🌳 Big Spring Park Expansion

Big Spring Park is officially getting bigger, major news on the North Village Town Center development, and more land is getting annexed!

Author

Andrew Smith
January 13, 2026

Happy Tuesday!

The cold weather is rolling in and I hope everyone is bundled up!

Does anyone have anything fun going on this week? If so, hit reply and let me know!

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🌳 Big Spring Park Expansion Moves Forward

Big Spring Park is set to expand as the City of Huntsville moves forward with a new eastern addition. A construction contract has been awarded to transform the former City Hall site into an extension of the park, creating a more connected green space.

Planned features include a pavilion, water feature, playground, public restrooms, walking paths, and new public art in partnership with ArtsHuntsville.

Improvements along Church Street will also enhance pedestrian access, helping better link the east and west sides of the park and create more space to gather in the city’s core.

🛍️ North Huntsville’s New Shopping District Continues to Grow

The City of Huntsville has agreed to sell nearby land to make room for additional retail and restaurant development in North Huntsville.

The move supports the growing North Village Town Center project off Memorial Parkway, a planned $240 million development that will bring more than 600,000 square feet of shops and dining to the area.

City leaders have also approved the design phase for the project, which is expected to include major national brands like Target and Home Depot. Together, these steps signal continued growth and a new commercial hub for North Huntsville residents.

📚️ Huntsville Moves Toward Annexation to Make Room for a New School

City leaders are moving to annex more than 648 acres near Swancott Road, with a major focus on future school development.

The proposed annexation along the south side of I-565 would set aside roughly 100 acres for Huntsville City Schools to build a new P–8 school, with room to expand as the area grows.

The remaining land would support new residential neighborhoods and development. City Council is expected to vote on the annexation request at the January 22 meeting, aiming to ensure growing families have access to nearby schools as Huntsville expands west.

TOGETHER WITH URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN

🤒 Don’t Let Flu Season Slow You Down

Flu cases are on the rise in Huntsville, and it’s spreading fast in schools and daycares! When symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or fever show up, it’s best to get your child seen early. Quick care can make a big difference for flu, COVID, and RSV.

Urgent Care for Children makes it easy for families to get help when they need it. With locations in Huntsville and Madison, they offer walk-in visits, after-hours pediatric care, and the option to book online so your child can be seen faster without a long lobby wait.

When your child isn’t feeling their best, Urgent Care for Children provides trusted pediatric care close by.

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 22,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🎭 Lizzie: The Musical

January 16–17 | 7 PM | Straight to Ale (Speakeasy) | $25+ | More Info

This immersive gothic musical retells the chilling story of Lizzie Borden with punk rock energy, period drama, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling!

🎬 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban In Concert

January 16–17 | 7:30 PM (16th) and 2 PM (17th) | VBC | $80+ | More Info

Return to the Wizarding World and catch Harry Potter on the big screen while a live symphony orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score!

🚤 Huntsville Boat Show 2026

January 16–18 | All Day | Von Braun Center | $10+ | More Info

Shop, compare, and save on hundreds of boats all in one place. From pontoons to jet skis, this is Huntsville’s biggest boat-buying event!

🥫 Tasting Party at Harrison Bros.

January 17 | 11 AM | Harrison Bros. | Free | More Info

Get your Super Bowl snack game ready by sampling locally made salsas, jams, preserves, and syrups you can only find at Harrison Bros. Free to attend and full of flavor!

❤️ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Parade

January 17 | 12 PM | Downtown Huntsville | Free | More Info

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with the annual parade!

🍝 Free Cooking Class at BRAVO!

January 17 | 2 PM | BRAVO! Italian Kitchen | Free | More Info

Calling all food lovers! Learn tips and techniques straight from the BRAVO! kitchen during this free, no-RSVP cooking class led by their chef!

🏒 Huntsville Havoc vs. Knoxville Ice Bears

January 17 | 7 PM | Von Braun Center | $20+ | More Info

The Havoc hit the ice for an action-packed Saturday night showdown! It’s also Melissa George Night, an annual game dedicated to raising money in support of NICU babies and the programs that care for them!

TOGETHER WITH THE GOLF LAB

⛳️ Tired Of Paying A Lot To Golf?

The Golf Lab is a new indoor golf facility in South Huntsville, offering high-end simulator bays for year-round play without worrying about weather or course availability.

But even better, you don’t always have to pay full price. If you’re tired of spending so much on golf, The Golf Lab now drops last-minute Flash Bay Deals exclusively on Instagram.

When a simulator bay opens up, they post a discount code. One bay. One code. One winner. The first golfer to book and apply the code scores the deal.

Want in? Follow The Golf Lab on Instagram, turn notifications on, and stay ready.

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Looking for more live music? Check out Huntsville Music Office’s live music calendar!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Wednesday, January 14

  • Shelter Pack Walk at Huntsville Animal Service: Give a shelter dog a much needed walk!

  • Bingo Night at The Camp: Grab your crew for an evening of bingo and prizes!

  • Latin Dance Night at The Electric Belle: Free dance lesson followed by an open dance floor!

  • Mic & Mingle at Lipz Lounge: An intimate night for artists, musicians, and songwriters!

Thursday, January 15

  • Nutty Scientists of Rocket City at the Monrovia Public Library: Learn about science with a fun hands-on demonstration!

  • Game of Thrones Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Jones Valley: Test your Game of Thrones knowledge ahead of the new series!

  • Bert Kreischer: Permission To Party at VBC Propst Arena: Experience outrageous stand-up, wild stories, and plenty of laughs all night long!

  • The All Call Improv Ball at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Fast-paced improv comedy with audience suggestions, surprise performers, and nonstop laughs!

  • Hot Fudge at Levity Live: An evening of laughter with local and nationally touring comics!

  • In Good Company at Church of the Nativity Episcopal: A chamber music concert featuring George Meyer, Paul Kowert, Annaliese Kowert, and MaryGrace Bender!

Friday, January 16

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!