🚀 A Look Back at 2025

A look back at the biggest things that happened in 2025!

Author

Andrew Smith
January 02, 2026

Happy Friday!

I can’t believe I haven’t talked to you since last year!

Now that the corny jokes are out of the way, today’s Huntsville Explorer is going to be a little different.

With the news being slow, I thought it’d be fun to look back at some of the most impactful things that happened to Huntsville in 2025. So let’s take a second to look back before we look ahead!

Let’s get to it!

🚀 7 Biggest Stories From 2025

🧑‍🚀 Huntsville Became the Home of U.S. Space Command

One of the year’s biggest milestones came when Redstone Arsenal was selected as the permanent home of U.S. Space Command.

The decision brought national attention to the Rocket City and set the stage for hundreds of high-level defense jobs moving to the region over the coming years.

Beyond the mission itself, the announcement meant new careers, new neighbors, and long-term investment in Huntsville’s role in national security and space defense.

🛋️ IKEA Announced First-Ever Alabama Store in Huntsville

A major retail win arrived with the announcement that IKEA will open its first-ever Alabama store in Huntsville in 2026.

Planned near MidCity and Research Park, the new location means residents will soon shop the iconic brand without leaving the state. The announcement underscored Huntsville’s growing influence as a regional destination for shopping, development, and big-name brands.

🗺️ Huntsville Annexed Over 3,000 Acres

Huntsville’s footprint expanded significantly in 2025, with more than 3,000 acres added to the city limits.

The growth opened doors for new neighborhoods, job centers, and future development while planning for infrastructure, green space, and long-term quality of life.

It marked another major step in Huntsville’s evolution as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast!

TOGETHER WITH DONNA BURNS, RE/MAX TODAY

🏡 Start Planning Your 2026 Move

Thinking about making a move in 2026? Even if it’s just a “maybe someday” thought, knowing what your home is worth is a great place to start.

A quick home valuation shows you what your house could sell for today, so you can plan ahead with confidence. It helps you understand your options, see what’s possible, and avoid guessing when the time feels right to move.

The best part is how easy it is. Our friend Donna Burns’ valuation process takes less than a minute and comes with no pressure and no obligation.

If you want real numbers to help you plan, get your free home valuation from Donna Burns today.

🚨 Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 21,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

🍽️ Huntsville Landed on the Michelin Map

National culinary recognition followed when Purveyor and Salt Smokehouse were named “recommended” restaurants in the Michelin Guide’s first American South edition.

The honor put Huntsville on the food world’s radar and confirmed what locals already knew. World-class dining no longer requires travel. It’s happening right here.

🏗️ Stadium Commons Brought New Energy to South Huntsville

Momentum built in South Huntsville as Stadium Commons began to take shape.

With retailers like Free People and Ferren Boutique announced, a luxury nail spa planned, and a two-story restaurant on the way, plus Hattie B’s already open, the area showed early signs of becoming a go-to spot to shop, eat, and spend time close to home.

đź«° MidCity Plans Major Expansion

MidCity took a major step forward in 2025 with the announcement of a $300 million expansion.

Plans include a new mid-sized music venue, additional retail, office space, and hotels.

The vision will continue to fill a long-standing gap in Huntsville’s entertainment scene and signaled that MidCity will continue to be a hub for concerts, creativity, and community gathering in the years ahead.

🍔 Tons of New Restaurants Opened Up

Food lovers had plenty to celebrate as new restaurants opened across Huntsville and Madison. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

From sourdough pizza and Italian classics to brunch favorites and street-food-inspired menus, the local dining scene continued to grow and diversify!

TOGETHER WITH… HUNTSVILLE EXPLORER

🚀 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 a lot of Q1, but still have some 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

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making this newsletter possible! Can we get a new member before 2026? Click here to join.

🎵 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!

Saturday, January 3

Sunday, January 4

Monday, January 5

Tuesday, January 6

  • Heavy Metal Night at Mad Malts Brewing: Metalcore and hardcore bands performing high-energy sets for fans of heavy music.

Want to see more upcoming events or promote your event on our calendar? Click here.

Thanks for making it to the end! Don’t forget to preorder your puzzle.

Have a great weekend!