🚀 A new first for Huntsville

Happy Friday!

Did you wake up wanting to support a local business? If so, I’ve got some great news for you!

We spend hours every week putting together these newsletters, and are super happy to do it! But it does take a lot of time and resources.

So if you’d like to show us some support, we are trying to reach 75 Premium Explorers by the end of the month. Currently, we are at 71, so we just need 4 more!

For less than $0.30 per day, you can support a local business and get some great perks. If you’d like to become a Premium Explorer, you can do so here.

Regardless, I’m glad you’re here.

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🛋️ IKEA To Open First Alabama Store in Huntsville

A little piece of Sweden is coming to the Rocket City. That’s right, Huntsville will soon be the home of Alabama’s first IKEA.

The 46,000-square-foot store will be located on University Drive near MidCity, offering residents convenient access to the Swedish retailer’s iconic home furnishings and design expertise.

Shoppers can explore fully furnished showrooms tailored to Huntsville’s needs, browse thousands of products, and instantly take home over 2,000 items. Larger pieces, from beds to sofas, will be available to order for home delivery.

Beyond furniture, IKEA Huntsville will feature a planning studio for one-on-one design consultations, and of course, the store’s world-famous meatballs. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with an As-is Department selling gently used and discontinued products to give them a second life.

There is still no exact date set for the grand opening, but we do know that project leaders are eyeing an early 2026 grand opening. We will make sure to update you as soon as we learn a specific date!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY GLS SUPPLY

🛀 Build Your Dream Space

Did you know that Huntsville has a kitchen and bath showroom?

GLS Supply is your local spot for premium fixtures that bring your remodel to life. From sleek faucets and statement sinks to luxurious tubs and toilets, their showroom is filled with high-quality products you can see and feel in person.

Whether you’re updating your bathroom or designing your dream kitchen, their team is here to help you choose the perfect pieces.

Stop by the GLS Supply showroom at 1300 Meridian Street, Suite D200, and turn your vision into a space you’ll love to live in.

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 17,000+ locals? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🏈 City Plans Major Renovation for Goldsmith-Schiffman Field

The City of Huntsville is moving forward with plans to transform the historic Goldsmith-Schiffman Field, a former high school football facility that’s almost 100 years old.

The field is located near 5 Points and will be turned into a modern community park. The renovation will feature two new flag football fields, a playground, a pavilion, and two pickleball courts.

If the city council approves the plans, construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take about 15 months to complete. In the meantime, check out some renderings of planned renovations.

🎭️ Fantasy Playhouse Opens New Home

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy has officially moved into its new home in historic Merrimack Hall.

The renovated 24,534-square-foot facility nearly doubles the organization’s space, featuring a 278-seat accessible theatre, expanded classroom areas, and upgraded backstage amenities. Organization leaders say the move will allow them to serve over 20,000 people annually and expand programming for students and volunteers.

The first public celebration in the new venue will be the annual Cocktails Under the Stars fundraiser this Saturday. You can expect live entertainment, local food and drinks, and guided tours of the space.

✈️ Allegiant Air Adds Three Nonstop Flights to Florida

Huntsville International Airport is welcoming Allegiant Air back to the Rocket City, bringing travelers three new nonstop options to sunny Florida at wallet-friendly prices.

Starting this Fall, you can book flights to Fort Lauderdale. Fast-forward to next Spring, the airport will start offering flights to both Orlando and the Tampa area. The best part? Prices for these flights will start at around $40.

Allegiant last served Huntsville nearly two decades ago, and officials say the city’s growth and strong demand for leisure travel make this the perfect time to return. With these additions, local travelers can enjoy more direct access to Florida’s beaches, attractions, and warm weather without the layovers.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to help support Huntsville Explorer and get some awesome perks in the process?

Become a Premium Explorer.

🏡 Home Skate Park Explorer

100 Skate Park Drive, Madison, AL 35757

I thought it'd be fun to switch it up this week…

This 16-acre property, formerly home to the Insanity Complex, offers endless possibilities. It includes multiple structures, with the main entertainment building spanning about 79,000 square feet and available fully furnished. The site can be purchased as a whole or divided, making it ideal for redevelopment or a new community destination.

🎵 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!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Saturday, August 16

• Newcomer's Fair at Madison Public Library: Meet local organizations, explore community resources, and connect with fellow Madison residents!

• Strawberry Social Tea Party at Botanical Garden: Summer tea party with seasonal treats, live music, and lush garden surroundings!

• Dinner in the Dark at The Veggie Madison: Three-course blindfolded dining experience with curated sounds, lighting, and flavors!

• Hoedown at The Camp: All-day country music, line dancing, southern food, vendors, and family fun!

• Tom Borcher Book Signing at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Book signing and meet-and-greet with courtroom drama author Tom Borcher!

• Sourdough Bread Class 101 at University Pickers: Hands-on sourdough class teaching bread-making basics!

• Adoption Event with Rocket City Rescue at Rocket City Dog Bar: Pet adoption event with cats and dogs seeking loving forever homes!

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: First 1,000 kids receive a free youth space jersey during the baseball game.

• Stand Up Comedy All Stars at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Stand-up comedy showcase featuring top talent to support a 24-hour fundraiser!

• Community Workout at Midcity District: Free outdoor workout with dynamic exercises for all ages and fitness levels!

• 2nd Annual Cocktails Under the Stars at Fantasy Playhouse: Come check out the new building and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a silent auction!

• Huntsville Hamfest at Von Braun Center: Amateur radio festival with vendors, forums, flea market, and family-friendly activities!

• 90s Noir Nite at The Straight to Ale Speakeasy: Throw it way back with a double feature that’ll punch you in the face with color and slap you with 90s weirdness!

• The Southern Social Featuring Josh Weathers at VBC Mars Music Hall: Enjoy a live Southern rock and soul performance!

• Goodbye June at Rocket City Honky Tonk: Hard rock blended with Southern blues and gospel!

• The Culture 2000 Tour at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Orchestral concert blending classical arrangements with 2000s hip-hop and R&B hits!

• IOD Album Release at Shag's Rock and Sports: High-energy album release throwdown blending heavy riffs, raw passion, and unfiltered vibes!

Sunday, August 17

• Rocket City Microthon at Butler Green at Campus 805: A gureling 383-foot race with food, music, and fundraising for special needs arts!

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys and let your kids run the bases after the game!

• Huntsville City FC Home Game at Joe Davis Stadium: Cheer on the boys as they take on NYCFC II!

• Doc Mental Magic Show at The Camp: Watch a world-class mentalist perform mind-reading and magic!

Monday, August 18

• Battle of the Bands Round 3 at Shag's Rock and Sports: Three bands compete live for a spot in the final championship round.

• Teddy Swims: I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour at The Orion Amphitheater: An evening of soulful pop and R&B with Teddy Swims!

Tuesday, August 13

• Book Launch: Elise Hart Kipness, Close Call at The Snail on the Wall: Meet Elise and discuss her newest sports thriller, Close Call!

• Good People, Good Stories at The Beer Hog: A unique night of storytelling that invites locals to share personal tales and connect over drinks!

• Speed Mingle: Speed Dating and Networking Event at Das Stahl Bierhaus: Fast-paced connections for singles and professionals!

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

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Have a great weekend!