🚀 A Major Renovation

A major $63 million renovation, a popular holiday marketplace, and Stovehouse celebrates 1,000 live shows!

Author

Andrew Smith
November 14, 2025

Happy Friday!

Can you believe there are only 41 days until Christmas? You may want to get a jump start on your shopping before things get crazy!

On another note, The Local is officially open in Downtown Huntsville. I’ll be giving two of our Premium Explorers a $25 gift card to go try it out. I’ll announce the winner next Friday.

If you’d like a chance to win, and want to help support Huntsville Explorer, you can become a Premium Explorer here. I’m trying to get to 75 members by the end of the year (currently at 60).

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚀 UAH Invests in the Future with Major Campus Renovations

Big changes are on the horizon at UAH as two major construction projects move forward. Between the two projects, UAH will be investing $63 million into the renovations.

The first, a full renovation of the Bevill Center to create a state-of-the-art cybersecurity hub. The second, the construction of a brand-new Track and Field Complex to enhance campus life. Together, these projects aim to strengthen UAH’s academic, research, and athletic programs while continuing to shape the university into a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity for North Alabama.

The Bevill Center renovation, valued at nearly $48 million, will transform the former facility into the new Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education. It’ll be a cutting-edge space designed to attract top-tier students, researchers, and industry partners.

Once complete, the building will house the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, along with the Office of Research and Economic Development. For a city defined by its technology and defense industries, this center will serve as a vital pipeline, preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts right here in the Rocket City.

Meanwhile, a new $15 million Track and Field Complex will finally bring a first-class on-campus facility to UAH’s student-athletes. The NCAA-regulation track will include locker rooms, concessions, and a 500-seat bleacher section, and will open the door for UAH to host conference and championship events.

For students and residents alike, these projects promise to deepen UAH’s role as both an academic leader and a community hub for its students and the people of Huntsville.

TOGETHER WITH CHAR RESTAURANT

🦃 Thanksgiving Made Easy (and Delicious)

Bring Char Restaurant to your holiday table!

This season, let Char handle the holiday feast with family-style sides, gumbo, cornbread muffins, and house-made pecan pies—plus new Range Chicken breasts to round out your spread. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, they’ll make it easy (and delicious).

Place your Thanksgiving order by Monday, November 24th at 5 PM for pickup by Wednesday, November 26th at 5 PM. View the menu and place your order here.

Interested in featuring your business in our next ad slot? ⬆️ Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🎄 Shop Local at the Gingerbread Marketplace

If you love finding one-of-a-kind gifts and soaking in festive cheer, you won’t want to miss the 11th Annual Gingerbread Marketplace this weekend!

You can kick off your Christmas shopping today and tomorrow at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center. You’ll get to explore more than 100 local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and boutique clothing to candles, soaps, home décor, and delicious treats.

Kids can enjoy interactive art booths and grab a photo with Santa while you browse with friends, snack at the food trucks, and tap your foot to the festive tunes. Admission is just $3, parking is free, and children 12 and under get in at no cost.

🎶 Stovefest Celebrates 1,000 Live Shows at Stovehouse

Get ready to turn up the heat tomorrow at Stovefest, a celebration marking 1,000 live shows at Stovehouse! And the best part? It’s totally free!

From 3 to 8 PM, the campus will be buzzing with local music, family fun, and a little something for everyone. You can expect a Kid’s Courtyard, an inflatable obstacle course, firetruck demos, a charity raffle, and a dazzling laser light show to cap off the night. Plus a chance to win $1,000!

When the festival winds down, the party keeps going with a DJ Dance Party at The Electric Belle from 8:30 PM to midnight. Whether you’re coming for the tunes, the lights, or just the good vibes, Stovefest is your invitation to celebrate Huntsville’s thriving live music scene.

🛍️ Madewell Opens at Bridge Street

If your wardrobe could use a refresh before the holidays, you’re in luck. Madewell is now open at Bridge Street.

The stylish new store officially opened its doors this week, bringing Huntsville a taste of timeless denim and effortlessly cool fashion. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pair of jeans or cozy seasonal staples, Madewell offers elevated essentials made to last.

Plus, if you bring in an old pair of jeans, you’ll get $20 off a new pair as part of their denim recycling program!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to win one of our $25 gift cards to The Local Cafe? Join today!

🎵 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 St. Stephens!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, November 15

  • Holiday Market at Piper & Leaf Farm: Local artisans, festive music, food, and cozy holiday vibes!

  • Holiday on Gates at Alabama Constitution Hall Park: Constitution Hall Park in Downtown Huntsville transforms into a charming Christmas Market!

  • Medieval Fest & Market at The Lost Highway Lounge: Medieval vendors, themed food, live entertainment, and festive fun!

  • Makers Market at GigaParts: A family-friendly market featuring local makers, crafters, tech tinkerers, demos, handmade goods, and more!

  • Pop-Up Market at St. Thomas: The Bailey Cove Farmer’s Market is back for a special one-day pop up!

  • Stovefest at Stovehouse: Celebrate 1,000 live shows with live music, festivities, inflatables for kids, a laser show, and more!

  • Stovefest After Party at The Electric Belle: Follow the trombone parade down to the Electric Belle for the Stovefest After Party!

  • A Wicked Afternoon Tea at the Tea Room at Annabella: Step into the world of emerald enchantment with a special Wicked-themed tea!

  • 10 Year Anniversary Party at Old Black Bear Brewing: Celebrate 10 years with live music all day long from 4 different performers!

  • Thanksgiving Turkey Pies Class at Itty Bitty Bakers Huntsville: Young bakers will create their very own mini chocolate pies!

  • The Thorn at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: The story of Christ is presented in an immersive show with music, drama, movement arts!

  • The R&B Lovers Tour at VBC Propst Arena: Iconic R&B artists perform hits in a high-energy show!

  • I Need a Job Tour at Huntsville Levity Live: Comedians deliver stand-up, laughs, and sharp social commentary!

  • Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour at VBC Propst Arena: Stand-up comedy night with plenty of laughs!

Sunday, November 16

Monday, November 17

  • The Castle Council at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Family-friendly role-play adventure with humor and audience participation!

  • Music Lab Monday Episode 4 LIVE at Shag's Rock and Sports: Open mic meets writer’s round, live jam, and on-the-spot recording!

Tuesday, November 18

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!