🌳 Big Spring Park Expansion

Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has had a great week!

July is just around the corner, and I’m in the process of putting together a big list of things to do in July. I’ll be sending that out to our Premium Explorers next week.

If you’d like to plan ahead and have a month’s worth of activities in one place, you can get the list by becoming a Premium Explorer.

Alrighty, let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚀 Marshall Space Flight Center’s 65th Anniversary Celebration

Huntsville is celebrating 65 years of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center with a free event on Saturday, July 19, from noon to 5 PM at The Orion Amphitheater.

Expect hands-on STEM activities, space exhibits, live music, food vendors, and meet-and-greets with astronauts from a recent ISS mission. It's a rare opportunity to see NASA experts in action and explore the groundbreaking work being done right here in Huntsville.

Whether you're a space lover or just looking for family fun, this celebration is looking to be out of this world!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY CHAR

🎙️ A Perfect Night Out

Looking for the perfect backdrop to your night out? Enjoy live music at Char Restaurant!

Relax in the lounge with live piano performances every evening—now playing from 5:30–8:30 PM nightly.

And don’t miss the live jazz trio during Sunday brunch, setting the tone from 11 AM–2 PM with smooth sounds and great vibes.

Whether you’re stopping in for drinks, dinner, or a weekend brunch, it’s the perfect way to elevate your experience. Stop in soon and catch a performance!

Want to get your business in front of 15,000 locals? Fill out this form.

🚀 Taking Flight

🌳 Big Spring Park Expansion Moves Forward with Final Design

City officials have unveiled final plans for the transformation of the Eastern side of Big Spring Park, which will include an expansion into the former City Hall site, adding roughly 2.5 acres of new public space.

The design features terraced plazas, a pavilion, public art, and a new playground. Crews will even install a new water feature to help drown out city noise.

No word on when construction will officially start, but it’s expected to be finished by the end of next year. Here are some renderings of what the park will look like when it’s finished

🍕 Mozza Meets Rella

A favorite local pizza joint has set up shop in South Huntsville (Logan Drive), but with a new twist.

Alongside their classic Italian offerings, the new spot introduces Rella Gyro, a Greek food concept now sharing the menu. That means you can grab a slice and a gyro in one stop.

Mozza fans will still find all their favorite staples, but now you’ve got more choices than ever. Whether you're craving marinara or tzatziki, it’s all under one roof!

☀️ Celebrate Parks & Rec Month

This July, city leaders want you to get outside and join the fun for Parks & Recreation Month.

The City is celebrating with a series of free, family-friendly events designed to help you connect with your community, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the power of play.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Tie-Dye in July (July 3)

• Splish Splash Bash (July 9)

• Color Jam Fun Run & Walk (July 12)

• Rec & Read (July 16)

• Light Up the Night (July 25)

More details about each event can be found here.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

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

🏡 Home Explorer

1439 Cherokee Ridge Dr. Union Grove, AL 35175

This 4-bed, 4-bath home sits on the 15th green of Cherokee Ridge Golf Course in an exclusive gated community. Built just 5 years ago, it features a spacious open layout, a luxurious master suite with a walk-in shower and huge closet, and stunning golf course views throughout.

🎵 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 28

• Independence Day Celebration at Ditto Landing: Live music, food trucks, and fireworks over the water. Free family fun by the river.

• Annual Juneteenth Festival at Big Spring Park: Enjoy live music, fireworks, and hands-on STEAM fun for all.

• DC Youngfly at Huntsville Levity Live: Atlanta-born comic, actor, and host brings high-energy laughs and viral charisma to the stage.

• Marc Martel's "One Vision of Queen" at the VBC Concert Hall: Experience Queen’s legendary hits live with the voice that rocked the Bohemian Rhapsody film.

• Five Points Cleanup Day at Lewter Park: Help beautify the neighborhood—supplies provided, and everyone’s welcome to pitch in.

• MidCity Stroller Club at MidCity District: Stroll, sip, and connect with local parents and caregivers. Free to join!

• Summer Beach Party Cat Show at Jaycee’s Building: See stunning breeds like Maine Coons, Sphynx, Scottish Folds & more—plus therapy cats!

• Stitch Day at Altered Reality VR Arcade & Game Center: Enjoy games, prizes, tasty food, and fun for all ages!

• Contra Dance at Faith Presbyterian Church: Beginner-friendly, lively community dance night with live music and simple, fun steps.

• Madison City Community Orchestra 10th Birthday Celebration at Madison Methodist Church: Enjoy a free, all-ages evening of classical music followed by a special celebration.

Sunday, June 29

• Rocket City Pickle Fest at The Orion Amphitheater: Pickle-themed food, drinks, games, live music & vendors.

• 90s Summer Jam at Prohibition: Throw it back in your flyest '90s fit—rooftop vibes, music, and nostalgia.

• Welcome to the Dollhouse + Hot Dogs at Mad Malts Brewing: Awkward teen angst meets dark comedy, plus hot dogs, of course.

• An International Film Series at Downtown Huntsville Library: Explore films revealing hidden truths beneath surface appearances.

• HuntsvilleCon 2025 at Embassy Suites: Family-friendly event with vendors, cosplay, anime, attractions, and special guests.

• Huntsville Astros Home Game at Milton Frank Stadium: Cheer on the boys as they take on Up 1 Athletics!

• Mini Mushroom Vases with Sara at Sullivan Pottery: Paint your own magical mini-forest on a handmade bud vase.

Monday, June 30

• Jurassic World Release Party at Learning Express Toys: Celebrate with free games, prizes, a raffle, and dinosaur fun.

Tuesday, July 1

• 4th of July Story & Painting at Downtown Huntsville Library: Listen to some stories about the 4th of July followed by a glitter paint craft!

• Author Talk with Robert Bailey at Madison Public Library: Hear bestselling author discuss The Boomerang, a gripping political thriller.

• Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys as they take on the Tennessee Smokies.

• Tuesdays on the Trail at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve: Meet snakes, lizards, and more while learning about native reptile adaptations and conservation.

• Red, White, & Bubbles at Rafael's Table: Elegant wine pairings, gourmet bites & lively conversation.

🤔 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.

I’ll be back in your inbox on Tuesday!

Have a great weekend!