🍝 A Taste of Sicily

Happy Friday!

I can’t believe what I’m about to tell you, but we’ve just passed 15,000 subscribers!! WHAT?!?!

Thank you so much to everyone who reads these newsletters. I put a lot of work into them and am so thankful for every one of you!

Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. Let’s get it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🏆️ The Orion Ranks Among World’s Best

Huntsville’s own Orion Amphitheater is receiving worldwide acclaim! According to Pollstar’s 2025 mid-year report, The Orion landed at #10 worldwide for ticket sales and #9 for gross revenue for a venue of its size. It’s an impressive feat for a venue that’s only three years old.

With its world-class recognition now official, The Orion is keeping the momentum going with a powerhouse summer lineup. From country legends to hip-hop icons, here’s a look at who’s hitting the stage later this year:

• Old Dominion – June 26

• Counting Crows – July 26

• Mumford & Sons – July 31 & August 1

• Alabama – August 23

• Luke Bryan – September 4

• Lil Wayne – September 24

• Billy Strings – October 23–25

If you want to grab tickets or see a full list of upcoming shows, you can do so on The Orion website.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

🎶 A Night At The Symphony

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s 71st season is packed with standout performances, and now’s the perfect time to plan ahead and save.

With the Subscribe and Save deal, you can choose the concerts you want to attend and get a discount without committing to full season tickets.

There are lots of great concerts this season like The Music of John Williams, Rhapsody in Blue, Pictures at an Exhibition, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. You can find a full list of this season's concerts here.

Whether you’re into film scores, classic masterpieces, or exciting new works, there’s something for everyone.

Start building your perfect concert lineup with the Compose Your Own package and enjoy great music at a great value.

Want to get your business in front of 14,000 locals? Let’s chat!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍝 Zanotta’s Brings a Taste of Sicily to Madison

There’s a new Italian gem on Main Street in Madison, and it’s serving up Old World flavor with local charm.

Zanotta’s, the latest venture from the team behind Lanier House and Main Street Café, offers a menu rooted in authentic Sicilian family recipes. Think rich pasta dishes, café lattes, and affogatos for dessert.

Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner, Zanotta’s delivers a full Italian experience. And if that’s not enough, they’ve added live jazz on weekends to complete the atmosphere.

🍷 The Vine & Oak Wine Bar

Madison is getting a new upscale escape just in time for summer. The Vine & Oak, a refined wine and bourbon lounge with a full retail cellar, opens its doors June 24 at 69 Martin Street.

Designed for both casual sippers and seasoned collectors, it’s part bar, part boutique. It offers curated bottles, rare finds, and premium accessories in an elegant and unique way.

Happy hour will kick off daily at 3 PM, and will be the perfect place to toast to good taste!

⚽ Free Huntsville City FC Match

If you’ve never been to a Huntsville City FC match, now’s your chance to get in on the action, and it’s all on the house.

The club’s new First Match On Us program gives first-time fans a free ticket to any home match, plus $5 in stadium credit and an exclusive merch offer.

From kid zones and local brews to theme nights and live energy, HCFC matchdays are more than just a game, it’s a full-blown community celebration. Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or just curious, there's never been a better time to catch a match at Wicks Family Field.

Click here to see how you can sign up for the First Match On Us program.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thank you to our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible!

🏡 Home Explorer

405 Meadow View Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802

This 4-bed 2-bath 2,138 square foot home is located in South Huntsville just off of Whitesburg Drive. It’s located on a large lot with a fully remodeled kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, and even has a ready-to-use outdoor basketball court!

🎵 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 Tangled String Studios 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, June 21

• Water Lantern Festival at Big Spring Park: Experience a magical night of lanterns, community connection, and heartfelt wishes on water.

• Annual Juneteenth Celebration at The Camp: Celebrate Juneteenth with music, art, performances, vendors, and powerful tributes to Black history.

• Juneteenth Summer Skate Jam at The Orion Amphitheater: Shop Black-owned vendors, skate to afrobeats, and enjoy food trucks + drinks.

