waitlist fee credited during week two, and a $30 weekly tuition credit for the first two years of enrollment.

Be sure to mention Huntsville Explorer when you apply to get the bonus! Offer ends February 28, 2026.

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 24,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🌌 Cocktails and Cosmos: Chilling in Space

February 27 | 7 PM | U.S. Space & Rocket Center | $19 | More Info

How cold is cold? Step inside the INTUITIVE Planetarium and travel to the chilliest corners of the universe. It’s a cosmic night out that’s equal parts science and spectacle.

🛍️ Sweet Repeats Spring/Summer Sale

February 27-28 | Sweet Repeats | Free | More Info

Score big on everything from newborn to teen clothing, shoes, toys, décor, electronics, and more at this massive semi-annual consignment event in Madison!

⛸️ Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party

February 27–March 1 | VBC | $25+ | More Info

Join Mickey and friends for a high-flying adventure on ice featuring all your favorite residents of the Magic Kingdom. Expect dazzling skating, acrobatics, and plenty of sing-along moments!

🛍️ $5 Bag Sale

February 28 | 9 AM | Three Tails ReSale | $5 | More Info

Fill a provided bag with thrifted treasures for just five bucks. Clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, and purses are all fair game!

💲 The FLIP Trade Show

February 28 | 10 AM – 5 PM | VBC | $7 | More Info

Browse 125+ vendors buying, selling, and trading sports cards, Pokémon, MTG, comics, video games, memorabilia, coins, and more. It’s a collector’s paradise all under one roof.

🎧 Folktronic: Ancient X Electronic Dance Party

February 28 | 5–8 PM | Lowe Mill | Free | More Info

Celebrate Ravenwood Meadery’s upcoming move with a free, all-ages dance party. DJ Blastphomet spins high-energy tracks, ancient-themed face painting, and creative outfits are highly encouraged!

🙏 Worship in the Park

March 1 | 4:306 PM | Big Spring Park | Free | More Info

Gather behind the Huntsville Museum of Art for an evening of worship music and fellowship hosted by Rivertree Church!

🚀 Put Your Business In Front Of Huntsville

On an average day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes about 24,000 guests. Imagine your business being seen by that many people.

That’s the size of the Huntsville Explorer newsletter. Every Tuesday and Friday, 24,000 locals who have chosen to hear from us open our newsletter to discover what’s happening around town and which businesses to support.

If you want your business in front of a trusted, engaged local audience, fill out our partnership form (takes 30 seconds) and I will reach out with some more info!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at the Huntsville Music Office for sponsoring this section! The Huntsville Music Office exists to support the growing live music scene in Huntsville. See more upcoming live music with their free music calendar!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Wednesday, February 25

Thursday, February 26

  • Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party at VBC Propst Arena: Join Mickey Mouse and his friends as they look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell!

  • Mystery Book Swap at Piper and Leaf Downtown: Bring a gently used or brand-new copy of your favorite Cozy Mystery novel and swap it with someone!

  • Beginner Sushi Class at Straight To Ale Brewing: Learn how to make sushi rice, sauces, and roll your own creations!

  • Pokemon Birthday Party at Downtown Huntsville Library: Celebrate all things Pokemon with cupcakes, games, and prizes!

  • The Castle Council at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Interactive fantasy adventure where audience suggestions shape hilarious council quests!

  • Hairball at VBC Mars Music Hall: High-energy tribute concert celebrating iconic arena rock hits!

  • Jeopardy! Bar League at The Casual Pint: Free trivia game featuring Jeopardy-style questions and prizes!

  • 1990s Blockbusters Trivia Night at InnerSpace Brewing Company: Test your knowledge of ’90s sci-fi and fantasy movies!

Friday, February 27

  • America's 250th Celebration at VBC South Hall Ballrooms: Celebrating U.S. history with exhibits, speakers, and activities honoring 250 years!

  • Chilling in Space at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Explore the places where temperatures plunge to unimaginable lows!

  • Spring Open House at University Pickers: Browse spring decor, vintage finds, and handcrafted goods from local vendors!

  • Great Paper Airplane Contest at Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering: Come test your folding skills and see whose plane flies the farthest!

  • Unlock the Secrets of Watercolor at Flourish Fine Art Gallery & Studio: Immersive watercolor workshop teaching essential techniques and creative skills for artists!

  • Kathleen Madigan at VBC Mars Music Hall: An evening of laughter featuring sharp humor and relatable stories about everyday life!

  • Jessica Kirson at Levity Live: High-energy stand-up comedy with characters and self-deprecating humor!

  • Gabi Rose Debut Single "Cry Like Me" Release Show at The Electric Belle: Celebrate the release of Gabi’s first single!

Want to see more upcoming events or add an event to the calendar? Click here.

Thanks for making it to the end! Don’t forget to get your puzzle, I’ve got about 25 left!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!

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