🚀 A $240 Million Development

North Huntsville is getting a major development, a new sportsplex for Madison County, and a look ahead at the weekend!

Author

Andrew Smith
November 11, 2025

Happy Veterans Day!

If you’re planning to head to the parade today, you may want to have a few layers on. It looks like it’s going to be chilly, but not as cold as yesterday!

The parade starts at 11 AM in Downtown Huntsville. Here’s the route.

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🛍️ Major Retail Development Coming to North Huntsville

North Huntsville is getting a major development, as city leaders just signed off on a massive $240 million development project that will bring more than 500,000 square feet of new retail and restaurants to Memorial Parkway.

Called North Village Town Center, the new lifestyle hub will include national anchors like Target and Home Depot, along with a variety of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces.

This project promises easier access to major retailers and a vibrant new place to shop, dine, and connect at the intersection of the Parkway and the Northern Bypass. The first phase is set to break ground in Spring, with stores opening sometime in 2027.

🏀 New Madison County Sportsplex to Open in 2026

Construction is underway on a brand-new sportsplex and community center at Sharon Johnston Park, with doors expected to open in the Spring.

Once complete, you’ll be able to shoot hoops, play volleyball or pickleball across two full gyms, or get your steps in on an upstairs walking track. Fitness classes, community meetings, and celebrations will all have a home here, too, thanks to new multipurpose rooms and exercise spaces designed for every kind of gathering.

Outside, a resurfaced Olympic-sized pool and all-new pool house will make a splash when it opens to the public next Memorial Day weekend!

🎙️ VBC Unveils Major Renovation to Concert Hall

The Mark C. Smith Concert Hall has officially completed a major renovation and expansion, marking the venue’s first significant backstage upgrade since it opened in 1975.

The expansion grows the backstage area from 4,300 to over 17,000 square feet, adding private dressing rooms, Green Room suites, crew lounges, and even a new catering kitchen.

With five loading docks and upgraded front-of-house features, the venue is now better equipped to host top-tier touring acts and large-scale performances. Hopefully, these improvements will help bring bigger artists to Huntsville!

TOGETHER WITH THE ORION AMPHITHEATER

🚨 Just Announced: Ty Myers Is Coming to Huntsville

Platinum hitmaker Ty Myers, the voice behind Ends of the Earth and Thought It Was Love, is headed to Huntsville on May 1, 2026, for one epic night, alongside incredibly talented Lanie Gardner and Alex Lambert!

With nearly a billion global streams and sold-out shows across the country, this is your chance to catch the rising star live.

Presale starts Thursday, November 13, at 10 AM. You can be first in line and get the presale code for free by joining The Orion’s newsletter.

With 66 sold-out shows, you’re going to want to get tickets early before they’re gone.

P.S. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the newsletter signup.

P.S.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 19,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🏒 Back-to-Back Huntsville Havoc Games

November 14 & 16 | VBC | $15+ | More Info

It’s a double dose of hockey at the VBC this weekend! Cheer on the Havoc as they face off against the Macon Mayhem on Friday and the Birmingham Bulls on Sunday!

🎄 Galaxy of Lights Opening Weekend

November 14–December 31 | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $13+ | More Info

Kick off the holiday season with one of Huntsville’s most beloved traditions! Opening night is this Friday, and it will be walking only all weekend!

🎁 Piper & Leaf Holiday Market

November 15 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Piper & Leaf Tea Co. | Free | More Info

Head across the river for Piper & Leaf’s 5th Annual Holiday Market! Meet local makers, bakers, and farmers as you browse handmade goods and seasonal treats!

⚔️ Medieval Fest & Market

November 15 | 11 AM - 6 PM | Yellowhammer Brewing | $10 | More Info

Step back in time for a day of knights, jesters, and handcrafted goods! Enjoy themed food and drinks, live performances, and a lively outdoor vendor market!

🛍️ Holiday on Gates Market

November 15 | 2-8 PM | Constitution Hall Park | Free | More Info

Get in the holiday spirit at this festive downtown market! Shop local artisans, sip cozy drinks, and enjoy live music in a charming historic setting!

🔥 Stovefest: Celebrating 1,000 Live Shows

November 15 | 3-8 PM | Stovehouse | Free | More Info

Stovehouse is throwing the ultimate block party to celebrate 1,000 nights of live music! Expect local bands, kids’ activities, food, drinks, and even a laser light show!

🐍 Huntsville Exotic Pet Expo

November 15–16 | Huntsville Jaycee’s Building | $5 | More Info

Meet exotic animals like parrots, geckos, and kangaroos while shopping for unique pets, supplies, and decor. This family-friendly event is packed with amazing creatures to discover!

TOGETHER WITH THE JOINT CHIROPRACTIC

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🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at Stovehouse for making this section possible! Click here to see all of their upcoming events!

Click the image for more shows at Stovehouse!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Wednesday, November 12

  • Family Movie Night at Field Day: Grab dinner and enjoy a surprise movie on the big screen!

  • Shelter Pack Walk at Huntsville Animal Services: Take a shelter dog for a walk so they can get some fresh air and sunshine!

  • The Big Lebowski at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Catch the cult comedy with quirky characters and unforgettable one-liners!

  • Dragon Ball Z Trivia at Kamado Ramen Mid City: Anime-themed trivia night with prizes!

  • Huntsville Pub Run at Campus 805: Join the community for a 3 or 5-mile walk, run, or ruck!

  • Chiodos 20 Year Anniversary at VBC Mars Music Hall: Post-hardcore icons reunite at the All’s Well That Ends Well Tour!

  • Line Dance Social at Straight to Ale: Enjoy a fun night of line dancing to crowd-picked songs!

Thursday, November 13

  • Stupid Cupid Singles Mixer at Nitro Tales: No swiping, no texting – just face-to-face connections in a relaxed, fun atmosphere!

  • Botanical Bookworms at Huntsville Botanical Garden: A unique blend of book discussions, educational experiences, and guided walks through the Garden!

  • Homeschool Day at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve: Visit the preserve with environmental educators on site to lead short hikes and suggest activities!

  • James McCann at Levity Live: Enjoy an evening of laughs with James McCann!

  • $5 After 5 P.M. with Kevin Richardson at Huntsville Museum of Art: An evening of art, wine, and live piano performance from Kevin Richardson!

  • Love & Remembrance at Faith Presbyterian Church: Enjoy an evening of choral music with the Huntsville Community Chorus Association!

  • Rocket City Revue at Tangled String: A night of incredible original music, featuring singer-songwriters from the Tennessee Valley!

Friday, November 14

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!