- Huntsville Explorer
- Posts
- ⚾️ A New First For The Trash Pandas
⚾️ A New First For The Trash Pandas
The Trash Pandas are hosting a new team for the first time, HPD and the Huntsville Airport are setting records, and more!
Happy Friday!
Thanks for letting me drop into your inbox this morning!
Did you know that yesterday was National Hot Dog Day? Whose got the best dogs in town?
Let’s get to it!

👨🚀 Blast Off
⚾️ Trash Pandas Host Braves Affiliate For The First Time
Rocket City baseball fans are in for a packed weekend as the Trash Pandas host the Atlanta Braves’ affiliate, the Columbus Clingstones, for the first time at Toyota Field.
With fireworks, themed nights, live music, and giveaways, this is one of the most exciting series of the year.
The fun starts with fireworks shows Friday and Saturday, plus Tennessee Titans Night featuring T-Rac, Titans cheerleaders, and a signed JC Latham jersey raffle. The first 500 fans get a free mini football.
Saturday is Margaritaville Night with tropical jerseys and a charity auction.
On Sunday, the team becomes Lunáticos de Rocket City, celebrating Hispanic culture with mariachi music, food trucks, drink specials, and Milagro cup giveaways.
Grab your tickets and join the fun at Toyota Field!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY DSLD HOMES
💦 Your Poolside Paradise

Summer is here, and there’s no better time to make your move to Crystal Creek, where the community pool is calling your name!
Surrounded by stunning views and wide-open spaces, these homes offer the perfect mix of comfort, style, and a place to cool off all season long.
Starting at just $333,645, Crystal Creek has 5 quick move-in homes available. Your summer by the pool could start sooner than you think!
Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 16,000+ locals? Let’s chat!

🚀 Taking Flight
👮 Huntsville Police Dominate Global Competition
Huntsville’s finest made us proud at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham.
Competing against 8,500+ athletes from 60+ countries, 15 HPD officers brought home 2 golds in Jiu-Jitsu, 2 silvers in boxing and shooting, and 4 bronzes in other events.
They also cracked the global Top 10 in Police Pistol Combat and showed grit in CrossFit. Next stop: representing Rocket City at the 2027 games in Perth, Australia.
📆 Help Shape the School Year
When do you think school should start next year? Huntsville City Schools is asking parents, students, and community members to weigh in on the 2026–2027 academic calendar.
Two options are on the table: a July 30 start with evenly split semesters, or an August 5 start with a longer second semester.
Your feedback won’t finalize the calendar, but it will help guide planning. If you’d like to make your voice heard, the input form is open now through August 1, 2025.
✈️ Record-Breaking Summer at Huntsville International Airport
Huntsville International Airport is soaring to new heights, setting all-time records for passenger traffic this summer.
With over 160,000 travelers passing through in June alone, that’s a 9% increase from last year, making it officially the busiest month in the airport’s history. May wasn’t far behind, claiming the second-highest spot with nearly 157,000 passengers.
Airport leaders attribute the surge to larger planes, more frequent flights, and new destinations offered by airline partners. With strong support from communities across the valley, Huntsville is proving it’s ready to grow right alongside them.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout
Thank you to our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to support a local business and get a bunch of great perks?


🏡 Home Explorer
This 4-bed, 3.5-bath executive home sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with direct access to the Madison County Nature Trail. It features a chef’s kitchen, home office, bonus room, and a covered back porch with a built-in fireplace. The fenced backyard offers fruit trees and peaceful views, plus neighborhood amenities like a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and fitness center.

