🚀 A Beloved Wildlife Celebration

Happy Friday!

The first full week of 2026 is almost in the books! I hope everyone’s routine is getting back to normal.

I appreciate you letting me drop into your inbox this morning!

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚨 One Of North Alabama’s Most Beloved Wildlife Celebrations Returns

The 2026 Festival of the Cranes kicks off this weekend at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, offering you the chance to experience one of North Alabama’s most beloved wildlife celebrations.

The annual festival invites visitors to slow down and experience the natural beauty of the Tennessee Valley through a mix of nature, art, science, and storytelling. Dozens of free events are taking place across the refuge and the City of Decatur, welcoming both lifelong bird watchers and first-time visitors.

Highlights include meeting Hope, the mascot of the International Crane Foundation, live raptor shows, conservation talks, and presentations from authors and photographers.

Families will also find hands-on activities for kids, including art projects and storytimes. Whether you stop by for an hour or spend the weekend exploring, the festival offers a meaningful way to connect with wildlife close to home.

Oh and the best part? It’s free! See the full schedule and more info here.

TOGETHER WITH AMERIGO ITALIAN RESTAURANT

🍽️ Something For Everyone To Love

Grabbing an early dinner? Check out Amerigo Italian Restaurant!

Their Early Bird Menu is available every day from 4-6 PM! Enjoy a selection of their most popular dishes at a discounted price, including Cheese Fritters, Five-Layer Lasagna, and more. With salads, entrées, desserts, and kids' meals all priced for less, there’s something for everyone to love.

Reservations and walk-ins are welcome.

🚨 Want to put your business in front of 22,000 Huntsvillians? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🇺🇸 Madison County Approved For New Veterans Cemetery

Representative Dale Strong announced this week that Alabama’s second state veterans cemetery is planned for Madison County on a site east of Huntsville along Maysville Road.

The 150-acre cemetery will offer North Alabama veterans and their families a new place to honor those who served. It will include crypts, traditional graves, columbarium niches, and a scatter garden.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and will begin with 15-20 acres, with plans to expand every 10 years.

🤠 All-Star Salute to ‘90s Country Lineup Continues to Grow

The lineup for An All-Star Salute to ’90s Country continues to grow ahead of the February 5 show at Propst Arena.

Producers have announced a dozen additional performers, including Jamey Johnson, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood, Janie Fricke, and The Forester Sisters. The nationally televised PBS special will feature 1990s country hits, plus throwback moments honoring artists from the 1980s.

The evening will also feature a hometown touch as Huntsville native Eric Blankenship opens the pre-show festivities. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $79.

See the full lineup here.

💥 Monday’s Loud Boom Explained

If a loud boom left your house shaking on Monday night, you aren't alone. People have been taking to social media to theorize about the explosion, but it turns out the truth should be unsurprising for any local.

Redstone Arsenal leaders confirmed the noise came from routine operations conducted on one of its test ranges, though officials noted the sound was louder than expected. The Arsenal clarified that the boom was not a normal rocket test, which is what you usually hear throughout the day.

They also say you can expect to hear more loud booms than usual for the time being. The loud noises just serve as a reminder why Huntsville is called The Rocket City!

🚀 A Quick Note From Us

I’m mixing things up a little in this spot today by running an ad for myself. We’re now booking advertisers for 2026, and I’d love to see your business here. We’ve already booked out most of Q1, but still have a few openings.

Huntsville Explorer goes out two times a week to more than 22,000 Huntsvillians, and these ad spots are designed to help local businesses reach real people in our community.

If you’re planning a new business launch, looking to bring in new clients, or simply want more locals to know your name, click here to get the conversation started, or just reply to this email and I’ll follow up personally.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

We will be sending out our City Council Recap from this week’s meeting on Sunday. If you’d like to get it, click here to join!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

We are looking for a local business that’s interested in sponsoring our Live Music Lowdown section. This is a great opportunity to get your business in front of 22,000 locals every single week!

If you’re interested, just hit reply and let’s talk!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Saturday, January 10

• Huntsville Havoc vs. Evansville Thunderbolts at VBC Propst Arena: Cheer on the Havoc as they take on Evansville and get an LED glow stick!

• Pop’n Pinball Star Trek vs Star Wars at the Straight to Ale Speakeasy: Play themed pinball, test your knowledge in trivia, and enjoy a few rounds of bingo!

• Operation Christmas Cleanup at John Hunt Park: Recycle live trees, cardboard, batteries, electronics!

• True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show at DoubleTree Huntsville South: Enjoy an interactive comedy murder mystery with dinner!

• Music Bingo at Yellowhammer: It’s like normal bingo, but with music and the theme is Elvis!

• Grand Opening at The Picklr: Come check out Huntsville’s new indoor pickleball facility and enjoy free play!

• Drop In & CREATE at Huntsville Museum of Art: A free engaging and interactive art-making activities for families!

• Hays Farm Parkrun at Hays Farm: Free timed 5K run/walk. All fitness levels are welcome!

• Fashion Jam at Gold Sprint Coffee: Four bands, a runway fashion show, and local artists!!

Sunday, January 11

• Candlelight Concerts: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at The Royal at Stovehouse: Coldplay and Imagine Dragons hits performed in a candlelit setting!

• The Tell-Tale Tea at Botanical Garden: Edgar Allan Poe–inspired afternoon tea with artisan blends and a gothic ambiance!

• Curriculum Trunk Sale at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church: Buy, sell used homeschool curriculum, books, and educational resources!

Monday, January 12

• Little Forest Friends at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve: Join the Land Trust of North AL and help your little one inspire a sense of wonder about the natural world!

• Free Tech Help for Adults 55+ at First SDA Church: Free tech support designed to help older adults navigate devices and digital tools!

Tuesday, January 13

• Mom Circle at The Orion Amphitheater: Connect with moms through guided discussions, expert insight, and supportive community!

• Book Launch: The Forget-Me-Not Library at The Snail on the Wall Bookstore: Meet Sarah Crouch and get a signed copy of her new novel!

• Recipe for Success in the New Year at Downtown Huntsville Library: A free, one hour presentation focused on building realistic, healthy eating habits!

• Water Wonders at Botanical Garden: Hands-on STEM exploration of water cycle, plant movement, and wetland importance for children!

• Trivia Tuesdays at Field Day: Grab your bestie and test your knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy food and drink specials!

• Beginner Sushi Class at Straight To Ale Brewing: Learn how to make sushi and pair it with the perfect sauce!

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 order your puzzle!

Have a great weekend!