❤️ A heartfelt goodbye

A local favorite is closing its doors, a grueling 383 foot race, and popular local business is celebrating 12 years with a special discount!

Author

Andrew Smith
August 08, 2025

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has survived the first full week of school! The weekend is just a few hours away!

On Tuesday, I asked which football team you cheered for. I should have known better! The poll got almost 400 responses!

But for those who were curious, the top team was the Alabama Crimson Tide! And the top comment?

“Saturday afternoons during college football season are the best time to go to Costco. Only caveat is that the snack aisles will be wiped out.”

So true! Regardless of which team you cheer for, I’m glad you’re here.

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

❤️ Rafael’s Table to Close at the End of August

A beloved fixture of Huntsville’s culinary community is preparing to say goodbye. Rafael’s Table, known for its warm hospitality, curated kitchenware, and lively cooking classes, will close its doors at the end of August. The decision comes after owner Abbe Diaz received a recent colon cancer diagnosis.

In a heartfelt letter to customers, Diaz shared the emotional decision to close the store, calling it “a gathering place, a creative space, and a place where strangers became friends.”

Through the end of August, all retail items in the store are 50% off, and the final round of cooking classes will continue as scheduled. In September, fixtures, decor, and equipment will go on sale, offering longtime fans a chance to take home a piece of the store’s memory.

As the community rallies behind Abbe in her fight ahead, stop by this month to share a hug!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE ORION

🖤 Celebrate BOLD Black Businesses

Click the image for more info!

Celebrate Black Business Month in a big way at The BOLD Market, happening Sunday, August 10, from 2 to 6 PM at The Orion Amphitheater.

This free, high-energy event brings together Black-owned businesses from Huntsville and beyond for a day of shopping, connection, and community. Explore a curated marketplace featuring fashion, food, wellness, tech, and more. Plus, enjoy live entertainment and networking opportunities throughout the afternoon.

Hosted by BOLD Huntsville and Huntsville Black-Owned Businesses, it’s a great way to support and uplift our city’s diverse local entrepreneurs.

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 17,000+ locals? Let’s chat!

🚀 Taking Flight

👟 Rocket City Microthon Returns to Support Merrimack Hall

The Rocket City Microthon returns on August 17 to test the limits of North Alabama’s least elite athletes across a grueling 0.12K.

This heart-pounding “race” stretches a whopping 383 feet from Straight to Ale to Yellowhammer Brewery at Campus 805. All money raised from the event will go to a great cause, the Merrimack Social Club.

It’s a nonprofit that offers arts-based programs for individuals with special needs across the community. Proceeds will support Merrimack’s 23 creative classes that serve hundreds across the region.

Whether you walk, run, shuffle, or crawl, it’s all for a great cause. Be sure to sign up to participate before registration closes on August 15.

🚀 Under Armour to Open New Store in Jones Valley

Jones Valley is getting a brand new outdoor retailer as Under Armour prepares to open a new store in Valley Bend.

Known for its performance apparel, footwear, and accessories, the global sportswear brand will join the growing lineup of shops at the outdoor mall, offering shoppers a convenient new spot to gear up for everything from gym sessions to game days.

An official opening date hasn’t been announced, but we will keep you updated as we learn more about the store’s opening.

🫖 Piper and Leaf Celebrate 12 Years With $1 Tea

Local tea favorite Piper & Leaf is celebrating its 12th anniversary with a refreshing deal all August long—$1 Tea Wednesdays.

Every Wednesday morning through noon, tea lovers can enjoy 16oz hot or iced teas for just a dollar. The special also includes $1 refills on any size of the brand’s signature refillable jars.

The promotion will continue every Wednesday through the end of August, so be sure to swing by, say hi, and enjoy a glass of tea!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! And a special shoutout to our newest supporters, Landon H. and Nicola L.!

Want to help support Huntsville Explorer and get some awesome perks in the process? Learn more here.

🏡 Home Explorer

This 4-bed, 3.5-bath home is built for both comfort and entertaining. The main level features wood floors, crown molding, a dedicated office, and a spacious primary suite with dual walk-in closets. Upstairs offers a private guest suite with its own bath, while the backyard includes a deck and pool for relaxing or hosting.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

All FREE music shows will be listed in the Live Music Lowdown section. Ticketed concerts will still be in the event calendar.

Thank you to St. Stephens Music Hall for sponsoring this section!

Click the image for more shows at St. Stephens!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, August 9

Sunday, August 10

  • The BOLD Market at The Orion Amphitheater: Celebrate Black-owned businesses with shopping, music, networking, and community vibes!

  • Huntsville City FC Home Game at Wicks Family Field: Cheer on the boys as they take on Carolina Core FC!

  • Doc Mental Magic Show at The Camp: World-renowned mentalist Nicholas Tweedy performs mind-blowing, family-friendly magic!

  • Scholastic Book Fair at Around the Curtain Children's Theatre: Week-long book fair with titles for all ages supporting youth theatre programming!

  • Jazz Brunch at the AC Hotel: Immerse yourself in a curated brunch menu, handcrafted cocktails, and sophisticated jazz melodies!

Monday, August 11

Tuesday, August 12

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

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Have a great weekend!