🎵 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. Stephen’s Music Hall for sponsoring this section!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City
Want to submit an event to the calendar? Fill out this form.
Want to see more upcoming events? Visit our calendar.
Saturday, July 19
Back to School Bash & Firework Show at Bridge Street: Celebrate back to school with tax-free shopping, music, kids activities, and fireworks.
Pop 'N Pinball Party at The Speakeasy at Straight to Ale: RPG fun with pinball, trivia, themed drinks, and a vendor market.
Marshall Space Flight Center's 65th Birthday at The Orion Amphitheater: Celebrate 65 years of local innovation with family activities, history, and fun.
Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys and enjoy a post-game fireworks show.
Caturday on Saturday at Madison Public Library: Cat storytime, DIY toys & meet adoptable kitties from Cattyshack.
Exploring Blooms and Pollination at Huntsville Botanical Garden: Learn flower parts and pollination through stories, STEM play, and garden fun.
Bama Brittle Tasting at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Sample local brittle flavors and meet the maker behind Bama Brittle.
Family Tie-Dye at Downtown Huntsville Library: Bring a shirt and dye it your way.
Invisible Man at The Lost Highway Lounge: Immerse yourself in a multiverse of my visual creations and sonic experiments.
Don't @ Me at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Audience Instagram profiles inspire wild, hilarious improv scenes in this interactive comedy.
Community Cleanup Day at Archer Park: Join a community cleanup at Archer Park to help keep Huntsville beautiful.
Spread Love, One Sandwich at a Time at Mellow Mushroom: Make meals for those in need at Feed the City: HSV community event.
Waffle Pop-Up at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Sample delicious Belgian waffles and meet the maker behind Wafel-Bitte.
Community Workout at MidCity District: Get moving with a free all-ages outdoor workout led by certified instructors.
Back to School Sale at Thrift Mart: Save 50% storewide during one-day Back to School sale.
Ashley Walls at Rocket City Honky Tonk: Don’t miss a full band set and a late night Yeedm (country EDM) after party
Phat Jam at InnerSpace Brewing Company: 12 bands, 8 comics, vendor market, and dog adoptions.
Iron Maiden/Pantera Tribute at Shag's Rock and Sports: Iron Maiden and Pantera tribute night featuring live music and cold drinks.
Sunday, July 20
Midsummer Market 2025 at Stovehouse: Shop 60+ vendors featuring anime, sci-fi, gaming, fantasy, and pop culture goods.
Doc Mental's LIVE Magic Show at The Camp: An evening of mystery, illusion, and awe with a world-renowned mentalist.
Slammer at the Hammer Dodgeball Tournament at Yellowhammer Brewing: 16 teams will go head to head in a double elimination dodgeball tournament.
Remembering the Apollo 11 Moon Landing at Signals Museum: Allen Wooten will discuss how he experienced and captured the moon landing.
Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys and let your kids run the bases after the game.
Tetsuo: The Iron Man at Mad Malts Brewing: Watch cult Japanese cyberpunk horror with surreal visuals and body horror themes.
Sunday Bluegrass at Tangled String: Good time, foot stompin' bluegrass music.
Monday, July 21
Inbound: Immersive Yoga at The Orion Amphitheater: Disconnect from distractions with noise-isolating, music-infused full immersion yoga.
Author Talk with Daco Auffenorde at Downtown Huntsville Library: Meet Daco and discuss her writing career and newest thriller, The Medici Curse.
Concerts in the Park at Big Spring Park: Bring a chair and enjoy a free concert from Caribbean Island Music Collective and Sister Luck.
Tuesday, July 22
Firefly Garden Hike at Huntsville Botanical Gardens: A special guided hike featuring the amazing fireflies that call the Garden home.
Huntsville Concert Band at Asbury Church: Cinematic and symphonic soundtracks bring legendary heroes and epic adventures to life
Tip A Cop at Texas Roadhouse: Officers serve tables to raise funds for Special Olympics.
Summer Luau Kids Night at Zaxby’s: Face painting, crafts, and a chance to win garden passes.

🤔 Give Us Some Feedback
I’m constantly trying to improve this newsletter. Please take a second to let me know what you thought of today’s edition.
What did you think of today's email? |

Thanks for making it to the end!
Have a great weekend!
