💰 A $44.6 Million Expansion

Happy Tuesday!

Thanks to everyone who donated to our fundraiser for the American Heart Association last week!

The first giveaway winner will be announced this Friday and will get a $100 gift card to Char!

There’s still time to enter, and every $10 donation = 1 entry in the giveaway. I’ve got over $750 in prizes to give away through the fundraiser, so the earlier you enter, the better chance you have to win something!

You can support the fundraiser here.

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

⛸️ Ice Sports Center Expansion Breaks Ground

City leaders have literally broken the ice, kicking off a $44.6 million expansion at the Huntsville Ice Sports Center!

The project will more than double the facility’s size, adding a brand-new arena, a second ice sheet with five curling lanes, upgraded locker rooms, plus expanded concessions and hangout areas! By late 2026, you’ll have more room for hockey games, curling matches, and public skate sessions.

Whether you’re a lifelong skater or just curious to try something new, this expansion means more opportunities for you and your family to make memories on the ice!

🥯 Jeff’s Bagel Run Is Coming to Town

The Rocket City is about to get a true taste of New York as Jeff’s Bagel Run announces two new locations in Huntsville and Madison!

The bagel shop will serve up hand-crafted, always-boiled bagels. Ask any New Yorker, and they’ll tell you, a boiled bagel is the only way to go.

Jeff’s Bagel Run has earned a loyal following across the country for its authentic flavors and community-focused vibe. Along with specialty coffees, you’ll find classic and vegan spreads to suit every taste.

The Huntsville store will be opening on Airport Road in the TJ Maxx Plaza, and the Madison location will open on County Line Road, just south of Kroger.

⚽️ Huntsville City FC Clinches First-Ever Playoff Spot

Huntsville City FC has made history, securing its first-ever appearance in the playoffs with a 1-0 road win over Orlando City B.

With the playoffs secured, Huntsville City FC returns home for two final matches to get tuned up for their playoff appearance.

Your next chance to support the Boys in Blue is September 28 at 7 PM as they take on Inter Miami II.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE ORION

🎺 Bard in the Yard Returns to The Orion

Head to The Orion on Tuesday, September 30, for the 4th Annual Bard in the Yard featuring Alabama A&M's talented Bulldog Bards theater troupe!

Experience Shakespeare's beloved comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream like never before, with a fresh spin full of love, magic, and hilarious mishaps that will have the whole family laughing.

This FREE, family-friendly outdoor performance is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a cozy evening under the stars with one of literature's most enchanting tales.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to introduce your family to live theater while supporting local talent. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of comedy and community at The Orion!

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 18,000+ locals? Click here to schedule a 15-minute meeting!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🪩 DISCO Night

September 26 | 7:30 PM | The Electric Belle | Free | More Info

Put on your grooviest outfit and hit the floor—DJ Jerm is spinning classic disco hits all night. Grab your friends, dust off those funky moves, and dance under the lights.

🌿 Fall Plant Sale

September 27 | 8 AM-4 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | Free | More Info

Whether you’re looking for a new houseplant or something for your garden, this is the perfect way to get ready for the fall season!

🎁 Holmes Street Holiday Market

September 27 | 9 AM | Holmes Street UMC | Free | More Info

It’s never too early to get in the holiday spirit! Shop local artisans, crafts, and baked goods!

🍺 Backtober Fest

September 27 | 11 AM | Back Forty Beer Co. | Free | More Info

Celebrate German culture with Backtoberfest! There will be tasty eats, local vendors, and live music!

🍂 Tea at Twilight

September 28 | 5 PM | Huntsville Botanical Garden | $55 | More Info

Sip artisan teas, savor fall-inspired bites, and mingle to live harp music in a serene autumn setting!

🎷 Jazz in the Park

September 28 | 5-9 PM | Big Spring Park West | Free | More Info

Spread a blanket and enjoy local jams in the park! There will be performances from Kelvin Wooten, Phylicia Rae & Jacob Webb, and BK Jackson!

