🍝 Huntsville’s newest Italian hotspot

A new Italian restaurant for date night, HCFC fights for the playoffs, and a look ahead at the weekend!

Author

Andrew Smith
September 16, 2025

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone is having a great week! If you tried to vote on the puzzle location last week, you probably realized I messed up the link. Sorry about that.

I’ve got the right link this time. So, let me know which iconic Huntsville location should be the focus of our first puzzle! We will vote on the top suggestions next week!

Let’s get to it!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍝 Huntsville’s Newest Italian Hotspot

Huntsville foodies, there’s a new reason to celebrate—Terra Italian Restaurant has officially opened its doors at 4925 University Dr STE 178!

Terra offers a fresh take on traditional Italian dining, helmed by the same team behind the local favorite Mozza Pizza. Guests can savor pastas, pizzas, and fresh seafood, along with signature cocktails and a carefully selected wine list.

Go ahead and put Terra on the list for your next date night or gathering with friends!

⚽️ Huntsville City FC Still In Playoff Hunt

Huntsville City FC is keeping the playoff dream alive, but they need your energy in the stands to make it happen. Despite a hard-fought 3-2 loss to first-place New York Red Bulls II, they’re still in the postseason mix.

With only three regular-season games left, every point counts. Their next shot to climb the table is September 28 at 7 PM, when they host Inter Miami II at Wicks Family Field.

Bring your friends, wear your blue, and help push Huntsville into the playoffs.

💰️ Federal Grant to Transform Roads

Big changes are coming to Holmes Avenue and the Medical District.

Thanks to $21.6 million in federal funding and a $9.2 million local match, the City will upgrade sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, and bus shelters along the corridor from Downtown to Sparkman.

Traffic signals and crossings will be improved, and the upgrades will better connect Research Park, UAH, and medical centers like the VA and Clearview. Construction could start as early as late next year.

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY GLS SUPPLY

🛀 Experience Elegance at the GLS Showroom

If you’re remodeling or building, make time to visit the GLS Kitchen & Bath Showroom in Huntsville.

Their curated displays make it easy to visualize your dream space, from statement sinks to full spa-worthy bathrooms. Don’t miss the Anson Freestanding Bathtub, a sculpted soaking tub that combines vintage charm with modern comfort.

You’ll also find the House of Rohl collection, featuring handcrafted fixtures and timeless European design.

Whether you're updating a powder room or designing your forever home, GLS is a must-visit for inspired design and expert guidance.

You can find their showroom at 1300 Meridian St N, Suite D200, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 18,000+ locals? Let’s chat!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

📆 7 Things To Do This Weekend

🍺 Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfest

September 19–21 | 5 PM | Redstone Arsenal Activity Field | $15+ | More Info

Raise a stein and celebrate a Rocket City tradition! Enjoy German food, live music, carnival rides, games, and plenty of beer. The festival is open to the public!

🎶 A Decade of 805

September 18–20 | 5 PM | Campus 805 | Free | More Info

Campus 805 is turning ten, and you’re invited to the party! Three days of live music, food trucks, vendors, games, and giveaways make this a can’t-miss anniversary bash.

✈️ Moontown Airport Fly-In

September 20 | 7 AM-3PM | Moontown Airport | Free | More Info

Step back in time at Moontown’s historic grass runway. Explore static aircraft displays, enjoy food vendors, and let the kids experience free Young Eagles flights!

🔧 Tinkerfest

September 20 | 9 AM | EarlyWorks Museum | $12 | More Info

Get hands-on with science, engineering, robotics, and art at Tinkerfest! Makers and experts will guide you through activities that inspire curiosity and creativity for all ages.

🌙 Moon Dance at Three Caves

September 20 | 7 PM | Three Caves Quarry | $150+ | More Info

Dine and dance under the stars while supporting the Land Trust of North Alabama. This elegant evening features live music, dinner, and a silent auction in one of Huntsville’s most unique venues!

🎨 Monte Sano Art Festival

September 20–21 | Monte Sano State Park | $10 Per Car | More Info

Take in the mountain views while browsing works from over 140 artists. Enjoy two full days of art-filled fun at one of Huntsville’s most scenic spots.

🎉 Cultura Festival

September 21 | 12-7 PM | The Orion Amphitheater | Free | More Info

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin flavors, live music, dancing, and local artisan vendors. Bring the whole family!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY THE HUNTSVILLE CHAMBER MUSIC GUILD

🎶 Huntsville Chamber Music Guild Season Preview

The Huntsville Chamber Music Guild’s 2025–2026 season opens Friday, September 26 with the world-renowned Canadian Brass!

Known for their show-stopping blend of technical brilliance and stage presence, they’ll deliver a lively mix of Renaissance classics, jazz, Broadway, and Christian favorites.

And that’s just the beginning. Here’s what you have to look forward to this season:

  • Sept 26 – Canadian Brass

  • Nov. 21 – Ying Quartet with Daniel Pesca

  • Feb. 6 – SPA Trio with Susanna Phillips

  • Feb. 14 – Vienna Boys Choir

  • Apr. 10 & 12 – Nathan Laube with Huntsville Master Chorale

  • Apr. 17–18 – Cliburn Medalists Festival

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the button below!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

Thank you to our friends at St. Stephens Music Hall for presenting this section!

Click the image for more shows at St. Stephens!

📆 Explore the Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Wednesday, September 17

  • Family Movie Night at Field Day: Bring the whole family for a free showing of The Goonies on the big screen!

  • Cocktails at the View at Burritt on the Mountain: Enjoy a drink as you watch the sun set over Huntsville!

  • Shelter Pack Walk at Huntsville Animal Control: Meet a new furry friend and help them get some exercise and fresh air!

  • Taylor Swift Trivia at P.F. Chang's Bridge Street: Test your knowledge of Taylor Swift songs and albums and win fun prizes!

  • Straight to Tacos at Rocket City Tavern: Multi-course taco dinner paired with craft beers for a flavorful tasting experience!

  • HTMA Coffeehouse with Will McFarlane at Lowe Mill Studio 1038: Enjoy an evening with the Grammy-nominated Muscle Shoals legend!

Thursday, September 18

  • Pooches & Pupkins at Botanical Garden: Celebrate fall at the Garden with pups, costumes, vendors, music, and pumpkin displays!

  • The All Call Improv Ball at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Live improv comedy with audience suggestions!

  • Autumn Chase Fun Run at John Hunt Park: A free 1-mile run for kids supporting local charities!

  • First Anniversary Celebration at Blue Apple Books: Help celebrate 1 year with cupcakes, balloons, special sales, party favors, giveaways, and more!

  • The Plot In You: American Tour 2025 at VBC Mars Music Hall: The Plot In You brings raw energy and heavy-hitting sound to their 2025 tour!

  • R&B Vibes Live at The Camp: A night of mystery featuring women musicians, DJs, poets, vendors, and more!

  • The Sandy River Ramblers at the Museum of Art: Traditional American and Celtic string band music paired with art and wine!

  • 805 After Five at Campus 805: Enjoy a free concert from Bone Yard of Brass and Saxsquatch!

Friday, September 19

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!