Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a great long weekend! February is in full swing and we’ve got a lot to cover today.

Let’s get to it!

Sofia’s Roadside Cantina is now open in South Huntsville, located along Memorial Parkway in the Publix shopping center near Grissom High School.

Named after the owner’s grandmother, whose recipes inspire the menu, the restaurant serves authentic Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes like barbacoa tacos, burritos, tortas, fried tamales, fresh salsas, and frozen margaritas.

Beyond the food, Sofia’s stands out for its mission-driven approach, operating a work-training program that provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special needs!

Vitality Bowls is bringing its first Alabama location to Huntsville, with plans to open this summer at 5800 Oakwood Road.

The California-based café is known for its acai bowls and menu built around fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. Beyond healthy options, the brand emphasizes responsible sourcing, sustainability efforts like recycling and composting, and community involvement through charitable partnerships.

While you wait for it to open, you can check out the menu here.

Huntsville’s new United States Courthouse is officially open (although it has been operational since 2024) after nearly four years of construction.

Located on a five-acre site at Gallatin Street and Lowe Avenue, the three-story, 123,000-square-foot facility consolidates multiple courts and federal offices under one roof. The $103 million project includes five courtrooms, six judges’ chambers, secured parking, and workspace for agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Probation.

Officials also unveiled a Freedom 250 cornerstone during the dedication, recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

TOGETHER WITH THE HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra is offering two ways to enjoy live music on Saturday, February 21, so you can choose the experience that works best for you.

Start the day with the FREE Family Concert at 11 AM. This fun, low-pressure performance is a great introduction to the symphony, featuring Kabalevsky’s playful The Comedians plus kid-friendly musical activities before the show.

Then at 7:30 PM, settle in for a powerful evening highlighted by Brahms’ Violin Concerto, performed by acclaimed violinist Abigél Králik, alongside stirring works from Wagner and Hindemith.

Choose one or make it a full day of music. Click below for details and tickets.

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 23,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

🎊 Slide Deck Social

February 20 | 7 PM | Field Day Huntsville | Free | More Info

Watch brave presenters pitch their friends via short slide decks in this friendship-focused spin on speed dating!

🏒 Huntsville Havoc vs. Macon Mayhem

February 20 + 21 | 7 PM | VBC | $15+ | More Info

Friday night is Pickleball Night, and the first 1,000 fans score a Havoc pickleball paddle at the door. The rivalry continues Saturday with Great Outdoors Night, featuring specialty jerseys and a celebration of all things outside!

🥯 Jeff’s Bagel Run Grand Opening Weekend

February 20-22 | 6:30 AM - 2 PM | 12181 County Line Road | Free | More Info

Welcome a delicious new addition to the community and stop by for freshly baked, scratch-made bagels, house-prepared cream cheese, and some prizes!

🍯 Winnie-the-Pooh the Musical

February 20 - March 1 | Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater | $18+ | More Info

Take a trip to the Hundred Acre Wood in this charming stage adaptation of the beloved classic. With catchy songs, whimsical storytelling, and heartwarming lessons on friendship, this family-friendly production is perfect for theater lovers of all ages.

🛍 Gifts of Grace Marketplace

February 21 | 9 AM - 3 PM | Madison Methodist Church | Free | More Info

Shop from more than 45 vendors offering handmade crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and unique finds!

🎨 African American Art Festival

February 21 | 10 AM - 6 PM | Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center | Free | More Info

Celebrate Black History Month while supporting local artists at this all-ages art festival. Enjoy powerful exhibits, interactive activities for kids, and digital art experiences!

🎼 Free Family Concert: The Comedians

February 21 | 11 AM | VBC | Free | More Info

Introduce the whole family to the magic of live symphony music. This playful concert features lighthearted orchestral favorites, plus pre-show musical activities!

Want to win over $500 in prizes and make some new friends? Well, I’ve got some great news for you…

We are hosting a Bingo Night on February 23 (next Monday) at Back Forty! We’ve got around 20 prizes to giveaway from great local businesses like Gold Sprint, Hubert Family Farms, Alexanders Martial Arts Academy, Spitz, Ember Studio, and more!

It’ll be a night of community, prizes, and fun! There are about 30 tickets left, so get yours before they’re gone!

Thank you to our friends at the Huntsville Music Office for sponsoring this section! The Huntsville Music Office exists to support the growing live music scene in Huntsville. See more upcoming live music with their free music calendar!

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

Thanks for making it to the end! Don’t forget your bingo night tickets!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!