• Make Music Day at Various Locations: Musicians and venues unite citywide for free performances celebrating Make Music Day Huntsville.

• Pop-Up Market at Rocket City Dog Bar: Shop handmade goods, baked treats, and local crafts at this dog-friendly outdoor pop-up market.

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys and bring a board game, beanie, or blanket to donate to Clearview Cancer Institute for Trash Cancer Night.

• Hogs and Hops Party at Straight to Ale: Kick off summer with smokin’ eats, epic games, and live tunes!

• Kill Bill: Volume 1 at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Watch Kill Bill with themed food and drinks served during the film.

• Hot Dog Eating Contest at Monrovia Elementary School: Firefighters face off with deputies for charity, with music, food, and family fun.

• Birds of Prey Movie Premiere at St. Stephens Music Hall: Local film debut set where it was filmed, with two showings and a DJ set.

• Book Signing with Robert Bailey at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Meet the author, enjoy book signings, and sample delicious local pecans from Decatur.

• An Afternoon with Hampton Sides at South Huntsville Public Library: Enjoy an author talk and book signing celebrating Hampton Sides’ acclaimed historical nonfiction release.

• L'80's Night Patio Party at Furniture Factory: Throwback dance party with retro hits, drinks, and 80s vibes.

• Concert at Three Caves: Live music from Red Flags + The Band Silhouette in a stunning quarry venue.

• Blink-182 Tribute Show at The Electric Belle: Bone Zone is bringing Blink-182’s iconic chaos back to life with a full-throttle tribute night!

• 90's Country Party at Mars Music Hall: 90s country hits, party vibes, and epic sing-alongs.

• Watters Felts Project at Tangled String Studios: Listen to soulful jazz fusion with global flair and powerhouse vocal energy.

Sunday, June 22

• Rocket City Records Jam Session at The Orion Amphitheater: Live music, open mic, and good vibes for all ages—bring your instrument and join in!

• Field Day at Dublin Park: Join Orangetheory Fitness for a day filled with fun games for adults and kids!

• Weird Kids Inclusive Prom at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Inclusive beach-themed prom with music, snacks, and fun for high school teens.

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Celebrate First Responders Night and cheer on the boys as they take on the Chattanooga Lookouts!

• An Afternoon with Kyra Davis Lurie at North Huntsville Public Library: Celebrate Kyra Davis Lurie's newest novel with a powerful author talk and signing.

• Run with Kenyans at John Hunt Park: Run with Olympic legends and enjoy Kenyan music, culture, and cuisine.

• Boom-Proof Your Pet at Jaycee Building: Free pet microchips, vaccines, supplies, and safety tips before the July 4th fireworks.

• Ledisi at VBC: Experience rich vocals through R&B, jazz, soul, neo-soul, funk, gospel, and genre fusion.

Monday, June 23

• Immersive Yoga at The Orion Amphitheater: Join Maria Brito for immersive yoga with music, breathwork, and nature sounds via headphones.

• Swim With Mermaids at Point Mallard Park: Swim and visit with mermaids!

• Shadow Puppet Theater at Downtown Huntsville Library: Discover how light casts shadows by making and decorating your own puppet theater.

• Fireworks in a Jar at Learning Express Toys: Learn how to make fireworks in a jar!

• Concerts in the Park at Big Spring Park: Join Double Barrell and the Otis Walker Band for a free concert!

Tuesday, June 24

• Food and Farm Hub Launch at The Lumberyard: Celebrate the launch with food, music, drinks & sustainable vendors.

• Firefly Garden Hike at the Botanical Gardens: A special guided hike featuring the amazing fireflies that call the Garden home.

• An Evening with Cakebread Cellars at J. Alexander's Restaurant: Enjoy a four-course dining experience perfectly paired with Cakebread Cellars wines.

• Open Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School: Swim, splash, and build water confidence in a fun, 90° pool.

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Have a great weekend!