💰️City proposes annual budget

The City of Huntsville has proposed its new annual budget, a popular coffee shop is closing, and a popular fly-in event returns!

Author

Andrew Smith
September 12, 2025

Happy Friday!

Congrats, the weekend is just a few hours away… and it can’t come soon enough!

Thanks to everyone who voted on the puzzle poll last Friday! Y’all were way more excited about it than I expected, and I’m happy to share that I’ll be moving forward with the project!

Now, the next question is what iconic Huntsville location should we feature? Drop your suggestion below, and we will vote on the most popular suggestions next week!

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

💰️ City of Huntsville’s 2026 Budget

Mayor Tommy Battle proposed a $343.7 million budget for the City of Huntsville during last night’s city council meeting. The proposed 2026 budget includes rolling forward nearly $7.9 million in savings from the previous fiscal year and allocating more than $30 million to support 60 outside agencies.

A growing population and expanding city limits are driving many of the budget’s priorities. To keep pace with demand, the plan funds 10 new Huntsville Police positions and adds 31 Parks & Recreation employees to staff three new recreation centers opening in 2026.

Roadwork is another major focus, with $18 million earmarked for resurfacing and $29.25 million for new construction projects. Key improvements include Old Big Cove Road, Swancott Road, Winchester Road, Resolute Way, Holmes Avenue, and Old Monrovia Road. The budget also invests in commercial redevelopment along Memorial Parkway North and moves forward on the construction of the North Huntsville Greenway.

Residents can also expect upgrades at Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., Recreation Center, Goldsmith-Schiffman Field, Huntsville Depot Park, and Big Spring Park East. The proposal includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for City employees. The City Council is expected to discuss the proposal over the next few weeks and ultimately vote on it on September 25.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY REDSTONE MWR

🍻 Huntsville’s Oktoberfest Returns

The 28th Annual Oktoberfest returns to the Redstone Arsenal Activity Field September 19–21!

This family-friendly festival is open to the public and filled with German food, beer, live music, and carnival fun. Step into the Festhalle Tent for authentic schnitzel, brats, pretzels, and steins while enjoying the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band and DJ Slim Rob on Saturday.

Outside, the carnival offers rides like the Scrambler, Expo Wheel, and Spook House for all ages. Admission is $15 for entry or $25 for unlimited rides!

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 18,000+ locals? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

☕️ Lux Bru Announces Closure

Lux Bru has announced it will close its doors at the end of the month.

The coffee shop has been a warm gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors since it opened in 2022. As they prepare for their next chapter, the Lux Bru team is inviting the community to stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee, and share one more moment together before the lights go out for good.

You can stop by at 8141 Madison Blvd Suite C, until they close their doors on September 30.

🛩️ Moontown Airport Fly-In Returns This Month

The annual Moontown Airport Fly-In is next Saturday, September 20 at the historic Moontown Airport Grass-Runway.

Starting at 7 AM, you’ll be able to join local aviators as they celebrate aviation’s golden era. You can see classic aircrafts up close, and kids ages 8–17 can even take to the skies with free Young Eagles airplane rides, offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will also be food vendors, displays, and guest exhibitors!

🏨 Barley Lofts Construction Complete in Downtown Huntsville

Downtown Huntsville is looking a little different as the construction of the Bartley Lofts is finished.

The more than $70 million complex is six stories tall and offers 273 high-end apartment units. Amenities include a resort-style pool with a heated spa, a coworking lounge, a fitness and yoga studio, and even a pet spa.

With ground-floor retail, secure parking, and walkable access to Big Spring Park, the Von Braun Center, and downtown dining, Bartley Lofts is the latest addition to Huntsville’s booming urban living scene.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thanks to all of our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible! Want to support what we are doing? Click here to join!

🎵 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!

Click the image for more shows at St. Stephens!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, September 13

  • Oktoberfest at Yellowhammer Brewing: Celebrate with German beers, tasty food trucks, lively music, fun games, and vendors!

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show at DoubleTree Huntsville South: Solve an interactive comedy murder mystery while dining and mingling with suspects!

  • Trash Pandas Home Game at Toyota Field: Cheer on the boys, bid on patriotic jerseys, and enjoy post-game fireworks!

  • Huntsville vs New York Red Bulls II at Joe Davis Stadium: Cheer on Huntsville City FC as they take on the New York Red Bulls II!

  • United We Dance at VBC Mars Music Hall: Dance all night with electrifying beats, immersive visuals, and nonstop rave energy!

  • An Autumn Affair at The Lumberyard: Enjoy fall-inspired food, lively dancing, and mysterious entertainment under the harvest moon!

  • The Taylor Party at The Electric Belle: Dance, sing, and celebrate a night filled with iconic pop anthems!

  • Hops & Harvest at Botanical Garden: Craft beer tastings, live music, and fun contests!

  • Rocket City Toy & Comic Expo at Jaycee Community Building: Vintage toys, comics, and Pokémon treasures from 50+ Southeast vendors!

  • Poké Bash at Embassy Suites: Family expo with collectibles, cosplay, raffles, food trucks, and live entertainment!

  • Rocket City Junk Fest at University Pickers: Treasure hunting galore with vintage finds, food trucks, music, and quirky vendors!

  • High Tea at Nitro Tales: Elegant high tea with artisan blends, sweet treats, and savory bites!

  • Year of Aviation Movie Series at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Soar into adventure with Top Gun: Maverick at the aviation movie night.

  • Bluegrass Jam at Stovehouse: Play or listen to lively bluegrass jams!

  • Brad Williams: The Growth Spurt Tour at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Laugh nonstop at a high-energy comedy show filled with sharp, witty storytelling.

  • Huntsville Music Collective at Tangled String Studios: Enjoy an evening of brass and wind brilliance!

  • L.O.U.D & The Gifted LIVE at Straight to Ale Taproom: Rock the night with L.O.U.D and The Gifted!

Sunday, September 14

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

  • Bookslingers: A Western Book Club at Downtown Huntsville Library: Discuss western classics, modern tales, and favorite stories with fellow genre enthusiasts!

  • Run Through The Decades at Ditto Landing: Run through the 60s, 70s, and 80s with themed races and music!

  • Bunco Night at First Baptist Church: Bunco, bites, and prizes for YoungLives supporting adolescent moms in Huntsville.

  • Garden Cleanup at Monte Sano State Park: Volunteer day at the Japanese Garden with painting, bamboo work, and tidying!

  • Sober Sundays at St. Stephens Music Hall: Enjoy live music, community connection, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks in a supportive space!

  • Jazz in the Park at Big Spring Park: Free downtown jazz concert featuring Izzy & The Jazz Addicts, Erisa Nicole, and Jazmin Ghent!

  • Music on the Mountain at Burritt on the Mountain: Old-time tunes fill the mountain with music and charm!

Monday, September 15

  • The Castle Council at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Experience an interactive role-play adventure where fantasy challenges unfold through audience-driven storytelling.

  • Tuskegee Airmen History 101 at Downtown Huntsville Library: Learn the history of Tuskegee Airmen, from training to distinguished combat achievements overseas.

Tuesday, September 16

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!