🎶 A Long-Awaited Reboot

Happy Tuesday!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this little ole newsletter has officially crossed 20,000 subscribers!! I truly appreciate you letting me drop into your inbox in the mornings.

I’ve got big plans for Huntsville Explorer in 2026, and I am so thankful you’re along for the ride.

Oh, and if you’re a local business owner and want to get your business in front of our highly engaged audience in 2026, fill out this form, and I’ll be in touch!

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🎶 Tip Top Cafe Brings Live Music Back to Huntsville

After nearly 20 years, an iconic Huntsville hangout is officially returning to the local music scene next week.

Re-launched by the team behind St. Stephens Music Hall and Veloce Pizza, the revived Tip Top Cafe on Maple Avenue will offer you a mix of live music, vintage arcade nostalgia, a full bar, and fresh pizza and sandwiches.

Tip Top’s new chapter is built by people who truly love Huntsville’s music history, and they’re ready to welcome you back with a stacked lineup featuring everything from blues jams to indie and rock acts.

While the initial Thanksgiving weekend shows had to be postponed, Tip Top Cafe will rock again in early December. You can see the upcoming shows here.

🎄 Tinsel Trail Returns to Brighten Big Spring Park

Big Spring Park is about to transform into a glowing forest of creativity as the Tinsel Trail brings hundreds of uniquely decorated Christmas trees back to Downtown Huntsville.

Starting this weekend and running through New Year’s Eve, you can wander the park any time of day or night and take in more than 400 live trees decked out by local businesses, families, and community groups, each with its own theme and personality.

Opening day is this Friday (today) and includes a special Black Friday market starting at 2 PM, followed by the official lighting of the Rocket City Tree at 6 PM. There will also be performances from local musicians and food trucks!

Whether you’re in the mood for a casual evening stroll or a magical trip to a Winter wonderland, the Tinsel Trail is an easy, free, and festive way to make the season special.

🚗 New Parking Deck Approved for The Orion

If you’ve ever broken a sweat during the trek between your parking spot and your seat at The Orion, we’ve got good news for you. City leaders are moving forward to build a new parking deck outside The Orion Amphitheater.

You’ll start to see crews working on the project in the area between Amphitheater Drive and Corporate Drive in a little over a year. The deck will be four-stories tall and will have 900 parking spaces. Design work is already underway and will take most of the next year, with construction expected to begin after bidding in late 2026 and wrap up by late 2027 or early 2028.

Once complete, this new garage will help traffic move more smoothly, expand parking options for shows and festivals!

TOGETHER WITH DONNA BURNS, RE/MAX TODAY

🏡 Your Cul-De-Sac Dream

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 4-bed, 3.5-bath home at 10 Natures Loop Rd offers peaceful living with direct access to the Madison County Nature Trail.

The chef’s kitchen and covered back porch with fireplace are perfect for entertaining, while fruit trees and a fenced yard make the outdoors feel like home.

Inside, you'll find a main-level primary suite, office, bonus room, and plenty of storage. Neighborhood perks include a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and fitness center.

Ready to see if this could be your new home? Connect with Donna Burns for a tour!

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 20,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🎄 Tinsel Trail Black Friday Market

November 28 | 2-9 PM | Big Spring Park | Free | More Info

Kick off the holidays surrounded by hundreds of glowing Christmas trees, then browse a special Black Friday pop-up market filled with local vendors, tasty food trucks, and festive cheer. Don’t miss the lighting of the trees at 6 PM!

🏒 Star Wars Night with the Huntsville Havoc

November 28 | 7 PM | VBC Propst Arena | $20+ | More Info

Suit up, Jedi and Sith alike. Star Wars Night is back with the Huntsville Havoc! Fans of every age can show off their best cosplay, cheer on the home team, and enjoy a night packed with galactic fun at the VBC.

✨ Star of Bethlehem Planetarium Show

November 28 | 7 PM | U.S. Space & Rocket Center Planetarium | $14+ | More Info

Step into the planetarium for a timeless exploration of what could have created the legendary Star of Bethlehem. This mix of astronomy, history, and storytelling makes for an unforgettable seasonal experience.

🎶 Seminole Strut Album Release Party

November 28 | 7 PM | The Electric Belle | $10 | More Info

Seminole Strut is dropping their new album Delta Glossy, and they’re bringing the energy to Stovehouse. Mike Roberts opens the night before the band hits the stage!

🏈 Iron Bowl Watch Party

November 29 | 11 AM - 11 PM | Field Day | Free | More Info

Field Day is going big for the Iron Bowl with meet-and-greets, giveaways, themed cocktails, grilled classics, and cash prizes for the most spirited fan!