⚽ Huntsville City FC vs. Inter Miami CF II

September 28 | 7 PM | Wicks Family Field | $15+ | More Info

Cheer on the Boys in Blue, fresh off clinching their first-ever playoff spot! This is the second to last regular season home game.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY BAKER’S LEARNING KITCHEN

📚️ School Is Back in Session

School is back in session, and Baker’s Learning Kitchen is ready to help students from PreK through college thrive. Their tutors know how to make even the hardest concepts easy to understand.

Just ask Ian, a longtime student: “I love coming to Baker’s Learning Kitchen because the tutors are very good! They make it very easy to learn difficult concepts. My brother and I have been coming here for 4 years. I’m now getting tutored in Calculus, and it is really helping me be a great student at ASCTE!”

Don’t wait until report cards—schedule a free assessment today. Give them a call at 256-203-6350 or send them an email at [email protected].

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at St. Stephens Music Hall for presenting this section!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Wednesday, September 24

• Lil Wayne: Tha Carter VI Tour at The Orion Amphitheater: Legendary rap icon Lil Wayne brings Tha Carter VI Tour to Huntsville!

• Free Family Movie Nights at Field Day: Free outdoor family movie night featuring Trolls!

• Vive le Livre at Jackson Center: Annual library gala featuring Andy Weir, dinner, and community celebration of books!

• Line Dancing at MidCity: Free line dancing lessons and social dancing at Artemis Pavilion!

• Bingo Night at The Camp: Grab your crew for an evening of bingo and prizes!

• Winetoberfest at Charlie Foster’s Espresso + Wine Bar: Celebrate Oktoberfest in style with German wines, charcuterie, and expert tasting notes!

• Sip Into Fall: A Curated Wine Tasting at The Dirty Olive: Autumn wine tasting with bites, notes, and giveaways!

Thursday, September 25

• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Horror classic paired with chilling, themed dishes!

• Chef Dinner Series: Italy in the Fall at Amerigo: Celebrate fall flavors with Chef Steven’s five-course Italian dinner and drink pairings!

• Daddy Daughter Tea at Lanier House: A chance for dads to share tea, make crafts, and share magical fairy-inspired memories with their daughters!

• Calhoun’s Fall Job Fair at Calhoun Community College: Job fair with top employers and career opportunities!

• Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream at Fantasy Playhouse: Shakespeare’s comedy comes alive with magic, mischief, music, and playful choreography!

• $5 After 5 PM with Diana Lucas at Huntsville Museum of Art: Relax with wine, art, and live soprano performance by Diana Lucas!

Friday, September 26

• Cocktails & Cosmos: Sounds of Space at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: An audible voyage through the sounds of the cosmos!

• The Snail's Birthday Party at The Snail on the Wall Bookstore: Celebrate The Snail on the Wall’s birthday with giveaways, prizes, coffee, and books!

• Pythian Parlour Ice Cream Pop-Up at MidCity: Weekend pop-up serving small-batch ice cream, acai bowls, and creative custom drinks!

• Makers Market at Piper & Leaf Farm: Shop handmade treasures, sip Piper & Leaf tea, and meet talented local artisans!

• Reed Timmer: Dominate the Storm at VBC Mars Music Hall: Storm chaser Reed Timmer shares extreme weather stories and science!

• Canadian Brass at Trinity United Methodist Church: Canadian Brass performs timeless chamber music classics!

• Evil Cheez presents: Frankenstein at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Classic Frankenstein retold as a spooky radio play!

• Disco Night at The Electric Belle: Boogie all night with DJ Jerm spinning classic disco hits!

• First Annual Memorial Ruck at Aviation Challenge: Honor veterans with a one-mile memorial ruck supporting suicide prevention awareness!

• Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill: Enjoy an evening of live music with The Snake Doctors!

• City Lights & Stars: Huntsville’s In the Mood at Burritt on the Mountain: Celebrate Burritt’s 70th with a traditional 21-piece Glenn Miller-style big band!

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!