🏙️ Huntsville Looks to Expand

Happy Friday!

Another week is in the books, and the weekend is just a few hours away!

Before we get into it, I wanted to share a new milestone for Huntsville Explorer…. We’ve officially crossed 16,000 subscribers 🥳 

Thanks to everyone who reads the newsletter, supports our sponsors, and shares it with a friend. Maybe we can hit 20,000 by the end of the year?!?

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🏙️ Huntsville Looks to Expand South of the River

At the City Council meeting on Thursday, Huntsville City leaders approved a proposal to annex more than 1,000 acres of land south of the Tennessee River. The land is mostly along McCutcheon Loop Road in Morgan County, with a smaller section stretching into Marshall County.

The request comes from two companies—Wiz Kidz LLC and Hollingshead Materials LLC, which operates Smyrna Ready Mix (SRM) Concrete. If approved, the annexation would bring 1,013.96 acres into the city limits. The companies are not asking for any city services as part of the deal.

City officials say the move would give Huntsville more oversight of the quarry currently operating on the land. It would also allow the city to better protect riverfront property.

The City’s Urban and Economic Development Director says the annexation would help Huntsville grow its industrial base in a responsible way.

This is nothing new for Huntsville, as the city first annexed land in this part of Morgan County back in 2018.

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 partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 16,000+ locals? Let’s chat!

🚀 Taking Flight

🐶 Hound & Harvest Serves Its Final Plates

After years of warm welcomes, tail wags, and unforgettable meals, Hound & Harvest will close its doors for good this Sunday, July 13, at 4 PM.

Known for its pet-friendly patio, cozy charm, and heart-filled hospitality, the restaurant has been a beloved gathering place for brunches, family meals, and everything in between.

As they prepare for their final weekend, the team invites the community to stop by one last time to show their love and gratitude.

🎨 Museum of Art Announces Grand Reopening

After being closed since March, the Huntsville Museum of Art will reopen on Sunday, August 31, with free admission from 12–5 PM.

The museum closed earlier this year for a multi-month HVAC upgrade alongside a $50,000 fundraising goal through the Keep It Cool Challenge. Museum leaders say the investment ensures better preservation of artwork and a more comfortable experience for visitors.

The fundraiser is just a few thousand dollars shy of its goal, and the museum is set to reopen in just a few weeks!

👟 Registration Opens for the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run

Registration is now open for the 22nd Annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run. The 5K is happening October 18 in Downtown Huntsville, and is expected to bring thousands of runners together for a powerful day of hope and remembrance.

The event includes the emotional Survivors’ Walk and a spirited 5K run/walk, with proceeds supporting the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

This year’s race will help fund key upgrades to 3D mammography machines at the Huntsville Hospital Breast Center, improving cancer detection and diagnostic speed.

Early-bird registration is $25 through August 31 and includes a custom long-sleeve tee.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

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

🏡 Home Explorer

2502 Galahad Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

This 4-bed, 2-bath home is located in the heart of South Huntsville and has been lovingly maintained. It features a screened-in porch, a spacious patio, and a lush backyard, plus a large bonus room perfect for a home office, gym, or playroom.

This week’s home is brought to you by Rachael Andree, Keller Williams.

🎵 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.

🗓️ 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 12

• Rocket City Summer Pickin Market at University Pickers: Outdoor and indoor market with vintage goods, handmade items, food trucks, and local art.

• Book Signing at Harrison Brothers Hardware: Book signing with thriller author Georgina Cross, featuring her bestselling mystery novels.

• Rocket City Rescue Adoption Event at Rocket City Dog Bar: Come adopt a furry friend.

• 1st Birthday Bash at Urban Cookhouse Whitesburg: Celebrate one year with a pop-up market, family-friendly games, raffle prizes, and more1

• Wait... What Happened? at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Stand-up comics, guessing games, and hilarious real-life tales.

• Back To School Block Party at Optimistic Recreation Center: Family block party with dancing, food, shopping, and free school supplies for kids.

• Murder Mystery Dinner Show at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton: An Interactive murder mystery dinner show with hidden actors, comedy, and a full meal.

• Color Jam at John Hunt Park: Family fun run with colorful powder, slime zones, dance party, and neon outfits.

• Summer Sale Field Day at Joe Davis Stadium: Soccer field day with player meet-and-greets, open play, merch deals, and food specials.

• Reptile Day at Burritt on the Mountain: Reptile education day with live animals, kid-friendly crafts, and hands-on nature learning.

• Night L!ife at The Lumberyard: Dance, shop from local vendors, play games, and more!

• Noche Latina at La Esquina: Come dance with your best disco or space fita nd Huntsville’s hottest Latin night!

• A Tom Petty Experience at VBC Mars Music Hall: Tom Petty tribute concert featuring classic rock hits performed live by The Heartshakers.

• Dante Pride & Friends at The Dream Theatre: Christian music experience with hip-hop, R&B, and worship led by Dante Pride.

Sunday, July 13

• Doc Mental's LIVE Magic Show at The Camp: Live mentalism show with world-renowned magician Nicholas Tweedy performing mind-bending illusions.

• Jazz Brunch at AC Hotel: Upscale jazz brunch with buffet, cocktails, and live music by the Josh Couts Trio.

• Huntsville Astros Home Game at Milton Frank Stadium: Cheer on the boys as they take on Dallas Prime.

• Hoka Picnic at Feet Fleet Huntsville: Community event with Hoka shoe demos, trail run, food, games, and outdoor fun.

• Justin Whitehead at Huntsville Levity Live: Laugh out loud with Justin Whitehead’s sharp humor and energetic storytelling style.

Monday, July 14

• Garden Rangers at Madison Public Library: Kids’ gardening class with hands-on lessons about vegetables, pollinators, and composting.

• Forgotten Classics at Downtown Huntsville Library: Classic film screening of Darby O’Gill with host and vintage movie discussion.

• Concerts in the Park at Big Spring Park: Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy a free performance by The Nerve and Jed Eye.

Tuesday, July 15

• Space Trivia at The Casual Pint: Space-themed trivia night with NASA history, cosmic questions, prizes, and craft beer.

• Red, White, & Bubbles at Rafael's Table: Summer wine tasting with curated food pairings, sparkling wines, and elegant seasonal flavors.

• 40 Years of Mick Foley at Huntsville Levity Live: Wrestling legend Mick Foley celebrates 40 years with stories, comedy, and fan moments.

• Comedy Karaoke at The Camp: Karaoke night with live comedian commentary, prizes, and audience-friendly performances.

• Songwriter Round at The Lumberyard: Join Rob Aldridge for an intimate evening with local artists Dave Anderson and Mike Roberts.

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Have a great weekend!