🛍️ Small Business Saturday at Lowe Mill

November 29 | 11 AM - 7 PM | Lowe Mill | Free | More Info

Celebrate local makers and avoid the big-box chaos! Wander through hundreds of studios filled with handmade goods, creative gifts, and community spirit!

🎆 Holiday Laser Show

November 29 | 6:30 PM | Rocket City Lasers | $10 | More Info

Feel the season come alive with bright beams, bold colors, and immersive holiday music. Choose between a family-friendly lineup or a more atmospheric evening set, complete with 3D glasses for a next-level viewing experience.

TOGETHER WITH THE TRASH PANDAS

🎄 A New Christmas Experience

The Rocket City Trash Pandas are bringing magic to Toyota Field this winter with the debut of the Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show!

This BRAND-NEW experience brings fans inside the ballpark for a spectacular walk-through experience filled with dazzling displays, festive food and drinks, and plenty of family fun!

The Christmas Light Show is open now through December 28, and kids 12 and under get in FREE.

There are even a handful of fun themed nights that you’ll want to check out. A full schedule and tickets can be found here.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

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

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Wednesday, November 26

• The Hawkins Hideaway at Straight to Ale: Step back into the 80s and dive into the world of the Hawkins and enjoy specialty Stranger Things cocktail and vibes!

• Family Movie Night at Field Day: Bring the whole family for a free showing of Free Birds on the big LED TV wall!

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Holiday spectacular featuring acrobatics, music, dazzling costumes, and magical performances!

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

Thursday, November 27

• 32nd Annual Turkey Trot at The University of Alabama in Huntsville: Family-friendly 5K supporting local crisis services and victims!

• Theatre Turkey Trot at Ditto Landing: Thanksgiving-themed 5K and fun run supporting Around the Curtain’s Children's Theatre!

• Huntsville Havoc vs. Knoxville Ice Bears at VBC Propst Arena: Cheer on the Havoc with some Thanksgiving hockey against the Knoxville Ice Bears!

• Black Friday Takeover at Straight to Ale Brewing: Skip the shopping chaos and join us for a full day of dark beers, live music, football, and good times!

• Holiday Light Show at Bridge Street Town Centre: Enjoy multiple 10-minute festive light shows near the Christmas tree!

• Thanksgiving Dinner at Rhythm On Monroe: Festive holiday feast with classic dishes and chef twists!

• Thanksgiving Dinner at Revivalist: Festive three-course meal with seasonal flavors and classic favorites!

• Thanksgiving Night at Stella's Elixir Lounge: Spend Thanksgiving at Stella’s and enjoy craft cocktails, sparkling vibes, and luxe lounge energy!

• Friendsgiving at Rocket City Dog Bar: Celebrate Thanksgiving with food, friends, and pups in a cozy holiday gathering!

• Friendsgiving at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Evening of food, games, and fun with chosen family and friends!

Friday, November 28

• Star of Bethlehem at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Explore the celestial phenomena that guided the Magi to Bethlehem!

• Tinsel Trail Lighting Ceremony and Market at Big Spring Park: Shop a special Black Friday Market and then see the first lighting of all the trees!

• Opening Day at Littlest Christmas Tree Farm: Kick off the Christmas season with cozy charm, small-town joy, and plenty of holiday cheer!

• Huntsville Havoc vs. Quad City Storm at VBC Propst Arena: Cheer on the Havoc at Star Wars night, and you might even walk away with a lightsaber!

• The Trial of the Rook at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: A famed criminal faces a suspenseful 1940 Christmas trial filled with surprising secrets!

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke at Field Day: Bust out your ugly sweaters for holiday karaoke, Grinchmas vibes, and a raffle!

• Santa Claus Visit at Bridge Street Town Centre: Family photo opportunities with Santa and festive holiday fun!

• Camp Christmas: Holiday Takeover at The Camp: Enjoy an immersive holiday wonderland with lights, drinks, and festive fun!

• Marcus D. Wiley at Huntsville Levity Live: Enjoy an evening of laughs with Marcus Wiley!

• Run It Off at Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison: Turn your Thanksgiving feast into fuel!

• Free Santa Photo Package at Parkway Place Mall: Receive a digital Santa photo with $200+ Black Friday purchase!

• Thanksgiving Day Plans at Red Panda Hobbies and Games: Enjoy an evening of games, snacks, and community!

• Seminole Strut Album Release Party at The Electric Belle: Celebrate the new album with live music from Seminole Strut!

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!